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

In Part 2 of my Schoolutions  conversation, Dr. Kris Nystrom (founder of Reading the World Inc. ) connects the dots among global literacy rates, the world economy, and why what happens in a slum school in Nairobi has a profound economic impact. This discussion highlights the critical role of universal education in addressing poverty and fostering global awareness, underscoring the broader implicat...

What does a child's birthplace have to do with their right to learn? Everything. And Dr. Kris Nystrom is doing something about it. This clip explores the philosophical foundation of "reading the world," asserting that a child's place of birth should not dictate their access to education for all. It underscores the critical role of academic success in fostering social justice. T...

Part One of my S5E29 Schoolutions with Dr. Kris Nystrom highlights the critical need for education for all and how a dedicated "teacher" can drive education reform through direct action. It reframes our understanding of social justice in educational contexts and the profound impact of ensuring academic success globally. In Part 1 of this conversation, Kris shares: • How 10 years of globa...

In Part 2 of my  Schoolutions  conversation, Erin Patterson from SchoolHouse Connection returns to detail legislative wins for families experiencing homelessness, showcasing how advocacy works amid federal budget cuts.  In this episode, you'll learn: How $129 million in homeless education funding was zeroed out in the President's FY26 budget, and how SchoolHouse Connection got it restore...

This clip with Erin Patterson of SchoolHouse Connection explores the often-overlooked reality of childhood homelessness, particularly for families with children. We learn that many children experiencing homelessness are having to "double up" with others, making them part of the invisible people in our communities.  These real-life stories shed light on how economic inequality contributes...

In part 1 of this powerful S5E28 Schoolutions  conversation, Erin Patterson , Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives at SchoolHouse Connection , pulls back the curtain on what homelessness in America truly looks like for children experiencing it. This conversation reveals how often the reality of a family experiencing homelessness is hidden, challenging common perceptions about critical social i...

Welcome back to Part Two of my S5E27 Schoolutions  conversation. The dreaming is over, and it's time to move from empathy to action. Dr. Chris Hass and I get into the hard stuff: scripted curricula, skeptical parents, time constraints, and how to do this work even when the system feels like it's working against you. Dr. Hass shares what research actually looks like from kindergarten thro...

What does it really mean to be empathetic, and are we teaching kids the right kind? In this reel, Dr. Chris Hass breaks down the 3 Forms of Empathy every educator, parent, and school leader needs to understand and why most people stop at the first one. Whether you're focused on classroom belonging, student engagement, or building a stronger school culture, this short snip from our conversatio...

In Part One of our S5E27 Schoolutions  conversation, Dr. Chris Hass challenges our understanding of empathy, suggesting that simply feeling emotions might not lead to substantive change. This conversation delves into emotional intelligence, highlighting how moving beyond mere feelings to tangible actions is vital for social justice in childhood. Chris is an assistant professor at James Madison Uni...

This March, Schoolutions brings you 5 powerful conversations designed to inspire change in education, build hope, offer leadership skills, and transform how we show up for children, families, and communities. Whether you're an educator, school leader, or advocate, these discussions will meet you where you are. 🎙️ Here's what's coming this March: ✅ Dr. Chris Hass opens the month by...

Welcome back to Part Two of my S5E26 Schoolutions  conversation with Dr. Beverly Falk and Dr. Nancy Cardwell . 🧠 What you'll learn in this episode: 💫The exact asks inside Beverly and Nancy's proposal and why Massachusetts and Connecticut have already led the way 💫How play-based learning actually builds the foundation children need to detect AI misinformation and fake news 💫What cultu...

This reel explores how budgets are truly narratives, reflecting what is valued and who is considered valuable. Understanding the principles of budgeting and personal finance can illuminate societal priorities. What does a school budget say about what we truly value? In this powerful reel, we explore how budgets aren't just numbers; they're narratives that reveal who we believe deserves o...

