The Brighter Side of Education: Research, Innovation & Resources

Send us Fan Mail Worried about too much screen time for your kids or students? Discover how the Who Smarted podcast is helping parents and teachers bring back curiosity, focus, and fun — without a screen in sight. In this episode, Jerry Kolber, co-founder of Atomic Entertainment and creator of Who Smarted , shares how his wildly popular educational podcast (with over 3 million downloads!) is chang...

Send us Fan Mail Robert Barnett , co-founder of the Modern Classrooms Project , explains how their innovative teaching model helps teachers effectively reach students with diverse learning needs through blended, self-paced, mastery-based learning. Traditional teaching methods struggling with different learning paces, gaps in knowledge, and absent students can be transformed with this approach that...

Send us Fan Mail The education landscape is in turmoil as schools cope with a teacher shortage that leaves over 400,000 positions unfilled. This episode tackles the pressing issue head-on, exploring how innovative education leaders are transforming staffing challenges into pathways for continuity and excellence in learning. We welcome Nicola Soares , the president of Kelly Education , to share her...

Send us Fan Mail Are you aware of the gender gap in financial literacy? In this episode, James Comblo shares the impact of programs like Her Wealth , designed to empower girls aged 16-28 with the tools for financial independence. Through candid discussions, relatable anecdotes, and actionable strategies, we explore how parents and educators can foster environments that prioritize vital financial c...

Send us Fan Mail Can better mental health support in schools transform student success? Join us as we explore this critical question with Kevin DaHill-Fuchel, Executive Director of Counseling in Schools (CIS) . With him, we uncover the profound impact of integrating mental health professionals into school environments, a strategy that has notably boosted attendance and graduation rates in New York...

Send us Fan Mail What if a simple tool could improve the way we address chronic absenteeism in schools? Join me, Dr. Lisa Hassler, as I explore this provocative question with Chris Hull, the visionary founder of Otus . In this episode, we uncover how integrating various data points into a single platform can empower educators to swiftly identify at-risk students and create tailored interventions....

Send us Fan Mail The episode explores the science and psychology of math anxiety and features innovative educational approaches aimed at transforming math teaching. With a PhD in Mathematics & Computer Sciences, Dr. Aditya Nagrath shares insights on early intervention, preventive strategies to improve students' confidence, and the importance of viewing math as a language. As the creator a...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wonder how teachers and parents can navigate the festive frenzy of December without losing their minds? Join me and my husband, Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., as we unlock the secrets to maintaining sanity and maximizing learning during one of the busiest times of the year. We promise you'll walk away with practical strategies like planning detailed calendars to juggle school ev...

Send us Fan Mail Open the gates to the golden age of nonfiction literature with Dr. Lisa Hassler and Melissa Taylor , founder of Imagination Soup , as they unravel the often-overlooked power of nonfiction books in education. Did you know that 84% of first graders show a preference for nonfiction, yet these books are not as prevalent as they should be in children's literature? Join us as we di...

Send us Fan Mail What if the key to managing childhood anxiety lies in the stories we tell? Discover how storytelling can transform anxiety from a daunting monster into a friendly guide, as Dr. Anna Housley-Juster , a licensed mental health clinician and author of " How to Train Your Amygdala ," joins us. With a blend of empathy and humor, Anna shares her insights on how understanding th...

Send us Fan Mail Unlock the powerful role of music in transforming education with insights from Dr. Lisa Hassler and guest, Dr. Giuliana Conti , Director of Education and Equity at Music Workshop . Prepare to discover how music education can boost adolescents' mental well-being, with research backing its impact on neural connectivity and emotional health. Giuliana shares her personal journey...

Send us Fan Mail What if schools could transform chaos into community strength during a natural distaster? Join me, Dr. Lisa Hassler, as we promise a deep dive into the critical topic of hurricane preparedness in American schools. In this episode, seasoned educators Mary Guarino and Beth Donofrio, share their poignant experiences in preparing and dealing with the aftermath of hurricanes. We promis...

Send us Fan Mail What if mathematics could be as captivating and enjoyable as a symphony concert? In our latest episode, we promise you'll discover innovative ways to make math not only accessible but genuinely fun for everyone. Join me, Dr. Lisa Hassler, alongside Cindy Lawrence, the inspiring Executive Director and CEO of the National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath) , as we explore the vital...

