Rethinking Learning Podcast

Kat Crawford, an Instructional Designer and Justice and Accessibility Advocate, specializes in designing innovative digital solutions, facilitating professional learning, and supporting the transformation of school systems to enhance student engagement. The post Learning Experiences Worth Savoring with Kat Crawford (EP184) first appeared on Grow Your WHY.

Subscribe:Spotify|TuneIn|RSS Kat Crawford, an Instructional Designer and Justice and Accessibility Advocate, specializes in designing innovative digital solutions, facilitating professional learning, and supporting the transformation of school systems to enhance student engagement. Kat never really left the stage–she traded the bright lights of theatre class for designing learning experiences that students actually want to eat up as the Lunch Lady. She spent over a decade disrupting the technology divide inside secure schools, fueled by her core belief: every student deserves a seat at the table–and a learning experience worth savoring. Your WHY My work spans various roles, including directing and designing national curriculum initiatives, teaching graduate courses, and leading digital adoption for alternative and secure schools, all driven by my passion for student success and inclusion. All of my work is driven by my core belief that all students deserve a high-quality education. I run on stories. On second chances. On the sacred mess of being human. Background as an Educational Technology Leader As an educational technology leader with over 20 years of experience, I specialize in designing innovative digital solutions, facilitating professional learning, and supporting the transformation of school systems to enhance student engagement. With expertise in curriculum design, technology integration, and instructional coaching, I have worked with school districts in 47 states to promote educational equity and impactful learning experiences. Executive Director of Digital Innovation From 2020 to 2024, I was the Executive Director of Digital Innovation at the Schlechty Center. My responsibilities included: Managing school district clients nationwide from the classroom to the boardroom in designing work centered around engagement. Customizing district proposals to design innovative work in person and virtually through on-site workshops, meetings, and trainings. Driving adoption and implementation of technology in professional learning sessions using educational technology tools aimed at equity, accessibility, and collaboration for all students. Leveraging client relations from year to year to maintain proposal renewals and growth opportunities with new and existing districts. Working closely with cross-functional teams to support our work nationally. The Lunch Lady My alter ego, The Lunch Lady, is an apron-wearing, tray-slinging voice inside every educator, reminding us that meaningful learning isn’t prepackaged–it’s handcrafted, messy, and deliciously authentic. It’s lunchtime, and The Lunch Lady is cooking up something new for the classroom. The way this came about is when I was asked to dress up like a chef for an ISTE playground. Everyone looked like a chef, but that wasn’t me. I remember Chris Farley as the lunch lady, and that was it. https://lunchladyedu.com The Secret Recipe for Student Agency is now Breakfast in Banter Today’s special? A three-course meal filled with deeper learning, sprinkled with innovation, and stuffed with student agency – served piping hot! Your reservation is ready because every student deserves a seat at the table – and a learning experience worth savoring. Don’t start from scratch! It’s time to reveal the secret recipe for Mystery Meat: Learning experiences worth devouring. Step into the kitchen and start cooking meaningful learning – no more prepackaging or reheating. Let’s transform classrooms into cafeterias of curiosity, choice, and creativity. Come hungry – you’ll want seconds. Figma and how it is aligned with your WHY I am the Education Program Manager for Figma. We support K12 educators, schools, and districts in bringing collaboration and creativity to the classroom through FigJam and Figma. The current focus includes in-person training, community building, and scaling impact through virtual programming. Your Consulting Company: How Might We We empower school districts to push beyond traditional boundaries by fostering innovative solutions that address complex challenges. We specialize in designing transformative systems and initiatives for educational institutions, with a strong focus on alternative schools. Our services include individual and team coaching, customized professional development, and dynamic workshops. We don’t just respond to existing needs–we inspire new possibilities, helping schools discover what could be and build toward what will be. Kat Crawford’s Contact Information LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dramatickat/X: https://x.com/dramatickatLL (X): https://x.com/LunchLadyEDU Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dramatickatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dramatickat/LL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lunchladyedu/Lunch Lady Headshots: The Lunch Lady Plain Background ***** I was looking forward to talking on my virtual porch with Kat Craford, the Lunch Lady. I didn’t know about Kat’s theatre background, but it makes sense. She is Dramatickat on social media and uses humor and her theater experience in her presentations. Her stories had me laughing. Knowing how she came up with the Lunch Lady was perfect. She watched Chris Farley and said, I can do that. I just loved our conversation and hope you did, too. Please share the podcast and this post with your friends. The post Learning Experiences Worth Savoring with Kat Crawford (EP184) appeared first on Barbara Bray.

