Classroom Matters

On this episode of the Classroom Matters podcast host Kristy Houle talks with Dr. Stephanie Gregson who currently serves as the Deputy Executive Director for the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE). Stephanie's focus is on school turnaround centering on improving teaching and learning aimed at equitable access, opportunity, and outcomes for students. Stephanie has more than 24 years of experience in public education and started her career as an elementary school teacher but has also served as a principal and a district leader.  Dr. Gregson has anchored her decision making upon the belief that every student deserves the opportunity to thrive in an ideal learning environment.Guest Website:  https://ccee-ca.org/

On this episode of the Classroom Matters podcast host Kristy Houle talks with Dr. Frank Buck, author of Get Organized!: Time Management for School Leaders and Get Organized Digitally!: The Educator's Guide to Time Management. After retiring from public education, Dr. Buck devoted his "second career" to writing and speaking on organization, time management, and personal productivity for educators. Dr. Buck realized that most educators are overwhelmed by the amount of paper and digital information in their jobs. As a teacher, principal, and central office administrator for almost 30 years, he saw the difference in having simple systems and how they made his job easier. He also realized what he was doing was easy to teach and has made a difference for countless people.Guest Webpage - https://frankbuck.org/

On this episode of the Classroom Matters podcast host Kristy Houle talks with accomplished artist, Kevo Aregbe.  Kevo holds a master's degree in fine arts and his art ranges from painting to theater production, highlighting racial dynamics and human experiences. He is also the director of a nonprofit for arts, called Kevo Arts Studios, and teaches at a college, with over 10 years of experience as the owner of a successful tattoo studio. When it comes to education Kevo has unique experiences and had to learn how to navigate life and it's challenges at an early age. From his youth, Kevo was shot, sent to jail, and had a history of drug dealing and violence. Kevo changed his life and became one of the most accomplished artists his city has ever seen. Guest Webpage - https://www.artbykevo.com/

On today's episode of the Classroom Matters podcast, host Kristy Houle talks with author, executive, angel investor, and lifelong student of markets John Foster about the importance of teaching students the most advanced concepts in business and economics.  John has years of experience teaching kids as a Junior Achievement volunteer and over the course of several years built his own curriculum, which would become Middle School MBA. Guest Websites: https://www.middleschoolmba.com/

On this episode of the Classroom Matters podcast, host Kristy Houle talks with Dr. Gwenyth Jackaway about the impact of technology on student development and how to monitor digital wellness you're your students. Dr. Gwenyth Jackaway is a leader in digital wellness. She was a member of the Fordham University and media studies faculty for more than 25 years. She's a mother, an author, and currently serves as an educational consultant for Carrots&Cake. A parental control app that encourages kids to learn first and play later, equipping them to thrive in the digital age.Links for the AudienceSign up now and get a 60-day free trial when you use the code “classroom.”https://carrotsandcake.com/

On this episode of the Classroom Matters podcast, host Kristy Houle talks Caylee Carullo about how to help educators put an end to misbehavior.  She's been featured on Fox News for her positive behavior strategies and she's the host of the Pre-K Teacher Family podcast.  She has over 100,000 followers across her social media platforms, and she has created an online course that is helping teachers around the world create calm classrooms. Links for the AudienceThe Calm Classroom (Use Promocode “Kristy” for 15% off)  https://www.triedandtrueteacher.com/the-calm-classroom-course Send me a DM on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prekteachertips/ Join my Email List: https://skilled-crafter-5644.ck.page/a7be5dceda

On this episode of the Classroom Matters podcast, host Kristy Houle talks with Grace Stevens about teacher burnout and how to create positive habits for a healthy mindset.  Grace is a former corporate girl who decided to quit her VP life to pursue a dream job as a public-school teacher.  After 20 years in the classroom, she now focuses full-time on helping educators have a more positive teaching experience.  Guest Website:  https://www.gracestevens.com/

