Ed Soul

What if play isn’t a break from learning and work, but an essential part of both? In this episode, Mia Sundstrom and Tina Boe join us to explore the science of play and its importance throughout our lives, from our youngest learners to adulthood. The conversation considers different forms of play, play nourishment and deprivation, and ways educators can create space for unstructured, physical, and...

Pathways After High School with The Center for Rural Development Policy Guests: Julie Tesch, Marnie Werner, Kelly Asche Show Summary: This episode features the Center for Rural Policy and Development as they explore what shapes young people’s paths into postsecondary education and the workforce. Drawing on statewide research, they discuss regional trends, academic preparation, and the role career...

Guests: Northland Community Schools Principal: Jenessa Green and Verndale Public School District Instructional Coach and Speech Language Pathologist: Matthew Parker. Show Summary: In this episode, principal Jenessa Green and instructional coach Matthew Parker share about what “modern instruction” looks like in everyday practice. They explore how schools build a foundation of safety, support, and c...

Ed Soul is celebrating it’s 100th episode with soulmate favorites Jacki Brickman, Dr. Nathan Elliott, and Lisa Worden. Each reflects on some of the most downloaded and impactful conversations from the past four years. Together, they revisit timeless themes like belonging, behavior, and mental health in schools—exploring what still resonates today and what we must continue to prioritize moving forw...

In this episode, we hear from a variety of perspectives connected to student events; a superintendent, student voice, and Sourcewell Student Events Specialist.  Together, they explore how these opportunities give students voice, agency, leadership experience, and access to memorable learning moments that can shape their school experience.  The conversation highlights why student events are worth t...

Guests: Pillager Staff members: Wendy Hall, Stacey Germundson, Wade Mortenson Show Summary: In this episode, Leaders from Pillager School District explore what it means to intentionally set students up for success during the transition from elementary to middle level. Together, they discuss the importance of connection and relationship building between grade levels, the role of mentorship and stud...

What if the future of education isn't found in a program, a policy, or the latest educational trend? What if it's found in the people we already know—and the connections between us? This season on Ed Soul, we will continue to bring you practical, research-based strategies you can use in your classroom, just like we always have. And this year, we're expanding the conversation beyond...

This episode kicks off Season 6 of Ed Soul with a focus on setting adults up for success in school systems.  Learn from school principals from Pierz and Walker Hackensack Akeley to explore practical, transferable strategies for supporting educators through intentional teacher onboarding, sustained instructional practices, and thoughtful adult-facing systems.  Together, the conversation highlights...

In this episode, Christian Jackson, CEO of Edapt.com, joins Ed Soul to explore what it really takes to make AI work for every classroom. Together, we dig into the opportunities and inequities that come with emerging technology, from  educator readiness and confidence to student access and responsible use. Christian shares practical examples of how AI can support creativity and critical thinking wi...

Hey, Ed Soul listeners! Did you know your Ed Soul listening time can now count toward professional learning? You can now earn continuing education credits (CEUs) by listening to select Ed Soul episodes. It’s flexible, honors your time, and gives you another meaningful way to grow in your practice while learning on the go. Here’s how it works: Visit the Ed Soul page on the Sourcewell website to fin...

  In this episode of Ed Soul, we hear from educator, author, and speaker Jack Berckemeyer to explore the unique world of middle school learners and the realities of “managing the madness” in today’s classrooms. Jack shares insights from his work on young adolescence, classroom management, and the evolving characteristics of learners, offering practical encouragement for educators navigating the mi...

Show Summary:   In this episode of Ed Soul , child and adolescent clinical psychologist, author, and professional bravery coach Dr. Kathryn Hecht shares about anxiety data in the classroom and what it means for educators and school leaders. Dr. Hecht discusses how adults can take the first step by creating brave, confidence-building opportunities for students and modeling calm, steady regulation t...