Hanna Kemble-Mick is a school counselor, dean of elementary school counseling, a 2025 School Counselor of the Year® finalist, Therapy Dog mom, and Tech/AI enthusiast. The post Unlock the Power of AI in School Counseling with Hanna Kemble-Mick (EP183) first appeared on Grow Your WHY.

Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS Hanna Kemble-Mick, school counselor, dean of elementary school counseling, Indian Hills Elementary School, Topeka, Kansas. Hanna is a 2025 School Counselor of the Year® finalist, Therapy Dog mom, and Tech/AI enthusiast. I met Hanna through her mom, Jerri Kemble, when they were presenting with firefly wings. Then I had a one-to-one conversation with Hanna, and that was it… she had to be a guest on my show. Your WHY and What Brings You Joy My “why” is building schools where students are truly seen, where creativity is valued, and where opportunity is not reserved for a lucky few. I root for the underdog, the underserved, and students in rural communities who deserve the same expansive possibilities as anyone else. What brings me joy is connection, continuous learning, dogs, polka dots, and the everyday magic of my students growing into who they are meant to be. Your Background (what it was like in school, growing up, what you always wanted to be) I grew up in a rural community with a big heart, where everyone knew each other and helping others was simply part of everyday life. My parents, Kurt and Jerri Kemble, modeled what it meant to show up for others, and that spirit carried through our town. All of my grandparents lived nearby, so my childhood was filled with time around their kitchen tables, lending a hand to neighbors, and taking part in community service. When I was little, I dreamed of becoming a veterinarian because of my love for animals. I loved school and felt connected there until my senior year, when my mom became superintendent, and I transferred to the district where she worked. Suddenly, I felt out of place. In true teenage fashion, I joined the track team and filmed basketball games, volunteering for anything that would get me out of the building. Even then, I was learning how much belonging and environment shape a person’s experience. I am fortunate to have a loving family and live in Lawrence, Kansas, with my husband, Dalton, two dogs, and a cat. Becoming a School Counselor: Describe what it meant to you when you figured out your calling. I graduated from college with a degree in advertising and began a career I genuinely enjoyed. I loved my job and deeply respected my boss, but something within me kept whispering that the work was not fulfilling my soul. I knew I wanted to make a different impact, so I decided to return to school to become a counselor. My boss met that decision with incredible kindness, allowing me to continue working while attending graduate school full-time, a generosity I have never forgotten. When I first contacted the counseling program, the response felt uncertain and discouraging. There were questions about whether this path was truly right for me and how a background in marketing and advertising fit into the counseling world. While I understand their perspective now, at the time, it planted seeds of imposter syndrome and left me wondering if I truly belonged. Yet, as the program continued, so did my clarity of purpose. I discovered that the skills I brought with me, including communication, creativity, understanding people, and connecting messages to meaning, were not detours but strengths. Looking back, I would not change the path at all. It shaped my resilience, deepened my empathy, and affirmed that this calling was exactly where I was meant to be. Junior Coaches Program Junior Coaches began as a restorative program designed to support students who struggle with peer conflict and behavior by building problem-solving skills and confidence. The group included older students who practiced these skills together and then took them to recess, where they supported younger students in navigating conflicts and challenges. This felt more comfortable and natural for them than stepping into that role with their own classmates, and it gave them a meaningful way to lead. Paws and Claws grew alongside it as a project-based learning group where students design, create, and donate pet products to a local animal shelter. I