Home Grown: Transforming Teaching from the Ground Up

During this episode Rebekah Frazier from IDOE sits down with High School Counselor, Lizette Baumann to explore key legislative updates from the 2025 session.Moderator Name, Title: Lizette Baumann, School Counselor, Fishers High School, Hamilton Southeastern Schools  Guest Name, Title: Rebekah Frazier, School Counseling Specialist, Indiana Department of EducationEpisode Resources (links to any resources mentioned during the episode or any that might be helpful to go along with the topic): Find Your LegislatorIndiana Assembly Bills in ProgressLegislative Update 2025 Legislative GuidanceSenate Enrolled Act 482 - Absenteeism and Student DisciplineHEA 1634 - Math Education HEA 1499 IN Work Study Program | EARN Indiana | Work & Learn Indiana SEA 448 Admission for IN Residents at State Educational Institutions Indiana Diploma Resources Course Companion SpreadsheetDr. Jenner's Weekly UpdateIndiana College Core 

Today, not but 3 days after I uploaded the last episode, I have pulled Ryan Flessner from dealing with the incredibly aggravating thistle in our front yard to discuss a breaking news item from a LinkedIN post I shared on Thursday. There is a lot of conversation happening in the comments and rather than respond to every single comment and risk being misunderstood or having a tone I actually do not have, I asked Ryan to record with me for a little bit to talk about some of the common themes we were seeing in the comments. It's so important to me for all to know I am constantly thinking about this stuff and how to help teachers truly know how to work with students in the most impactful ways. I am not in your shoes. I am not on your journey. But I do want to offer all I can for educators to think about as they are on their own journey - that's one reason why I resurrected this podcast. I do not have all the answers to all the things, and don't plan on ever having them. Even when I think I'm right, I have a tiny voice in my head asking me, “Are you really? Have you thought this through enough? Is there more you should read or more people you should reach out to to ask questions?” So before you start listening, pause and ask yourself, how would you solve 1,000 - 999? And then have a listen! Thanks for being here and thank you to Ryan for taking the time to think with me.Resources mentioned (but there are so many more!)Dump the Algorithms? Debate Math Podcast Episode 37 (or find wherever you listen to podcasts!)Developing Mathematical Reasoning: Avoiding the Trap of Algorithms by Pam HarrisDeveloping Mathematical Reasoning: The Strategies, Models, and Lessons to Teach the Big Ideas in Grades K-2 (Pre-order)

Ed Leadership isn't just for becoming a principal, it's for every teacher wanting to become better at what they do and more connected to the school environment. Join us and strengthen your agency and efficacy around leadership.

Get ready to put pen to paper with The Lit Gals! In their latest episode, "Ink & Imagination: Why Writing Matters," Anna, Morgan, and Martie are diving into the world of writing, exploring why it's so important for writing not to be an afterthought in classrooms. They share some of their favorite books to spark inspiration before wrapping up with what they're currently reading.Young Readers"Ladybug Life Cycle""Frieda" by Jonah Winter"The Grand Canyon" by Wendel Minor""If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" & "If You Give a Pig a Pancake" by Laura Numeroff"We're Going on a Bear Hunt" by Michael Rosen, Helen OxenburyMiddle School and Up"Dear Mr. Henshaw" by Beverly Cleary"Dear Martin by Nic Stone"I Will Always Write Back" by Caitlin Alifirenka & Martin Ganda with Liz Welch"And So I Roar" by Abi Dare"The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek" by Kim Michelle Richardson"One of Our Own" by Lucinda Berry"The Briar Club" by Kate Quinn

I haven't recorded since October of 2024 for a variety of reasons including but not limited to moving into the position of Director at Keep Indiana Learning, being fully immersed in work in schools and my own learning, continuing to battle getting my PhD completed,  and facilitating two teenagers in their final years of high school. It's all been very busy, but I don't have a single thing to complain about.Over the summer, I was immersed in my own professional learning, working with new school districts, planning some research projects, and having many conversations with school and district leaders about the math teaching they see and hear. There are just so many questions about what we should be doing in math class; so, I'm working on creating a math resource page on our KINL website and am bringing back the podcast to try to provide answers to the many questions I see, create some clarity around many misconceptions I hear about the teaching and learning of mathematics, and bust some myths. All in doing so, I want educators to feel inspired to go out and do the good work all our students need us to be doing.I asked my favorite thinking partner and colleague, Ryan Flessner to help kick off this new era of Math and Other Things, so hopefully you'll learn a thing or two and enjoy!

