As we embrace the 2024 year, SELinEDU continues its third season with a spark that ignites the crucial conversations around inclusion, belonging, and empathy in classrooms today. We're thrilled to sit down with the remarkable Hedreich Nichols, whose voice rises above the din to champion educational equity and amplify the whispers of student voices into roars. Her works - from the insightful 'Small Bites' podcast to writings that tackle systemic inequalities - infuse our kickoff month with a robust palette of perspectives. 

Crucial to this season's narrative is recognizing and navigating societal blind spots. Hedreich's personal experiences springboard into discussions about the nuances of professional appearance, the complexities of raising children in a world with evidence of discrimination, and the unmatched power of love and courage as championed by Maya Angelou and Brene Brown. Through our candid talk, Hedreich clarifies the importance of these courageous conversations in creating a better world where every individual's story is heard and valued.

Our shared journey is not just about introspection but also about implementing actionable strategies for teaching interpersonal relationships within the school environment. We acknowledge the multifaceted role of social and emotional learning (SEL), understanding that academic success is closely linked with our ability to comprehend and empathize with each other. From the practical application of conflict resolution methods to encouraging student-led discussions, our conversation serves as a beacon for educators aiming to cultivate the next generation of considerate, empathetic leaders. As we conclude this episode, we sincerely wish for a transformative new year filled with the bravery to confront our blind spots and the insight to guide others through theirs.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Connect with Hedreich via her website, X, Instagram, and Small Bites Podcast.
• Read her book, Finding Your Blind Spot, and Edutopia articles.

In this episode of SELinEDU, we're talking with Dr. Carrie Garippa about how SEL, paired with restorative practices, fosters empathy, nurtures curiosity, and strengthens relationships. Our chat with Carrie provides insights into a dynamic, student-centric educational approach that fuels learning with curiosity and relationships. 

As we strive to build relationships with students, let's consider the norm of banning technology in classrooms. We debate the pros and cons while stressing the need to teach responsible usage. Our discussion takes a serious turn as we tackle microaggressions, bullying, and the pivotal role of SEL in confronting these issues. Making science engaging and relevant also grabs the spotlight as we explore tailoring the curriculum to pique students' interests and stimulate curiosity. 

Finally, we turn to the hotly debated issue of homework and its place in the educational process. Engage with a spirited discussion with a teacher who shares their unique approach to managing homework. We also confront the elephant in the room - privilege and accessibility in education, particularly in the pandemic-ridden world. The power of connections, leadership challenges, and mental well-being in education are other crucial topics we address. Learning from Dr. Garippa is guaranteed to leave you both informed and inspired.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Connect with Carrie via LinkedIn.
• Learn more about Inform Your Community.
• Read one of Carrie’s AN EXPLORATORY CORRELATIONAL STUDY EXAMINING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE TEACHER'S PERCEPTION OF SCHOOL COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AND STUDENT SUCCESS IN SELECTED TITLE I HIGH SCHOOLS

Join us on a journey of discovery and connection as we recount the tales from our travel escapades. Our adventures have broadened our horizons and beautifully woven into the social and emotional tapestry of our lives. This season's curtain-raiser is brimming with stories highlighting the transformative power of cultural immersion and the bonds it fortifies. As we open up about our reflections, prepare to engage heart-to-heart on the enriching impact of traversing diverse communities and how they shape our worldview. We're bringing more of our authentic selves to these discussions, guaranteeing a season filled with invigorating guest conversations and our intimate ponderings.

Feel the electric pulse of an HBCU festival in Philadelphia through our eyes and ears as we celebrate the vibrancy of inclusivity and arts. The beat of the music echoes our collective spirit, challenging societal norms and encouraging us to embrace the full spectrum of our identities. This episode weaves a narrative of acknowledging who we are, underlined by insights from artists who push the boundaries of expression, like Janelle Monáe. Listen in as we look toward creating educational spaces that support every student and anticipate special guests whose stories will resonate deeply with our SELinEDU community in the upcoming months. It's a season of growth, unity, and the shared joy of learning, with an invitation to all our listeners to contribute to this ever-expanding conversation.

