Shows
Educator Wellness PodcastGame On: Harnessing The Power of Sports and Physical Activity for Mental WellnessIn this episode, Jon Solomon, the community and impact director of the Sports and Society Program at the Aspen Institute, joins Kari for a thought-provoking discussion about the far-reaching impact of sports and physical activities on youth mental wellness. This episode sheds light on the crucial role of coaches and educators in recognizing mental health challenges and creating supportive environments for all students. Uncover how physical activity can be a powerful tool for fostering empathy and overall well-being in students and tips for creating spaces where every young person feels valued and empowered through movement.Thanks for...2025-04-3043 minEducator Wellness PodcastAlone Together: Navigating Loneliness in EducationRecent research has found evidence that loneliness has detrimental effects on both our mental and physical health. Join Kari and expert Jillian Racoosin, executive director of the Foundation for Social Connection, as they unpack the crucial role that social connection plays in fostering a healthier, happier life. Discover how educators can foster meaningful relationships, improve student mental health, and create more connected learning environments. Learn practical tips to build your own "connection muscle" and transform your classroom into a hub of social engagement.Access the full episode transcript: https://bit.ly/EWPTranscript_3E4 Thanks for l...2025-01-0134 minEducator Wellness PodcastThe Attendance Crisis: Tackling School Avoidance, TogetherWhy aren’t students coming to school and what can educators do about it? Dr. Carolyn Gentle-Genitty, a renowned expert on school avoidance with over 25 years of experience in higher education, joins Kari to unpack this hot button issue. Learn why developmental factors play a larger role than you might expect, the root causes of school avoidance, how the pandemic reshaped attendance norms, and innovative approaches schools are using to tackle this urgent issue.Access the full episode transcript: https://bit.ly/EWPTranscript_3E3 Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and You...2024-12-0240 minEducator Wellness PodcastSpeaking the Truth from the FieldIn this episode, explore the ripple effects of policy changes, social media, and evolving communication norms through the eyes of passionate educators. Kari talks with the dynamic husband-wife duo Myles and Haley Finn from Indianola, Iowa. Haley, a middle school counselor, and Myles, a high school vocal teacher and TikTok influencer (@itsmrfinn) with 1M+ followers, offer valuable insights into the complexities of teaching in today's world and how to harness your authentic self as an educator.Access the full episode transcript: https://bit.ly/EWPTranscript_3E2 Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, Li...2024-11-011h 14Educator Wellness PodcastThe Power of Us: Transforming K-12 Schools Through Collective ActionAndrea Forcum – (better known as Educator Andrea) – makes educators feel seen. With 1M+ followers on TikTok and Instagram, Andrea is widely admired for down-to-earth videos that lean into the chaos of teaching. In this episode, Andrea sits down with Kari to explore the critical issues facing today's educators.Together, they passionately advocate for teachers and students, discussing how collective action can transform our schools and drive meaningful change. This inspiring conversation will leave you energized and ready to take action in support of our K-12 schools.Access the full episode transcript: https://bit.ly/EWPTranscript_3E12024-10-011h 01Educator Wellness PodcastReimagining MTSS: A Pathway to Whole School Well-BeingDr. Kari Vogelgesang hosts the University of California Santa Barbara’s Dr. Michael Furlong (research professor and distinguished professor emeritus of school psychology) and Dr. Erin Dowdy (professor in the department of counseling, clinical, and school psychology) to rethink Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) as a holistic well-being framework that benefits the entire school community. During this conversation, we broaden the scope of MTSS and reassess the framework's foundational 'why' while unpacking how a reconceptualized approach can contribute to the flourishing of student well-being.Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook, In...2024-05-2047 minEducator Wellness PodcastNature Nurtures: How to Leverage the Outdoors for Enriched LearningA rejuvenating conversation all about the power of outdoor education! Dr. Kari Vogelgesang hosts Dr. Angela Rekers, assistant professor at St. Ambrose University, and Jay Gorsh, director of the University of Iowa’s School of the Wild, to discuss the social, emotional, and mental health benefits of outdoor education for our students, educators, and education systems as a whole. Learn how to get nature-based programs started at your school or tips on integrating outdoor learning into your classroom. Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Visit our website: https://scsmh.edu...2024-04-161h 15Educator Wellness PodcastThe Social Media Tug-of-War: How Much is “Too Much” for our Students?In today's digitally-driven world, social media and technology play an integral role in our students' lives. But what happens when tech use becomes excessive, unhealthy, or detrimentally affects our students’ emotional and mental health? Host Dr. Kari Vogelgesang welcomes Dr. Jacqueline Nesi, a psychologist and assistant professor at Brown University, to explore the latest research, healthy ways to incorporate it into our lives and classrooms, and safeguards that both educators and parents should consider as they navigate this complex topic. Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Visit our website: htt...2024-04-1148 minEducator Wellness PodcastEmbracing Our Differences, Elevating Our Schools Through Global EducationIn today's interconnected world, global citizenship is an indispensable skill set for understanding differences and analyzing local realities through a critical lens. Dr. Kari Vogelgesang hosts a compelling discussion with Dr. Will Coghill Behrends, Amy Andreassen, and Monique Cottman on how we can leverage global education as a powerful tool for establishing nurturing education systems for all. Uncover innovative ways to integrate global education best practices in the classroom that enable both educators and students to develop the knowledge and skills needed to thrive.Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube. 2024-03-1455 minEducator Wellness PodcastFull Inclusion for Special Education StudentsIn this episode of the Educator Wellness Podcast, host Dr. Kari Vogelgesang welcomes Dr. Justin Garwood, associate professor at the University of Vermont, to discuss the difference between self-contained classrooms and full inclusion for special education students. We unpack why full inclusion isn’t necessarily the best choice for all students and how different learning environments impact the well-being of not just students but their families and educators.Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Visit our website: https://scsmh.education.uiowa.edu2024-02-1550 minEducator Wellness PodcastThe Cost of Addiction: How Substance Abuse Damages Youth’s Brains, Bodies, and CommunitiesSubstance abuse is a serious issue in our schools and communities. The statistics are alarming. Drug use among 8th graders from 2016-2020 increased by 61%; 62% of teens in 12th grade have abused alcohol; and 11% of overdose deaths are aged 15-24.Host Dr. Kari Vogelgesang welcomes Jeffrey Johnston (founder of Living Undeterred) and Drew Martel (chief clinical and training officer at Foundation 2), for a powerful conversation about the effects that substance abuse has on the brains and bodies of children and adults. During this episode, tough questions are asked and powerful stories are shared, as we unpack how substance...2024-01-091h 46Educator Wellness PodcastEmotional Intelligence for Educators: The Transformative Power of Understanding EmotionsEmotional intelligence is more than just a buzzword. It is at the heart of effective human interactions, including those with our students, co-workers, friends, and family. Host Dr. Kari Vogelgesang welcomes Dr. Erika Bocknek, a university professor, family therapist, and mom of 3, to discuss how emotional intelligence impacts our lives, and how by better understanding it, we can create harmonious and enriching educational environments. Also, Dr. Bocknek shares practical tips for emotional intelligence skill-building and the positive ripple effect it has on the lives of those we teach. Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, L...2023-12-1552 minEducator Wellness PodcastChallenging Behaviors in the Classroom - Whose Problem Is It?Challenging behaviors in K-12 classrooms have increased in frequency and intensity over the last few years. Host Dr. Kari Vogelgesang welcomes Dr. Allison Bruhn, professor of special education and executive director of the Scanlan Center for School Mental Health at the University of Iowa, to discuss what challenging behaviors are, who is at fault, and how we can work toward more supportive learning environments for both educators and students.Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Visit our website: https://scsmh.education.uiowa.edu2023-11-2738 minEducator Wellness PodcastCreating a Culture of Caring Comes FirstA special episode recorded in front of a live audience! Host Dr. Kari Vogelgesang welcomes distinguished guests - Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts, the 2019 National Teacher of the Year Rodney Robinson, and the 2018 Iowa School Counselor of the Year Shelby Bryce - to the 2023 Iowa BEST Summit stage. Join us for an enlightening conversation about the importance of caring for our educators, ideas for building school communities and classrooms of belonging, and how our complex education system can shift to better support educators, students, and families. Thanks for listening! Follow us on Fac...2023-10-261h 15
Living UndeterredSchool Mental Health with Dr. Kari VogelgesangOn this week's episode, Jeff speaks with Director of Professional Development at the Scanlan Center for School Mental Health, Dr. Kari Vogelgesang. Dr. Kari Vogelgesang is a Clinical Associate Professor of Elementary Education. She also serves as the Director of Professional Development for the Scanlan Center for School Mental Health and the Baker Teacher Leader Center. Dr. Vogelgesang began her career in education as an elementary classroom teacher. In 2015 she graduated from the University of Iowa with her Ph.D. in special education and her area of focus in social, emotional, and behavioral disorders in school-aged children. She has taught...2023-06-091h 01