On this episode of the Classroom Matters podcast, host Kristy Houle talks with Katie Trowbridge about how to effectively incorporate creative and critical thinking skills into the educational environment.  Katie has over 20 years of experience in the classroom and serves as CEO of Curiosity to Create, a nonprofit organization she created to help teachers focus on creativity and critical thinking.Guests Website: https://www.curiosity2create.org/

On this episode of the Classroom Matters podcast, host Kristy Houle talks with Jessica Sinarski, licensed professional counselor of mental health, educator, and speaker about helping children identify their emotions and process them in a healthy way.  Jessica has extensive post-graduate training and 15+ years as a clinician and educator which has led her to create the resource and training platform BraveBrains. She partners with school districts and child welfare agencies around the world to unlock resilience in children and adults alike. And she has just published her newest children's book, Riley the Brave's Big Feelings Activity Book: A Trauma-Informed Guide for Counselors, Educators, and Parents, which is full of engaging content and trauma-sensitive strategies to help children understand the brain science behind big feelings and how to deal with them.  Website: bravebrains.com

On this episode of the Classroom Matters podcast, host Kristy Houle talks with trainer, coach, and speaker, Kathy Magnusson about increasing resilience in students and teachers.  Kathy has worked with educators and youth service professionals worldwide for over 25 years and is also a licensed teacher, social and emotional learning specialist, and certified Sources of Strength trainer. As the owner of Wildewood Learning, Kathy shows educators and youth service professionals what is needed to create safe and effective learning environments that draw upon the strengths of both adults and youth. Using a tailored strengths-based approach, Kathy gives people the knowledge and tools to uncover their individual brilliance.Visit the Wildewood Learning website and take advantage of a free course Building Resilience through Strength-Based Learning.Guest Website: Wildewood Learning LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-magnusson-ab17a939/YouTube: Wildewood LearningFacebook: Wildewood Learning

On this episode of the Classroom Matters podcast, host Kristy Houle talks to cognitive literacy expert Betsy Hill.  Betsy is an award-winning educator and co-author of the book “Your Child Learns Differently, Now What? The Truth for Parents.”  She studied the neuroscience of learning with Dr. Patricia Wolfe and other pioneers in the field, coining the term neuroeducator. In this episode Betsy shares the idea behind building a child's cognitive literacy and how parents can help their children's learning abilitiesGuest Website: https://mybrainware.com/your-child-learns-differently/

On this episode of the Classroom Matters podcast, host Kristy Houle talks with Mae Caratachea, former Co-President of the Saint Louis Sudbury School. The school is based on the principle that we are born curious and learn best when we initiate our own learning. They offer entirely Self-Directed Education in a self-governing democracy for students ages 5-18. No required curriculum, no homework, no tests, no grades. Website: https://stlsudbury.org/

On this episode of the Classroom Matters podcast host Kristy Houle talks with author David McBee. David is passionate about reading, self-improvement, health, the outdoors, and his family. He is a podcast host, public speaker and is the author of the children's book series, DJ's Off-Road Adventures. This series teaches elementary-age children lessons on dealing with bullies, overcoming fear and the power of teamwork.Guest Website: https://davidmcbee.com/

On this episode of the Classroom Matters podcast host Kristy Houle talks with author Maria Castellucci Moore, author of the newly released children's book Vivienne in Paris which follows a young Parisian girl on a journey through Paris to find what makes her tick.  This book tells a story of mindfulness and insight into how the surrounding world can really move you. It unites curiosity, wonder, and marvel to enlighten, surprise, and tickle your deepest spirit. Sometimes it's the smallest things that bring you the greatest joy.Guest Website: https://mariacastelluccimooreauthor.com/author

On this episode of the Classroom Matters podcast host Kristy Houle talks with School Emergency Management Expert, Trauma Informed Practices Consultant, and former Reserve Law Enforcement Officer, Claire Marie to discuss her new book on school lockdowns, Sammy the Sasquatch: Welcome to Crittertopia. Claire also dives deep into her passion for approaching emergency preparedness and management through a trauma-informed lens and supporting schools to do the same. Guest Website: https://www.sammyandfriends.com/

On this episode of the Classroom Matters podcast, host Kristy Houle talks with award-winning writer and video producer Tom Speicher.  His book, “A Week with Waffles” is a beautifully illustrated children's book that is designed to help young children learn about the days of the week, encourage creative thought, help them understand that it's ok to be an only child, and consider a host of adventures that are part of growing up.  In this episode Tom talks about the importance of children's literature in a student's education and the creative process of writing for both kids and adults.

