Educating All Learners Alliance

In this episode EALA talks with Laurie Gagnon, the Program Director of CompetencyWorks at The Aurora Institute, about how this national nonprofit organization is working to ensure that every learner has access to an engaging, empowering, and future-focused education. Listen to hear how The Aurora Institute is driving the transformation of education systems through the advancement of breakthrough p...

Today we're joined by Travis Hardy, the Senior Director of Programs at Empatico, a non-profit organization focused on strengthening students' social-emotional learning and empathy through activities and virtual exchanges. In this episode, Travis talks to EALA about how Empatico's Empathy Framework helps students to connect with themselves, each other, and the world. To learn more about how Empatic...

Meet the EALA New Champions! In this episode, we're joined by Nekia Wright, owner and founder of Ujamaa LLC and a 2023 New Champion Runner Up. Listen in to learn how Ujamaa is working to bring equity, wellness, and inclusion to communities in California, Guatemala, and Zimbabwe. To learn more about Ujamaa and how they support families, teachers, and students with disabilities check out their websi...

Meet the EALA New Champions! In this episode, we're joined by Antoinette Banks, the CEO and Founder of Expert IEP and a 2023 New Champion Runner Up. Listen in to learn how Expert IEP was created and where this edtech tool is going next. To learn more about Expert IEP and how they are using research, design, and technology to support students who learn differently, check out their website at expert...

In this clip, hear one history teacher's strategy for getting to know how each student learns best and how she makes sure each student has access to what they need all year long. By starting each year with a survey this history teacher lets students tell her how they learn. Honoring those requests throughout the year is what works best for everyone. #ItWorkedForMeEALA Access the full podcast trans...

In this clip, hear how one teacher started making 'Focus Bottles' in response to a noticeable rise in anxiety and focus issues in her classroom. These lava lamp like creations are filled with liquid and glitter and offer learners a combination of visual stimulation and comfort during stressful times. #ItWorkedForMeEALA Access the full podcast transcript at bit.ly/MathAndGlitter

In this clip, hear from a middle school English teacher about her classroom filled with students who read at a variety of levels.  What works best for her when she is trying to spark that love of reading in each of them, is making sure that they have access to a wide variety of sometimes non-traditional books and graphic novels. #ItWorkedForMeEALA Access the full podcast transcript at bit.ly/ItWor...

In this episode, EALA is joined by Sarah K. Blodgett, the CEO and Founder of Noah Text. Listen in as we discuss how Noah Text provides text accessibility while helping individuals build overall reading skill.  Noah Text is an evidence-based tool, highly effective for struggling and striving readers, those with dyslexia, and English language learners.  To learn more about Noah Text, they’re free to...

Meet the 2023 New Champion! In this episode, EALA is joined by Kim Riley of the Transition Academy to talk about how she's helping to support youth with disabilities in the college and career-planning process. Listen in to hear about the transformative work Kim is doing, and to hear what's next for EALA's New Champion. To learn more about The Transition Academy and their mission to make economic i...

In this clip, hear a Special Education Director stress the importance of communication and collaboration between teachers and parents when the education of a student with learning differences is at task. #ItWorkedForMeEALA Find the full transcript at https://bit.ly/ParentCollaboration

In this episode, EALA is joined by Jill Moses, the founding CEO of the Inspired Community Project. TICP is an innovative applied research organization focused on bringing best practices in early intervention and workforce development to the Bronx, NY. Listen in as we discuss the three core focuses of her work: Equity, Advocacy, and Empowerment. To learn more about how TICP is supporting the specia...

In this clip, hear how a Co-Taught AP Computer Science class transformed the learning experience for a student with severe dyslexia and her teacher. #ItWorkedForMeEALA Access the full podcast transcript at bit.ly/ItWorkedForMeComputerScience    

In this podcast episode, join Tyler Behnke as he engages in an enlightening conversation with Devin Vodicka, CEO of Learner Centered Collaborative. Discover the transformative power of learner-centered education and the importance of listening to students to create meaningful learning experiences that cater to individual strengths, leading to higher levels of engagement and achievement for all lea...

