Send us a text

Dinalynn Rosenbush, certified speech-language pathologist and host of the Language of Play podcast, shares research-backed approaches for supporting children's communication skills through play when speech therapy services are delayed or unavailable.

• Nearly 8% of children ages 3-17 have communication disorders with speech problems being most common
• Children need to hear a word approximately 400 times before they begin using it themselves
• Understanding the difference between speech (sound production) and language (meaning, vocabulary, sentences)
• Simple strategies include having sensory-rich conversations about everyday activities
• Expand vocabulary by providing multiple words for common concepts (hot, warm, heated)
• Screen time impacts pragmatic language development, with 40% of children ages 3-10 struggling with social communication
• Create intentional tech-free time for family conversations and connection
• Stay curious about children's behavior, remembering that all behavior is communication
• Providing correction when children use incorrect grammar helps build their reading foundation

You can find Dinalynn's podcast "The Language of Play" on any player, contact her at [email protected], or access free resources through her newsletter.

💡 This episode is CPD accredited!
 Educators can now earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) minutes by listening. To claim your certificate:

1. Listen to the full episode
2. Visit https://thecpd.group/podcast
3. Enter code 800120 to check in and download your certificate

Continue your professional growth—one episode at a time.

Great News! The Brighter Side of Education is now CPD Accredited! 

Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMD
Trusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily.

Head to the show notes to find if this episode is CPD eligible and details on how to claim your CPD certification!

Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMD
Trusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily.

Support the show

If you have a story about what's working in your schools that you'd like to share, email me at [email protected] or visit www.drlisahassler.com. Subscribe, tell a friend, and consider becoming a supporter by clicking the link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2048018/support.

The music in this podcast was written and performed by Brandon Picciolini of the Lonesome Family Band. Visit and follow him on Instagram.

Send us a text

Post-secondary planning doesn't need to be overwhelming for students, parents, or educators. Sam Bernstein shares how his app Loper is transforming this crucial process into a personalized, engaging experience that meets Gen Z where they are.

• Only 74% of Gen Z teens plan to attend college, down from previous generations
• Students increasingly interested in staying at home or exploring alternatives to four-year colleges
• College rankings create unnecessary stress and don't account for individual fit
• Traditional planning tools rely on outdated checklists that don't engage today's students
• Average school counselor manages 400+ students, making personalized guidance difficult
• Loper offers a free, TikTok-style interface that helps students discover options aligned with their interests
• 90% of Loper users apply to schools they match with, two-thirds discover these schools on the app
• First-generation students benefit from Loper's approach that assumes no prior knowledge
• Parents and educators should celebrate the process, not just outcomes
• Specific questions about interests work better than generic "how's it going" check-ins

Download Loper for free to help students explore personalized post-high school options in a format that resonates with them.

💡 This episode is CPD accredited!
 Educators can now earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) minutes by listening. To claim your certificate:

1. Listen to the full episode
2. Visit https://thecpd.group/podcast
3. Enter code 800091 to check in and download your certificate

Continue your professional growth—one episode at a time.

Great News! The Brighter Side of Education is now CPD Accredited! 

Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMD
Trusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily.

Head to the show notes to find if this episode is CPD eligible and details on how to claim your CPD certification!

Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMD
Trusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily.

Support the show

If you have a story about what's working in your schools that you'd like to share, email me at [email protected] or visit www.drlisahassler.com. Subscribe, tell a friend, and consider becoming a supporter by clicking the link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2048018/support.

The music in this podcast was written and performed by Brandon Picciolini of the Lonesome Family Band. Visit and follow him on Instagram.

Send us a text

Worried about too much screen time for your kids or students? Discover how the Who Smarted podcast is helping parents and teachers bring back curiosity, focus, and fun — without a screen in sight.

In this episode, Jerry Kolber, co-founder of Atomic Entertainment and creator of Who Smarted, shares how his wildly popular educational podcast (with over 3 million downloads!) is changing the game. Learn how short, engaging, screen-free episodes are being used in classrooms and homes to spark learning, boost retention, and cut down on screen addiction.

🎧 Why kids engage more with audio than reading
 📚 How teachers use podcasts as screen-free learning tools
 🧠 The science behind audio comprehension & learning
 🎉 Why Who Smarted feels like entertainment but delivers real education

✅ Whether you're a parent looking for healthier habits or an educator searching for creative teaching tools, this is your go-to solution.

📌 Learn more about ad-free classroom use: whosmarted.com

💡 This episode is CPD accredited!
 Educators can now earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) minutes by listening. To claim your certificate:

1. Listen to the full episode
2. Visit https://thecpd.group/podcast
3. Enter code 800059 to check in and download your certificate

Continue your professional growth—one episode at a time.

