Shows
SEL Convergence61: 3 Ways to Re-Engage Your Students’ Brains and HeartsThom shares three powerful, research-backed strategies—story, motion, and connection—that reignite curiosity, focus, and compassion in the classroom.
2025-10-1409 minSEL Convergence60: Part 2: Back to School with BelongingThom continues his reflections on belonging, reminding us that dignity, respect, and compassion are the foundation of every healthy school community.
2025-09-3006 minSEL Convergence59: Social AwarenessThom explores the building blocks of social awareness, diving into perspective, understanding, empathy, and compassion.
2025-09-1608 minSEL Convergence58: What Makes Schools GreatThom powerfully reminds teachers, as they return to school, that it is relationships and human connection that truly make schools great.
2025-09-0905 minSEL Convergence57: Back to School with BelongingThom Stecher welcomes teachers back to the 2025–2026 school year by reflecting on the transformative power of belonging in our schools and communities.
2025-09-0209 minSEL Convergence56: Getting Ready for School, Let's CelebrateThom Stecher welcomes teachers back to school with messages of celebration, gratitude, and encouragement for every member of the school community.
2025-08-1905 minSEL Convergence55: Self-Management - A Message from ThomIn this heartfelt message, Thom reflects on the journey from self-awareness to self-management—one of the five core social-emotional competencies. With wisdom and warmth, he shares personal stories of navigating fear, discipline, motivation, and goal setting. As a 74-year-old, Thom reminds us that growth never stops—and that managing our emotions, stress, and habits is a courageous, lifelong practice. This is a powerful reminder for educators and students alike that transformation starts with awareness, but continues through intentional, value-driven action.
2025-08-0510 minSEL Convergence54: Leadership in These Turbulent TimesA timely and powerful reflection from Thom Stecher on leading with courage, compassion, and conviction in a divided world, reminding us that dignity is essential and unity is our path forward.
2025-07-2210 minSEL Convergence53: Summer Reading for the Soul - Thom’s Top 5 BooksThom shares five meaningful book recommendations to inspire self-reflection, healing, and human connection this summer – not just for teachers, but for everyone.
2025-07-0810 minSEL Convergence52: Five Ways to Truly Reset This SummerIn this restorative episode, Thom Stecher offers five powerful reminders for educators to slow down, unplug, and embrace true self-care this summer.
2025-06-2405 minSEL Convergence51: Staying Grounded in These Challenging TimesThis episode is a gentle yet powerful invitation to reclaim your attention, show up with intention, and speak up for what matters most– even when it feels the most challenging.
2025-06-1007 minSEL Convergence50: What is Essential in Education?Thom Stecher reflects on what remains essential in education—building relationships, inspiring purpose, and serving the greater good—after more than 50 years of experience.
2025-05-2808 minSEL Convergence49: Service is HealingIn this heartfelt episode, Thom Stecher shares a deeply personal story of injury, loss, and the unexpected healing power of service. Through reflection and lived experience, he reminds us that when our burdens feel heaviest, offering care to someone else may be the very thing that helps lighten our own.
2025-05-1309 min
Authentic Educators18: Regulate, Relate, and Reason w/ Katie McLaughlin de VriesDeregulation can affect anyone—students and adults alike—disrupting focus and derailing the learning process. In this episode, Cody and Dave are joined by Katie McLaughlin de Vries, an educational consultant with Thom Stecher and Associates, to explore practical, compassionate strategies educators can use to support students of all ages when they become dysregulated. Centered around the powerful framework of the three Rs—regulate, relate, and reason—this conversation offers valuable insights for teachers, parents, and anyone working with young people. Don’t miss this meaningful discussion on helping students navigate their most challenging moments.Enjoy this episode and reach out...
2025-05-0638 minSEL Convergence48: The Roots of SEL: Thom’s VersionThom’s historical perspective on SEL. SEL has always been around; we’ve just called it something different.
2025-04-2923 min
SEL Convergence47: Diversity is LifeIn this powerful episode, Thom Stecher draws on 51 years in education to unpack the growing discomfort around words like diversity, equity, and inclusion. With honesty and heart, he challenges the narrative and offers a grounding truth: diversity isn’t a debate—it’s a fact of life and an essential part of being human.
2025-04-1505 minAuthentic Educators5: SEL w/ Thom Stecher (Part 2)This is part two of Cody and Dave’s conversation with Thom Stecher. Thom is a nationally recognized motivational speaker and educational consultant who specializes in self-esteem, wellness, and student assistance programs. In this episode, we talk about specific strategies that embed social and emotional learning within our curriculum. Thom talks about sending letters home to parents, introducing yourself and sharing your passions as two specific ways to be authentic. He discusses low stakes activities like scavenger hunts and think-pair-shares that allow students to interact without all eyes on them. We also dive into th...