As the year draws to a close, we're embracing the holiday spirit with open hearts, reflecting on the rich tapestry of our lives.  Tune in as we stroll down memory lane, reminiscing about the festive season's nostalgic magic. There's a special place in the conversation for Craig's recent wedding, a beacon of love within the black queer community, reminding us all of the importance of acceptance and the power of being truly seen. We weave through tales of childhood wonder and the affectionate gatherings that bind us, celebrating the milestones that have made this year one to remember.

Turning the page to more recent history, the echoes of the pandemic linger in the lessons it taught us about our personal and professional bonds. We shed light on the illuminating chats with educational visionaries whose insights have stretched our understanding of teaching and learning. Prepare to be inspired by stories of passion in education and leadership that have the power to transform lives, and join us in applauding the milestones reached by our podcast guests who have been forces for positive change in challenging times.

As we preview our upcoming year and share a holiday message with deep gratitude, we invite you to carry the torch of hope and light into the coming year.

Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and social emotional learning? Join us as we chat with Lisa Pepper Satkin, a licensed psychotherapist and  Licensed Psychotherapist, a Brené Brown Certified Dare to Lead™ Facilitator, and the founder of Executive Therapeutic Coaching and Consulting. With an illustrious career spanning 25 years, Lisa empowers high-achieving individuals to beat negative thinking and bring about enduring change. She's also the creative force behind the free, innovative program, My Hearty Kid, designed to make social emotional learning fun for children.

Lisa's journey is as fascinating as it is inspiring. Beginning with her first experience of therapy at the young age of 10, Lisa shares how she found her voice and went on to become a psychotherapist. We discuss the critical role of recognizing and encouraging children's strengths and the energy they bring to the world. We delve into a thought-provoking discussion about self-identification and healing. Lisa introduces us to the "love map" concept - a unique approach to understanding ourselves from the inside out, highlighting the power of leading with our values.

As we wrap up, we learn more about Lisa's mission-driven program, My Hearty Kid, and how it nurtures a sense of safety and courage in children. Using tools like art, music, and the card game Love Big, Lisa helps children understand their emotions and encourages self-care. Her passion for assisting children to find joy and safety in the world is uplifting.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Connect with Lisa on Instagram and Facebook
• Visit her websites:  www.myHeartyKid.com and www.LisaPepperSatkin.com
• Purchase the book Pocket Full of LOVE

Ready to explore the power of relationships and connectedness in fostering mental health in education? That's precisely what we're unpacking in this episode with our esteemed guests, Charle Peck and Dr. Cam, co-authors of the new book, The Thriving School Community. We delve into their journey of understanding why mental health issues persist in schools despite the implementation of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) programs. Their insights from extensive research and experiences led them to establish this life-changing approach.

Navigating the complex maze of relationships in an education setup, we highlight these connections' crucial role in student well-being. Hear from Charle and Cam on the importance of reaching out to isolated students, reintegrating them into the school culture, and how stress prevention can significantly reduce extreme cases. We also discuss the role of tangible connections between teachers, parents, and students to foster trust and security.

In our final segment, we discuss teen social media use and the role of technology in forming relationships. Listen in as we stress the importance of providing teenagers with a safe space to explore new ideas and concepts and how their book, "Improving School Mental Health, The Thriving School Community Solution," is instrumental in promoting a healthy school environment. Charle and Dr. Cam share their knowledge and experience in creating safe spaces for teenagers to grow and thrive, underlining the power of relationships, connectedness, and the pivotal role of social plasticity in shaping educators' mental health. Tune in to this enlightening journey and learn about cultivating a thriving school community!

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Connect with Dr. Cam on X and Charle on X.
• Visit their Website and check out the Thriving School Book Study.

Have you ever wondered how to combat emotional exhaustion while fostering a positive culture in the world of education? In this episode, Tracy enlightens us on her daily rituals of meditation and early morning workouts, a routine that keeps her grounded and connected.

Our discourse swiftly takes a fascinating turn towards circle work technique in the classrooms. Tracey shares her wisdom on establishing a sense of belonging amongst students and the role of restorative practices in the pursuit. We learn invaluable insights into the profound influence of circles in building communities and nurturing proactive and responsive classroom environments.