In this episode, we sit down with Sourcewell Educator Summit keynote speaker Thomas C. Murray to explore what it really means to keep learning personal, authentic, and rooted in strong relationships. Thomas shares practical ways to move from believing in student-centered learning to applying it through intentional design of experiences, spaces, and school culture. We also dig into what “Future Rea...

In this episode, we talk with social studies leaders Sung Ja Shin (Minnesota Humanities Center) and Brittany Rawson Haeg (Minnesota Department of Education) about the key shifts in Minnesota’s updated social studies standards and the broader review/revision process behind them. We dig into what’s meaningfully different in this set of standards, when they go into effect, and what K–12 educators can...

In this episode, keynote speaker and author John Garrett explores what it means to challenge “traditional professionalism” and create workplaces where people can bring more of their full selves to work. We discuss the core ideas behind his award-winning book What’s Your And? and what choosing humanity, passion, and purpose can look like in schools for teachers, staff, and leaders. John shares prac...

This episode of Ed Soul, is the third and final episode in our Career and College Readiness series. Hear from awardwinning educator Randy Thompson and his students as they share what academic and career planning looks like in practice. The conversation explores how a CCR approach feels different for both teachers and students, how it impacts students’ readiness for life after high school, and how...

In this episode of Ed Soul, we continue our Career and College Readiness series by exploring the vital role of partnerships between PreK–12 schools, higher education, and industry. Dr. Norman from Central Lakes College and Kathy Cottew from Essentia Health share insights on what effective school–partner collaborations look like and how these relationships can be mutually beneficial. The conversati...

In this episode of Ed Soul, we kick off a three-part Career and College Readiness series with administrative leader, Principal Amie Westberg, and Sourcewell Director of Career and College Readiness, Dr. Maggie Velasco, exploring what it truly means to lead career-connected learning from a systems-level perspective. Amie Westberg unpacks key CCR terminology, including work-based learning and CTSOs,...

This episode dives into modern, student-centered grammar instruction with author and grammarian Patty McGee. The conversation explores what it truly means to study grammar versus simply identifying it. We highlight insights from her new book Not Your Granny’s Grammar, and unpack myths tied to traditional “granny grammar.”   Resources and ideas from this episode: Amazon.com: Not Your Granny’s Gramm...

This episode of Ed Soul explores what it truly means to build data and assessment literacy alongside COMPASS specialists Erin Potter and Jessica Rice. Together, they unpack the similarities and differences between data and assessment, clarify common misconceptions, and break down the wide range of data educators encounter—from statewide metrics to classroom observations. They also dive into assess...

 This episode of Ed Soul explores what truly shapes a positive school culture and climate with COMPASS specialist Megan Perry. Together, we unpack the differences between climate and culture, what healthy staff experiences look like, and how those internal conditions connect to student success. Megan also highlights the conditions that help students, families, and communities feel valued—and offer...

This episode explores the growing presence and importance of multilingual students and families in schools. We clarify key distinctions, address common misconceptions, and share up to date terminology for best supporting our multilingual learners. The conversation covers identification, the responsibilities for providing support, and strategies for schools with limited resources, emphasizing the i...

This episode features specialists Jodi Altringer, Kayla Awolope, and Amy Krueger, who discuss the partnership between general and special education teachers in early childhood and primary years. The conversation explores early intervention and strategies for supporting all students. Guests share personal motivations, favorite success stories, and insights on what they wish colleagues understood ab...

This episode explores the partnership between high school general education and special education teachers, featuring insights from Anjanette Kraus and Stacey Jurek. The discussion highlights the co-teaching model, debunks common myths, and emphasizes how collaboration benefits all students, especially through inclusive practices and tier 1 strategies within the MTSS framework. The guests share pe...

This episode explores how educators can effectively manage challenging student behaviors in general education classrooms by focusing on Tier 1 strategies and the importance of building authentic relationships. Lisa Worden discusses why simply telling teachers to “build a relationship” isn’t enough, emphasizing the need for self-awareness, understanding cultural identities, and recognizing behavior...