Shows
Let's K12 BetterLet’s Talk About Redefining Geek with Cassidy PuckettWhat does it mean to be “good” with technology? What are the 5 hidden habits of tech-savvy teens? How can educators and parents support technology learning habits in young people?In this episode, we sat down with Cassidy Puckett, assistant professor of sociology at Emory University. Cassidy is the author of REDEFINING GEEK: Bias and the Five Hidden Habits of Tech-Savvy Teens. Cassidy brings us research findings on digital equity; tangible tips for supporting young people of all backgrounds as they navigate (and build) technology; and suggestions on how we adults can reframe our understanding of what is the...2022-05-211h 09
Let's K12 BetterLet’s Talk About Civil Discourse with Joe Schmidt and Nichelle Pinkney“Social Studies is the curriculum of how we live our life.” YES! In this episode, we sat down with veteran educators Joe Schmidt and Nichelle Pinkney, co-authors of Civil Discourse Classroom Conversations for Stronger Communities. How do we leverage intellectual discomfort to grow and challenge ourselves and each other? What is the role of civil discourse in the social studies classroom and in other important spaces? Joe and Nichelle discuss how we work together to be better and why we need to build the skills to courageously engage in challenging and transformative conversations.Connect on Soci...2022-05-121h 20
Let's K12 BetterLet’s Talk About Empowering Digital Leaders with Jennifer Casa-ToddSocial media isn’t going anywhere. And neither is technology. So how do we help kids learn leadership skills and interpersonal skills so they can have successful social media experiences In this episode, we sat down with Jennifer Casa-Todd teacher-librarian, author, and co-founder of the Global Education Student Chat to discuss how parents and educators can support young people as they explore the digital space.Connect on Social Media:Twitter: @JCasaTodd Twitter: @GlobalEdSsChat | #GlobalEdSsChatInstagram: @raisingdigitalleadersCheck out Jennifer Casa-Todd’s books and other publications on her website or via her l...2022-04-2846 min
Let's K12 BetterLet's Talk About Education, Play, and Equity with Karyn Allee, PhDHow does chronic stress impact the brain? How does play support pro-social behavior in kids? What are misnomers about Title 1 schools? How can we better equip new teachers working in high-challenge schools so they can meet the needs of the students in their communities? How do we tell the difference between poverty stressors and brain function and learning disabilities or ADD, ADHD?Grab a pen and get ready to take notes! In this episode, we sat down with Dr. Karyn Allee, veteran educator and Assistant Professor of Education at Mercer University to discuss education equity, increasing play...2022-04-211h 11
Let's K12 BetterLet's Talk About Civics and Youth Voice with Elizabeth Clay Roy, Generation CitizenWhat is action civics? Why is student voice so important, especially right now? How can we use informed civics and action civics more efficiently together? How can we expand our understanding of what equity in civics could mean? So many questions!Civic education plays an important role in building a more inclusive, participatory, and equitable democracy. In this episode, we sat down with Elizabeth Clay Roy, CEO of Generation Citizen, a national nonprofit committed to providing youth with the knowledge and skills they need to actively participate in our democracy.Connect with Generation Citizen o...2022-04-0657 min
Let's K12 BetterLet’s Talk About News and History with David Olson, Retro ReportWhat makes current events so important? Where does news intersect with history? How do we find resources to support important civic conversations? What should parents understand about the importance of social studies and civic education, current events, or media literacy? In this episode, we sat down with David Olson, the Director of Education at Retro Report, a non-profit media company dedicated to connecting history to today’s news. Learn more about this wonderful resource and what David has to say about social studies, current events, and media literacy!“What’s On Your Mind?” Are you s...2022-03-231h 08
Let's K12 BetterSchooling Through The Pandemic… What’s Changed?We started our podcast to discuss K12 education as a project and a response to COVID-19 with our first episode, “Schooling Through An Apocalypse.” What’s changed in education since lockdown happened in March 2020? Lots! In this episode, we discuss Virtual Academy, how schooling has evolved over the last two years, and more. Mom gets feedback on her parenting during the pandemic… and there is a bird by our window looking for love. (Shoutout to the Vernal Equinox! What, whaaat!!!)Are you saddled with a troubling situation? Curious to hear what we think about a particul...2022-03-171h 17
Let's K12 BetterWelcome Back, it’s Black History Month… What, whaaat?!Welcome to season 3 and Happy Black History Month! We open up the season with a discussion on current events, books we’re reading, and how we plan to set the tone for this upcoming season. FYI… we are working on a new sound setup. We haven’t learned it all yet and appreciate your patience. We are attempting to capture all the nuances of the conversation by recording the whole table. Don’t forget to tell us “What’s On Your Mind?” Are you saddled with a troubling situation? Curious to hear what we think about a certain...2022-02-1754 min
Let's K12 BetterLet’s Talk About Financial Planning with Cristina BriboneriaFinancial literacy and financial freedom are interconnected. As we think ahead to the upcoming year, setting goals is always a great way to establish solid footing. Setting financial goals… that’s boss level!How do we bring our young people along as we learn more about financial planning and financial literacy? What can parents and educators do to support good financial habits in kids? How can we adults shift how we see financial freedom? In this episode, we sat down with Managing Director, Certified Financial Planner®, Cristina Briboneria. THIS ISN’T FINANCIAL ADVICE, but it’s a pretty...2021-12-3125 min