love both of these groups because they move beyond simply talking about skills and instead create depth through authentic skill-building. Students are not just learning what to do. They are practicing empathy, responsibility, collaboration, and problem-solving in real and meaningful ways. School Counselor of the Year 2025 Finalist Being named a 2025 School Counselor of the Year Finalist has been a wild and humbling ride. I still catch myself looking at photos from Capitol Hill and thinking, Did that really happen? It has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. https://videos.schoolcounselor.org/hanna-kemble-mick For a moment, you feel fully seen, valued, and celebrated as an educator and as a school counselor, and I find myself wishing every person in education could experience that kind of affirmation. The connections, friendships, and shared purpose have been next level. This truly feels like the gift of a lifetime. Through this experience, I have built lasting relationships with educators across the country and have had the opportunity to share my message about elevating school counseling and keeping it future-focused through keynotes and presentations in districts and conferences nationwide. I am deeply grateful to ASCA for opening doors I never imagined, and for creating an experience I wish every school counselor could have. Firefly Effect Presentations and more I have had the meaningful opportunity to present alongside my mom through the Firefly Effect and the Life Hack Lab for Women Who Lead. These experiences focus less on quick fixes and more on intentional navigation, introspection, and reflection. Together, we invite participants to pause, examine their paths, and reconnect with their purpose while building the courage to lead with authenticity and resilience. Sharing this work with my mom has made it even more special, blending a personal story with professional insight in a way that resonates deeply with the women we serve. AI Integration and what that means for Educators and School Counselors When I present on AI integration for educators and school counselors, I emphasize intentional use and meaningful impact. Rather than using technology for its own sake, I encourage professionals to ask why they are using it and how it supports students and strengthens their work. We explore how AI can expand access to support, streamline tasks, and open new pathways for learning, while remaining grounded in ethical, safe, and student-centered practices. At the same time, I stress as technology becomes more present in our lives, human skills become even more essential. Skills, like empathy, communication, critical thinking, self-awareness, creativity, and ethical decision-making, empower students to use technology. wisely and to thrive in a rapidly changing world. The goal is not to replace the human element, but to amplify it, empowering counselors and educators to extend their reach, deepen relationships, and better support the growth and well-being of the students they serve. Hanna’s Keynote in Mississippi What’s next? Speaking engagem ents and presentations, writing a book, giving back to the profession, and continuing to be a champion for students! Hanna’s Contact Information LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannakemble/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hanna.kemble Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannamickedu/ Email: hannamickedu@gmail.com **** I was looking forward to my talk on my virtual porch with Hanna Kemble-Mick. I just loved it and hope you did, too. I knew Hanna was a School Counselor Finalist and an amazing speaker, but I also know her as Jerri Kemble’s daughter. When I saw the two of them in their Firefly Wings, I just had to get to know Hanna better. You can see the joy in our selfie from the FETC conference.. Enjoy the post that Hanna created here. Then please share our conversation with your friends. The post Unlock the Power of AI in School Counseling with Hanna Kemble-Mick (EP183) appeared first on Barbara Bray.

Dr. Martha Umana, Founder of AIA (AI4Educator), author, and bilingual educator, is known as The Bridge. She helps parents and teachers thrive in the AI era. The post Building Future-Ready Schools and Families with Dr. Martha Umana (EP182) first appeared on Rethinking Learning.