On this episode of the Classroom Matters podcast, host Kristy Houle talks with Ryan Steuer, founder of Magnify Learning, a PBL professional development organization that equips educators to engage learners, tackle boredom, and transform classrooms. Ryan believes that when we get education right as leaders, leaders have launched their vision, teachers are fired up to be a part of something bigger than themselves, and learners are moving from passive to empowered. While Ryan has done this work (and fought for it) in the classroom, his joy comes now as he sees district after district adopt the PBL mindset and free their learners up to find their true potential and opportunity.Prior to founding Magnify Learning, Ryan was an engineer for a Fortune 50 company, 8th grade English teacher, and missionary. He shares his education and leadership insights through PBL Simplified the book, YouTube, and podcast.Guest Website: https://www.magnifylearningin.org/

Bryson Tarbet is a PreK-6th grade general music teacher just outside of Columbus, Ohio.   He spent his first year out of college as part of an elementary school intervention team where he fell in love with working with students with disabilities. Due to this experience, as well as his personal experience as a neurodiverse individual, Bryson feels strongly about advocating for sensory and emotionally inclusive classrooms. In addition to being a full-time elementary music teacher he is also the founder of That Music Teacher, his online business that is dedicated to offering content-specific professional development for elementary music teachers.Guest Website: https://www.thatmusicteacher.com/

On this episode of the Classroom Matters podcast host Kristy Houle talks with Dr. Bibi Pirayesh, an educational therapist and learning rights advocate based in Los Angeles, CA. Dr. Pirayesh has spent the last 15 years working with hundreds of children, parents, teachers, and schools to enhance the lives of children with learning disabilities. In 2020, Dr. Pirayesh launched The Difference is Not Deficit Project to help promote the importance of seeing learning disability as a social justice issue.  Guest Website: https://www.oneofonekids.org/

On this episode of the Classroom Matters podcast host Kristy Houle talks with author and educator Jaer Armstead-Jones.  Throughout his teaching of reading and writing, he has always had a burning desire to write books for middle school and high school teens they can relate to.  His first novel, My Invisible Father, is a story about three St. Louis teen facing the hurdles of adolescence and the impact made by their fathers' absences.  Jaer has worked with teens in several capacities since 1993: as a youth minister, a youth facilitator at a juvenile correctional facility, and as an educator.  He is also a librarian at the St. Louis County Public Library.Guest Website:  https://jaerarmsteadjones.com/

On this episode of the Classroom Matters podcast host Kristy Houle talks with Sally Nellson, an award-winning documentary filmmaker, about capturing and sharing the stories of what happens every day in public schools.  Having directed and edited more than 100 films, Sally has a deep understanding of how to connect with her subjects and translate that to greater understanding among audiences. Her new initiative is a nationwide movement to end the teacher shortage through a documentary film and impact campaign.Guest Website:  https://impact.plusmedia.io/who-taught-you-resources-zve46alg9m#

On this episode of the Classroom Matters podcast, host Kristy Houle talks with Dr. Deborah Offner, who brings more than 2 decades of experience in schools and colleges as a classroom teacher, counselor, administrator, and consultant.   She has written  a new book called Educators as First Responders: A Teacher's Guide to Adolescent Development and Mental Health, Grades 6-12, which is a comprehensive, hands-on guide to adolescent development and mental health for teachers and other educators of students in grades 6-12.  During this conversation we discuss topics such as recognizing verbal and nonverbal signs of distress in students and how to prevent teacher burnout. Guest Website: https://www.deborahoffnerphd.com/