Part One of my S5E26 ⁨ Schoolutions  conversation explores the current state of kindergarten education, questioning what a typical kindergarten day looks like and what it should be. Dr. Beverly Falk and Dr. Nancy Cardwell explore the neuroscience of play, highlighting the impacts of scripted curricula on young learners and emphasizing that play deprivation is a measurable issue that needs to be ad...

Welcome back to Part Two of my S5E25 Schoolutions  conversation with Dr. Courtney Bishop . Courtney shares a collaborative approach during an IEP special education meeting. This video offers essential IEP tips for parents and special education advocates to effectively support children with special needs. What You'll Discover: ✅ How to prepare for your first IEP meeting with confidence ✅ The...

This reel explores how emotional states impact behavior, especially in children when adults are upset. We discuss crucial brain science principles, highlighting the brain's survival mechanisms and the critical need for a sense of safety for emotional regulation. Understanding these dynamics offers practical parenting tips and effective behavior management strategies, fostering greater emotion...

Part One of my S5E25 Schoolutions conversation challenges traditional classroom management. Dr. Courtney Bishop , a neurodivergent mom, shares a vital neuroscience principle that can reshape parenting neurodivergent kids and improve IEP meetings. This insight offers a fresh perspective for parents navigating school challenges and understanding their child's needs. What You'll Learn: ✨ W...

Welcome back to Part Two of my S5E24 Schoolutions conversation with Melanie Meehan and Maggie Beattie Roberts , where we explore how understanding the brain's role can inform "how to write" instruction. This discussion makes practical connections between neuroscience and effective teaching strategies, ensuring educators can apply cognitive science principles to foster better writers...

Melanie Meehan shares a practical strategy for teaching spelling that focuses on understanding the brain's role in the process. Learn how to teach spelling by incorporating brain diagrams, a method successfully used with a seventh grader who struggled with writing. Melanie's teaching tips aim to improve student comprehension and confidence in their education journey. What happens when a...

Maggie Beattie Roberts highlights brain-based, whole-child teaching at its most practical. It's exactly the kind of insight that transforms how teachers approach lesson planning, student engagement, and instructional strategies for learners who seem "stuck." What if the reason your students struggle with writing has nothing to do with effort — and everything to do with how their bra...

Part One of my S5E24 Schoolutions ⁨conversation uncovers why underdeveloped executive functioning for kids can impact areas like working memory and response inhibition. Melanie Meehan and Maggie Beattie Roberts make foundational writing skills accessible by highlighting how understanding executive function deficits can completely change how we approach literacy education. We discuss how addressing...

Welcome back to Part Two of my S5E23 Schoolutions conversation with Stacey Shubitz . We discuss the importance of looking beyond just IEP goals and accommodations in special education. Stacey emphasizes considering child development and the need for downtime, joy, and culturally relevant books. Caregivers can use these parenting tips to provide emotional support and foster inclusive education for...

Discover a powerful perspective shift on educational evaluations that eliminates stigma and empowers families. In this transformative reel clip, Stacey Shubitz shares how one parent reframed the evaluation process as "finding the key to unlock the brain" – a beautiful metaphor that changes everything about how we approach student struggles and student success. If your child is experienci...

Part One of my S5E23 Schoolutions conversation, literacy specialist and parent Stacey Shubitz shares her dual perspective on navigating special education. If you've ever felt lost in IEP meetings or unsure how to advocate for your child, this episode is your roadmap. Stacey, author of Make the School System Work for Your Child With Disabilities , reveals why leading with your child's str...

This February, join Schoolutions as it highlights educators and researchers advancing child support.  🎯 What You'll Learn: • How to navigate IEPs, 504s, and disability services with confidence • The shocking research behind foundational writing skills that transforms student success • A neurodivergent educator's journey supporting thriving students in inclusive classrooms • The alarming...

Welcome back to Part Two of my S5E22 Schoolutions  conversation with Katie Keier . This episode builds on the foundation from Part One, exploring Katie's unique classroom strategies. We dive into her innovative teaching techniques, including why she creates classrooms that foster belonging and student engagement through choice, materials, and the honoring of every child's story. Katie sh...