Dr. Nakia Simmons Cotton-Smith

Edufaith Essentials Educational Podcast

Education EN ↓ 42 episodes

Edufaith Essentials is an educational podcast dedicated to providing essential tips and knowledge about diverse learners: students with disabilities, Section 504, ESOL, MTSS/Response to Interventions, teaching, leadership, and current information. Edufaith Essentials' mission is to bring awareness, tips, and information to impact and promote inclusion in education positively. Edufaith Essentials aims to Restore Faith in Education, One Student at a Time.

Author

Dr. Nakia Simmons Cotton-Smith

Category

Education

Latest episode

May 3, 2026

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Episodes

May in Review: CEC 2026 and the Power of Strategic Leadership 03.05.2026

Send us Fan Mail May in Review: CEC 2026 and the Power of Strategic Leadership The May episode of the Edufaith Essentials Podcast is here, and this month we are celebrating courage, leadership, advocacy, and the power of inclusive education! Join Dr. Nakia for May in Review: CEC 2026 and the Power of Strategic Leadership as she reflects on unforgettable moments from the 2026 Council for Exceptiona...

Action in April: Building Change Through Leadership, Sustainability, and Service 03.04.2026

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to the April episode of the Edufaith Essentials Podcast, Action in April: Building Change Through Leadership, Sustainability, and Service. This episode is designed for parents, educators, school leaders, advocates, and education professionals who care about inclusive education, special education, educational leadership, disability advocacy, sustainability, and equitable st...

Get Essential: Marching Forward with MTSS 03.03.2026

Send us Fan Mail Edufaith Essentials Podcast | March 2026 Episode March is a month of movement, momentum, and meaningful leadership. In this episode of the Edufaith Essentials Podcast, Dr. Nakia breaks down the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) with clarity, strategy, and actionable insight for parents, educators, and school leaders. If you’ve ever wondered whether MTSS is being implemented c...

Behind the Behavior: The Role of the Behavior Support Specialist 02.02.2026

Send us Fan Mail This February, we’re diving Behind the Behavior with a powerful and timely conversation on inclusion, advocacy, and behavioral support. Join us as we welcome Dr. Melvin Middleton Jr. , Behavioral Interventionist, author, and educational consultant, for an episode designed to inform, inspire, and equip educators, families, and leaders supporting individuals with disabilities. From...

Happy New Year. New Norms. Reset. Reboot & Refocus in 2026 05.01.2026

Send us Fan Mail Happy New Year!!! Kick off 2026 with purpose, possibility, and impact on the Edufaith Essentials Podcast —where inspiration meets essential knowledge for parents, educators, and school leaders.  1:33 🎙️ Edufaith Inspirational Story – January Feature   We’re kicking off the year with an inspiring highlight from the Special Needs Christmas Formal, where everyone celebrates through d...

Closing Out 2025: A December Deep Dive 05.12.2025

Send us Fan Mail Get ready for a meaningful, empowering, and joy-filled December episode of Edufaith Essentials—your monthly source for inspiration, advocacy, and essential knowledge for educators, families, and leaders committed to inclusion. ✨ 1:46 — Edufaith Inspirational Message: “Spreading Holiday Hope: Sensory Santa Brings Joy to Children With Autism.” We begin with a powerful story of hope...

Noteworthy November: Thankful for the Village the School Psychologist 05.11.2025

Send us Fan Mail Thankful for the Village on the November Edufaith Essentials Podcast. November is a month of gratitude, connection, and collaboration at Edufaith Educational Services! As we move into this season of thankfulness, we celebrate the collective effort that helps every child thrive.   1:56 Edufaith Inspirational Story: This month, we are spotlighting a vibrant Atlanta institution where...

Overcoming Obstacles in October 02.10.2025

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to the October edition of Edufaith Essentials!  🌟 Inspirational Story 1:24 This month, we celebrate Angel Paez , who was born blind but found his gift in music. With no formal training, he mastered six instruments by ear—proving that passion and perseverance can turn obstacles into opportunities.  📅 Dates to Celebrate 3:13 October brings important observances: Hispanic H...

Success in September – Parent-School Partnerships, It Takes a Village 06.09.2025

Send us Fan Mail The September episode of the Edufaith Essentials Podcast is LIVE, and you don’t want to miss it! This month, we’re celebrating change, culture, and community while tackling some of the most pressing issues in education today.  1:28 Inspirational Story: Hear the inspirational story of a teenage inventor who designed the Move-D Brace —a true reminder that young people can lead the w...

Raising Kids That Succeed 01.08.2025

Send us Fan Mail We’re kicking off a powerful new season of the Edufaith Essentials Podcast —just in time for Back to School !    Inspirational Story : In our "Reading with Heart" segment, we celebrate a passionate educator who is empowering his students by teaching them the Braille alphabet. This approach enables them to read not just with their fingers but with their hearts, embodying...

Momentum in May: Inclusion, Innovation, and Impact 03.05.2025

Send us Fan Mail This month on the Edufaith Essentials Educational Podcast, we're diving into May with a bang! Join us for a two-in-one episode filled with powerful stories, exciting updates, and expert insights to uplift and empower educators, leaders, and families as we conclude Season Three! 🌟 Edufaith Inspirational Story Spotlight: 1:25 Prepare to be inspired as we spotlight the amazing...

Flourishing in April: Celebrating Inclusion, Awareness, and Advocacy! 01.04.2025

Send us Fan Mail 🌸 April Showers Bring May Flowers – and We’re Thriving on the Edufaith Podcast! Get ready to join me for the April episode! This month, we’re delving into the themes of resilience, leadership, and the profound impact of inclusive education.  🎉Edufaith Inspiration Spotlight:  1:20 Let’s celebrate the fantastic winners of the 2025 Council for Exceptional Children’s Yes I Can Award...

