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

Discover how writer's notebooks create essential spaces for student creativity and authentic expression in this S4E26 bonus episode featuring insights from Ralph Fletcher 's book, A Writer's Notebook: Unlocking the Writer Within You . Learn practical strategies for implementing writer's notebooks in your classroom and providing meaningful feedback that empowers rather than cons...

In this inspiring conversation, I sit down with renowned author and educator Ralph Fletcher to discuss his book, Joy Write: Cultivating High-Impact, Low-Stakes Writing and why the concept of greenbelt writing is crucial for developing authentic student voices.  Greenbelt writing serves as a designated creative space where students can write freely without constraints, similar to how greenbelts in...

In this bonus episode, I highlight Chapter 5 of Dr. Towanda Harris' s book, The Right Tools: A Guide to Selecting, Evaluating, and Implementing Classroom Resources and Practices . Building on my previous conversation with Dr. Harris about nurturing teacher candidates, I explore the essential elements of effective collaboration among education professionals. Learn why: 💡purposeful collaborati...

In this powerful episode of Schoolutions, I sit down with Dr. Towanda Harris of the Harris Innovation Consulting Group , an influential educator with over 20 years of experience who's impacted more than 10,000 educators nationwide. Dr. Harris shares her journey from third-grade teacher to university professor, offering invaluable insights about preparing the next generation of teachers. Learn...

✨ In this S4 E24 bonus episode, discover how student-centered learning and innovative teaching can create meaningful classroom success through collaborative agreements. By focusing on personalized learning and active learning strategies, educators can build stronger connections with their students. This episode explores how cooperative learning transforms traditional classroom dynamics into space...

You will learn practical strategies and frameworks to create inclusive, identity-affirming spaces throughout this S4E24 conversation with Kwame Sarfo-Mensah .  This episode highlights Kwame’s book, Learning to Relearn: Supporting Identity in a Culturally-Affirming Classroom . Kwame brings seventeen years of education experience, including nine years as a middle school math teacher in Philadelphia...

In this S4E23 bonus episode, I break down key insights from Arlène Elizabeth Casimir 's book Trauma-Responsive Pedagogy: Teaching for Healing and Transformation (co-authored with Courtney Baker). The episode focuses on Casimir's seven-stage framework for weaving trauma-responsive practices into instruction. This episode accompanies Season 4, Episode 23 , featuring the full interview with...

In this transformative episode, Olivia welcomes Arlène Elizabeth Casimir —author, healer, The Awakened Teacher , and CEO/founder of Reveye—to share essential insights on co-creating classrooms that support self-regulation, co-regulation, and meaningful connection. As the co-author of Trauma-Responsive Pedagogy: Teaching for Healing and Transformation , Arlène breaks down the nine different trauma...

In this bonus episode, I explore two transformative educational programs - AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) and STEP (Student Expedition Program). Building on my S4E22 conversation with Tracy Baynes, I break down how these programs are revolutionizing college preparation and achieving remarkable success rates among students. Discover how AVID and STEP are closing the opportunity gap...

Why do 96% of STEP students graduate college when the national average is far lower? In this eye-opening conversation with Tracy Baynes , founder of the Student Expedition Program (STEP), discover how experiential learning and comprehensive support are transforming college access for low-income Arizona students. Join our S4E22 conversation to discover how Tracy Baynes is revolutionizing college ac...

Cheers to states that make child care accessible! In this S4E21 bonus episode, I explore groundbreaking research and state-level solutions transforming early childhood education in America. Thanks to Dr. Dan Wuori, you'll discover: ➡️James Heckman's revolutionary findings on early childhood ROI ➡️The Perry Preschool Project's 60-year multigenerational impact ➡️New Mexico's game...

In this episode (S4E21), I welcome Dr. Dan Wuori , founder of Early Childhood Policy Solutions and strategic advisor at The Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation™ , to discuss his book, The Daycare Myth: What We Get Wrong About Early Care and Education (and What We Should Do About It) . Key Discussion Points: ➡️The three simple truths of early development: learning begins in utero, the prenatal to age...

