Classroom Matters

What can concerned parents and teachers do to ensure their children, of all ages, develop great learning habits which will help them achieve their maximum at school and in life? This is probably one of the most important questions any parent can ask and now John Hattie, one of the most respected and renowned Education researchers in the world draws on his globally famous Visible Learning research...

James Young, sixth-grade musical theatre teacher at Johnson-Wabash Sixth Grade Center, was named the 2022 Missouri Teacher of the Year. Young, a graduate of the UMSL College of Education, leads an innovative musical theater program, where students learn basic music theory concepts but also how to project self-confidence and be their best selves.  During our conversation we discuss  how being named...

On this episode of the Classroom Matters podcast, I sit down with Dr. Toby Travis, founder of TrustED and an experienced teacher and school administrator, currently serving as the Superintendent of the Village Christian Academy in Fayetteville, NC. Toby has a story of working in a highly dysfunctional and toxic school environments, and through the implementation of intentional action steps, organi...

On today’s episode I will be sitting down with Marsha Tuff. Marsha not only loves her family, dogs and butterflies, she also loves solving problems by coming up with her own designs. She’s a retired engineer, with degrees in mechanical, aerospace, and materials engineering, and enjoys developing experiments targeting girls to give them engaging experiences with science, engineering, and math. Beca...

On today’s episode I will be sitting down with author and math coach Dave Cole. Dave has done everything from designing missile guidance systems to teaching college computer science classes and teaching and coaching elementary school math teams.  One of the things Dave has learned throughout these experiences is the effective method of telling stories to help students understand difficult concepts...

J. Michael Hall is the founder of the fatherhood engagement program Strong Fathers Strong Families. Since 2003, this program has been implemented at schools throughout the United States and internationally, reaching over 225,000 dads and half a million kids. Michael is a father of two sons and the husband to a very successful middle school reading teacher. He is also a former special education tea...

Founder of Limitless Art, Marc Stein along with his two daughters Abigail and Rebecca have teamed up to form a creative movement, that everyone can participate in!  The trio produces colorful and inspiring prints that help to promote a positive mindset, goal setting and the ability to dream big. Limitless Art was started by Marc and his two daughters while trying to find motivational, happy, and p...

Cyndi Burnett has been teaching others how to be more creative for the last 20 years. In her role as the Director of Possibilities for Creativity and Education, her mission is to empower educators to infuse creative thinking into every classroom in the world. She has taught deliberate creative thinking at the college level for 20 years. Her on-line course, Ignite Your Everyday Creativity, reached...

Rowena List is the founder of Getting It Together, an organization that helps people “de-clutter” and “get it together” while keeping their sanity in the process.   Dubbed by her clients and friends alike as “the de-clutter queen”, she believes that being organized in all areas of life can help us to reach our goals, mitigate stress and be the best versions of ourselves. Whatever that means for ea...

On today’s episode I will be sitting down with author and teacher Erin Garcia. Erin is on a mission to make the world more inclusive and as the parent of an autistic child she can share misunderstandings and mistakes she encountered to help others navigate these unchartered waters. Erin has a gift of speaking the truth without outraging those who will need to change their beliefs and behaviors. Sh...

This is episode #72 of "Classroom Matters" by Educate. Today. We are a program dedicated to speaking with some of the most outstanding educators in the nation, covering different topics in the world of teaching and learning. On today’s episode I will be sitting down with Madonna Hanna, an award-winning educator, author, athlete, and inspirational speaker. She helps individuals of all age...

This is episode #71 of "Classroom Matters" by Educate. Today.   On this episode of Classroom Matters I will be sitting down with Kelly Ann Hopkins an author, librarian and teacher who spends her days as a high school educator where she challenges her students to read with abandon. Kelly is passionate about both writing and teaching which is evident in her most recent book "Buried Be...