On this episode of the Classroom Matters podcast host Kristy Houle talks with Elizabeth West, CEO of EWC Consulting about helping students build sustainable habits in high school to help prepare for college or a career.  Right out of college, Elizabeth was hired as an Admissions Counselor at UNC Pembroke where she began to see student's stories come to life. Throughout her 25 years in higher education, working with students and helping them become successful continues to be the greatest joy of her career. Elizabeth has spent 10 years of her career counseling students as an admissions officer, Associate Director of Admissions, and Director of Admissions, and 14 years teaching college students and working with them on how to become transfer students.Guest Website: https://www.ncewc.com/about

Join host Kristy Houle as she talks with physicist and host of the popular YouTube channel Kathy Loves Physics, Kathy Joseph. Kathy has spent decades researching over 400 years of scientific history in her new book “The Lightening Tamers.”  Not only is Kathy a popular YouTube host, but she's also a former Bay Area science teacher who spent 12 years teaching high school physics. Kathy knows what it takes to keep your students intrigued and involved even during the distracting teenage years. In this episode Kathy discusses proven strategies for ensuring your science lessons are always fun and never dull for maximum focus and better test scores and how to teach science through storytelling.Website: www.kathylovesphysics.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/KathyLovesPhysicsHistoryFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/KathyLovesPhysics

According to literacy expert Matt Bardin, studies show that only 13% of American adults can read complex texts, and more than half read below a 6th grade level, but Matt is on a mission to change that.  With decades of experience as an educator and entrepreneur, Matt has become an expert in literacy education, test-prep and strategies for transforming adolescents into their highest achieving selves. During this episode host Kristy Houle talks with Matt about what middle and high school teachers need to know about their students' reading and how to work towards solving the literacy crisis. Guest Website: https://www.zinclearninglabs.com/

In this episode of the Classroom Matters podcast join host Kristy Houle as she talks with author and founder of The Umbrella Project about what kids really need as they learn to navigate the ups and downs of life. Dr. Jen Forristal, BSc ND, is a Naturopathic Doctor with a primary focus in pediatric mental health and the founder and CEO of The Umbrella Project, a positive coping curriculum used internationally by thousands of parents, students, and educators. She has worked extensively with schools, researchers, and organizations in protecting the long-term health and performance of children facing unique challenges. Guest Website Link: https://umbrellaproject.co/

Jeff Utecht is an educational technology consultant, educator, and author. He holds a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus in Technology as well as his administrative certification through Washington State. Jeff began his career in the Elementary Classroom at a public school in Washington State. In 2001, he was the recipient of a Bill and Melinda Gates Grant called the Technology Leadership Program. He has a global view on education and the impact technology is having on classrooms. Jeff loves sharing ideas and strategies on ways educators can use technology in the classroom and how we must prepare students for their future not our past.  In this episode of the Classroom Matters podcast join host Kristy Houle as she talks with Jeff about preparing students for the future, blended learning and digital collaboration.Jeff's Website: https://www.jeffutecht.com/

Gary Hubb is the Managing Partner for the new streaming video service, HistoryFix.com, which he began with his partner Will Eichler to provide exciting history videos seen from a different point of view for use in classrooms and homeschool settings. Since 1999, Gary has worked in both scripted and unscripted television and film as Production Coordinator, Manager and Assistant Director for multiple networks including CBS, ABC, FOX, TNT, Discovery, History, National Geographic and CNN. Gary has also produced, written and directed several films and documentaries that earned him multiple film festival nominations and a Special Jury Prize Award. During this episode Gary and host Kristy Houle discuss topics such as the biggest challenges educators face when teaching history in school settings and some things teachers can do or stop doing to make history more relevant and engaging for students.Listeners of the Classroom Matters podcast can use the promo code HEC9MO when visiting HistoryFix.com and receive a choice of $5 a month or $50 for an annual subscription after a 7-day free trial. This unique promo code gives annual subscribers 10% off their first year at $45.00 (12 months for the price of 9 months). Website Link: https://www.historyfix.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StreamHistoryFixInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/streamhistoryfix/