Let's K12 BetterSpeaking Life Into Our Students with Ashley TuckerMany discussions on equity often fail to center the needs of special education students. In this episode, we sat down with Ashley Tucker, special educator, Dean, social-emotional learning enthusiast, and Ed Leadership student at Teachers College. On her Instagram she shares anti-racist, trauma-informed resources. We discuss a variety of techniques and strategies parents and educators can use as they learn emotionally alongside their students.Follow on Social Media: Ashley Tucker on Instagram: @teacherspayblackteachersAshley Tucker on Twitter: @ashleytuckFind books, resources, and more:As...2021-12-1644 min
Let's K12 BetterHistorical Empathy, Making it Real for Kids with Dr. Katie PerrottaDo history, civics, and empathy work together? YES… yes, they work together! And if we allow them to work together, our students gain an appreciation for the act of “doing” social studies and history. We can make history come alive when students have the opportunity to explore cultural, gendered, and racial perspectives within the context of a historical period as part of their own understanding of civic agency. In this episode, we sat down with Dr. Katie Perrotta, Assistant Professor of Middle Grades and Secondary Education with an emphasis on social studies education in the Mercer University College...2021-12-0952 min
Let's K12 BetterWe The Gamers… Civics and Gaming with Dr. Kat SchrierGames are not only fun pastime activities, they’re great vehicles for learning. How can we use games to teach civics skills, social-emotional learning, and digital citizenship? How might we use games to teach us how to be together?In this episode, we sat down with Dr. Kat Schrier, Director of Games/Associate Professor at Marist College. She is also the Founder/CEO of PlatyPlay, LLC, which specializes in designing and researching games for learning and inclusion. Follow on Social Media: Kat Schrier on Instagram: @drgamermomKat Schrier on Twitter: @drgamermomLinkedIn: Dr. Kat Schr...2021-10-1847 min
Let's K12 BetterValuing Early Childhood Education with Annette Serwanga M.A.EdWhen executed well, early childhood education (preschool and nursery school) establishes a solid foundation with long-lasting impact on a child's social-emotional and educational journey. However, many parents (and even educators) do not understand how critical the 0 to 5 years are for establishing long-term success.How do we best connect the care and learning happening in preschool to the care and learning in K12 classrooms? What should parents look out for when selecting learning environments for their kids? How can educators evolve their practices to ensure they have the tools and skills necessary for supporting the growth and development o...2021-09-2333 min
Let's K12 BetterBlack Teachers Matter with Hiewet SenghorThere are increased benefits for all students, but specifically for Black students, when there are Black teachers in the classroom. How do we build pipelines that increase the number of Black educators in our schools? How can programming and networks support best teaching practices for Black educators as they support their Black students? In this episode, we sat down with Hiewet Senghor Founder and CEO of the Black Teacher Collaborative - a social entrepreneurship venture, provides an opportunity to engage in the development of strategies and tools that build the mindsets, skills, and knowledge needed to actualize a...2021-09-0955 min
Let's K12 BetterRaising Digital Natives with Dr. Devorah HeitnerTechnology is a tool for innovation, a medium for self-expression, and an opportunity for us to push the boundary of what we know. Technology and the internet hold the potential to be leveraged for immense good, as well as, extreme ill intent. Often parents and educators are worried about the ways in which young people will use technology negatively. Instead, we should model positive tech habits for our kids, discuss our expectations for them when they're online, and get a lot more curious and excited about kids' lived experiences with technology. How do we respect our kids’ pri...2021-09-0351 min
Let's K12 BetterBuilding and Nurturing Supportive Communities with Camille RobinsonEvery parent could use more support and more joy. Did you know that you could be a catalyst for support and for joy not only in your own life but in the lives of others? What are you pouring into the communities you’re part of? How are you sharing your expertise and wisdom with others? How do community members support each other and learn from one another? In this episode, we sat down with Camille Robinson (Camille Joy), mother of five, host of the Moments of Joy podcast, and founder of The Real Moms Club on Cl...2021-08-1833 min
Let's K12 BetterSchool Librarians Matter with K.C. BoydDoes your school have a full-time school librarian? Are you aware of what your school library can do for your students? It’s more than just passing out books and supporting language arts. Our school libraries are at the heart of all subjects and learning at schools… including math and science. How can schools better leverage the knowledge and expertise that school librarians bring? And what can school librarians do to build bridges and a deeper understanding of what they can provide? In this episode, we sit down with K.C. Boyd, school library activ...2021-08-0441 min