In our final act, we talk about the essential role of the power of listening and explore the implementation of restorative practices and the Leader Me philosophies in supporting students' educational journeys. We leave you with Tracey's resourceful tips and the importance of positive reinforcement in classrooms. This episode is a gold mine for educators looking to strengthen community ties through social and emotional learning!

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Connect with Tracey on Twitter and Instagram
• Learn more about Restorative Practices and Leader In Me

Want to tap into the true magic of authenticity and the joy of day-to-day living, even in the smallest things? You're in the right place. Listen in as we chat with the dynamic duo, Maureen and James, who wear many hats as best friends, collaborators, and owners of COR Creative Partners. Their insights on integrating academic and social-emotional learning in the classroom will leave you inspired. We learn about their work, sources of joy, and a unique yet effective secret weapon (you’ll have to listen in to learn more!).

The power of relationships in education is immense - they serve as a motivator and a safe haven. The episode explores the need for creating safe spaces to process feelings, vulnerability, and the often misunderstood concept of SEL. You'll be intrigued to learn how relationships can facilitate hard conversations and help maintain positivity in challenging times.

As we wrap up, we deeply dive into the fusion of academics and social learning for educators. We discuss the transformative power of self-regulation tools, students' freedom to think independently, and the integral role of organization and support in education. We also don't shy away from discussing the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion. You'll leave with a fresh perspective on the value of effective communication, leadership skills, and the importance of self-care.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Connect with Maureen on LinkedIn, James on LinkedIn
• Access tools via the COR Creative Partners website.
• CASEL School Guide on the Integration of SEL and Instruction

Ready to rekindle student motivation in the classroom? We're bringing you an enlightening conversation with educator and consultant Mike Anderson, who is on a mission to help teachers abroad ignite learning sparks within their students. Uncover Mike's journey in building his own business and how he balances his work and personal self-care. We'll discuss his insightful books, Tackling the Motivation Crisis and What We Say and How We Say It Matter, and plunge into the intricate challenges of school morale, climate, and student engagement.

Ever wondered why some students seem less motivated? Mike Anderson dives into this conundrum and shares how teachers can help students find authentic purpose in their learning. We'll discuss the delicate dance between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and Mike reveals how a classroom “do-over” can help reignite student motivation. From the 'Fresh Start Effect' to the power of pizza, we're leaving no motivation stone unturned!

We'll also explore the pandemic's silver lining for teachers and students with the rapid adoption of new technology platforms. Mike offers insights into how teachers can leverage their students' tech-savviness. We will also address the elephant in the room - inequity in classrooms and how it can manifest. It's a conversation you won't want to miss, so tune in!

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Connect with Mike: website and Twitter
• Access his self-paced courses and his books:
  • Tackling the Motivation Crisis: How to Activate Student Learning Without Behavior Charts, Pizza Parties, or Other Hard-to-Quit Incentive Systems
  • What We Say and How We Say It Matter: Teacher Talk That Improves Student Learning and Behavior

What happens when a high school science teacher with nearly two decades of experience explores the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in education? Meet Bonnie Nieves, author of Be Awesome On Purpose! Bonnie is a passionate educator leveraging AI to revamp the approach to student feedback and assessments. This episode unfolds as Bonnie shares rich insights on AI's exciting potential for teaching and learning.

Imagine that AI could provide educators with a new way of looking at grading. That is precisely what Bonnie has been doing in her classroom, using AI to move away from traditional grading, thereby making assessments more equitable. It's not just about giving students scores; it's about immersive learning, and Bonnie's CARE model does just that. Learn how this innovative teacher fosters responsible AI use among her students while empowering them and engagingly assessing their learning.

Bonnie also takes us on a tour of her unique teaching routine, refined with her experience of using AI. She discusses her superpower of simplifying tasks and her CARE model's essential role in achieving this. As we wrap up, Bonnie extends an invitation to connect with her on Twitter and LinkedIn and delve deeper into her work in her book, Be Awesome on Purpose. This episode is an incredible journey through the intersection of AI and education, and we can't wait for you to join us.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Connect with Bonnie: Website, Twitter, and Instagram 
• Access Bonnie's Resources:
  • Be Awesome on Purpose: Using reflection as a tool to teach with C.A.R.E. and assess what really matters
  • ChatGPT: Navigating the Impact of Generative AI on Education Theory and Practice