In this episode of the Classroom Matters podcast host Kristy Houle talks with Dr. Mark David Milliron about preparing new teachers for a career in education and all the challenges that come with the journey to educate students across all settings. Mark is an award-winning leader, author, speaker, and consultant, who works with universities, community colleges, K-12 schools, foundations, corporations,associations, and government agencies across the country and around the world. He serves as President & CEO of National University, one of the largest private, nonprofit universities in the United States.Mark's Website: http://markmilliron.com/

Michaell Magrutsche is an Austrian-Californian multimedia artist, educator, and an author of five art-related books. Michaell believes in a student's untapped human abilities, especially our truth compass and inherent tools of creativity, and healthy discourse and adaptability. He is an outside the box thinker and is a passionate creativity/art researcher that looks for art/creativity's true values for humans outside of any system.  In this episode Michaell and I discuss the importance of growing creativity in today's youth and how that can impact a student's education.  We also dive into the topic of how students can focus on the process of learning and not the product for a more thoughtful education.Michaell's Website: https://michaellm.com/

Shaunak Roy is the Founder and CEO of Yellowdig, a community-driven active learning platform with a mission to transform every classroom into an active, social, and experiential learning community. Prior to founding Yellowdig, Shaunak spent a decade advising global companies on technology, strategy, and growth. Today, Shaunak shares a rich discussion on the state of institutional learning, how Yellowdig is rethinking education, and the critical role that agency, mastery and connectedness play in the learning process.Website Link: https://www.yellowdig.co/

On this episode of the Classroom Matters podcast host Kristy Houle sits down with Akberet Boykin Farr, Vice President of Diversity and Social Responsibility for Emerson Electric and Dr. Gwen Diggs, Vice President of Head Start/Early Head Start at the Urban League of Metropolitan Saint Louis. This discussion will focus on Emerson's commitment to education equity and the emphasis on programs and initiatives targeting children from infancy through 12th grade with an emphasis on early childhood and student services in under-resourced communities.Dr. Gwen Diggs, Vice President of Head Start/Early Head Start at the Urban League of Metropolitan Saint Louis, Adjunct Professor at University of Missouri-Saint Louis In her over 21 years of experience she has served as a dedicated educator as a teacher, principal and district level administrator overseeing federal programs, curriculum and instruction, early childhood, elementary, secondary, gifted and community education. Boykin Farr is a graduate of Saint Louis University where she completed her undergraduate and graduate studies, earning a bachelor's degree in management and industrial relations, an MBA in human resource management, and a doctorate in organizational theory and public policy studies. She currently serves on the boards of directors for the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and City Academy.  She has overseen the development and rollout of the company's Diversity and Inclusion programs, including unconscious bias training globally and the launch of employee resource groups to help promote a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Julius B. Anthony is the president of the St. Louis Black Authors of Children's Literature. His organization is changing the lives of Black boys and girls by sharing books with characters that look like them.  The STL Black Authors of Children's Literature Initiative is committed to fostering awareness about the importance of early literacy by creating innovative opportunities for all kids to have access to Black children's literature.  Julius has also published a book called “ME! Ten Poetic Affirmations,” which was written to encourage and motivate children to achieve their highest dreams. St. Louis Black Authors Website

Education PowerED presents educators with a powerful new set of Culturally Responsive Teaching standards that can be used by teachers and administrators to counter institutionalized racism and white supremacy. On this episode of the Classroom Matters podcast an expert panel of guests and authors of the book Culture to the Max! Culturally Responsive Teaching and Practice offers an in-depth look into the practice and implementation of Culturally Responsive Teaching that can inform curriculum development, teacher evaluation, and classroom and culture evaluation.  Join host Kristy Houle as she speaks with David McDonald, Founder and Managing Partner, Danielle Ross, Co-Founder and Partner, Andre Ross, Co-Founder and Partner and Dr. Shontoria Walker, Executive Director.Education PowerED Website Link

