SEL in EDU

The first breath of the conversation is gratitude, and from there it builds into a grounded, courageous blueprint for how belonging becomes real. We sit down with Craig Aarons-Martin, CEO of CCM Education Group, to unpack the craft of creating brave spaces in schools and communities, not as a slogan, but as a daily practice shaped by rituals, reciprocal relationships, and stories that center joy w...

Want a curriculum that students can’t wait to engage with? We sit down with authors Michael Fisher and Dr. Steven Weber to unpack a fresh, visual playbook for curriculum leadership that swaps compliance for curiosity and puts student agency, trust, and transfer at the center. Instead of dense theory, they created an illustrated, desk-ready handbook that leaders can use in five minutes to make bett...

What if leadership skills were taught right alongside academic content? In this episode, Maureen Chapman and James Simons, co-founders of Cor Creative Partners, share their powerful approach to helping all students develop leadership skills like motivation, perseverance, communication, and collaboration within everyday classroom learning. Their new book, Leaders of the Class, challenges the idea t...

The teacher shortage has shifted from theory to reality. Schools now struggle to fill positions that once drew hundreds of applicants. This urgent challenge calls for rethinking recruitment and retention. On this episode of the SELinEDU Podcast, iCarrie Bishop and Jessica Holloway share insights from their book Make Your School Irresistible: The Secret to Attracting and Retaining Great Teachers. T...

What if teacher mentoring focused less on checklists and more on students? Dr. Amanda Brueggeman revolutionizes the traditional approach to supporting new educators with her student-centered mentoring framework. Drawing from over 20 years of educational experience, Amanda reveals how transforming mentoring relationships from one-directional knowledge transfers into collaborative partnerships creat...

What if your greatest strength is simultaneously your biggest weakness? Award-winning superintendent and leadership coach Dr. PJ Caposey cuts through conventional wisdom to reveal a compelling truth: the qualities that make us exceptional are often the same ones holding us back from reaching our full potential. Drawing from his experience as both a superintendent and cancer survivor, PJ shares pro...

Feeling overwhelmed by negativity in schools? Niko Tsamatoulidis, Administrator of Student Supports and Wellness for Bethlehem Area School District and Chief Hope Officer of Hope Does LLC, unpacks the science of hope and explains why it's crucial for educator and student well-being. Drawing from 33 years of experience in education, Niko reveals that hope isn't merely a feeling; it's an action that...

Imagine knowing exactly how to create learning experiences that not only engage students but actually improve their brains. This fascinating conversation with Julia Skolnick, CEO of Professional Learning Partnerships, and second-grade teacher Stacy Robeson reveals the powerful intersection of neuroscience and education that every educator should understand. At the heart of effective learning lies...

What if you could face life’s biggest challenges the way screenwriters approach epic movie plots? Kristina Paider, award-winning author and Chief Creative Officer of The Hollywood Approach , shares how 28 years of script development experience reshaped her life—and how it can reshape yours. Her framework reverse-engineers the traits of successful movie protagonists and applies them to real-life tr...

As Director of Technology and Innovation and founder of Advative Learning, Mormando has pioneered strategies that empower students rather than restrict their technology use. During our conversation, Mormando revealed the surprising effectiveness of student-led digital citizenship initiatives, where high schoolers mentor younger students about responsible technology use. The district's comprehensiv...

Discover the transformative power of rural leadership in education in this engaging episode featuring Dr. Melissa Sadorf, the Executive Director of the Arizona Rural Schools Association. With over three decades of experience in education, Melissa sheds light on the unique challenges faced by rural schools, from resource accessibility to fostering community connections. Through her rich anecdotes a...

What happens when a childhood music student becomes a world-traveling dueling piano performer? Join us as we chat with Gregory Offner, the dynamic founder and CEO of the Global Performance Institute. Greg's journey is anything but ordinary, and his insights into transforming the staff experience are just as compelling. From a serendipitous moment at a Philadelphia piano bar to captivating audience...

What happens when an introvert steps onto the stage to ignite a revolution in education? Join us as we welcome Dr. Scott McLeod, a trailblazer in educational leadership from the University of Colorado, Denver. Scott shares his unique journey, balancing his introverted nature with his passion for "making learning less boring" and the profound influence of his groundbreaking "Did You Know?" video on...