Stronger Together: Supporting Siblings of Exceptional Learners 28.02.2025

Send us Fan Mail Get Ready for an Inspiring March Episode of the Edufaith Essentials Podcast!** This month, we’re thrilled to present an episode brimming with inspiration and invaluable insights that you simply can’t afford to miss! Here’s a sneak peek of what’s coming your way: ✨1:034 Edufaith Inspirational Story– From Vision to Voice: Prepare to be inspired as we share the remarkable journey of...

Exploring the Science of Reading 01.02.2025

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Nakia is showing you some love by inviting you to the February Episode of the Edufaith Essentials Educational Podcast. 1:29 For our inspirational story, we will spotlight and celebrate the 50th anniversary of an inclusive organization thriving in the community. 4:33 We will recognize those inclusive dates celebrating love, Black History, and other extraordinary achievements in...

Sensory Friendly Learning Environments 01.01.2025

Send us Fan Mail Happy New Year! Let’s start 2025 off right by joining me for the latest Edufaith Essentials Educational Podcast episode.  1:36 For our inspirational story, I will highlight superheroes among us with an organization geared to bring out the superpowers within children. 3:21 Dates to Remember, including MLK Day and the Chinese New Year. 4:27 For Essential News, we will highlight info...

December Deep Dive 2024 Year of Inclusion 11.12.2024

Send us Fan Mail Happy Holidays! You are invited to join me for a December Deepdive episode of Edufaith Essentials! For the Inspirational story, we highlight an inclusive movie in time for the holidays. I will bring you the latest updates from the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) and the U.S. Department of Education for Essential News. For Essential Knowledge, I will review the top 10 u...

Neurodivergent November: Insights for Supporting Unique Minds 01.11.2024

Send us Fan Mail Tune in for an inspiring and information-packed episode this November featuring: 1:00 Edufaith Inspirational Story: Spotlight on Happy Bakery, a community-focused bakery spreading joy and inclusion. 3:50 Inclusive Dates: Recognizing special dates throughout November that celebrate diversity and inclusion. 7:21 Essential News: Updates from the U.S. Department of Education, includin...

Combating Stress and Depression in Education 06.10.2024

Send us Fan Mail Join us for the October episode of Edufaith Essentials Podcast with Dr. Nakia! This month’s inspirational story highlights inclusive fall festivals and community events that unite everyone. In essential news, stay updated on Edufaith’s latest presentations, events, and resources from the Office of Special Education Programs. For essential knowledge, we welcome guest Dr. Missy Mars...

Back to School Diverse Learner Tips 01.09.2024

Send us Fan Mail Join us for the Season 3 premiere of the Edufaith Essentials Podcast with Dr. Nakia as we kick off the Back-to-School 2024 season with an inspiring and informative episode.  1:15 What is Edufaith? Resources and Supports 3:51 Edufaith Inspirational Story: Spotlights the incredible work of some Metro-Atlanta Hospital Homebound Teachers, Teachers with dedication and compassion.  7:56...

Mental Health Supports: A Call to Action 01.06.2024

Send us Fan Mail Join Dr. Nakia for a critical episode of the Edufaith Essentials Podcast: The Edufaith Inspirational Story recognizes the 12 inspiring students awarded the 2024 Council for Exceptional Children The Yes I Can Awards Winners. Essential News shares the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) May newsletter that highlights Mental Health Month. The newsletter provides:    Positive...

Essential Tips for Leaders and Coordinators 2024 CEC Recap 01.05.2024

Send us Fan Mail It's all about the 2024 Council for Exceptional Children's Conference in San Antonio! Join Dr. Nakia for an knowledge building episode on the latest episode of the Edufaith Essentials Podcast. For the inspirational story, I will share a heartwarming animated series that promotes inclusion, acceptance, and understanding for both kids and adults. Essential News brings insi...

Visual, Deaf/Hard of Hearing and Orthopedic Programs 02.04.2024

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Nakia here, inviting you on a journey of empowerment and knowledge! Our latest episode delves into an inspirational story about an exceptional homecoming queen.  News: Stay updated with the latest news from the US Department of Education's Office of Special Education. We bring you essential updates and insights that matter.  For Essential Knowledge, we will have a special...

Teacher Burnout: Educator's Dirty Little Secret 29.02.2024

Send us Fan Mail Join us on the latest episode of the Edufaith Essentials Podcast! This episode is dedicated to our hardworking educators and is a great listen for parents and leaders! Edufaith Inspirational Story: In this inspiring episode, we delve into a heartwarming "Night to Shine," a special prom for special individuals that will leave you uplifted and inspired. Essential News Segm...

New Year, New Goals for Parents 2024 31.01.2024

Send us Fan Mail Parents let’s set some intentions and goals in 2024 for our children with the latest Edufaith Essentials episode! New Year means new goals as we intentionally strive to become better. Join me as we explore groundbreaking insights and empowering strategies that support goals to support parents of students with disabilities and diverse learners. The Inspirational Story is "High...

New Year, New Goals for Educators and Leaders 2024 31.01.2024

Send us Fan Mail Educators and Leaders let’s set some intentions and goal setting in 2024 with the latest Edufaith Essentials episode! New Year mean new goals as we continue to grow and strive to become better. Join me as we explore groundbreaking insights and empowering strategies that support goals to support educators and leaders empower students with disabilities and diverse learners. The Insp...

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