Home Grown: Transforming Teaching from the Ground Up

During this episode two school social work leaders discuss the power of school social work. They will discuss the role of the school social worker, why it varies from district to district and how districts and school social workers can elevate the role. Moderator Names & Titles: Alma Dabrowski, Social Worker for Special Populations/Homeless Liaison, Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation Crystal Haslett, Coordinator of Student Support Services - MSD of Washington TownshipModerator Bio: Crystal Haslett started her career in the MSD of  Washington Township as a home school advisor, serving in the role of school social worker at multiple schools within the district. Many years later, Crystal served as the school social worker at North Central High School, when the district successfully passed a referendum that allowed the district to hire a school social worker for each school. Crystal served as a school social worker at the high school for 4 years before transitioning to the role of Coordinator of Student Support Services. In this current role, Crystal has oversight of the district school social workers, serves as the Mckinney-Vento homeless education liaison and district foster care point of contact. Crystal enjoys supporting school social workers in their work and educating others about the role of school social workers. Moderator Bio: Alma Dabrowski has been with the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation (EVSC) for over 18 years. She began her work as the district social worker for special populations, focusing on serving the ever-growing immigrant population. For the last 10 years, Alma has also served as the McKinney-Vento Homeless Liaison and as a support for the EVSC district social workers. Alma enjoys being a support to her colleagues and promoting the crucial role social workers play in the success of our students.Episode Resources Visit the SSWAA website to request resources to celebrate school social workers in your community: https://www.sswaa.org/school-social-work-week during National School Social Work week March 1-7 this year. This social media banner can be shared to raise awareness and celebrate school social workers. School Social Work National Practice ModelSchool Social Work StandardsRole of School Social WorkerMarch 1-7 is National School Social Work WeekMarch is Social Work Month

In this episode, Innovation Coaches Amy Stevens, Dianna Knox, and Brenny Kummer explore Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as a proactive framework for supporting the diverse needs of today's classrooms. UDL is not about creating multiple versions of a lesson or simply differentiating, but about intentionally designing learning experiences that offer flexible options for engagement (why), representation (what), and action/expression (how). Listen and learn how to get started with UDL, such as adding small choices, recognizing what you already do well, and using AI as a thought partner, to help begin implementing UDL in manageable, meaningful ways.

What makes a book a "read-aloud" winner? In this episode, "The Magic of Reading Aloud," Anna, Morgan, and Martie explore the special connection built through shared stories. As we look ahead to World Read Aloud Day (2/4/26) and Read Across America (3/2/26), the Lit Gals are sharing their absolute favorite titles - the ones that have sparked the best discussions and the biggest smiles. Don't miss this collection of proven hits that will help you celebrate reading in your home or classroom! Books Shared: Young Reader - "Please Don't Read This Book!" (D. Kizis) "What Should Danny Do?" (A. Levy & G. Levy) "What Do You Do with an Idea" (Kobi Yamada) Middle Grade - "Clean Getaway" (N. Stone) "Code of Honor" (A. Gratz) "From the Desk of Zoe Washington" (J. Marks) "Front Desk" (K. Yang) "Ghost Boys" (J. Parker Rhodes) "The Scammer" (T. Jackson) "Tripping Over the Lunch Lady and Other School Stories" (edited by N. Mercado) Adult - "The Last Letter" (R. Yarros) "Tisha: The Wonderful True Love Story of a Young Teacher in the Alaskan Wilderness" (R. Specht) "Who Fears Death" (N. Okorafor) The Lit Gals are proud to be part of the Keep Indiana Learning network and are excited to also be airing on the KINL Podcast network this season!