In this episode, Jeff sits down with Dr. Whitney Newton from TNTP to explore The Opportunity Makers—a groundbreaking research study that reveals how schools across the country are helping students catch up and thrive. Whitney shares key findings, stories from real schools, and practical insights around the three conditions that make the biggest difference: belonging, consistency, and coherence. Whether you're a teacher, administrator, or district leader, this conversation offers inspiration and tools to drive change in your school. Check out the full research paper here.

Joe Feldman is the author of Grading For Equity, and founder of the Crescendo Education Group. In this episode he shares some of his research around grading practices and how to update them to be more accurate, bias resistant, and motivational. Grades should help students learn and get better, not divide them and punish them. Join us for an informative and engaging discussion. 

In this first episode of season 6, we shed some light on one of the truly legendary school-to-community connections in Indiana, Camp Whitley, as seen through the memories of three of the oldest living campers, Sue and Chick Harker, and Harriet Hamilton. Learn what makes this camp so special and travel back in time with us to the 1940s as we share what makes this Whitley County institution so important.

Eric Nentrup is an educator, writer, and self-proclaimed disrupter, and that's just getting the list started. I learned so much in this episode and also thought of a hundred other questions about teaching at the start of this AI era and where we're headed. Join us as we gaze into our crystal ball and talk about future-proofing our schools. Your future-self will be glad you tuned in!

Indiana has new diplomas coming for high schools, but what does it mean for us in the middle? Join us with our special guest, Kale Blickenstaff, as we discuss what impact the new Indiana diplomas will have and are already having on middle schools.

Join facilitators Christy Berger, Brooke Lawson and special guest Jacob Hauck as they discuss safe technology usage and share strategies for helping support all students with appropriate technology use.

Teachers know a lot, and most of it they didn't learn in college, they learned by doing it, on the job, in the trenches. Join us for an enlightening conversation about what we've learned from being a teacher. Then find a way to share what you've learned with others!

Thomas Guskey shares some of his vast experience and expertise in this episode dedicated to good teaching. If you're a teacher and you want to get better, this is an episode just for you.

Join facilitators Christy Berger, Brooke Lawson and special guest Ashlyn Douthitt as they discuss safe technology usage and share strategies for helping support all students with appropriate technology use.

Back by popular demand, Caleb shares his insight and expertise about teacher leadership, what it looks like, and how you can become a teacher leader, too!

Join Jen Dodson, Washington Township Coordinator of School Counseling & Student Wellness and Crystal Haslett, Washington Township Coordinator of Student Support Services as they chat with a school counselor and school social worker who collaborate to support a comprehensive wellness team in their school district. 

Carolynn is an amazing teacher who started building her thinking classroom it 2023, though you might think she's been doing in for years if you were in her classroom. Listen as she shares her journey and how she handled such a big change in her instruction.

We went straight to the source for this episode inviting 3 current middle school students to join us for an interesting conversation about what middle school is really like. Listen as Nolan, Brady, and Jaedyn share their thoughts on teachers, extra-curriculars, phone policies, and more.

In this episode Ryan Flessner and I are reviewing the end of NCSM 2024 and the start of NCTM in Chicago. Two amazing days of learning, collaborating, growing as leaders and doing LOTS of math! @mathedleaders you put on a heck of a conference and @NCTM is off to a really incredible start! Hats off to the organizers of both conferences and all the hard work that goes into making that happen. And special thanks to all the speakers for doing such an incredible job to provide opportunities for us to learn!  #NCSM24 @NCTMCHI24 @joyfulmaths @teedjvt @iteachthewhy @lynseymathed @pwharris @DrEugeniaCheng @gracekelemanik @amylucenta @tkanold @mathematize4all @jnovakowski_  @ZanerBloser    @GreatMindsEd  @LizRowoldt @IndianaCTM

Jason Walke is an amazing educator gifted at bringing the community into the classroom and connecting it to his students' learning. He gives new meaning to college and career readiness. Listen as he shares his expertise and knowledge, bridging the gab between his students and their future.