Send us Fan Mail What if we could transform education to truly empower every student, regardless of their background? Join me, Dr. Lisa Hassler, and our inspiring guest, Dr. Emily Affolter, as we uncover the potential of building just and inclusive educational environments. Drawing from Paulo Freire's "Pedagogy of the Oppressed" and Jean Anyon's "Social Class in the Hidden...

Send us Fan Mail Dual language programs are growing as the value of linguistic diversity is seen as a strength to be leveraged, not a challenge to be overcome. Peek into the inner workings of the dual language program with Katherine Hamilton, the Senior Vice President of Programs at Ensemble Learning . Discover how these programs not only boost academic performance but also nurture bilingualism, b...

Send us Fan Mail "Our traumas can either be our greatest problem or our greatest superpower," ( Dr. Robyn Koslowitz ). Which do you believe it is? Reflect on childhood trauma with Dr. Koslowitz, a nationally recognized clinical psychologist, who dives deep into her personal journey and professional insights to help us understand how trauma can be hidden beneath a child's seemingly c...

Send us Fan Mail How can understanding and integrating Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) impact the way we educate and nurture young minds? Join us as we explore SEL with Dr. Maggie Broderick , Associate Professor in the Teacher Education Department of National University’s Sanford College of Education , where she serves as a Dissertation Chair and Faculty Lead for the Curriculum and Instruction Spe...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how the commodification of education affects our teachers' mental health and the quality of education? Join us as we explore this pressing issue with renowned healthcare executive and leadership consultant, Dr. Roger Gerard . Together, we unpack the alarming rise in teacher burnout and anxiety, exacerbated by the pandemic, and delve into the structural issues th...

Send us Fan Mail Want to change your approach to teaching? Join us with Jessica Cavallaro, co-founder of The Agile Mind, as she uncovers the transformative power of Agile methodologies in the classroom. Discover how Jessica embraced Agile principles, reshaping her educational environment into a vibrant space of collaboration and student-driven problem-solving. This episode promises to equip educat...

Send us Fan Mail Can questioning transform teaching more effectively than lecturing? Join us on The Brighter Side of Education as we welcome Dr. Eric Mazur, the Balkanski Professor of Physics and Applied Physics at Harvard University, to discuss social learning and assessment.  Dr. Mazur is the innovator of Peer Instruction and Perusall . His motivational lectures on interactive teaching, educatio...

Send us Fan Mail Discover how AI can transform your classroom with insights from EdTech AI consultant Jessica Lyons. Learn how ChatGPT can simplify lesson planning and administrative tasks, drastically cutting down the time educators spend on preparation. Jessica shares her compelling journey from teacher to AI advocate, revealing how ChatGPT’s conversational prowess and advanced features can boos...

Send us Fan Mail Tap into the symphony of learning with us as we explore  sound-based teaching techniques in the classroom. Author, Hayes Greenfield , brings over three decades of experience to the table as a jazz musician and film composer, sharing the magic of his Creative Sound Play learning system and offering a glimpse into his upcoming book, Creative Sound Play for Young Learners. Discover h...

Send us Fan Mail Unlock the secrets to teaching your children the priceless skill of financial literacy, as we welcome Anthony Delauney to share his expertise and heartwarming journey as a Family Financial Planner and author of Owning the Dash children's book series. This episode is packed with engaging stories and practical advice that will change the way you approach money management with y...

Send us Fan Mail Discover the untold challenges of generational poverty and how it shapes the educational journey of countless children. I'm Dr. Lisa Hassler, and in a heartfelt conversation with Michael Coleman, CEO of Heart of Alabama Food Bank, we peel back the layers of societal norms and hidden barriers that dictate the success or failure of our youth in the classroom. This episode promi...

Send us Fan Mail Discover the transformative power of Montessori and project-based learning as we journey with Michaela Kucera, a veteran Montessori educator from the Roots Nature and Leadership Academy, through the captivating terrain of individualized education. Prepare to be inspired as we unravel the secrets behind sensory-rich classrooms and mixed-age learning environments that do more than j...