2024-10-2224 minAuthentic Educators4: SEL w/ Thom Stecher (Part 1)Cody and Dave are joined by their first guest, Thom Stecher. Thom is a nationally recognized motivational speaker and educational consultant who specializes in self-esteem, wellness, and student assistance programs. In this episode, we discuss how critical the first weeks of school are, how to build a classroom climate, and the importance of embedding social and emotional learning throughout your curriculum. This is part one of two of our conversation. Tune in next episode for part two! Listen, learn, and reach out at AuthenticEdPod@gmail.com if you have...
2024-10-1523 minSEL Convergence46: Fostering Resilience and Building Assets in Our At-Risk Youth EDUC 532
Scott Heydt and Jessie McFarland join Thom to discuss their graduate course on resiliency and asset building for at-risk youth. EDUC 532 is a part of Neumann University's Master of Science in Education with an emphasis in Social Emotional Learning program.
More information can be found here.
This course is designed to move our students from risk to resiliency by identifying and fostering the developmental competencies needed for students to succeed. The course hinges on the belief that resilience is not something you do, but something you are and c...
2024-08-1917 minSEL Convergence45: Culturally Responsive Teaching EDUC 505Dawn Mader and Deb Moore join Thom to discuss their graduate course exploring culturally responsive teaching. EDUC 505 is a part of Neumann University's Master of Science in Education with an emphasis in Social Emotional Learning program.
More information can be found here.
This course will include provide students with a framework for becoming culturally responsive teachers. An assortment of topics that reflects cultural diversity in education, including an historical overview of programs for students from linguistically and culturally diverse backgrounds, contemporary multicultural and bilingual education, and education for social j...
2024-08-0116 minSEL Convergence44: Philosophical Foundations for Instructional Leadership EDUC 500Mark Eisenhuth and Chris Palochak join Thom to discuss their graduate course exploring philosophical foundations for instructional leaders. EDUC 500 is a part of Neumann University's Master of Science in Education with an emphasis in Social Emotional Learning program.
More information can be found here.
2024-05-0723 min
SEL in EDU056: Harnessing the Power of Connection, Courage, and Compassion with Thom StecherWhen you meet a mentor like Thom Stecher, who shapes your world through social and emotional learning, you can't help but share their wisdom far and wide. That's precisely what we're doing in this heartwarming episode, as Thom joins us to discuss the profound effects of nurturing the whole child and fostering a compassionate atmosphere in schools. We explore the landscape of education, where courage intertwines with kindness, and delve into how these virtues impact the lives we touch and our personal growth.Our conversation delves into the power of self-awareness, the significance of disconnecting from the...
2024-05-0146 minSEL Convergence43: Wellness - Research, Practices and Policies for Teachers and Students EDUC 512Chris Engler and Jessie McFarland discuss their educator wellness course and the importance of self-care. EDUC 512 is a part of Neumann University's Master of Science in Education with an emphasis in Social Emotional Learning program.
More information can be found here.
2024-04-1015 minSEL Convergence42: Big Feelings with Rebecca LouickThom sits with Rebecca Louick to talk about navigating the emotional landscape of feelings in school.
2024-02-2736 minSEL Convergence41: Unifying Daniel BooneIn this episode, Thom sits with three student leaders to discuss the impact of student involvement in unifying school communities and the influence of the LifeSkills Conference throughout the process.
2024-01-3126 min
SEL Convergence40: STEAM Powered SEL with Chris Palochak and Patrice ReicheChris Palochak and Patrice Reiche sit with Thom to discuss how SEL can, and should, be integrated into STEAM education.
2023-03-2034 minSEL Convergence39: Where to Draw the Lines with Dr. Krista LehThom invites Dr. Krista Leh back to the podcast to discuss how school district leaders lead the process of within-district racial and socioeconomic integration.
Dr. Krista Leh
Owner & Director of Professional Learning
Resonance Education
https://www.resonanceed.com
2023-01-0935 minSEL Convergence38: Learning to Connect with Katie McLaughlinThom speaks with Katie McLaughlin, teacher, to discuss her process for building connections and relationships in the classroom.
2022-12-3031 minSEL Convergence37: Teaching SEL Through Literacy with Lisa GrahamThom sits with Lisa Graham to discuss the power of literature for teaching young children about feelings, adversity, mindfulness, and a wide range of tender topics.