Today we are joined by Jenny Chien, and Elizabeth Weiser from Casita Elementary School in Vista, California. In this episode, Casita’s administrative team sheds light on one of the School Study Tour participants’ favorite takeaways by discussing how to leverage strengths to develop systems of high quality teaching and learning with a positive spin.   To learn more about the EALA School Study Tours...

In this episode, we chat with Jonathan McCarty, the Director of Program Implementation in Louisiana at Blue Engine. In this engaging conversation, Jonathan shares insights into the key trends shaping education post-pandemic, highlighting the resilience of teachers and their innovative approaches to reaching students effectively.    To learn more about Blue Engine, visit blueengine.org . Access the...

In this episode, EALA is joined by Laurie Gagnon of the Aurora Institute in discussion on the importance of transforming education to center students' needs, embracing learner-centered approaches, and rethinking policies for future-focused learning. This conversation explores various examples of innovative practices and policy shifts aimed at creating equitable and personalized educational experie...

Join Marlon Styles, a passionate advocate for learner-centered education, as he discusses the transformative power of putting students at the center of the educational experience. In this thought-provoking podcast, Marlon shares insights from the Learner Center Collaborative, offering a unique approach to creating learner-centered micro networks that empower students to thrive and unleash their fu...

In this episode, EALA talks to Jessi Brunken & Tiffany Galloway of Blue Engine for a deeper dive into the topic of co-teaching. Listen in as we talk about the misconceptions around co-teaching, and how race, power, and privilege come into play in the world of Special Education.   To learn more about Blue Engine and their work to support effective co-teaching models, visit their website at blue...

"At the end of the day, the learning experience needs to be meaningful and be an appropriate stretch and an appropriate growth opportunity for each student."   In this educational podcast, join Mary Ryerse, managing director of XQ Institute, as she shares her insights and experiences in rethinking high school education. Discover the importance of equity, meaningful learning experiences, and the ne...

"Inclusion in a conventional setting, we like to say, is like an invitation to the party. In a learner-centered environment, it creates a condition where people don't need an invitation. They simply feel welcome to join into a community of human beings. And they can be their full 100% authentic selves when in their space."   Join Alin Bennett, Vice President of Practice and Field Advancement at Ed...

Today we are joined by Zakiya Sakor, the Executive Director of Kindred. Kindred is a non profit organization that facilitates brave spaces for community members to build the mindsets, skills, and collective energy needed to disrupt systemic oppression and create just, liberated schools. In this episode, Zakiya talks to EALA about the ways Kindred is helping to affirm student voices and allow them...

In this episode, EALA is joined by Ayan Kishore, the CEO of Benetech. Listen in as we discuss how Benetech's technology is being used to break down barriers to expand inclusive and equitable education opportunities for all learners.   To learn more about Benetech, and how they're helping over 1.5 million students, jobseekers, and adults to read, learn, and pursue their dreams, visit their website...

In this episode, Aurora from EALA talks with Jason B Allen, the National Organizing Director for the National Parents Union (NPU) about empowering and elevating the parent voice. Listen to learn more about the origins of this historical organization, as well as how current events are shaping the path of parent and caregiver advocacy.   To learn more about how this coalition of organizations is wor...

In this episode, EALA sits down with Suzanne Carlson, the District Coding Accelerator for BootUp PD, which is a nonprofit organization providing elementary computer science professional development. Tune in to hear how BootUp PD is working to empower elementary teachers and students through computer science and create equitable computer science programs in underrepresented and underserved communit...

Today we are joined by David Park, the Senior Vice President at Learning Heroes, an organization dedicated to empowering parents and families to become their children’s most effective education advocates. In this episode, David sheds light on his work at the EALA Community of Action and shares insights from his research on the role of caregivers and educators in promoting learning outcomes for kid...