Join facilitators Christy Berger, Brooke Lawson and special guests Echo Shappell-Ednie, an Elementary School Social Worker in Carmel Clay Schools and Drew Sager, Middle School Counselor in Center Grove Schools.

In this episode Ryan Flessner and I are reviewing Day 2 of NCSM 2024 in Chicago. It was another great day of learning, collaborating, and growing as leaders! Continued thanks to @mathedleaders for putting together a great conference and thanks to all the speakers for doing such an incredible job to provide opportunities for us to learn! @MagmaMathLeslie  @thestrokeofluck  @lynseymathed   @marriamath   @Gladwell  @jennalaib    @mccainm @pamseda1 @pgliljedahl

In this episode Ryan Flessner and I are reviewing Day 1 of NCSM 2024 in Chicago. Long story short, we had a really great day of learning and our heads are spinning! Thanks to @mathedleaders for putting together a great conference and thanks to all the speakers for doing such an incredible job to provide opportunities for us to learn! @MagmaMathLeslie  @magmamath      @mathematize4all  @LieslMcconchie @TammyMcMorrow  @IndianaCTM  #AprilTaylor #CourtneyLamb #DeneaCzapla #ErinMcClure @Debpeart1  @dionnedance  @bscribb  @pwharris  @mathedleaders  @Denise_EdTrust @CFLM_math @tkanold

Student engagement is sometimes simple in the moment, but difficult to sustain. In this episode Caleb helps us look at some strategies he's found successful and make connections to classroom management and achievement. Listen with us and get started on some positive changes in your own classroom.

This episode was recorded in JANUARY. I have many excuses for why it's delayed, but none of them are acceptable. It's still a great episode with tons of wisdom from Kristen Acosta, and I can't wait for you to listen! In this episode, I get to talk to Kristen Acosta - someone whose resources I've been using for quite some time and a website I always send educators to for various resources. Over the course of the past 25 years, Kristen has taught grades TK - 8, worked as a district math coach, and loves supporting other teachers. She has published many articles and been featured on several podcasts including Learning Through Math and Debate Math (two of my favorites). Kristen is a wealth of resources, and this episode is absolutely loaded with all kinds of words of wisdom and ideas that at one point literally left me speechless. I have followed her forever and one of my favorite posts came in late November where she was complimentary of the Indiana skies (linked here). She was also one of @ryanflessner's top 10 Math Moments in 2023, and that's how this whole episode came to be.  Kristen wrote her book "Hanging Math Out to Dry with Elementary Clothesline Math" while fighting cancer and going through chemotherapy. For a variety of reasons, I was significantly moved by this fact, and from here on out, Kristen will be held up as someone I think about when my motivation is low or I feel like I just can't do it anymore. This woman is incredible and you need to know her better! Definitely grab something to take notes with as you listen. I promise you'll learn something new!

Join facilitators Christy Berger, Brooke Lawson and special guest Dr. Connie Poston, as they discuss the new attendance law and share strategies for helping support all students with increasing attendance.

Kathy is a former middle school principal and career-long educator. It this episode she shares her insight and wisdom gained along the way. Her clear vision for what it takes to be a great leader is amazing and she works to instill that in those she leads. She is the consummate teacher leader and middle school is where she proved it.

Danielle Shockey is the CEO for the Girl Scouts of Central Indiana.  She joins us to share her experience, wisdom, and insights of a career spent in the service of education and youth.

Today's podcast is a culmination of the Talk Data to Me four-part series of videos highlighting spreadsheet tools and tips to make analyzing data easier. Our special guests will illustrate how you can put your data in action to effect change in your building, district, or community.

Join facilitators Christy Berger, Brooke Lawson as they talk about best practices for ending the school year on a positive note!

Jennifer Gonzalez is a National Board Certified Teacher with over 10 years of classroom experience. Most of this time was spent teaching middle school language arts, and the rest was at the college level, where she trained pre-service teachers for the classroom. In 2013, she created the website Cult of Pedagogy, where she now works full-time to help teachers of all subjects and grade levels practice and perfect the art of teaching.