Lisa Graham
www.lgrahamauthor.com
2022-12-0535 minSEL Convergence36: Systems of Support with Dr. Meg Givnish BrezinaThom sits with Dr. Meg Givnish Brezina to discuss the health and well-being of educators and how they can begin or continue to care for themselves in today's school environment.
2022-09-2336 min
SEL Convergence35: Happiness 101 with Deb LangolThom sits down with Deb Langol to talk about the practice of teaching happiness in school and how students have responded to these practices.
2022-05-0929 minSEL Convergence34: Changing the Climate in Your Building with Chiara Bouchard and Brittany HaganThom speaks with Chiara and Brittany who are making an immediate and significant positive change in their school's culture.
2022-05-0235 minSEL Convergence33: COLA with Chris FeltonThom sits with Chris Felton to explore how to provide students with continuous opportunities for learning and achievement.
2022-04-2542 minSEL Convergence32: Wisdom with Dr. Yvonne KayeThom and Yvonne sit down to talk about history, empowerment and understanding what children know and feel.
Dr. Yvonne Kaye
www.yvonnekayewisdom.com
2022-04-1538 minSEL Convergence31: Living an Intentional 3x5 Life with Bryan and Jessie McFarlandIn this episode, Bryan and Jessie McFarland share their purpose-driven productivity system, 3x5 Life, and how intentionality and purpose can foster wellness and success.
Bryan & Jessie McFarland
3x5 Life
www.3x5life.com
Contact
2022-03-3039 min
Transformative PrincipalRelationships Are Built One Day at a Time with Matthew Moyer Transformative Principal 474Matthew Moyer is a Nationally Distinguished Principal, and Pennsylvania Principal of the Year. He is an elementary school principal with over 17 years of experience in administration, and over 23 years of experience in education. In addition to his job as principal, he is an Author, National Speaker, Adjunct Professor, and staff developer with Thom Stecher and Associates. Matt started his career as a 5th-grade teacher in the Spring-Ford Area School District. He earned a Masters degree and Principal’s certificate. He then spent 3 years as an assistant principal at Schuylkill Valley Elementary School in Leesport, Pennsylvania. From there he moved to h...
2022-03-2722 minSEL Convergence30: Six Gears of Learning and Leadership with Julia SkolnikJulia Skolnik is fireside once again to speak with Thom about the essential components of learning and leadership.
Julia Skolnik
https://www.learningpartnerships.org/
2022-03-0445 minSEL in EDU001: Creating a School Community of Joy with Craig MartinEPISODE 001 HIGHLIGHTS:Finding your people, your “Avenger Squad”Creating a school community of joy, respect, and regard that celebrates the many identities and diversities of staff, young people, and familiesLeading and learning with compassion - for self and othersEPISODE 001 RESOURCES:Follow Craig Martin: LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, WebsiteASCD - Emerging Leaders ProgramThom Stecher - Levels of RelationshipsBrené Brown - Lessons on Trust, Braving, and VulnerabilityBrené Brown - Braving video
2022-01-0728 minSEL Convergence29: The Gratitude GirlsSo many guests! This time around Thom gets a chance to talk to a school team that is making SEL work in the real world!
2022-01-0732 minSEL Convergence28: Polarization with Geena FloresGeena Flores is back again to explain the polarizing forces present in our society and how bridges can be built to meet on common ground.
2021-12-2438 min
2021-12-2020 min2021-12-2008 min2021-12-2005 min2021-12-2008 min2021-12-2007 min2021-12-2009 min2021-12-2006 min2021-12-2008 min2021-12-2004 min2021-12-2002 min2021-12-2006 min2021-12-2005 min2021-12-2003 min2021-12-2006 min2021-12-2005 min2021-12-2007 min2021-12-2007 min2021-12-2005 min2021-12-2007 min2021-12-2006 min2021-12-2004 min2021-12-2005 min2021-12-2009 min2021-12-2006 min2021-12-2005 min2021-12-2010 min2021-12-2006 minSEL Convergence27: The Convergence of Trauma with Geena FloresGeena Flores, Social Studies teacher, joins Thom to talk about the trauma that exists inside our students and the very real historical roots of that trauma.
2021-12-1748 minSEL Convergence26: Impacting Your Practice Using Neuroscience with Julia Skolnik and Dave BaughHow can we leverage what we know about how to brain works to impact teaching and learning? Listen to find out!