Let's K12 BetterNarratives: Moving From Empathy to Action with Lee KeylockHow can we use stories to bring together people of differing opinions, experiences, and perspectives to create a more nuanced understanding of the human condition? Stories have the power to build bridges, foster community, facilitate understanding, and strengthen bonds. Stories can heal communities. Stories can help us discover collective joy or understand shared traumas. But what we choose to do after hearing another person’s story is what’s most powerful.In this episode, we sit down with Lee Keylock, Director of Global Programs and Training at Narrative4 to learn about how to intentionally foster empathy and impa...2021-07-2157 min
Let's K12 BetterReclaiming Our Collective History with Larissa Lam and Baldwin ChiuHow can we live history, right now, today? History comes to life when we can connect legislation, Supreme Court rulings, and major historic events to real people. When we understand the impact of historic events and decisions on people’s lives, we gain the humility and empathy to dissolve barriers that prevent us from connecting with others and learning from past mistakes.In this episode, we sit down with filmmakers, podcasters, and content creators, Larissa Lam and Baldwin Chiu to learn about their film Far East Deep South and how their family journey opened up so many ep...2021-07-0748 min
Let's K12 BetterEngaging The Expert Effect with Grayson McKinney and Zach RondotSchool should be a place where kids love to go, not a place where kids have to go. But what can educators (and even parents) do to engage students in learning that truly speaks to their interests? How can we bring in outside content experts to expand our lessons beyond the textbook and create lasting memories for our young people?We sat down with The Expert Effect co-authors Grayson McKinney - a fifth grade teacher, technology facilitator, educational writer, speaker, and Zach Rondot - a fourth grade teacher, presenter, and Oakland County Elementary Teacher of the year.2021-06-2248 min
Let's K12 BetterCreation, Connection, and Collective Healing with Jen Bloomer, Radici StudiosJuneteenth represents a moment in time when freedom was delayed for a large group of people. In times where society is pushing back against injustice, how do we create space to celebrate and acknowledge victories? How do we build the capacity to connect with our inner selves and with those around us? How is art a perfect medium for healing and reciprocity? We sat down with Jen Bloomer artist, activist, facilitator, and the founder of Radici Studios to learn more about art as a community healing experience. Join Amber and Jen on June 19th, 2021 for a virtual c...2021-06-0328 min
Let's K12 BetterCentering Community with Civics and Social-Emotional Learning with David Adams, The Urban AssemblyWhat does justice look like if we are allowed to contribute everything we are to the communities we’re part of? The skills, tools, and processes needed to maintain community are social-emotional learning skills. Humans are innovative and we invest in the technology needed to keep our society going, but we need to begin to invest in human innovation, in the institution of the individual, and in the skills required to build deeper connections with others. We sat down with David Adams, CEO, The Urban Assembly. David presents an opportunity to reimagine and dream while providing an edu...2021-05-1455 min
Let's K12 BetterCultivating A Justice Mindset In KidsIt’s our anniversary! (Thank you for listening)This podcast started with a family discussion on schooling through an apocalypse. We learned however that this podcast evolved into our year-long journey and exploration into important discussions that families need to have. We hope that this episode like all of the others serves as an invitation to have more meaningful discussions about justice, civics, race, and wellness.In this episode, we talk about how to cultivate a justice mindset in kids. We briefly discuss the Derek Chauvin verdict. We ask that our listeners please keep the fa...2021-04-2246 min
Let's K12 BetterSchool Librarians… The Honeybees of the School Community with Corey Hall, Ph. DThe public library is undoubtedly a civic space and school libraries are essential to the K12 learning journey. But how have libraries and the role of the librarian evolved to meet the needs of our students during COVID-19? We sat down with Dr. Corey Hall - curriculum Developer, Librarian, former middle school teacher, and 2019 American Library Association Emerging Leader - to learn more about these unsung heroes and how their work to inspire a love for reading, connects the school community in some very important ways. Follow Corey Hall, Ph.D. on Social Media: ...2021-04-0738 min
Let's K12 BetterHate, Hurt, Healing & Hope: AAPI Educators Teaching for JusticeRacism shows up everywhere and we are beginning to acknowledge how that impacts different groups, but most importantly we're starting to see the benefits of working collectively to address racism. As we work together to end marginalization and discrimination, we must remember that the AAPI struggle fits into the larger push for a more just and anti-racist world. This requires each of us to work across racial and cultural groups to end oppression, racism, colorism, and xenophobia targeted at any individual or group of people. How do we build that capacity? How can we support the Asian a...2021-03-311h 01
Let's K12 BetterTeaching with the HEART in Mind with Dr. Lorea MartinezSocial emotional learning (SEL) is the process of learning how to use the feedback our emotions provide us to connect with other people or to navigate social situations. We hear a lot about using social emotional skills with children, but SEL is great for adults too! We sat down with Dr. Lorea Martínez, SEL activist, educator, and researcher; and author of Teaching with the HEART in Mind. In this episode, you’ll find answers to questions like: How can adults continue their emotional growth journey through the entirety of life? How might we leverage social emo...2021-03-2447 min