During this episode we will hear from school counselors who have stepped up in a big way to lead comprehensive school counseling in their school or district. It doesn't take an admin license to be a school leader, and these school counselors will share about their journey and approach to developing school counseling programs that are meeting the needs of all students.

 Brittany Tinkler is a Milken Award winner, a certified project-based learning trainer, co-chair of the professional development arm of the Indiana Council of Teachers of Mathematics, ICTM, and a second grade teacher at Rosa Parks Elementary where she puts all of her expertise into action.  Listen as she shares her experiences that led to her being a champion for struggling students.

Join facilitators Christy Berger, Brooke Lawson and special guest Dr. Connie Poston,  as they share strategies in response to the question from a current high school counselor on how to integrate SEL at the high school level.  

During this episode, Amanda Culhan and Samantha Vidal will be speaking to Indiana's most recent school counseling award recipients, presented at the ISCA Conference this past November. Some of Indiana's finest school counselors will be sharing program components and ways in which they celebrate and advocate for the profession during national school counseling week, celebrated during the first week of February.

Susie Highley is the current Director of the Indiana Middle Level Education Association. As a life-long Hoosier educator, she's seen it all and done a lot of it herself. Listen as she shares her story of lessons learned, opportunities taken, and dreams fulfilled during a long and successful (and still going) career in and around education.

Rick Wormeli joins us to share his experience and expertise about the wild animal we call middle school. The middle is a unique, flexible, and yes, sometimes chaotic place to live. In this episode, Rick helps us navigate a clearer path and sheds light on some common issues facing both teachers and students.

Join facilitators Christy Berger, Brooke Lawson and special guest Craig Spinner,  as they share strategies in response to the question of creating buy-in and support from staff and parents around SEL.

Tom Hakim is the principal at an award winning middle school in Central Indiana.  In this episode he'll share his experiences building forward from the pandemic, along with his expertise and wisdom about creating a positive middle school culture where students are given the opportunity to grow and thrive.

Brandon Denning is an extraordinary educator. Listen as he shares his insights about education, balancing work and life, and how he finds and creates joy in the classroom.

Join us as we break down the top 10 legislative updates that affect school counseling for the 2023-24 school year and discuss their implications on your important work. The IDOE created a guiding document and a new Pathways Document that will soon be available on the Graduation pathways website for school counselors. 

During this episode you will learn different ways to start the new school year off strong - both personally and professionally!  Brooke Lawson, Director of Mental Health for Carmel Clay Schools, asks guests Christy Berger and Dr. Megan Kirk to share how they build relationships with staff and students as they return, tips for setting up classrooms to minimize student misbehavior, and information to share with parents and guardians.  Episode Resources Back to School Strategies from John Hattie  Start-off-the-year-with-restorative-practices-IIRP.pdf 3 Signature SEL Practices for Leaders.docx Circle Up! (elem) Circle Up! (secondary) Educator Wellness Toolkit Final.pdf

Join Jeff Harker and special guest Dr. Peter Liljedahl, author of Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics, as we head into our first Building Thinking Classrooms Conference, June 29-30, 2023, hosted by our partners at Franklin Community Schools.  They'll be discussing Toolkit #4 and wrapping up our 4 part series.  Hear about the impact a thinking classroom can have on your students, their engagement, and their achievement. Dr. Peter Liljedahl is the author of Building Thinking Classrooms, a Professor of Mathematics Education in the Faculty of Education, and an associate member in the Department of Mathematics at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, Canada. Dr. Liljedahl is a former high school mathematics teacher who has kept his research interest and activities close to the classroom. His research interests are creativity, insight, and discovery in mathematics teaching and learning; the role of the affective domain on the teaching and learning of mathematics; the professional growth of mathematics teachers; mathematical problem solving; numeracy; and engaging student thinking. He consults regularly with schools, school districts, and ministries of education on issues of teaching and learning, assessment, and numeracy.