Great News! The Brighter Side of Education is now CPD Accredited! 

Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMD
Trusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily.

Head to the show notes to find if this episode is CPD eligible and details on how to claim your CPD certification!

Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMD
Trusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily.

Support the show

If you have a story about what's working in your schools that you'd like to share, email me at [email protected] or visit www.drlisahassler.com. Subscribe, tell a friend, and consider becoming a supporter by clicking the link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2048018/support.

The music in this podcast was written and performed by Brandon Picciolini of the Lonesome Family Band. Visit and follow him on Instagram.

Send us a text

Robert Barnett, co-founder of the Modern Classrooms Project, explains how their innovative teaching model helps teachers effectively reach students with diverse learning needs through blended, self-paced, mastery-based learning. Traditional teaching methods struggling with different learning paces, gaps in knowledge, and absent students can be transformed with this approach that empowers both teachers and students.

• Traditional teaching models fail when teaching to the middle leaves advanced students bored and struggling students lost
• Modern Classrooms Project combines blended instruction, self-pacing, and mastery-based learning
• Teachers create short instructional videos that students can pause, rewind, and access anytime
• Students work at their own pace, ensuring they master concepts before moving on
• Teacher role shifts from lecturer to providing targeted one-on-one and small group support
• Research shows students feel more capable and develop stronger relationships with teachers
• Schools implementing the model have seen significant increases in test scores
• Teachers report greater job satisfaction and connection to why they entered teaching
• Free resources available through ModernClassrooms.org and InstaLesson.com
• Robert's book "Meet Every Learner's Needs" offers a step-by-step guide to implementation

Visit Insta-lesson.com to create your first blended, self-paced, mastery-based lesson and begin transforming your teaching approach today.

💡 This episode is CPD accredited!
 Educators can now earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) minutes by listening. To claim your certificate:

1. Listen to the full episode
2. Visit https://thecpd.group/podcast
3. Enter code 800060 to check in and download your certificate

Continue your professional growth—one episode at a time.

Great News! The Brighter Side of Education is now CPD Accredited! 

Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMD
Trusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily.

Head to the show notes to find if this episode is CPD eligible and details on how to claim your CPD certification!

Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMD
Trusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily.

Support the show

If you have a story about what's working in your schools that you'd like to share, email me at [email protected] or visit www.drlisahassler.com. Subscribe, tell a friend, and consider becoming a supporter by clicking the link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2048018/support.

The music in this podcast was written and performed by Brandon Picciolini of the Lonesome Family Band. Visit and follow him on Instagram.

Send us a text

The education landscape is in turmoil as schools cope with a teacher shortage that leaves over 400,000 positions unfilled. This episode tackles the pressing issue head-on, exploring how innovative education leaders are transforming staffing challenges into pathways for continuity and excellence in learning. We welcome Nicola Soares, the president of Kelly Education, to share her insights from her frontline experience in education. Discover how Kelly Education addresses staffing shortages through a commitment to training, competitive compensation, and strategic partnerships focused on enhancing the quality of substitute teaching. 

Throughout the episode, we delve into the impact of substituting on student learning and well-being. Nicola discusses how frequent teacher absences can lead to significant learning disruptions, particularly for students needing consistent environments. With data showing that educational discontinuity can equate to a considerable loss of learning time, we highlight the necessity for strategic solutions that can improve retention rates among educators while enhancing the educational experience for all students.

• Discussing the staggering statistic regarding unfilled teaching positions
• Insights from Nicola Soares on improving staffing strategies
• Benefits of professional development for substitutes and support staff
• Exploring the impact of substitute teacher variability on student learning
• Evaluating the importance of pay raises and policy changes in education
• How to partner with organizations like Kelly Education for effective staffing solutions

If your school is facing staffing challenges or if you want to become a substitute, visit mykelly.com to explore innovative workforce solutions like those we've discussed today. Listen to Wake Up and Teach Podcast, hosted by Nicola to learn more!

💡 This episode is CPD accredited!
 Educators can now earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) minutes by listening. To claim your certificate:

1. Listen to the full episode
2. Visit https://thecpd.group/podcast
3. Enter code 800061 to check in and download your certificate

Continue your professional growth—

Great News! The Brighter Side of Education is now CPD Accredited! 

Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMD
Trusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily.

Head to the show notes to find if this episode is CPD eligible and details on how to claim your CPD certification!

Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMD
Trusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily.

Support the show

If you have a story about what's working in your schools that you'd like to share, email me at [email protected] or visit www.drlisahassler.com. Subscribe, tell a friend, and consider becoming a supporter by clicking the link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2048018/support.