On this episode of the Classroom Matters podcast, host Kristy Houle chats with Vicky Weber. Vicky Weber is a musician and an elementary educator with a love for children's literature. As a Puerto Rican author of Taíno descent, she strives to create picture books that are fun, engaging, and educational. All her current titles are based on her background in music education or her heritage. Vicky also serves as one of the coaches at At Home Author where she teaches others how to become successfully published too.  During this conversation we discuss the inspiration for her stories, the joys of being an author, and the writing process.At Home Author Website

On this episode of the Classroom Matters podcast, host Kristy Houle chats with internationally-recognized teaching and recording artist, actor, TV host, and storyteller, Bobby Norfolk.  Bobby's innate ability to read and connect with audiences of all ages makes him one of America's premier storytellers. Using dynamic movement and vocal effects, he creates vibrant characters who come to life through imaginative, creative story. Living History programs that highlight the African American experience, and toe-tapping musical shows are also part of his repertoire. Norfolk's storytelling CDs have won ten prestigious Parents' Choice Gold awards, and he has co-authored eight award-winning children's books. He's the recipient of three Emmy awards as host of CBS's television series, Gator Tales, and the NSN ORACLE Circle of Excellence award. Bobby's website.

On this episode of the Classroom Matters podcast host Kristy Houle chats with a pair of popular children's book authors: Lori Orlinsky and Alysson Bourque.Lori Orlinsky is CDC-certified in Bully Prevention and Response Training and serves as a National Bullying Prevention Center Ambassador. She has also earned multiple awards for her children's books such as Being Small (Isn't So Bad After All), The Tooth Fairy's Tummy Ache, and Balloons for Tiger.Meanwhile, Alysson Bourque is also an incredibly accomplished author, earning multiple awards with her adventures in children's literature, namely her immensely popular “Alycat” book series. With such titles in the line of books like Alycat and the Cattywampus Wednesday and Alycat and the Tournament Tuesday, the Alycat series continues to both entertain and educate its readers. During this episode we focus on how both of these amazing women dived into the world of writing and the impact of children's literature on students in and out of the classroom.

Sasha Graham is the founder of Tiny Ninja Books and is the author of Milo Does Not Like Mornings, and Whitney Wins Everything. Sasha is a former executive at the Walt Disney Studios and her writing has appeared in magazines, newspapers and on television. Every book in the Tiny Ninja Books collection centers on the idea that we are each born with our own Tiny Ninja who is the very best version of us; brave, strong, compassionate, and kind. Our Tiny Ninjas are always there for us - all we have to do is listen.The Tiny Ninja Books website.

Sandy Joy Weston is a keynote speaker, international podcaster, 3x published author, and entrepreneur, who has owned and operated health and wellness companies over 30 years. She became the first female trainer for the Philadelphia Flyers and created the nationally recognized Philly Street Line Dance to help combat Philly's “fattest city” label. For the past five years, Sandy has been focusing on SJW Productions, an international company whose main mission is to highlight all the positive in the world. Her recent book Recess to Reset is a guided journal for kids to charge up all the positive stuff they already have inside. It will empower them to tap into their true SUPER power, and unlock their unique and awesome gifts.During our conversation we discuss how students set themselves up for success and reach their goals, the GAME Plan, power statements and action plans and they relate to students and classroom performance.Website: www.sandyjoyweston.com

In the last session of this 3-part series with the HOMEWORKS! organization we focus our discussion on the links between attendance, academics, and student behavior in the school setting.  Founder Karen Kalish and CEO Colleen Polack describe what the HOMEWORKS! organization is doing to close the gap on equity, attendance, and academics in the schools they currently partner with. 

What is parent engagement?  What does it look like in a thriving school community?  Why is it so critical?  Get the answers to these questions and so much more as host Kristy Houle dives into part 2 of this 3-part series with the St. Louis based HOMEWORKS! organization.  Founder Karen Kalish and CEO Colleen Polak discuss what research tells us about parent engagement and the many links it has to student behavior, academics and social/emotional health.  