Join Jeff Harker and guest Lam Nguyen to discuss Toolkit #3 of the Building Thinking Classrooms Framework.  You'll gain clarity on implementation as well as insights about flow and consolidation.    This is episode 3 of a 4 part series diving into Building Thinking Classrooms for Mathematics by Peter Liljedahl.  Join us here at Keep Indiana Learning for all 4 episodes leading up to our first Building Thinking Classrooms Conference, June 29-30, 2023, hosted by our partners at Franklin Community Schools. Lam Nguyen is currently a Middle School Principal and mathematics educator in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. He has worked in education for 15 years as a classroom teacher, divisional leader, and school administrator. Through his current work in a doctoral program focused on the intersection of mathematics education and diversity, equity, and inclusion, he works to support teachers in creating learning environments that are accessible and supportive of all learners. The Building Thinking Classroom framework has been instrumental in empowering students to see themselves as mathematical thinkers and learners.

Join Jeff Harker and guests Amanda Ray and Mandy Ramey as they discuss Toolkit #2 of the Building Thinking Classrooms Framework.  You've started using a few practices, now what?  You'll gain insights about growing your own thinking classroom and get advice about what works.   This is episode 2 of a 4 part series diving into Building Thinking Classrooms for Mathematics by Peter Liljedahl.  Join us here at Keep Indiana Learning for all 4 episodes leading up to our first Building Thinking Classrooms Conference, June 29-30, 2023, hosted by our partners at Franklin Community Schools. Amanda Ramey graduated from IUPUC with a BA in Elementary Education and ESL dual license.  She's taught mostly fifth grade for the last 13 years. The last seven years with a primary focus in math and social studies. “The Building Thinking Classrooms approach has transformed my teaching.  Students in my classroom are talking more about their thinking. They are working through that productive struggle and learning to rely on me less for validation of their work.  They are proving their work to me, which I absolutely love seeing day in and day out.” Amanda Ray graduated from Franklin College with BA in Elementary Education.  She has taught 5th Grade for 20 years - every year teaching math, and sometimes an additional subject.  She is currently also teaching Social Studies.  “I do not consider myself a ‘math' person, but have fallen head over heels in love with teaching math, especially using BTC practices.”

Join Jeff Harker and guests Stephanie Wicke, Meredith Kalbfleisch, and Mary Auger as they discuss Toolkit #1 of the Building Thinking Classrooms Framework.  If you're asking where to start, this is the place!  You'll gain insights about creating your own thinking classroom and get advice about how to create visibly random groups and use vertical non-permanent surfaces.   This is episode 1 of a 4 part series diving into Building Thinking Classrooms for Mathematics by Peter Liljedahl.  Join us here at Keep Indiana Learning for all 4 episodes leading up to our first Building Thinking Classrooms Conference, June 29-30, 2023, hosted by our partners at Franklin Community Schools, Franklin, IN. Meredith Kalbfleisch is a middle school Mathematics teacher currently in her fourth year teaching 7th grade. She has a bachelor's in Management Information Systems from Virginia Tech and is a native Virginian. She currently holds a math license for teaching middle school math (grades 5-9).  Her interests include motivating students, reading, hiking, movies, and having fun with her two sons. Stephanie Wicke has been teaching high school mathematics for 9 years.  She is currently an instructional coach and math/engineering teacher at Whiteland Community High School.  Her passion is creating lessons that get students actively involved in their learning, and helping other teachers grow in their practice. Mary Auger is a veteran math teacher for Hamilton Southeastern Schools.  She graduated from Ball State University and holds a Master's Degree in Elementary Educations with a Gifted-Talented Endorsement and a Math license for teaching grades 7-9. She is the Math Department Chair at Hamilton Southeastern Intermediate/Jr. High where she teaches 7th and 8th grade math courses.  She is also the Indiana state MATH Bowl Coordinator and writer for IASP.  Mary's greatest passions are teaching math, cheering on the Cubbies, and being a mom to two wonderful boys. 

Keep Indiana Learning and Indiana State Literacy Association have partnered to celebrate Independent Bookstore Day on April 29, 2023. Dr. Darolyn Jones, ISLA member-at-large, interviews Cat Cardwell from INDY Reads, and ISLA President Dr. Benjamin Boche shares his interview with Shirley Mullin,  owner of Kids Ink Children's bookstore. 

