Schoolutions: Curious Educators. Evidence-Based Strategies. Classrooms Where Every Child Thrives.

When students shut down during climate conversations, the answer isn't more data; it's better storytelling. In this short from my S5E37 Schoolutions conversation, climate educator and author Xochitl Bentley explains why wrapping difficult facts in stories is the key to unlocking student engagement, authentic voice, and real civic action in your classroom. Whether you're focused on i...

What if the most powerful climate tool we have isn't a statistic, it's a story? In Part 1 of my S5E37  Schoolutions conversation, I sit down with teacher Xochitl Bentley to unpack how using six specific storytelling stances can effectively engage students with climate change issues. Xochitl emphasizes that stories can be a more powerful tool than statistics in fostering environmental edu...

In part 2 of my S5E36 ⁨ Schoolutions  conversation with Sabina Sethi Unni from @openplansnyc⁩ breaks down how urban redevelopment can truly impact a school community. Sabina shares specific strategies for urban design, like a co-created toolkit and a relational outreach approach, showing a before and after in community engagement. This architecture video highlights the Clarkson Street project, pro...

In this clip (watch here ), Sabina Sethi Unni from Open Plans defines a school street as a DOT program enabling schools to close adjacent streets to car traffic during school hours, enhancing school safety. This initiative, rooted in urban planning, can range from simple pick-up and drop-off closures to creating spaces for recess and gym. The aim is to improve road safety and overall student safet...

In Part 1 of this S5E36 two-part Schoolutions  conversation, urban planner and organizer Sabina Sethi Unni from @openplansnyc breaks down New York City's School Streets program. It's a DOT initiative that closes car traffic in front of schools during school hours to create outdoor space for kids who need it most. Consider the possibilities...what if the street outside your school could b...

This May, Schoolutions  is putting student voices front and center because real student success starts with listening. We spotlight how teachers can tune in to children's voices and experiences, including their streets, stories, leadership, and language. 👟 Sabina Sethi Unni opens the month with her powerful work through Open Plans NYC and the School Streets program. She is transforming unsaf...

In part two of my S5E35 ⁨ Schoolutions  conversation, science busker and communicator David Price with @ScienceMadeSimpleUK⁩ joins me to unpack what happens when you take STEM education to the streets. From crossing language barriers without a single word to designing classroom belonging through hands-on phenomena to building STEM kits for classrooms where balloons are a luxury, this episode is pa...

In this short (watch here ), David Price of @ScienceMadeSimpleUK and I explore science busking: a joyful, hands-on approach to inspiring students through playful phenomena in education. Watch as proprioception (your brain's ability to sense where your body parts are in space) becomes an unforgettable lesson hook. This is what effective teaching looks like: low-prep, high-impact, and rooted in...

In part 1 of my S5E35 Schoolutions  conversation, science busker and LAMDA-trained communicator, David Price of @ScienceMadeSimpleUK , takes us inside a live street performance, and YOU get to participate. We explore proprioception, the body science behind the busk you'll try in this episode, as a metaphor for how hands-on, student participation, and whole-child learning can transform classro...

In part two of my S5E34 Schoolutions conversation, Muriel Summers of Leader in Me explores the balance in education and parenting between fostering student independence and providing necessary guidance, drawing from Muriel's extensive teaching experience. Discover practical classroom strategies and teaching tips for educators aiming to cultivate confident, self-directed learners. What does it...

In this short, Muriel Summers and I explore the concept of empowerment, drawing insights from Stephen Covey's 7 Habits and the Leader in Me framework. We discuss how true leadership involves recognizing and unleashing the inherent greatness within individuals, fostering significant personal growth. This perspective highlights the importance of cultivating success habits and continuous self-im...

In part one of my S5E34 Schoolutions conversation, Muriel Summers of Leader in Me offers life advice and highlights the significant impact of entrusting children with real responsibility. This practice is a powerful, yet often underestimated, tool in child development. Summers, with extensive experience, offers valuable teaching and parenting tips, encouraging a positive parenting approach that fo...

