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In this deeply personal and vulnerable episode, podcast host and educator Dr. Lisa Hassler steps away from her usual interview format to share her own educational journey—one filled with adversity, perseverance, and transformation.

Lisa reflects on her early passion for teaching, sparked during a high school preschool partnership program, and how her plans shifted dramatically when she became a mother at 18. From there, her path was anything but linear. Over the course of more than a decade, while raising four children—two of whom are neurodivergent—Lisa worked, studied, and taught her way through her associate’s, bachelor’s, and eventually her doctoral degree.

Her story includes:

• Teaching with the United Way in low-income schools
• Subbing in Catholic schools and supporting students with learning and behavioral challenges
• Becoming a full-time first grade teacher while raising a gifted child, an average learner, and two children with developmental and reading challenges
• Using her lived experience to advocate for students who don’t fit into standardized molds

Lisa’s message is both personal and universal: we are all exactly where we’re meant to be, and our lived experiences can become the most powerful tools for change. This episode not only chronicles her academic and personal path, but also reveals the deep roots behind The Brighter Side of Education—a podcast shaped by compassion, data, and purpose.

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.

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Today, I focus on a classical curriculum. Can using a classical curriculum approach to teaching students in pre-school through grade12 increase student reading and overall academic achievement? Reading and math rates across the nation are spiraling down with no end in sight. It begs the question; how did we get here as a nation and what can we do to fix it? 

In line with the knowledge-based curriculum and Hirsch's theory, there is the classical curriculum. Classical education presents itself in contrast to the dominating utilitarian philosophy of education, emphasizing rather disciplines that are believed to produce good humans over those who are simply college and career-ready. It uses a rigorous content-rich core with a 2,500-year history. 

Here to discuss classical curriculum is Josh Longenecker. He is the co-founder of The Classical Academy of Sarasota with his wife Harmony, as well as the Headmaster. Students need the same background information, vocabulary, and story knowledge for subsequent knowledge building. With a 2,500-year track record, the classical curriculum is right on track.
www.tcasarasota.com, https://www.drlisarhassler.com/post/how-a-classical-curriculum-approach-avoids-education-potholes-plaguing-schools-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 800106 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.

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In this episode, I focus on inclusive classrooms for students with intellectual disabilities with filmmaker Olivier Bernier. How does inclusivity impact student success?

There are an estimated 7.3 million children with disabilities, accounting for 14% of the students enrolled in our public school system. According to The Individuals with Disabilities Act, students with disabilities are guaranteed the right to be education in the least restrictive environment, usually referred to as the general education classroom.

In 1994, an analysis concluded that "special-needs students educated in regular classes do better academically and socially than comparable students in non-inclusive settings." Furthermore, a national study on inclusive education by the National Center on Educational Restructuring and Inclusion in 1995 reported academic, behavioral, and social benefits for both students with and without disabilities. Even with significant literature documenting successful inclusion practices almost 30 years ago, many students with disabilities today still face a segregated classroom reality.

 Olivier's son, Emilio, was born with Down syndrome almost seven years ago. Since then, he and his wife Hilda have sought what all parents want for their child: to be included. Olivier used his background as a filmmaker to create the award-winning documentary, "Forget Me Not: Inclusion in the Classroom," released in October 2022. It features his family and their journey into the most segregated school system in the nation: New York City. Surprised? I was.

Here is the call to action: support inclusive classrooms in your schools. Inclusion is the educational philosophy based on the belief that it is every person's inherent right to fully participate in society, implying the acceptance of differences.

To learn more, watch the trailer: https://vimeo.com/cinemalibrestudio/forgetmenottrailer
Or go to: www.forgetmenotdocumentary.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 800107 to check in and download your certificate

Continue your professional growth—on

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.

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 How can we improve children’s mental health to increase academic success?

In this episode, JoAnn Tomer discusses her experience as a mental health therapist and her work with children and horses as we focus on children’s mental health and its effects in the classroom.

According to the CDC in 2022 on the state of Children's Mental Health, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and behavior problems are the most commonly diagnosed mental disorders in children. About 3 in 10 children with ADHD had anxiety. Estimates among children aged 3-17 years, in 2016-19, were that approximately 6.0 million had ADHD, 5.8 million had Anxiety, 5.5 million had behavior problems, and 2.7 million suffer from Depression.

Add COVID into the mix since then, and these rates of depression and anxiety are increasing. It is a major concern that parents and educators are facing as it can lead to academic and behavior issues in the classroom. So what options are there to help?

Well, animals can offer an extraordinary amount of emotional support. Beyond the pet-owner relationship, animals are sometimes used in therapeutic settings. ADHD is an additional area where equine-assisted psychotherapy can be helpful.

The Journal for Creativity in Mental Health stated that introducing horses to the therapeutic process showed significantly increased positive behaviors while reducing negative behaviors. Studies shown that clients can experience a variety of benefits from equine-assisted psychotherapy and that clients feel that they've achieved something on their own, rather than being told to do something by a parent or teacher.

💡 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 800108 to check in and download your certificate

Continue your professional growth—one episode at a time.

Equine-assisted psychotherapy available at http://www.horsepowerforhealing.net 

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

In this episode, I focus on school boards and their effect on student achievement. What makes a school board effective?

Research over the past 20 years clearly links the beliefs, actions, and relationships of school board members with student outcomes. Scholars compared districts with similar levels of poverty and disadvantage to determine factors that separate high-performing districts from those with low performance and contrasted the school boards. School board members in high-performing districts have attitudes, knowledge and approaches that are vastly different from boards in low-achieving districts. 