Subscribe:Spotify|TuneIn|RSS Dr. Martha Umana, Founder of AIA (AI4Educator), author, and bilingual educator, is known as The Bridge. She helps parents and teachers thrive in the AI era by prioritizing human skills for future-ready kids. For over two decades, Dr. Umama has worked at the intersection of school and home, guiding families and educators in raising children who are emotionally intelligent, cognitively strong, and future-ready. Your Why My WHY is the child and the adults around the child. I kept seeing students who could produce impressive work, but they could not explain it, verify it, or revise it. When the process is missing, the child is not protected: teachers cannot assess fairly, and parents cannot mentor confidently at home. I do this work to keep learning honest across school and family life, and to build the human skills that remain stable. no matter what AI becomes: judgment, self-regulation, empathy, and truth seeking. Your Background I was born and raised in Latin America. Because I have lived and worked across countries and languages, I am careful about what transfers and what does not. What I focus on is universal: children learn when adults stay connected, expectations are clear, and revision is safe. Growing up, learning was a deeply social experience. Adults helped you improve without shaming you. That balance, accountability, and connection became central to how I work with teachers and families. I do not romanticize any system. I simply pay attention to what protects children: high expectations paired with dignity, and correction paired with care. Early in my career, I held leadership roles in higher education, including Academic Affairs Director and University Professor. Later, I moved to the United States as an adult, built a business, and eventually returned to education in public schools. Looking back, that shift mattered because it gave me the three lenses I needed: system, workplace, and relationship. AI Changed the Conditions of Learning, and Why This is Urgent AI did not just add a tool. It changed the conditions of learning for children and for the adults guiding them. AI accelerates output, but it does not build the internal capacities a child needs to live well. It can generate language, answers, and even persuasive arguments, but it cannot build a child’s self-regulation, empathy, moral judgment, or ability to verify what is true. Those skills are formed through guided practice and accountability. If we do not prioritize them now, we will confuse productivity with competence. We will raise students who can perform, but cannot explain, check, or revise under pressure. That is why I say that human skills are the stable line of support when the future is hard to predict. From school safety to AI governance: why emotional and identity harms appear first. The Role Shift for Teachers and Parents Teachers are no longer competing as holders of information. Information is everywhere. What is scarce now is judgment, verification, and authorship. So the teacher’s role shifts. Teachers become accountable architects of thinking: they design what students must know and show independently, what can be supported, and what must be verified, so learning is not replaced by polished output. Parents face a role shift, too. Parents have a new factor shaping childhood: algorithmic influence. It shapes what children see, what they repeat, what they normalize, what they desire, and sometimes what they fear. Parenting shifts from policing screens to mentoring attention, values, safety, and truth seeking. The child is the only person who lives in both worlds every day. That is why home and school must be coherent: shared expectations for explanation, verification, and revision keep the child protected. Coherence before capacity: Protecting teacher thinking in the age of AI Coherence Before Capacity, and What I Built My organizing principle is Coherence Before Capacity. It means we align roles, boundaries, and evidence of learning first, before we scale tools, training, or adoption. Capacity without coherence just scales confusion. Coherence is what protects meaning, protects dignity, and protects the child as an author of their own learning. I founded AI4Educator to help teachers use AI in a way that protects teacher authority, student authorship, and feasibility. That is why I built two practical supports. Question: When AI saturates STEM ecosystems, what protects the learning process? For teachers, I developed an Epistemic Principle: a simple way to decide what must be independent, what may be supported but verified, and what artifacts make thinking visible. I built the agent to operationalize that in teacher planning, so those protections show up in lessons without adding workload. For parents, I created The Bridge: a shared language that brings home and school together in the same direction through explanation, verification, and revision. The Bridge Script, One Routine That Works at Home and School During one of my parent education classes, a mom came in upset. Her fourth grader’s writing had been flagged as AI because it sounded too perfect. But when we slowed down, the real