Resilient Schools

Recess is often thought of as an “extra” activity in the school day. Sometimes it’s even taken away from students as a punishment. In this episode recorded for De Facto Leaders , host Dr. Karen Dudek-Brannan talks to Elizabeth Cushing, CEO of Playworks, to understand why recess is actually an integral part of the school day. In fact, it can help students feel connected and reduce chronic absenteei...

In this episode, Jethro Jones hosts Erin Bailey, Vice President of Literacy Programs and Research at Reading is Fundamental, to discuss the importance of reading in children's development. They delve into how reading fosters connections, the impact of screen time on reading habits, and effective strategies for schools and families to encourage reading. The episode also touches on the role of AI in...

In this episode, host Jethro Jones interviews Barb Solish, the National Director of Innovation for the National Alliance on Mental Illness. They discuss the importance of mental health awareness, early intervention, and the impact of literacy in shaping children's futures. Barb shares insights into the Macy's and NAMI partnership, the importance of building strong connections through reading and o...

In this episode, Jethro Jones introduces a special conversation between Dr. Erin Bailey, Vice President of Literacy Programs and Research at Reading is Fundamental, and Barb Solish, the NAMI National Director of Innovation. They discuss the partnership between Reading is Fundamental (RIF) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), supported by Macy's, to provide books and mental health re...

In this episode, host Jethro Jones welcomes Amber Dembowski, creator of the Teacher Well app, to talk about teacher wellness. They discuss the importance of self-care for educators, the challenges teachers face, and how the Teacher Well app provides tools and resources to help teachers manage their wellbeing. Amber shares insights on mental fitness, recovery time, and how the app fosters support a...

In this episode, host Jethro Jones interviews Dr. Leslie Anway, the Director of Resilient Schools for the Pima County School Superintendent's Office. They discuss the nuances of creating safe learning environments, the importance of self-awareness and self-management in both students and staff, and the PRISM framework that Leslie developed to integrate proactive restorative practices in schools. S...

In this episode, Jethro Jones interviews Alison Smith, an author, speaker, and coach dedicated to empowering leaders to build unshakeable resilience. Alison shares insights on how to foster deep-rooted confidence and create meaningful impact by aligning actions with core vision and values. The discussion dives into human-centered leadership, building trust, and defining success within schools. Ali...

In this episode of the Resilient Schools podcast, we introduce you to Dr. Trish Stoll, a transformative leader who played a pivotal role in the Mississippi Miracle—a remarkable effort to improve child literacy rates in the state. Dr. Stoll will share her insights on how to empower teachers, build their capacity for literacy instruction, and create a culture of learning where all students can thriv...

Welcome to our  National Literacy Month series of podcasts , presented in partnership between the Be Podcast Network and Reading Is Fundamental (RIF). In this episode, Jethro welcomes Dr. Karen Dudek-Brannan, host of the De Facto Leaders podcast. They discuss the role of related service providers in literacy, avoiding black-and-white thinking in educational interventions, and the multifaceted natu...

In this episode, Jethro Jones sits down with Jessica Taylor, the Trauma Informed Specialist at an alternative school in Nashville, Tennessee.  They discuss Jessica's role, her daily check-ins with students, the significance of building trust, and the impact of creating personal connections.  Jessica also shares her experiences at conferences and offers advice for those interested in trauma-informe...

In this episode, Jethro Jones talks with Dr. Chad Higgins, Executive Director of ESSDACK, during the Bridging to Resilience Conference.  They discuss the various initiatives of ESSDACK, particularly focusing on resilience and trauma-informed practices in education. They explore the importance of these initiatives, the challenges faced, and the potential for growth and impact in schools and communi...

In this episode, guest host Ross Romano speaks with education entrepreneur Priten Shah about teacher burnout, why it’s an important topic for resilient schools, and whether AI is currently making it better or worse.    Priten is the founder of Pedagogy. Cloud, an educational consulting firm that supports educators in K-12 schools, higher education, and the nonprofit sector adapt to the increasing...

In this episode of Resilient Schools, recorded at the Bridging to Resilience Conference, Jethro Jones speaks with Ivory Boyce from the Flint Hills Job Corps Center. Ivory shares her journey, education, and passion for helping students.  They discuss the range of services Job Corps offers to young adults, the importance of understanding individual backgrounds and needs, and insights gained from the...

In this episode, Jethro interviews Sydney Perkins, a kindergarten teacher. She shares her insights and experiences from attending the Bridging to Resilience Conference. She discusses the importance of social-emotional learning, personal well-being, and the significance of building strong relationships with students. Sydney emphasizes practical strategies like tapping, breathing exercises, and move...

In this episode, guest host Ross Romano talks with Jen Perry, Senior Manager of Learning Design and Whole Learner at Edmentum. Jen helps us identify the types and indicators of trauma present in many school districts, the causes of chronic absenteeism as well as the ongoing trends, the risk factors for disengagement, how to integrate educator and student engagement, and more. 00:00 Introduction 00...

In this episode of Resilient Schools, Jethro Jones speaks with Tammy Fellers at the Bridging to Resilience Conference. Tammy, a long-time team member of ESSDACK and a part of the Inspired Leadership team, discusses the essence of leadership coaching, balancing personal and professional lives, and the significance of conscious leadership. 00:00 Introduction 00:18 Tammy's Roles at ESSDACK 00:55 Coac...

In this episode of the Resilient Schools podcast, host Jethro Jones talks with Sarah Reade, a second-grade teacher attending the SDAC Bridging to Resilience Conference.  They discuss Sarah's journey into teaching, the importance of love and connection in the classroom, and how trauma-informed care is vital for student success.  Sarah shares personal insights about her approach to building relation...

In this episode of the Resilient Schools podcast, recorded live at the ESSDACK Bridging to Resilience Conference, we interview Hillary Barragan, a para educator at a trauma-informed center helping teens and adults obtain their high school diplomas.  Hillary discusses her journey to this role, the challenges of working with students who have experienced trauma, and the importance of maintaining her...

In this episode of the Resilient Schools Podcast, recorded live at the Bridging to Resilience conference in Wichita, Kansas, the Jethro interviews Jason Shelangouski, an experienced middle school teacher from Wamego Middle School, Kansas.  Jason shares insights into his 16-year teaching career, focusing on teaching 8th-grade language arts, creative writing, and leadership. He emphasizes the import...

This episode of the Resilient Schools podcast features a panel discussion from the Bridging to Resilience conference, focusing on the importance of trauma-informed leadership in educational settings.  Panelists share their personal definitions of being trauma-informed, emphasizing the significance of seeing individuals as humans first.  This conversation covers the necessity of empathy, vulnerabil...

In this episode of the Resilient Schools podcast, recorded live at the Bridging to Resilience Conference 2023, keynote speaker Stacy Nation discusses the importance of cultivating genuine connections in a digitally dominated world.  Stacy, a licensed clinical social worker with a rich background including serving in the Wyoming Army National Guard, emphasizes the need to teach children and teenage...

In this episode of the Resilient Schools Podcast, recorded live at the Bridging to Resilience Conference, we hear from Jackie Gilby, who shares her powerful story of overcoming adversity.  Jackie spent 17 years in foster care, experiencing adversity and being stuck in a cycle of poverty and street living. Despite these challenges, Jackie maintained a positive outlook on life, emphasizing the value...

In this episode, Jethro Jones is joined by Joshua Stamper, the Director of Innovation for the Teach Better Team. This conversation focuses on restorative practices in schools, aiming to correct common misunderstandings.  Stamper, leveraging his experiences as a former administrator and coach, emphasizes that restorative practices are not about leniency or avoiding consequences but rather about tea...