Supporting students in using AI for deeper learningIn Episode 3, KINL Innovation Coaches Stevie and Karisa explore what it really means to use AI as a student learning co-pilot. Together, they unpack common concerns around cheating and academic integrity and offer a perspective on how AI can support student thinking, creativity, and voice. Through real classroom stories and practical examples, this episode highlights why teaching students how AI works and how to use it responsibly matters now more than ever, especially when it comes to equity and access. Whether you're just beginning to explore AI or looking for thoughtful ways to integrate it into teaching and learning, this episode offers a down-to-earth conversation about guiding students confidently into the future.

Today's guest is Deborah Peart Crayton. My apologies in advance (again!), but this is a longer episode because again, we are talking about things that are just so important for educators to know and every minute is well worth it! Deborah is a teacher, author, PhD candidate, and overall incredible contributor to the world of mathematics education. Her new book, Readers Read, Writers Write, Mathers Math is another MUST READ. In fact, Keep Indiana Learning and Mt. Holyoke's Math Leadership program is co-hosting a book study starting on January 26. You can sign up at the link in the show notes - and join us for any and all of the sessions. If you can't join us, the book study recordings will live on Keep Indiana Learning's YouTube page. We want to support you in your learning on how to create an incredible culture of mathematics in your schools and classrooms! This is my third episode around math identity, culture, and why math anxiety is a real thing in our classrooms. I cannot stress how important this part of math teaching is and Deborah, and her book, are crucial resources for our mathematics classrooms. My favorite quote from this episode is, "They're capable if they're invested and they're invested if they're curious and interested.” So have a listen and find out HOW we can create invested, curious, and interested mathers in our classrooms!Places to find Deborah:⁠www.mathersgonnamath.com⁠⁠Readers Read, Writers Write, Mathers Math!⁠⁠Mather Merch!⁠⁠Sign up for our Book Study!⁠⁠⁠Deborah Peart Crayton is the founder and Queen Mather of My Mathematical Mind. She started the #MatherMovement to disrupt the idea that math is optional. Deborah is a sought-after keynote speaker and dynamic elementary education consultant. With over 30 years in the field of education, Deborah speaks on a variety of topics related to math identity, elementary math content and instructional practices, and literacy connections to mathematics. She has shared her message at the local, regional, and national levels at state, district, and community events, and educational conferences.Deborah is an expert at creating invitational and nurturing environments to cultivate positive mathematical identities, and has served in that capacity as a mentor and coach for elementary educators for over 20 years. She has had success with adapting instruction while maintaining grade-level expectations and possesses a deep knowledge of instructional practices and frameworks to engage all learners, including Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI), Math Recovery, the Orton-Gillingham Approach, and Mathematical Language Routines (MLR).Deborah holds a bachelor's degree in speech communications and early childhood education, a master's degree in educational studies with a concentration in literacy, graduate endorsements in elementary mathematics and teacher development, and is pursuing a doctorate degree in education program development and innovation. Her research interests are focused on the connections between math anxiety and math teaching efficacy and effective practices for developing high-quality professional learning. Deborah has dedicated her career and doctoral studies to supporting educators with innovative teaching strategies that allow students to see themselves as assets to the learning community and curious problem-solvers. Deborah believes that all children deserve high-quality instruction and the opportunity to become competent readers, writers, and mathers.

Dr. Chase Huotari, Superintendent of Franklin Township, is a leader in the intentional integration of AI into K-12 education. He focuses on building a responsible framework that empowers teachers and prepares students for a technology-driven future.

In Episode 2, the KINL Innovation Coaches return to break down what the Science of Reading and writing look like in real Indiana classrooms, focusing on practical instructional moves that help students strengthen phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing. Innovation Coaches Jonathan, Nicole, and Sara share examples from their districts, highlight simple ways technology can enhance (not replace) high-quality literacy instruction, and share classroom-ready tools. If you're looking for clear, doable guidance for turning research into everyday reading and writing instruction, this episode provides a thoughtful, down-to-earth conversation rooted in real classroom practice.Resources

