The Research to Practice Gap

Self-determination doesn't begin at age 14—it starts in the earliest years of school. In this episode, Laurie Williams-George explains how teachers can build student agency through simple, research-based practices that help students make decisions, advocate for themselves, and believe that their actions can shape their futures. More from Laurie Williams George: Raising Joy #62: Navigating the...

In this episode of The Research to Practice Gap , Dr. Helen Flores sits down with Dr. Hank Samuels to explore the role of creativity, imagination, and arts integration in education. Together, they discuss why so many educators believe they are "not creative," how schools often separate art from learning, and practical ways teachers can incorporate creativity into everyday instruction. Dr...

 In this episode of The Research to Practice Gap , Dr. Helen Flores sits down with educator and leadership coach Michael Fairbanks II to discuss one of education’s biggest challenges: teacher retention. Drawing from his experiences as a teacher, principal, and instructional leader, Michael shares practical strategies for sustaining intrinsic motivation, building mental flexibility, and creating sy...

In this episode of The Research to Practice Gap , Dr. Helen Flores speaks with Tabitha Lim about the impact of high-stakes testing on student learning, stress, and well-being. Drawing from neuroscience, embodied cognition, and her experiences in both Malaysia and the United States, Tabitha shares practical strategies educators can use to help students regulate stress, improve memory and retrieval,...

In this episode, I sit down with Tara Tedrow to explore how trauma impacts learning, behavior, and brain development—and what teachers can do about it. We break down the “regulate, relate, reason” framework and share practical, trauma-informed strategies educators can start using right away. Resources for Teachers Culturally Responsive Practices Emotion and Stress Regulation Tool Box The National...

This episode explores how classroom design impacts students’ attention, regulation, and learning. Dr. Laura Foster shares research-backed strategies for creating more intentional, less visually overwhelming spaces—and how small shifts in the environment can better support all learners. Resources for Teachers Heavily Decorated Classrooms Disrupt Attention and Learning In Young Children Building Des...

 In this episode of The Research to Practice Gap , I sit down with Dr. Sharde Theodore to discuss how social emotional learning (SEL) can transform classroom culture and improve outcomes for students.  Articles by Dr. Theodore National Center for the Elimination of Educational Disparities Resources for Teachers: Daily Progress Reports Check In/Check Out (CICO) Classroom Job Ideas for K-12 Class Do...

 In this episode of The Research to Practice Gap , Dr. D’Annette Mullen of Boston University talks about disrupting disproportionate discipline in schools through art, restorative practices, relationship-building, and student voice.  Join our newsletter community for practical insights, implementation tips, and resources!  Semicolon Books Works by Dr. Mullen : Racism by Another Name: Black Student...

 In this episode, Dr. Alejandra A. Fernandez-Morgado shares research-based insights on special education, gifted education, and creating more equitable opportunities for diverse learners.  Join our newsletter community for practical insights, implementation tips, and resources!  Find all of Dr. Alejandra Fernandez Morgado’s work here Book and quote mentioned in the podcast: Quote by Paola Ramos: “...

In our first episode of The Research to Practice Gap , Dr. Helen Flores sits down with Dr. Buruuj Tunsill to explore how educators can better serve racially, ethnically, and linguistically diverse (RELD) students in special education — particularly in under-resourced and high-needs schools. This episode bridges research and lived classroom experience, offering concrete strategies educators can beg...

As a special educator, I struggled to find truly effective ways to support my students. I joined professional organizations, but didn’t have the time to sift through journals or navigate lengthy resource pages. I attended required professional development, yet it wasn’t always engaging—or useful. Welcome to The Research to Practice Gap, a podcast created to bridge exactly that divide. Each month,...