SEL in EDU

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...

Stepping into the season of rejuvenation, we're thrilled to welcome Dr. Chaunte Garrett, the dynamic mind behind EmpowHer Ed, onto our podcast. This episode blooms with Dr. Garrett's insights on social and emotional learning and its crucial role in fostering equitable academic landscapes. Imagine every young mind accessing the learning they need, not just academically but emotionally, and the soci...

When you meet a mentor like Thom Stecher, who shapes your world through social and emotional learning, you can't help but share their wisdom far and wide. That's precisely what we're doing in this heartwarming episode, as Thom joins us to discuss the profound effects of nurturing the whole child and fostering a compassionate atmosphere in schools. We explore the landscape of education, where coura...

Discover what it means to harness the transformative power of social and emotional learning (SEL) in personal well-being and racial equity in education. Our conversation with Kelisa Wing, a trailblazer in advocating for justice and inclusion, unpacks the redefined competencies of SEL laid out by CASEL. Together, we navigate the intricate connections between hope, resilience, and empathy, especiall...

Imagine the profound impact a single educator can have, not just on a classroom but on an entire community. De'Shawn Washington, fourth-grade inclusion teacher and Massachusetts Teacher of the Year for 2024, joins us to share his transformative educational philosophy integrating social and emotional learning with academic success. His approach has shaped students into compassionate change-makers,...

Embrace the spirit of new beginnings with the wisdom of Allison Rodman, author of "Still Learning: Strengthening Professional and Organizational Capacity." She guides us through realigning education paths to combat burnout and stay true to our calling, blending personal growth with professional development. This episode promises to illuminate the congruence between our deepest purposes and everyda...

Uncover the heartbeat of social and emotional learning (SEL) as we celebrate International Women's Day and SEL Day, where our panelists, including Dr. Chaunte Garrett, Heather Lageman, Dr. Leigh Alley, Maureen Chapman, James Simons, and Dr. Damion Lewis, unwrap the gift of SEL in education. We engage in stories that underscore the influence of remarkable women and the power of nurturing connection...

Have you ever stepped into a nurturing space that felt like a sanctuary? Join us as Nikolas Tsamoutalidis, an SEL practitioner with an impressive track record in student support, walks us through the life-changing initiatives of the Wellness Center at Bethlehem Area High School in Southeastern Pennsylvania. His dedication to trauma-informed education and creating systems that enable students to th...

In this episode, we're joined by Jamillah Parker, whose social work expertise revolutionizes how we approach teaching and learning in education. Undoubtedly, the rhythm of our daily lives can benefit from a sprinkle of mindfulness, a practice that transcends cultural and religious divides. Today, we unpack the art of bringing serenity into the classroom and home, highlighting the simplicity of dee...

In this episode of SELinEDU, we discuss the vital intersection of mental health and education, the stress and anxiety that burden today's youth, and the essential strategies for building resilience. With his deep roots in education and advocacy, Justin Rubenstein sheds light on the stressors plaguing our children, highlighting the importance of demystifying mental health and fortifying our young w...