Rose Griffin is heavily engaged in the field of the art of communication. Rose Griffin is both a skilled speech-language pathologist, as well as an accomplished behavior analyst. Rose currently works with both public and private school students in Ohio, where she has a focus and passion on helping individuals with autism learn how to become better communicators. With these efforts, Rose has created her own business, a website to assist both professionals such as special-education teachers and speech therapists, as well as parents of children with autism. Her website abaspeech.org, contains a host of helpful resources consisting of educational courses and therapy materials.Talking Points in Conversation:•What made you want to become a speech therapist?•What is autism? What are the signs?•What specifically inspired you to help individuals with autism?•What does a parent do if their child is diagnosed with autism?•What ways can a parent help a child with autism better communicate?•Are there any things that a parent should and shouldn't do to help a child with autism?•What role does speech therapy play in helping individuals with autism?Rose's website.

Engaging parents in their children's education is critical to a child's success. National education research overwhelmingly supports the finding that students do better academically and socially when parents and teachers work together, and children show up on the first day of school ready to learn.  Join host Kristy Houle as she talks with Karen Kalish, Founder of HOMEWORKS! and Colleen Polack, CEO of the organization to discuss how they are working hard to help forge that missing link, creating a positive structure within which parents and teachers can effectively cooperate for the good of their students.

Children have been isolated at home for months, staring at screens, and parents are looking to summer camps as a critical opportunity for social interaction, physical activity and enriched learning. Getting kids moving and socializing are top priority as we move into the summer months.According to the 2022 Summer Camp Outlook by Blue print4SummerSTL, 82% of responding STL regional families plan to send their child to in-person camp this summer. On today's episode of Classroom Matters I will be chatting with Zasmine Johnson of Blueprint4SummerSTL as we discuss how this organization is tackling this issue head-on

What is Point to Point? Watch to learn about our On-Demand Live Interactive Programming that you can schedule on a date and time that works best for you and your students.  See our list of currently available programs, here.

What are the Quick Ideas that supplement each video in our library collection? Watch to learn how they can assist your educational environment.

What are Video Segments and why do some stem from longer versions of the same videos? Watch to learn more about our segment categories.

What are the Curriculum Areas in our video library? What kind of topics do we cover? Watch to learn more about the content areas we provide.

What is Educate.Today? Watch to learn more about who we are and the video resources and user friendly features we provide you and your students.

Antwaun Thompson or Coach T, has coached and mentored young men and women, helping to improve their athletic skills, confidence, resiliency, life skills experiences and focus for over 30 years. Nothing brings him more satisfaction than seeing the heart, determination, and commitment from young people.  Coach T is the founder and executive Director of JLT Fieldhouse, a 501c3 nonprofit youth coaching and mentoring organization, dedicated to “Coaching and Mentoring the Leaders of Tomorrow”. He is also the CEO of Coach T's Corner, an on-line mentoring academy that is designed to “Educate, Motivate and Support” our future leaders of tomorrow through personal growth and development and personal relationship development programs.Links: https://www.coachtscorner.com/

What can concerned parents and teachers do to ensure their children, of all ages, develop great learning habits which will help them achieve their maximum at school and in life? This is probably one of the most important questions any parent can ask and now John Hattie, one of the most respected and renowned Education researchers in the world draws on his globally famous Visible Learning research to provide some answers.Working with his own son Kyle, himself a respected teacher, the Hatties have written a book titled “10 Steps to Develop Great Learners”, which offers a 10-step plan to nurturing curiosity and intellectual ambition and providing a home environment that encourages and values learning. These simple steps based on the strongest of research evidence and packed full of practical advice can be followed by any parent or teacher to support and enhance learning and maximize the potential of their children.  During this episode we will discuss:How to communicate effectively with teachersHow to be the ‘first learner' and demonstrate openness to new ideas and thinkingHow to choose the right school for your childHow to promote the ‘language of learning'How to have appropriate high expectations and how to understand the power of feedback