Today's guest is Liesl McConchie. This is a little bit longer of an episode for two reasons. One, I couldn't stop asking questions and making connections to my own evolution of teaching math and two, Liesl is simply amazing. She is a teacher, author, mom, international speaker, and who we should all be reading and listening to if we are thinking we need to transform the way we think about the teaching and learning of mathematics. If you need to, listen in sections, because this entire interview is well worth your time. If you are looking for people to learn from regarding brain research and mathematics, Liesl is who you should be learning from. While you may hear from people in the world who believe math is just about right answers and all you need to do is follow directions to find those right answers, Liesl will help you understand why math identity matters. If you find yourself questioning why one quote she says that really stands out is, “A student's emotional relationship with math is foundational to their cognitive relationship with math. You just can't argue with that, folks.So sit back and relax. But maybe put your finger on the rewind button, because I promise, there are going to be things you hear that you want to make sure you heard just right.Places to find Liesl:https://lieslmcconchie.com/Building a Positive Math Identity: A Brain Science ApproachBrain-Based Learning: Teaching the Way Students Really Learn

How do you bring the truth to life? Join Lit Gals Anna and Martie for Episode 40 of Season 5 as they explore the transformative power of Narrative Non-Fiction! This genre blends factual accuracy with the storytelling techniques of fiction, making real-life events, history, and science truly irresistible. Whether you teach elementary schoolers or you're an adult reader looking for your next captivating read, Anna and Martie will help you understand what defines this powerful genre and share ideas for books that will leave readers—of any age—informed and inspired.The Lit Gals are proud to be part of the Keep Indiana Learning network and are excited to also be airing on the KINL Podcast network this season!Books Shared:Picture Books:"Frieda" (Jonah Winter)"March On" (Christine King Farris)"Sitting Bull" (SD Nelson) Middle Grade & YA:"Chasing Lincoln's Killer" (James Swanson)"The Port Chicago 50" (Steve Sheinkin)"Impossible Escape" (Steve Sheinkin)"All Thirteen" (Christina Soontornvat)Adult Titles: "Everything Is Tuberculosis" (John Green)"Hidden Potential" (Adam Grant)"Be Ready When the Luck Happens" (Ina Garten)"A Fever in the Heartland" (Timothy Egan)"News of the World" (Paulette Jiles)"The Academy" (Elin Hilderbrand & Shelby Cunningham) 

Today's guest is Vanessa Vakharia - also known as The Math Guru. She is the author of the book (and narrator of the audio book) Math Therapy, the host of the Math Therapy Podcast and overall badass advocate of building positive math identities in our students, the schools in which they learn, and society in general. Something about Vanessa is that she is fiercely committed to what she is doing - even when it seems like people will do anything to try to bring her down or prove her wrong. Asked once why a pretty girl like her was teaching math, she clapped back by receiving a Masters Degree in Math Education and Feminist Theory writing a thesis called “Imagining a World Where Paris Hilton Loves Math.” The world where people believing they aren't math people, it is acceptable to hate math and numbers, or folks  write movies where the pretty cheerleader is making over the nerdy math girl is an unacceptable world and Vanessa is here to combat that - no matter what.I am enormously grateful to Vanessa for the work she is doing in our schools. I am enormously grateful for the conversation and the opportunity to think about her work and how it applies to so many things in our lives (we talk about this in the episode!). So sit back, relax, and put your finger on the rewind button. I promise there are nuggets in here you're going to want to listen to more than once!Places to find Vanessa:Instagram: @themathguru     www.⁠maththerapy.com⁠⁠www.maththerapypodcast.com⁠⁠Math Therapy - the book

The Teaching Forward podcast kicks off with a practical, no-fluff tour of artificial intelligence (AI) in K-12 education: tools and tips that give teachers time back without replacing what matters most. Keep Indiana Learning Innovation Coaches Karisa Schwanekamp and Tim Arnold share classroom-tested stories, UDL-aligned planning, faster feedback loops for students, and smarter family communication - plus clear guidance for safety and ethics. Think of AI as a thought partner, not an answer machine. Start small, collaborate, and move teaching into the future! Click below for a list of resources and more details about this episode.https://drive.google.com/file/d/1h0WAXrCyF1KRRxIE-1sj8srRSyot0bfC/view?usp=sharing