In a world where education constantly evolves, cultivating resilience among educators is more crucial than ever. This podcast episode, featuring Dr. Lindsay Prendergast and Piper Lee, dives deep into the essence of resilience within the educational landscape. The episode is an insightful journey through strategies that help educators thrive amid change, offering practical tools drawn from their bo...

Discover how music education can transform social-emotional learning with our guest, Dr. Ed Luckey. This episode of SELinEDU uncovers Dr. Luckey's compelling journey from music educator to Dean of Students, shedding light on how his passion for music and commitment to fostering relationships play a pivotal role in his educational philosophy. Dr. Luckey shares his insights on the significance of in...

Ever wondered how to bridge the gap for first-generation students aiming for college success? Meet Ashlea Goerlich, a seasoned educator with a wealth of experience and the heart behind the TRIO Upward Bound program. Join us as Ashlea shares her dual insights from managing this pivotal program and guiding her teenage twins through the college admissions maze. Gain valuable knowledge on how the Upwa...

Why do some educational conversations hit a wall while others build bridges? Join us as we welcome guest host Tammy Musiowsky-Borneman and dive into the art of communication with Chris Fenning. Chris, a seasoned expert who has guided giants like Google and NATO, unlocks the secrets to starting conversations strongly, answering pivotal questions to bring clarity and focus. This episode discusses pr...

How do we transform K-12 education with a human-centered approach in the age of AI? Join us for this enlightening episode as we sit with the visionary Dr. Randy Ziegenfuss. Randy shares his mission to revolutionize K-12 education by thoughtfully integrating technology while honoring and leveraging human connection. Unlock the transformative potential of AI in education with our deep dive into pers...

Join us for an enlightening conversation where Krista and Craig set the stage with heartfelt reflections on their lives before introducing their remarkable guest, Kevin Hopkins. Kevin, a family engagement professional dedicated to at-risk communities, shares his inspiring journey from East St. Louis. His upbringing, steeped in strong family bonds and community support, has deeply influenced his mi...

How do we create learning environments that genuinely heal and nurture every child? In this episode of SELinEDU, we welcome Shannon Hawkins, founder and CEO of Leading A(head) Collaborative, to share her profound insights on transforming education through social and emotional learning (SEL). We start with reflections on the soothing power of water and the surprising weather, setting a serene mood...

Krista's reconnection with a former principal reminded her of the profound impact of nurturing relationships on personal growth. Meanwhile, Craig's joy of gardening with his father reflected the simple yet powerful act of planting seeds and watching them flourish. Join us as we weave together stories of connection, resilience, and growth—both in relationships and nature—with insights from our spec...

Have you ever wondered how to keep the spark alive in the demanding teaching world? Join us as Ming Shelby and Chase Mielke bring their invigorating insights to our latest podcast, where we delve into the highs of novice teacher enthusiasm and navigate the treacherous terrain of potential burnout. We'll unpack what it takes to construct a "burnout immune system," celebrating those tiny yet profoun...

What does it mean to truly connect with others, and how can tenderness transform our educational spaces? Join us for a heartwarming conversation with Meena Srinivasan, a celebrated leader in mindfulness and social-emotional learning (SEL). Meena's personal journey and inspiring TED talk on the power of tenderness offer a profound look at how these concepts can create transformative classroom envir...

What happens when a chaotic mix-up with car keys leads to an unexpectedly hilarious adventure?  Krista shares her comedic and stressful encounter with rental companies in our latest SEL in EDU episode. Meanwhile, Craig opens up about his emotional ups and downs, and his desperate need for a peaceful retreat. These personal moments set the scene for an insightful conversation with our guests, Steph...

Discover the power of wellness and accountability in education as we explore enriching self-care routines with Craig and Krista. We're joined by Dr. Matthew X. Joseph, who reveals his secret to maintaining a dedicated wellness routine through public accountability. His early morning workouts, shared on social media, keep him motivated and inspire others. Dr. Joseph’s passion for amplifying voices...