issue was epistemic. When the student was asked to explain the writing in their own words, the thinking was not visible. The child was caught between two worlds. At school, the teacher needed evidence of learning. At home, the family needed homework done, and fast answers were everywhere. So I gave the mom one shared script that works at home and school. Show Me: Show me your process: plan, notes, draft, and what you changed. Explain It: Tell me in your own words what you meant and why you chose it. Check It: Verify one key claim or one step with a second source or method. Change It: Update your work based on what the check revealed. Correct an error if needed. If you are right, strengthen your evidence and explanation so that your thinking is visible. This simple routine helps both teachers and parents protect learning integrity without turning adults into AI police. The Bridge is available on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-bridge-home-school-7378959523816009728/ Harnessing the Wind of Change:From Digital Police to Digital Mentors Book: How to Stay Calm While Raising Resilient Kids By Dr. Martha Umana and Ioannis Anapliotis Overwhelmed by endless parenting advice? Craving real”‘world tools you can trust and use today? How to Stay Calm While Raising Resilient Kids delivers precisely what the latest consumer research shows parents need: Actionable, Science”‘Backed Practices, no fluff or jargon, just bite”‘sized scripts and routines grounded in developmental research. Emotional Support & Reassurance, a warm, empathetic voice that reminds you you’re not alone in the chaos. Modern, Holistic Solutions, from mindful screen”‘time strategies to gentle discipline, work”‘life harmony, and nutritional guidance. Available at https://www.amazon.com/Stay-Calm-While-Raising-Resilient/dp/B0FG2LRKQN/ Books: ME Time (11 books) The Me Time Series By Dr. Martha Umana and Ioannis Anapliotis Born from the heart of How to Stay Calm While Raising Resilient Kids, this 10-book series invites children and families into calm, connection, and creativity, one meaningful activity at a time. Each book offers simple, open-ended prompts that spark imagination and emotional growth through hands-on experiences. These are not just activity books. They’re invitations–to slow down, to tune in, and to share time that feels nourishing for both child and adult. Created for real families with real lives, the Me Time Series helps you bring calm and creativity into your home, without pressure or overwhelm. Perfect for ages 4 to 9. No special supplies needed. Just time, presence, and a little space to explore together. Book: Mindful Moments: A Beginner’s Guide to Practical Meditation for Daily Stress by Dr. Martha Umana Unlock tranquility and balance with “Mindful Moments,” your essential guide to integrating meditation seamlessly into your bustling schedule. Mindful Moments equips you with a practical toolkit that fits effortlessly into any lifestyle, ensuring that serenity is just a breath away, no matter how hectic your day may seem. What’s next for AI in 2026 and beyond In 2026 and beyond, I expect the conversations to grow in three visible ways. First, systems will move from excitement about tools to clarity about boundaries: what must remain human, what can be supported, and what must be verified. Second, the assessment will change. Schools will not be able to treat polished output as evidence of learning, so we will see more emphasis on process artifacts: drafts, reasoning, oral explanation, verification steps, and revision trails. Third, the real differentiator will be human skills. AI will keep getting better at generating, but it will not build a child’s judgment, self-regulation, empathy, or truth-seeking. Those have to be deliberately practiced through routines at school and at home. That is why I focus on Coherence Before Capacity. If we get coherence right first, roles, evidence, and verification routines, then capacity, tools, and training can scale without damaging learning. The next era is not tool adoption, it is learning integrity: making thinking visible, verification routine, and human skills non-negotiable. The Future-Ready Classroom Featured on page 39 of the Eduverse Newsletterhttps://heyzine.com/flip-book/693508ed2b.html#page/1 Dr. Martha Umana’s Contact Information https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-martha-umana-4127a31b/ Email: dr.marthaumana@gmail.com ****** I always learn so much from Dr. Martha Umana. Each time we talk, I find out something new about her and her background. This is why I love these conversations on my virtual porch. I appreciate all the work Martha did to create this blog post that complements the podcast. Enjoy, and please share it with your friends. The post Building Future-Ready Schools and Families with Dr. Martha Umana (EP182) appeared first on Barbara Bray.

Dr. Aditya Nagrath helps students overcome mathematics anxiety by sharing how confidence and belief are essential in overcoming math anxiety and shaping a child's success in mathematics. The post Dismantling Math Anxiety with Dr. Aditya Nagrath (EP181) first appeared on Rethinking Learning.

Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS Dr. Aditya Nagrath helps students overcome mathematics anxiety. He is the creator and founder of Elephant Learning Mathematics Academy. With a PhD in Mathematics & Computer Sciences, he has spent over 30 years in industry as a software engineer, author, leader, speaker, and serial entrepreneur working on projects ranging from atomic clocks to iOS and Android apps to Amazon’s Kindle Fire. Dr. Nagrath shares how confidence and belief are essential in overcoming math anxiety and shaping a child’s success in mathematics. Your WHY I help children and the adults who support them overcome mathematics anxiety and build real confidence with numbers. My mission is to empower children with mathematics. Right now, about 4 out of 5 students start kindergarten unprepared for the kindergarten math curriculum. Underneath that statistic is something very human: a language gap around quantities. Children often don’t have a solid, intuitive grasp of what words like “three,†“ten,†or “five†really mean, and have not connected them with symbols on a page. When the language and ideas aren’t there yet, math can quickly feel like a foreign language. My “why†is closing that gap—so that every child has the conceptual language of quantity they need before they ever have a chance to say, “I’m just not a math person.†Your Background: What Math Was Like for You Growing up, I was not always the kid who just “got†mathematics. It did not all come naturally. My mother played a huge role in changing that story for me. Every summer, she would gather the math books for the following year and have me study for a few hours a day so I could be ready when school started. At the time, it sometimes felt tedious, but looking back, that steady, structured exposure is what gave me the understanding and confidence to persevere in math, instead of turning away from it. Early discipline and support are big reasons why I eventually earned my Ph.D. in Mathematics and Computer Science from the University of Denver. Because I know firsthand what it’s like not to instantly understand math—and what a difference the right support can make—I’m passionate about giving other children the kind of foundation and encouragement that changed everything for me. Elephant Learning Elephant Learning is my way of scaling that kind of support and structure to as many families as possible. The system focuses on the language and concepts of quantity first, then builds steadily toward more advanced ideas. On average, students in our system learn about 1.5 years of mathematics in just ten weeks, using Elephant Learning for only 30 minutes per week. By meeting students at their true level and strengthening the underlying language of math, we help them move quickly and confidently—without the pressure and anxiety that so many of us grew up with. My goal is simple: to make sure that the next generation doesn’t inherit the same fear of math that so many adults carry today, and instead experiences mathematics as a tool for thinking, problem‑solving, and empowerment. Book: Rethinking Math Learning https://amzn.to/44bDN94 Book: Treating Mathematics Anxiety https://amzn.to/3KdZy1d Resources: Course and Videos 30 Second Math Hack and more tips What’s next for you? Writing a textbook on Fractions, Decimals, and Percentages. Dr. Nagrath’s Contact Information LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adityanagrath/Website: https://www.elephantlearning.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/anagrath/Email: anagrath@elephantheadsoft.com ***** It was great to have Dr. Aditya Nagrath join me on my virtual porch. I was one of the students who was anxious about math. I even said, “I don’t do math,†because I struggled with it. Listening to the strategies he shared about making math relevant and real makes so much sense. As a professional developer working with math teachers, I saw the power of math. I could see math everywhere. I understand the idea Dr. Nagrath mentioned about math being like a language we can learn if we practice it. I hope you enjoyed our conversation as much as I did. Please share this post and podcast with your friends, and make sure you connect with Dr. Aditya Nagrath. ***** The post Dismantling Math Anxiety with Dr. Aditya Nagrath (EP181) appeared first on Barbara Bray.

Nell 3D is a former frontline humanitarian turned leadership expert. She's like a retired fighter pilot of purpose, someone who didn't just talk about impact, but lived it. Nell 3D guides purpose-driven leaders to trade exhaustion for alignment and fulfillment. The post Stop, Drop, and Roll with Nell 3D (EP180) first appeared on Rethinking Learning.

With over 20 years as a listening expert and researcher, Dr. Laura Janusik empowers caregivers, leaders, and growth seekers to build stronger, more compassionate relationships. The post Listening to Change by Communicating with Purpose with Dr. Laura Janusik (EP179) first appeared on Rethinking Learning.

Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS With over 20 years as a listening expert and researcher, Dr. Laura Janusik empowers caregivers, leaders, and growth seekers to build stronger, more compassionate relationships. Transforming workplace communication through training and workshops, Laura guides caregivers navigating cognitive decline. Laura’s work is rooted in the science and practice of listening, helping people connect with clarity, patience, and understanding in every part of life. Your WHY about Listening I took my first listening course in my master’s level program because my mentor, Dr. Andrew Wolvin, was a listening scholar. I knew he’d be writing my letters of recommendation, so I figured that if I showed a little interesr of his passion, the letters might be better. Within 2 weeks of that class, my life had changed! I couldn’t believe what listening actually was, and how I had been the world’s worst listener for over 30 years! When I realized that the quality of listening determines the quality of the relationship, I was hooked! I, too, became a listening scholar, and my passion has been to help people develop better personal and professional relationships through the power of listening. Most communication problems aren’t about what we say; they’re about how our brains listen. I help business leaders, caregivers, and coaches strengthen their communication through neuroscience-based listening strategies. When you understand how the brain processes messages, you can create connections, reduce stress, and build trust in every conversation. Listening to Change, LLC http://listeningtochange.com/ Listening to Change helps Coaches, Leaders, Executive Leadership Teams, Sales Teams, Groups, and Individuals listen and speak with purpose to increase shared understanding, decrease time on projects, and build a positive company culture. Consulting, training, and coaching are customized for each client. Create Alignment Deepen Connections Grow through Action Why Listening is an Important Skill Listening takes intention, awareness, and practice, and it appears different depending on who you are and the challenges you face. It is also dependent on the context, including with whom you’re speaking, the purpose of the conversation, and your goal. Whether you’re leading a team, caring for a loved one, or seeking personal growth through coaching, the right strategies can help you listen more effectively, increase trust, and build stronger, more compassionate connections. Most people don’t think of listening as being a part of communication. I like to use this equation: Communication = Sending Messages + Receiving Messages. And, most miscommunication occurs because of poor listening, not poor speaking. If we learn to listen even 10% better, our conversations and relationships will improve. How Listening is Important in Business Listening is important in business because it’s the best skill to create alignment. It is the skill that helps teams get on the same page and work towards the same goal. A business cannot exist without communication, so it seems counterintuitive to me when a business doesn’t invest in communication training. Listening is the one skill that influences all of those primary business goals, such as getting projects completed on time, increasing sales, and achieving higher customer satisfaction. There are two best ways someone can develop better listening in business. The first is through coaching, and the second through team training. I work in both areas. I use the ECHO Listening Profileâ„¢. as the foundation of either one, and I’m a certified coach for Listening Intelligence. The ECHO is special, as it’s a validated listening assessment that identifies your dominant listening habit and blind spot. I use this instrument because it’s a great way to show people what they are listening to and for, as well as what they are missing. It not only helps individuals; it also helps teams, because the group report is an excellent way to ‘see’ how team members are listening similarly and differently. Aren’t Most Coaches Good Listeners? Most coaches are better listeners than the average person, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t improve. As a coach myself, I know that it’s a great way to help clients build their confidence. I help coaches with tiny tweaks rooted in neuroscience so they can help their clients listen better to their inner wisdom. How did you get involved with Caregivers and the focus on listening? My Mom was diagnosed with cognitive decline about 10 years ago, and I promptly did what most children do…nothing! I figured she had dealt with and conquered all of her health ailments, and she would do the same with this one, too. Fast forward 5 years to when she got COVID, which really exacerbated her dementia. As the only surviving child, I knew I needed to step in. Communicating with her was frustrating because she didn’t understand what I was asking her, and she often repeated herself. I realized that if a PhD in Communication couldn’t develop a good relationship with her Mom in dementia, then who could? With communication theory and brain science, I created a workshop to help others reduce their frustration and increase their connection. It’s been a game-changer for everyone who has taken the workshop! What are your two workshops around listening for Caregivers? The first is for the child, spouse, or other who wants to support their loved one with cognitive decline: The Caregiver’s Starter Kit: A 3-Part Workshop to Learn What No One Tells You About Communication and Dementia. The second is the family or group, and it’s called The Caregiver’s Village: A 90-minute workshop for caregivers and friends who want to help but aren’t sure how. The best way to learn more about when these workshops will be offered is to sign up for my email list. You can do that from the “Stay Connected” section of my website’s homepage. Practical Tips for Listeners Many listening tips can be found