On today’s episode I will be sitting down with Greg and Beth Langston the founders of College Flight Plan. Greg and Beth Langston have more than 20 years of experience working with students and young professionals to help them gain confidence by empowering them to use their strengths and values to set goals and develop individual plans for their lives. They truly understand how helpless parents ca...

On today’s episode I will be sitting down with Kim West, best-selling author and family therapist who has been lovingly titled “The Sleep Lady,” In her work as a family therapist and busy mom, Kim dreamed of a deep, restful sleep. While conventional wisdom promoted a cry-it-out approach to sleep training, Kim knew that was not her style. Over time, she gently helped her first daughter get to sleep...

On today’s episode I will be sitting down for a second time with Dr. Rick Chromey, the founder and president of MANNA! Educational Services International, a nonprofit organization that serves schools, churches, and other organizations with inspirational edu-trainment. He's penned over a dozen books on classroom management, leadership, and cultural analysis, including his most recent work &quo...

 Steven W. Anderson is a learner, blogger, speaker, educational evangelist, and Dad. As a former teacher and Director of Instructional Technology, he is highly sought after for his expertise in educational technology integration and using social media for learning. He regularly travels the country talking to schools and districts about the use of social media in the classroom and how they can bett...

On today’s episode I will be sitting down with Dr. Rick Chromey, the founder and president of MANNA! Educational Services International, a nonprofit organization that serves schools, churches, and other organizations with inspirational edu-trainment. He's penned over a dozen books on classroom management, leadership, and cultural analysis, including his most recent work "GenTech: An Amer...

On today’s episode I will be sitting down with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, a mental health trailblazer, founder of The Global Institute of Children’s Mental Health, and media expert who is, “changing the way we view and treat children’s mental health”.  Her work has helped thousands reverse the most challenging conditions: ADHD, anxiety, mood, Lyme, and PANS/PANDAS using PROVEN holistic therapies....

On today’s episode I will be sitting down with Danny Brassell, A former inner-city teacher and author who is on a mission to bring joy back into education and the workplace by transforming struggling and reluctant readers into more passionate and proficient readers. Danny teaches his audiences how to make reading a life-long habit and he trains leaders on how to communicate their messages through...

On today’s episode I will be sitting down with author and TED speaker Nathaniel Turner, a self-described “Humanity Propulsion Engineer.” Nate is the author of several books, including the children’s book series, “The Amazing World of STEM,” and his history-making book, “Raising Supaman.” As a zealous advocate that every person has an opportunity to maximize their human potential, Nate regularly sh...

This is episode #62 of "Classroom Matters" by Educate. Today.  We are a program dedicated to speaking with some of the most outstanding educators in the nation, covering different topics in the world of teaching and learning. On today’s episode I will be sitting down with Dr. Stephanie Ryan, a chemist,  boy mom, and a social media influencer who enjoys using her background to create supe...

This is episode #61 of "Classroom Matters" by Educate. Today.  We are a program dedicated to speaking with some of the most outstanding educators in the nation, covering different topics in the world of teaching and learning. On today’s episode I will be sitting down with author, career coach and innovative thinker, Holly Sharp as we discuss how to help kids discover career options and i...

Megan Sweet is an author and systems-thinker who has been in education for more than twenty-five years. She's been a teacher, school administrator, and school district leader.  Megan also has a Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership and her academic and professional interests rest mainly with how to create effective change in educational contexts. She's passionate about meditation, mi...

Children have been isolated at home for months, staring at screens, and parents are looking to summer camps as a critical opportunity for social interaction, physical activity and enriched learning. Getting kids moving and socializing are top priority as we move into the summer months. According to the 2021 Summer Camp Outlook by Blue print4SummerSTL, 82% of responding STL regional families plan t...

On today’s episode I will be sitting down with Suzanne DeMallie, who is not only a driving force in the world of educational change, but also a breath of fresh air for parents and educators across the globe.  Suzanne is a former math teacher, advocate for auditory reform and the author of the book Can You Hear Me Now?   where she exposes the unsettling reality of our classrooms with a brutally hon...