Welcome Dr. Erin McNeill to the Keep Indiana Learning team and here how she has taken her experiences deepening her teaching practice in the science of reading with adolescent students into an expanding understanding of how the foundations of reading, writing, and literacy can stretch across grade levels, across content areas, and into the future of teaching and learning. She shares how the pivotal work by Peter Liljedahl, Building Thinking Classrooms, can be applied to language and literacy instruction! Guest: Dr. Erin McNeill is a Professional Learning Specialist for Keep Indiana Learning, a department of Central Indiana Educational Service Center. Erin spent sixteen years in the classroom as an English Language Arts and English as a New language teacher and coordinator and two years as a member of the Literacy, Culture, and Language Education department at Indiana University, where she trained preservice teachers. Erin currently works with teachers, coaches, schools, and districts on: Implementing the Science of Reading into new or existing curricula  Creating asset-based and culturally responsive literacy experiences and materials Leveraging data-driven instruction to meet the needs of all students  Developing small or large conference style virtual and blended professional learning  Strengthening literacy and language skills and pedagogies As an education researcher, Erin focuses on asset-based strategies for emergent bilinguals and prioritizes relationships with diverse students. These studies led to her current research which studies how practitioners can use the information they learn about their students in literacy projects to build a culturally relevant curriculum based on students' experiences and interests.  Lena Darnay is the Director of Professional Learning for Keep Indiana Learning, a department of Central Indiana Educational Service Center. She supports Indiana educators by developing innovative and engaging professional learning opportunities in-person and as high-impact virtual experiences.  She is dedicated to developing and establishing powerful structures and inclusive environments for learning that build engaging, learner-centered, and authentic learning experiences. Lena currently works with teachers, coaches, schools, and districts on Developing thoughtful processes for infusing innovation, inquiry, and technology into instruction Creating marketing plans and website audits to ensure engaging and powerful user experience and engagement Using adult learning theory for professional learning creation and implementation Developing small or large conference style virtual and blended professional learning  Effective use of school librarians, instructional coaches, and/or technology integration specialists for cohesive collaboration for student learning Lena has over 15 years of education experience as a school librarian & media specialist, career academy coordinator, district instructional technology specialist, and marketing coordinator. Lena has extensive experience co-planning, co-teaching, and coaching for a collaborative, inquiry-based, research driven instructional experience. She has an extensive network of education and industry professionals spanning a wide breadth of knowledge and experiences. 

The Director of STEAM and the Imagination Lab at Richmond Community Schools, Steven Hensley, joins us to discuss building a brand new and innovative program from the ground up. Steven Hensley serves as the Director of STEAM & Imagination Lab at Richmond Community Schools. His journey into education was not exactly linear, but he is so glad to have found his way here. Steven has been privileged as a classroom educator for the last six years, teaching anything from AP Computer Science to Biology 1, with the majority of his teaching experience at the 9th and 10th grade level and his beloved middle school kiddos. Steven works passionately to develop cross curricular units and weave in interdisciplinary techniques, all from an inquiry based instructional approach. He champions the best ideas and techniques for kids because at the end of the day, “if it doesn't work for kids, it doesn't work." Moderated by Keep Indiana Learning Digital Learning Coach, Tim Arnold. Tim Arnold is a District eLearning Specialist with Richmond Community schools in Richmond, IN. Prior to that he was a social studies teacher, coach, and educational leader at Nettle Creek Schools in Hagerstown,IN. Tim was selected as a Top Ten Educator in the State of Indiana in 2008, taught Social Studies methods in the Earlham College Master of Arts in Teaching program, and has presented at multiple local, state and national conferences (ICE, HECC, CanvasCon, InstructureCon, ISTE) on topics he is passionate about including blended learning, student engagement, Canvas, G Suite for Education, and EduProtocols. Additionally, Tim holds certifications in Technology Leadership (CIESC Cohort 8), Google (Level 1), FlipGrid, and Nearpod and collaborates with @RCSLearn colleagues to host a Twitter chat with over 130 episodes. Tim, a current HECC Board Member, joined Keep Indiana Learning as a Digital Learning Coach in the fall of 2021 and was recently selected for the Jacobs Educator Award from Indiana University. Tim and his wife Julie, a former “rock-star” 6th grade science teacher and current guidance counselor, are graduates of Indiana University (BS ‘90) and Ball State University (MA ‘97), and have two children, Kelsie, a UX Designer for Aloompa and Nick, a Plant Manager with Co-Alliance.Tim's mantra is to serve others with patient persistence.