The music in this podcast was written and performed by Brandon Picciolini of the Lonesome Family Band. Visit and follow him on Instagram.

Send us a text

Are you aware of the gender gap in financial literacy? In this episode, James Comblo shares the impact of programs like Her Wealth, designed to empower girls aged 16-28 with the tools for financial independence. Through candid discussions, relatable anecdotes, and actionable strategies, we explore how parents and educators can foster environments that prioritize vital financial conversations. We aim to dismantle the stigma surrounding money discussions and encourage open dialogues about spending, saving, and budgeting. 

From practical tips for managing credit to insights on developing a healthy relationship with finances, this episode is packed with valuable information that every parent and young woman should hear. Join us as we advocate for a brighter financial future for young women by bridging the gaps that exist.  

We'll discuss:

• Overview of financial literacy statistics among young women
• Discussion of the importance of financial education for students
• Insightful perspectives on the gender gap in financial knowledge
• Analysis of real-world examples demonstrating the impact of education
• Practical strategies for parents to engage in financial discussions
• Resources available for teachers and parents to support financial literacy

If you know any young women between the ages of 16 and 28, connect them with the Her Wealth's free webinars.

Free financial literacy curriculum at the Council for Economic Education.

💡 This episode is CPD accredited!
 Educators can now earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) minutes by listening. To claim your certificate:

1. Listen to the full episode
2. Visit https://thecpd.group/podcast
3. Enter code 800062 to check in and download your certificate

Continue your professional growth—one episode at a time.

Great News! The Brighter Side of Education is now CPD Accredited! 

Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMD
Trusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily.

Head to the show notes to find if this episode is CPD eligible and details on how to claim your CPD certification!

Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMD
Trusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily.

Support the show

If you have a story about what's working in your schools that you'd like to share, email me at [email protected] or visit www.drlisahassler.com. Subscribe, tell a friend, and consider becoming a supporter by clicking the link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2048018/support.

The music in this podcast was written and performed by Brandon Picciolini of the Lonesome Family Band. Visit and follow him on Instagram.

Send us a text

Can better mental health support in schools transform student success? Join us as we explore this critical question with Kevin DaHill-Fuchel, Executive Director of Counseling in Schools (CIS). With him, we uncover the profound impact of integrating mental health professionals into school environments, a strategy that has notably boosted attendance and graduation rates in New York City. 

Our conversation takes a deep dive into the challenges faced by schools, especially in accommodating the influx of asylum-seeking children in 2023. We discuss how CIS adapts its strategies to meet the unique cultural needs of diverse school communities, emphasizing the necessity of addressing basic needs and engaging families. Through effective communication and recruitment, CIS positions school counselors and mentors as credible messengers who build trust and respond to students' specific situations, including high rates of homelessness. This approach ensures that students receive the support they need to thrive amidst challenging circumstances.

In today's technology-driven landscape, connecting with students extends beyond academics. We discuss the intersection of mental health and education, underscoring the importance of fostering emotional and social development alongside academic progress. We highlight strategies that empower schools to support students holistically. This episode not only shines a light on the critical role of mental health in education but also inspires listeners to champion these initiatives in their own communities, creating an educational environment where every student can succeed.

💡 This episode is CPD accredited!
 Educators can now earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) minutes by listening. To claim your certificate:

1. Listen to the full episode
2. Visit https://thecpd.group/podcast
3. Enter code 800063 to check in and download your certificate

Continue your professional growth—one episode at a time.

Great News! The Brighter Side of Education is now CPD Accredited! 

Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMD
Trusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily.

Head to the show notes to find if this episode is CPD eligible and details on how to claim your CPD certification!

Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMD
Trusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily.

Support the show

If you have a story about what's working in your schools that you'd like to share, email me at [email protected] or visit www.drlisahassler.com. Subscribe, tell a friend, and consider becoming a supporter by clicking the link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2048018/support.

The music in this podcast was written and performed by Brandon Picciolini of the Lonesome Family Band. Visit and follow him on Instagram.

Send us a text

What if a simple tool could improve the way we address chronic absenteeism in schools? Join me, Dr. Lisa Hassler, as I explore this provocative question with Chris Hull, the visionary founder of Otus. In this episode, we uncover how integrating various data points into a single platform can empower educators to swiftly identify at-risk students and create tailored interventions. Discover how technology not only simplifies the teaching process but also enhances a teacher's ability to meet each student's unique needs effectively.