Here to discuss these effective attitudes, knowledge, and approaches for school board members to improve student outcomes, is education reform advocate and author AJ Crabill.

AJ is Conservator at DeSoto Independent School District and Governance Director at Council of the Great City Schools. He is also an author of the books, "Great on Their Behalf: Why School Boards Fail, How Yours Can Become Effective," and the forthcoming companion workbook, "Effective School Boards Framework: A Practitioner's Manual For School Board Leaders Wanting to Improve Student Outcomes. 

💡 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 800109 to check in and download your certificate

To learn more about AJ Crabill and his books, go to his website at https://www.ajc7.com/. 

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

In this episode, I focus on life coaching  for young adults with Pam Burke. How can a life coach help your child through the transitional college years to increase their odds of success?

Every year, over a million college students drop out of school. The majority are first-year students with an average dropout rate at 24.3%. Younger students are more likely to drop out because of low interest in the career stream and disinterest in college.  This leaves the typical undergraduate college student with approximately $14,000 in student loan debt with an income at 35% lower than that of a college graduate.  Needless to say, if you're going to make the jump into college, it's best to know what you want and finish it. 

Pam Burke joins the show to talk about she uses life coaching to help high school and college students navigate through these difficult transitional times to increase their success. As a certified Martha Beck Wayfinder life coach and founder of Pam Burke Coaching, she explains how life coaching benefits young adults, the difference between life coaching and counseling, and her approach.  Additionally, she gives parents advice so that they know not only if life coaching is a good fit for their child, but how to approach these transitional years with success.

To learn more about life coaching for kids or reach out to Pam Burke visit her website, Pam Burke Coaching, at www.pamburkecoaching.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 800110 to check in and download your certificate

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

In this episode, I focus on virtual school in special education as a variable with Barbara Southwick. She discusses how virtual school in special education is an untapped resource that opens up possibilities in students with disabilities. 

In 2021, I published a study comparing third grade reading proficiency levels in virtual schools and face-to-face schools for the state of Florida. Data showed that since 2015, students with disabilities that attended a virtual school outperformed students in a face-to-face schools by 13.9 percentage points.

I was so passionate about getting the information out to parents and educators to change the lens in which we view distance education, that I wrote the book, America's Embarrassing Reading Crisis: What We Learned from COVID to get the information out into the world.

Special Education teacher, Barbara Southwick heard the message, which confirmed what she was experiencing in her classroom. She made a decision to take action.

In the fall of 2022, she founded the nonprofit organization, Spectrum Education, Inc. a virtual learning community of dedicated parents and educators offering virtual education for children in grades 3-12 with unique abilities. What she saw in student growth is heartwarming and gives hope for families. Her work is innovative and groundbreaking for students needing instruction with a modified curriculum.

To learn more, go to https://www.spectrumeducator.org.

💡 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 800111 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

In this episode, I focus on curriculum as a variable for student success with education writer and author Natalie Wexler. She discusses the importance of using a knowledge-based curriculum in schools and explains how cognitive science plays a vital role in how we teach it. Studies identifying comprehensive, content-rich curriculum as a critical factor in student academic success was the common feature of academically high-performing countries as measured by the PISA. This podcast discuss what content-rich, knowledge-based curriculum is available to our schools now.

You can find out more by going to https://nataliewexler.com. Natalie gives information about her books The Knowledge Gap: The Hidden Cause of America's Broken Education System--and How to Fix It (2019), and The Writing Revolution: Advancing Thinking Through Writing in All Subjects and Grades (2017). Sign up for her newsletter Minding the Gap to stay up to date with education and cognitive science!
💡 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 800112 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 is the true foundation of online learning? How did distance education evolve long before the internet? Join me, Dr. Lisa Hassler, as I sit down with legendary education theorist Dr. Michael Grahame Moore—the founder of the Theory of Transactional Distance—to explore the past, present, and future of teaching across distance.

Often called the "father of distance education," Dr. Moore shares how his groundbreaking work redefined how we understand online and blended learning environments. We discuss why dialogue, structure, and learner autonomy are critical for student success—and how COVID-19 exposed both the strengths and weaknesses of virtual education today.

Whether you're a teacher, instructional designer, educational leader, or student of educational theory, this conversation offers essential insights into how to build high-quality, research-driven online learning experiences.

🔎 Topics we explore:

• The birth of distance education theory
• How Transactional Distance shapes online learning design
• Lessons from COVID-19's impact on virtual teaching
• Why professional development for online educators is more important than ever
• The future of distance learning in a post-pandemic world

If you care about the future of education, you won't want to miss this conversation with one of the greatest minds in the field.

💡 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 800113 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

Why are Black girls still falling through the cracks of the American education system? In this important conversation, Dr. Lisa Hassler sits down with expert Dr. Hyacinth Dyer to explore the disconnect between what teachers believe they provide—and what Black girls actually experience in their K–12 education journey.

Drawing from her research study Education and the Black Girl, Dr. Dyer reveals:

• The alarming suspension and arrest rates Black girls face starting in preschool
• How cultural bias leads to harsher discipline and emotional exclusion
• Why teachers’ perceptions of support often don't match student experiences
• Actionable strategies for creating culturally responsive and emotionally inclusive classrooms
• The urgent need for teachers to embrace culturally relevant pedagogy and listen to the voices of Black girls

This episode challenges educators, leaders, and families to recognize systemic barriers—and take meaningful steps toward creating schools where Black girls are seen, heard, and empowered to succeed.

If you're passionate about educational equity, inclusion, and the future of our schools, this is an essential listen.

💡 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 800114 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.