Thom Stecher
www.thomstecher.com
thom@thomstecher.com
Julia Skolnik
https://www.learningpartnerships.org
jskolnik@learningpartnerships.org
Dave Baugh
LinkedIn
2021-12-1346 minSEL Convergence25: Dignity, Ethics, and Integrity with Dr. Jim ScanlonIn this episode, Thom sits down with Jim Scanlon, educational leadership consultant and retired superintendent of schools, to discuss the impact of current events on schools, educators, and children.
2021-11-2239 minEpiphany of the HeartEpiphany of the Heart IntroductionThom describes the impetus for Epiphany of the Heart and what you can expect from the book.
2021-11-0706 minSEL Convergence24: Essential Services with Pamela HackettThom sits down with Pamela Hackett, managing partner of Pediatric Therapeutic Services, to discuss essential services for educators and students.
Pamela Hackett, MPT
Pediatric Therapeutic Services, Inc.
525 FAYETTE STREET
CONSHOHOCKEN, PA 19428
610.941.7020 Main
610-941-7792 Fax
www.mypts.com
2021-07-3036 minSEL Convergence23: Insights from Brain Science for Education with Julia SkolnikJulia Skolnik, Chief Learning Officer and Founder of Professional Learning Partnerships, joins Thom in this episode to discuss of learning works in the brain and how schools can transform learning and culture rooted in the science of the brain and learning.
Julia Skolnik, MSEd
Chief Learning Officer & Founder
Professional Learning Partnerships LLC
jskolnik@learningpartnerships.org
(267) 691-1610
Twitter: @Julia_Skolnik
LinkedIn
www.learninpartnerships.org
2021-07-1654 minSEL Convergence22: Enneagram with Dennis TallonIn this episode, Dennis Tallon pulls up a chair to discuss Enneagram personality types and how essential relationships are in everything that we do.
Dennis J. Tallon, Owner/Founder of Tallon Consulting Group
www.tallonconsultinggroup.com
2021-07-0248 minSEL Convergence21: Fueling Schools with Dr. Kelley MungerPull up a chair and sit by the fire as Thom talks with Dr. Kelley Munger about developing resilient, trauma-informed educators.
Please excuse the audio quality. We are recording remotely and we think that the quality of the conversation is worth the sacrifice of audio quality. Thank you for listening!
Dr. Kelley Munger
www.fueledschools.org
Instagram/Twitter: @fueledschools
2021-05-2839 minSEL Convergence20: Linking STEM to Careers with Dale KeshishianJoin us fireside for a discussion with Dale Keshishian. Dale is the CEO of HealthWorks Academies and is transforming education to attract and develop the next generation of healthcare professionals; combining the goals and needs of both the individual student and the community at large.
To learn more about HealthWorks Academies you can visit their website at www.healthworksacademies.org or contact Dale.
Dale Keshishian
dkesh@healthworksacademies.org
2021-05-1544 minSEL Convergence19: Visioning Onward with Dr. PatschkeDr. Melissa Patschke, co-author of "Visioning Onward: A Guide for ALL Schools", joins us for a conversation about visioning in schools and the important role that all stakeholders have in the process.
If you'd like to check out the book for yourself, you can find it here:
Amazon
Dr. Melissa Patschke
Twitter: @Melissapatschke
2021-03-3143 min
Transformative PrincipalFractured Flower Pot with Matthew Moyer Transformative Principal 374Matthew Moyer Website is an elementary school principal with over 17 years of experience in administration, and over 23 years of experience in education. In addition to his job as principal, he is a Nationally Distinguished Principal, Pennsylvania Principal of the Year, Author, National Speaker, Adjunct Professor, and staff developer with Thom Stecher and Associates. The adventures of David and Donald: The Fractured flower pot Building relationships during the pandemic Relationships are at the cornerstone of what principals need to do. Posting daily on social media to connect with families. Popup principal. Postcards are a great way to connect. Impact p...
2020-12-3126 minSEL Convergence18: Diversity & Equity: Part 3Part 3 is here! Thom's conversation with Krista Leh (Educational Consultant specializing in SEL, Diversity & Equity) and Jamillah Parker (School social worker) on diversity and equity moves towards the idea of systemic change. This is the third episode in a multi-part series.
This was recorded remotely so please forgive any sound hiccups you may hear.
2020-09-0856 min
The CharacterStrong PodcastHelping Students Learn SEL Thru Story - Matthew MoyerMatthew Moyer is an elementary school principal with over 17 years of experience in administration, and over 23 years of experience in education. In addition to his job as principal, he is a Nationally Distinguished Principal, Pennsylvania Principal of the Year, Author, National Speaker, Adjunct Professor, and staff developer with Thom Stecher and Associates. Matt started his career as a 5th-grade teacher in the Spring-Ford Area School District. He earned a Masters degree and Principal's certificate. He then spent 3 years as an assistant principal at Schuylkill Valley Elementary School in Leesport, Pennsylvania. From there he moved to his current...