 In this episode, Dr. Whitney Newton and Nadia Nibbs from TNTP explore the power of consistency in schools—how reliable routines, expectations, and supports help students thrive. Drawing on TNTP's Opportunity Makers research, they share stories from schools that have built strong, consistent cultures and discuss practical strategies for educators and leaders. Listeners will hear actionable insights and real-world examples for building environments where every student knows what to expect and can succeed. Check out the full research paper: https://tntp.org/opportunity-makers

Ready to level up your reading life? Join Anna, Morgan, and Martie for episode 39 of Season 5 as they dive into a topic near and dear to their hearts: the immense importance and wonderful impact of book clubs! Tune in to hear why starting or joining a book club can be the best next step for your reading journey... regardless of your age. The Lit Gals are proud to be part of the Keep Indiana Learning network and are excited to also be airing on the KINL Podcast network this season! Books Shared: For Young Readers Dolly Parton's Imagination Library "The Little Engine That Could" (Watty Piper) "Shake Dem Halloween Bones" () For Middle Schoolers: Fire Keeper's Daughter (A. Boulley) "Refugee" (A. Gratz) "Lions of Little Rock" (K. Levine) "Proud" (I. Muhammad) "Life in Motion" (M. Copeland) For Adults: "The Woman They Could Not Silence" (K. Moore) "Listening to the Law" (A.Coney Barrett) "We Are All Guilty Here" (Karin Slaughter) "Witchcraft for Wayward Girls" (Grady Hendrix) "Jump and Find Joy" (Hoda Kotb) "Atmosphere" (Taylor Jenkins Reid) "The Briar Club" (Kate Quinn) "The Blonde Who Came in from the Cold" (Ally Carter)

We're re-releasing this episode with some added audio from our interview with 94 yr. old former camper, Harrison Harker and his wife Natalie, also a former camper. The impact Camp Whitley has had on the community is immeasurable, and all because a teacher saw a need and tried to help. Teachers rule!

This week, we speak with Jason Walke. Jason is a recognized leader in EdTech, known for helping schools create ethical AI policies and teaching students how to use AI as a powerful efficiency tool.

In this episode, Ryan Flessner joins me in welcoming Chris Luzniak and Rob Baier, hosts of the DebateMath podcast (and so much more) to talk about Hot Topics in Math Education. Although we recorded this over Labor Day weekend, I wanted to wait until before the annual NCSM/NCTM conferences to release as I thought the timing would be perfect for those attending and thinking about what sessions they might want to seek out to learn more - and the session choices are so good this year! Hot topics include, but are not limited to homework policies, grading, rethinking high school math, the Science of Math, and so much more. This is a long one, so I'm not going to say a lot of words here, but boy there are a lot of great hot topics and I found myself wanting to talk more and more about each one as I was editing! AND, even if you need to fast forward to the end, you're going to want to hear what everyone says during the consolidation because these are some thoughtful math educators inspiring you with all their words throughout the whole episode, but I was so proud to know them relistening to the consolidation! So sit back and relax, but also get ready for your head to start spinning while thinking about these hot topics in math education!Places to find everyone:https://debatemath.com/https://www.youtube.com/@debatemathpodcast4564https://www.linkedin.com/company/debatmath-llchttp://luzniak.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-luzniak-8613bbb6/https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-baier-math/https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-flessner-a08182a9/Also check them out on X (formerly known as Twitter) and BlueSky!

Join us for a chat about school culture with middle school principal, Carrie Wisehart, not someone you just meet, but someone you learn from.Catch more of Carrie on TikTok @carriewisehart.

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.