Join Amanda Culhan, Counselor Connect Coordinator, as she welcomes Jon Acton, CEO of Broken Shells LLC, as they talk about educator wellness and school climate. As a former School Superintendent, USDOE National Blue Ribbon School Principal, Teacher, & Coach, Jon has a wealth of knowledge and experience in fostering a positive and healthy school climate, where relationships are critical, educators feel empowered, and students learn and grow. In this episode, Jon will share how to cultivate educator wellness beyond having a monthly hot cocoa cart (which we're not denying we love!) and into more sustainable and meaningful wellness, leading to healthy and mindful educators and students, and a calmer school environment for all. Episode Resources (links: Broken Shells Creating Calm DIY Guide (great for educator PD Days, PLCs) Caring for Ourselves DIY Guide (great for educator PD Days, PLCs) Funapalooza Sample , shared by Jon Want to learn more about cultivating a culture of calm? The Center for Mind-Body Medicine JabuMind (mindfulness app for educators) Calm Podcast Moderator - Amanda Culhan, Counselor Connect Coordinator, Former State School Counseling Specialist and School Counselor Guest - Jon Acton, CEO Broken Shells LLC, Speaker, Blogger & Author Former School Superintendent, USDOE National Blue Ribbon School Principal, Teacher, Football Coach Learn more about Jon & his work at: https://brokenshells.net/ and follow him on Twitter @BrokenShells3

Join Dr. Andrew Melin, Executive Director of CIESC, Ms. Flora Jones, director of student pathways for the Indiana Department of Education, and Mr. Allen Hill, the executive director of the Indiana School Counselors Association, as they discuss why it is important for today's PK-12 counselors to enhance their career counseling skills. In addition to discussing the why, several ideas and strategies will be provided. Moderator Dr. Andrew Melin, Executive Director, CIESC Bio Headshot Guest 1 - Flora Jones, Director of Student Pathways, Indiana Department of Education Bio and Headshot Ms. Jones is a Proud School Administrator and Professional School Counselor with over twenty years of experience in the field of education. She prides herself in being a servant leader who has devoted her life to helping students find their Passion and Purpose and develop a Plan for their future. Before joining the IDOE, she served as the Director of Post-Secondary Readiness for Indianapolis Public Schools where she oversaw college, career, and life readiness initiatives across the district. Prior to her time in IPS, she spent over twenty years in MSD of Wayne Township in various roles including School Counselor, District Equity Team Leader, Recruitment Chairperson, Home School Advisor, At Risk Counselor, and GCL New Teacher Trainer, along with many other roles and responsibilities. In her role as IDOE Director of Student Pathways, she is responsible for setting the direction of Pathway Opportunities for students as it relates to Graduation Pathways and Locally Created Pathways, Regional Work-Based Learning Opportunities and Support, Dual Credit Credentialing for School Staff to Increase Student Access to College Coursework, Postsecondary Credentialing for Students and Moving the Terminal End Point of High School Beyond the Graduation Stage. She is also responsible for the support and guidance in the area of High Abilities, Alternative Educational Programming, Homeless Children and Youth, and Homeschool Initiatives. Guest 2 - Allen Hill, Executive Director, Indiana School Counselors Association Allen Hill has served as a school counselor in urban and rural settings since receiving a master's degree from Northern Arizona University-Yuma in 2002. Allen has been active on the Arizona School Counselor Association governing board since 2004 in roles including President, Secondary Vice President, and Advocacy Chair. I currently serving as Indiana School Counselor Association Executive Director, been at this position since 2016. Allen is an active volunteer with the American Red Cross where he works in the Service to Armed Forces division as a trainer and facilitator for Reconnection Workshops.