In part two of my S5E33 Schoolutions   conversation, Colleen O'Brien, Ed. D., reveals what decades of research and classroom teaching experience taught her: the gap between civic knowledge and civic participation isn't apathy, it's confidence. Colleen and I explore: 🔹 Why low engagement in civic life is really a confidence problem, not an apathy problem 🔹 What inclusive teaching a...

In this short, civics educator and doctoral researcher Colleen O'Brien, Ed. D., (Co-Director of Civics for Colorado ) shares how a recent Georgetown University survey highlights a crucial point: 90% of youth believe understanding the us government is important. This educational video explores how this strong interest in civics debunks the myth of student apathy. It's clear that fostering...

Part one of my S5E33 Schoolutions conversation, Colleen O'Brien, Ed. D., discusses the critical role of civic education in fostering informed citizens. She argues that providing students with real civic experiences, not just textbook definitions, can shift their engagement from passive observation to active participation.  Some Episode Mentions: Dr. Diana Owen, Georgetown University   Civic E...

In part two of my S5E32 Schoolutions conversation with Dr. Benjamin Freud of the Green School Bali , we explore how regeneration and regenerative agriculture principles can inform learning, emphasizing a more holistic view. This conversation is designed to cultivate fresh perspectives on adult learning and sustainable development in educational contexts. We cover: → The four S's of the Bird L...

This short with Benjamin Freud, Ph. D., of Green School Bali explores how the learning process is intrinsically linked to active participation. Benjamin highlights the profound connection between learning by doing and contributing to community building. Discover how a trajectory focused on community engagement shapes a meaningful learning journey. This isn't just a school in the jungle; it&ap...

In part one of my S5E32 Schoolutions conversation, Dr. Benjamin Freud , Head of Upper School at Green School Bali , challenges conventional beliefs about education. This conversation explores the philosophy of education, questioning whether traditional approaches truly foster learning. We discuss the future of education, focusing on sustainable living and environmental education as pathways to dee...

This month, Schoolutions  focuses on cultivating student confidence through insightful conversations. Dr. Benjamin Freud discusses the principles of regenerative agriculture, emphasizing that learning by doing is essential for true understanding. Following this, Colleen O'Brien, Ed. D., highlights the critical role of civic education in fostering informed citizens and strengthening democracy....

Part two of my Schoolutions  conversation with Superintendent Fabiola Bagula, Ph. D., details the San Diego Unified School District 's strategies for affordable housing and community building. Their initiative showcases a regional vision for urban planning that aims to tackle the housing crisis and drive social change. This discussion offers a glimpse into real estate and local news efforts t...

In this short, a visionary superintendent, Fabi Bagula, Ph. D. , breaks down a bold, innovative approach to teacher retention and the housing crisis: repurposing district-owned land to develop affordable housing for employees, complete with on-site daycare and trade apprenticeships for students entering the workforce. This is what school leadership done right looks like: tackling the real barriers...

In part one of my S5E31  Schoolutions conversation, Dr. Fabi Bagula , Superintendent of San Diego Unified School District , discusses her authentic approach to leadership and its impact on education. She shares insights into critical teacher retention issues and the innovative, affordable housing solutions her team is implementing in San Diego, California. Fabi's commitment to equity and scho...

Part 2 of my ⁨ Schoolutions  conversation with Tonya Quinn from The Kindness Art Education details how her Portrait Pals program uses art to address critical attendance management issues. The initiative fosters a powerful kindness movement, helping to alleviate stress relief among students by connecting them through shared experiences. This approach significantly contributes to improving kids ment...

In this short, we discuss creating and painting portraits by focusing on three key areas: shape, light and shadow, and spirit. Tonya Quinn outlines how to paint a face by observing and interpreting human features, emphasizing that even simple shapes like parentheses can represent them. This approach provides valuable painting tips and painting techniques for artists of all levels. By teaching stud...

Part 1 of my S5E30 Schoolutions conversation, Tonya Quinn from The Kindness Art Education shares her journey, emphasizing the role of visual art and art for kids in shaping worldviews. This conversation highlights how art classes for beginners can ignite creativity and provide healing, even far from home. Tonya illuminates how personal hardship has fostered her powerful kindness movement.  In this...