HallPassBreak

HallPassBreak is back for Season Two! It begins with an interview with Empatico.org, a non-profit organization that links classrooms to other classrooms around the world so kids can learn empathy through cultural awareness. Director of Business Development Kristin Ohnstad and Partnership Manager Erick Roa discuss how Empatico is fun, flexible, and free for teachers to use.

Whenever a classroom teacher is absent, there is a substitute teacher to fill in. Do you ever wonder what they do when they are not in school? Probably not. This episode features Benjamin Verdoes. He not only is a part of the two-man group, Iska Dhaaf, he creates music as a solo artist. The Seattle based musician talked about how the West Coast music scene/lifestyle/education system stacks up against the East Coast. And what it is like to balance being a teacher in the NYC public schools while making music. Hint: It is hard!

What does it mean to be a young teacher in a classroom of students who do not look like you? Two young teachers from Cincinnati, Ohio talk about race and how they are able to connect to their students by being culturally aware of their needs.

The very first episode of HallPassBreak redone for new listeners. Larry Smith, the author of the widely popular "Six Word Memoir Series" talked about he has been able to get classrooms from all around the country to share their life story in just six words.

One of the most popular National Parks in the U.S. is the Grand Canyon. Not everyone is able to visit. What are the National Parks doing to encourage educators and young people to visit? How has this place remained special for so long? My conversation with two Grand Canyon staff members helped me to understand how they are able to link 2.5 billions years of the earth's history with the classroom.

This episode features Cadence and Andi, educators of Zion National Park, who work with school groups nearby and far to expose students to the beauty of nature.

Ever wonder why the New York City landscape changes so frequently? And the importance of diversity when it comes to making these decisions? This episode features two urban planners who discuss the impact of their projects and the importance of having more diversity within the architecture field.

Ever think about taking your students to the Met Museum, but were too afraid? Tune in to learn how one museum educator and three New York City Teachers used the Met to help enhance their teaching and transform their student's lives.