A bonus episode where I  read selected entries from Gwyneth Hagan 's Substack microblog Starting Small . The episode explores how natural patterns like bubbles, chaos, and flow can serve as metaphors for transforming education from a factory model to a forest model.  Gwyneth's work combines poetry, educational theory, and observations of nature to envision more organic, interconnected le...

In this episode, I speak with educator, designer, and facilitator Gwyneth Hagan about transforming education from a traditional factory model to what she beautifully describes as a forest model. Drawing on patterns found in nature, Gwyneth shares powerful insights about creating more organic, interconnected learning systems that honor both educators' and students' natural growth processe...

In this bonus episode of Schoolutions: Coaching and Teaching Strategies, I follow up on my conversation with Leah Mermelstein and Dr. Jennifer Gioia (S4E19) to explore critical aspects of educational support systems. The episode breaks down three main areas: ✨Recent developments in tutoring programs, including insights from a 2024 New York Times article ( With Speech to Teachers, Harris Waded int...

In this episode, I sit down with literacy expert Leah Mermelstein and school neuropsychologist Dr. Jennifer Gioia to explore how educators can better support students who are "stuck" in their learning journey. Together, we unpack how schools can build effective support systems directly into their educational framework through three core elements: dedicated time for team dialogue, appropr...

In this bonus episode I reflect on my S4E18 interview with Kalyn Belsha, a senior national reporter for Chalkbeat, focusing on Trump's campaign promise to dismantle the Department of Education and its potential impact on students with disabilities. I break down Erica Meltzer's article about ending the U.S. Department of Education and share Kalyn’s valuable recommended resources for you t...

In this timely and crucial episode, I sit down with Kalyn Belsha , senior national reporter for Chalkbeat, to unpack the potential impacts of Trump's campaign promise to dismantle the Department of Education. We explore how this could specifically affect students with disabilities, from changes in civil rights complaint processes to funding distributions and staffing challenges. Kayln breaks...

In this bonus episode, I reflect on my S4E17 conversation with educator Kass Minor and explore the urgent need for transformative education in 2025. I discuss The Minor Collective 's community-based approach to education and highlight key insights from Kass's blog about preparing students for real-world challenges alongside revisions to the NYS Portrait of a Graduate . Drawing from recen...

Join me in conversation with educator and author Kass Minor as we explore the intersection of justice, joy, and transformative teaching practices. Kass, the author of Teaching Fiercely: Spreading Joy and Justice in Our Schools , shares powerful insights about creating inclusive classroom environments that honor students' whole selves while empowering teachers to trust their professional judgm...

In this bonus episode of Schoolutions: Coaching and Teaching Strategies, I expand on my conversation with Jennifer McCarty Plucker, Ed. D. about book access and classroom libraries. Drawing from experts like Tammy Mulligan , Clare Landrigan , Towanda Harris , Cris Tovani, Kate Roberts , Donalyn Miller, Colby Sharp , and Molly Ness , I explore strategies for building effective classroom libraries,...

Discover how Mackin Educational Resources partners with educators to provide comprehensive support for classroom and library resources. In this episode, Jennifer McCarty Plucker, Ed. D., Director of Learning and Development at Mackin reveals invaluable free services and tools available to educators, including: ➡️Access to a catalog of over 3 million titles ➡️Expert help with curating classroom res...

In this bonus episode of Schoolutions: Coaching and Teaching Strategies, I explore the fascinating science and power of repetition in learning. Following my conversation with Stephanie Leavell, creator of Music for Kiddos, I dive into how repetition impacts brain development, memory retention, and skill mastery across all age groups. Drawing from multiple research sources, I break down key concept...

In this episode, I dive deep into the transformative power of music education with my guest Stephanie Leavell, creator of Music for Kiddos and board-certified music therapist. You’ll discover how music serves as more than just entertainment, acting as a vital tool for child development, emotional regulation, and academic learning.  Stephanie shares practical strategies for incorporating music into...

In this bonus episode of Schoolutions: Coaching and Teaching Strategies, I reflect on my recent conversation with Denise Goldin-Dubois about her Three Student Protocol. I explore essential aspects of building trust and relationships in educational settings, drawing insights from influential books and my mentors in the coaching field. I delve into the importance of distinguishing between facts and...