2020-09-0309 minSEL Convergence17: Diversity & Equity: Part 2We are back for part 2! Thom continues his conversation with Krista Leh (Educational Consultant specializing in SEL, Diversity & Equity) and Jamillah Parker (School social worker) on diversity and equity. This is the second episode in a multi-part series.
Krista Leh
@Krista_Leh
Jamillah Parker
@Jamillah_Parker
SEL Convergence is honored to have been included in Feedspot's Top 10 Social Emotional Learning Podcasts. Check out the list!
2020-08-0839 minSEL Convergence16: Diversity & Equity: Part 1In this episode, Thom connects virtually with Krista Leh (Educational Consultant specializing in SEL, Diversity & Equity) and Jamillah Parker (School social worker) to begin a conversation on diversity and equity. This is the first episode in a multi-part series.
Krista Leh
@Krista_Leh
Jamillah Parker
@Jamillah_Parker
2020-07-2148 minSEL Convergence15: The Center of WellnessIn this episode, Mike Quintans joins us fireside to discuss the intricacies of physical wellness and how our physical wellbeing is connected to the rest of what makes us human.
SEL Convergence is honored to have been included in Feedspot's Top 10 Social Emotional Learning Podcasts. Check out the list!
2020-04-1040 minSEL Convergence14: Spring-Ford is UnitedIn this episode, Thom and Mike travel to Spring-Ford High School to meet with the teachers and students who are living SEL every day in their school community. Thom takes us through the process of this amazingly successful program.
2020-03-0444 minSEL Convergence13: Can I go to the nurse?Thom brings Becky Kilfoy, School Nurse, and Sarah Weber, School Counselor, into the studio to talk about their unique and powerful collaboration at West Vincent Elementary School.
Becky Kilfoy
Twitter: @NurseKilfoy
Blog: https://rkilfoy.wixsite.com/website
Sarah Weber
Email: sarahweber@ojrsd.net
2020-02-0934 minSEL Convergence12: MindfulnessIn this episode, Thom invites Brian Aikens of Insight Minds into the studio to discuss the role that mindfulness can and should play for educators and their students.
Brian can be found:
Twitter: @Insight_Minds
Instagram: @insight_minds
Web: www.insightminds.com
2020-01-0337 minSEL Convergence11: The Unicorn Squad - An SEL TaleIn this episode, Thom invites a special guest into the studio to talk about how integrating SEL has reshaped her classroom.
2019-09-0237 minSEL Convergence10: What is LifeSkills?Thom and Mike take the show on the road in this episode! Recorded at the LifeSkills Conference in Elizabethtown, they sit down with two very invested staff members to talk about the impact of their work.
2019-08-1830 minSEL Convergence9: It's Just BusinessIn this episode of SEL Convergence we push into uncomfortable territory and address one of the most pervasive problems in the professional world.
"It's Just Business" is an attempt to remove emotion from a relationship.
2019-04-2228 minSEL Convergence8: Soft SkillsThere's no such thing as a soft skill, just a soft heart. A soft heart can't be supported by anything less than a strong foundation.
2019-04-1331 minSEL Convergence7: WellnessThom and Mike welcome Jessie McFarland into the studio to talk about the aspects of wellness that so many of us sacrifice while serving others. Remember, you can't pour from an empty cup.
2019-01-1541 minSEL Convergence6: GratitudeThis time we are digging deeper into the science of please and thank you. Gratitude is often given away to others, but we receive a lot in return.
2019-01-0817 minSEL Convergence5: KindnessKindness is survival. We are hardwired for it despite the social norms that we so often find ourselves trapped in.
2019-01-0117 minSEL Convergence4: EmpathyWhat is empathy? Is it just a buzzword or is it a reasarched and proven component of human success?
2018-12-2542 minSEL Convergence3: Classroom Community - Part 2In this two-part podcast, Thom and Mike take a detailed approach in explaining how a strong classroom community is founded and nurtured.
2018-12-1824 minSEL Convergence2: Classroom Community - Part 1In this two-part podcast, Thom and Mike take a detailed approach in explaining how a strong classroom community is founded and nurtured.
2018-12-1132 minSEL Convergence1: What is Social Emotional Learning?A first conversation with Thom Stecher about his foundations for Social Emotional Learning and it's importance in education.
2018-12-0427 min