With Chris’s insights, we delve into the capabilities of Otus, a personalized student data management system that not only tracks academic performance but also paints a comprehensive picture of each student. From demographic information to personal interests, teachers gain unprecedented insights, ensuring no detail is lost as students progress through grades. We discuss the importance of connecting attendance data with academic and behavioral indicators, enabling educators to be more proactive in their strategies and ultimately improving educational outcomes.

Through this episode, we emphasize the value of building human connections and taking actionable steps to support student success. 

• Discusses the definition and impact of chronic absenteeism
• Highlights alarming statistics regarding student attendance
• Explores the role of technology in addressing absenteeism
• Provides insights into effective early warning systems
• Emphasizes the importance of family partnerships in education
• Shares success stories of schools improving attendance
• Examines the future of attendance tracking and AI implementation

💡 This episode is CPD accredited!
 Educators can now earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) minutes by listening. To claim your certificate:

1. Listen to the full episode
2. Visit https://thecpd.group/podcast
3. Enter code 800064 to check in and download your certificate

Continue your professional growth—one episode at a time.

Great News! The Brighter Side of Education is now CPD Accredited! 

Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMD
Trusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily.

Head to the show notes to find if this episode is CPD eligible and details on how to claim your CPD certification!

Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMD
Trusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily.

Support the show

If you have a story about what's working in your schools that you'd like to share, email me at [email protected] or visit www.drlisahassler.com. Subscribe, tell a friend, and consider becoming a supporter by clicking the link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2048018/support.

The music in this podcast was written and performed by Brandon Picciolini of the Lonesome Family Band. Visit and follow him on Instagram.

Send us a text

The episode explores the science and psychology of math anxiety and features innovative educational approaches aimed at transforming math teaching. With a PhD in Mathematics & Computer Sciences, Dr. Aditya Nagrath shares insights on early intervention, preventive strategies to improve students' confidence, and the importance of viewing math as a language. As the creator and founder of Elephant Learning Mathematics Academy, he's on a mission to empower children with mathematics.

• Discussion on the prevalence and impact of math anxiety
• Early intervention strategies in mathematics education
• Teaching math as a language to improve understanding
• The role of gamification in learning mathematics
• Techniques for parents and teachers to recognize and address math anxiety
• Overview of Elephant Learning's unique educational approach
• Information on resources and courses available for educators and parents

To learn more, go to https://www.elephantlearning.com

💡 This episode is CPD accredited!
 Educators can now earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) minutes by listening. To claim your certificate:

1. Listen to the full episode
2. Visit https://thecpd.group/podcast
3. Enter code 800065 to check in and download your certificate

Continue your professional growth—one episode at a time.

Great News! The Brighter Side of Education is now CPD Accredited! 

Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMD
Trusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily.

Head to the show notes to find if this episode is CPD eligible and details on how to claim your CPD certification!

Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMD
Trusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily.

Support the show

If you have a story about what's working in your schools that you'd like to share, email me at [email protected] or visit www.drlisahassler.com. Subscribe, tell a friend, and consider becoming a supporter by clicking the link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2048018/support.

The music in this podcast was written and performed by Brandon Picciolini of the Lonesome Family Band. Visit and follow him on Instagram.

Send us a text

Ever wonder how teachers and parents can navigate the festive frenzy of December without losing their minds? Join me and my husband, Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., as we unlock the secrets to maintaining sanity and maximizing learning during one of the busiest times of the year. We promise you'll walk away with practical strategies like planning detailed calendars to juggle school events and holiday activities seamlessly. Discover how aligning lesson plans with holiday themes can transform classroom experiences into memorable family keepsakes, all while keeping the joy of the season alive.

From managing sugar overloads at holiday parties to preserving precious memories like first graders as concert angels, we cover it all. We'll share tips on sticking to schedules, knowing your limits with holiday activities, and even ditching the Elf on the Shelf. Plus, we invite you to contribute your own success stories, helping to shine a light on what's working well in education. Let's connect, share, and celebrate the core values of family, love, and peace during this special season.

💡 This episode is CPD accredited!
 Educators can now earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) minutes by listening. To claim your certificate:

1. Listen to the full episode
2. Visit https://thecpd.group/podcast
3. Enter code 800066 to check in and download your certificate

Continue your professional growth—one episode at a time.

Great News! The Brighter Side of Education is now CPD Accredited! 

Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMD
Trusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily.

Head to the show notes to find if this episode is CPD eligible and details on how to claim your CPD certification!

Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMD
Trusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily.

Support the show

If you have a story about what's working in your schools that you'd like to share, email me at [email protected] or visit www.drlisahassler.com. Subscribe, tell a friend, and consider becoming a supporter by clicking the link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2048018/support.

The music in this podcast was written and performed by Brandon Picciolini of the Lonesome Family Band. Visit and follow him on Instagram.