on my YouTube channel, Listening to Change by Laura Janusik. However, please give me grace, as I began the channel without knowing what I was doing with that technology. One of my favorites is When’s the Last Time Someone Said You Were a Good Listener? because I give you a challenge at the end of the video. Try it! Here are some of my best tips… Tips for Leaders on Listening: Your direct reports and colleagues don’t know you’re listening unless you respond verbally. Learn the skill of confirming (paraphrasing + asking if you’re right) to increase trust. Following through is critical. Employees don’t expect you to make all of the changes they expect. Follow through later by letting them know where you took the suggestion and what was decided. I guarantee that employees who get follow-through continue to bring good ideas! Communication for Leaders: Fact or Myth? Test Your Knowledge! Sign up Leaders Mailing List. Tips for Coaches on Listening: The most important listening strategy to use is silence. Silence allows your client time to think. No matter what you call it…summarizing, paraphrasing, confirming, or reflecting…when your client hears back what they just said, they have many a’has! Communication for Coaches: Fact or Myth? Test your Knowledge! https://mailchi.mp/ff5ac1ab3c8c/95lzskl7mo Tips for Caregivers on Listening: The 2-minute pause is a game-changer. It can take up to 2 minutes for someone with cognitive decline to respond to a question. When we re-ask the question, the clock begins again. Caregivers need to learn to practice silence about all else. Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s strategic. It’s sipping tea. It’s journaling. It’s taking a walk. Take care of yourself so you can take care of your loved one. Weekly Tips and Tricks for Caregivers: Mailing List What’s Next I’m currently writing a book loosely titled, How to Manage Conflict within the Context of Midwest Nice. Conflict avoidance and passive-aggressive behavior are huge in the Midwest, and being ‘nice’ gets in the way of honesty and real connection. I’m going to advocate not losing all of the nice, but focusing more on the kind. Think about that. What’s the difference between someone who is ‘nice’ and someone who is ‘kind’ to you? Laura’s Contact Information LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurajanusikphd/ Website: ListeningtoChange.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576655810327 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurajanusik/ Email: info@listeningtochange.com **** I am so glad that Dr. Laura Janusik joined me on my virtual porch. Laura sat next to me during several sessions at the International Listening Association (ILA) Convention, August 2025. I connected with Laura right away and wanted to follow up with her. Several times, I realized that Laura had been a member of the ILA for a long time and been president of the organization. So I figured if I had questions about the conference, I’d ask her. She was really easy to talk to and helped me whenever I had questions. We connected after the conference several times, and then I checked out all the resources she shared with me. As a coach and in developing my listening skills, Laura opened doors for me that I wanted to share with you. I hope you enjoyed our conversation as much as I did. Please share this post and podcast with your friends, and make sure you connect with Dr. Laura Janusik. ***** The post Listening to Change by Communicating with Purpose with Dr. Laura Janusik (EP179) appeared first on Barbara Bray.

Kymberly Dakin-Neal as a certified mindset coach focuses on team experience design, incorporating individual coaching programs and applied mediums such as improvisation, intentional listening, and creativity. The post Don't Trust Your Ears! Head, Heart, and Hands Listening with Kymberly Dakin-Neal (EP178) first appeared on Rethinking Learning.

Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS Kymberly Dakin-Neal is a certified mindset coach, playback practitioner, and founder of Voice into Learning, LLC. Her specialty is team experience design, incorporating individual coaching programs and applied mediums such as improvisation, intentional listening, and focused creativity. Her book, “Head Heart & Hands Listening in Coach Practice,†is an essential book for coaches, teachers, salespeople, parents, and, actually, anybody who listens for a living. Through Kym’s work and book, she demonstrates why listening is what the world needs more of. I met Kym at the International Listening Association Convention at the University of Maryland in August where we had a picture of us taken in the Listening Garden. Your WHY As an introvert in an extroverted culture, I’ve always been curious about group dynamics and how listening is a strong, if underappreciated, superpower that introverts possess. They are often the ones who have valuable insights and ask powerful questions. Introverts often (not always) have highly refined listening skills. Your Background and Overview I do training based on my book, and I work with clients who are struggling with transitions, change, and interpersonal issues. I was a founding member of Portland Playback Theatre and won an international Audie award for book narration. I recorded audiobooks for the BBC, Brilliance Audio, and Audible. I taught at Bowdoin College, the University of Southern Maine, the University of New Hampshire, and the University of New England. I currently train physicians in productive listening and patient communication at Tufts/MaineHealth and Kaiser Permanente in the Washington, DC area. Voice into Learning, LLC I do a fair amount of public speaking coaching, particularly with those who are transitioning into positions of greater visibility. Particularly for introverts, stepping into the spotlight can be challenging. As an introvert myself, I can help clients avoid the mental pitfalls of imposter syndrome and anxiety. The Positive Intelligence model is particularly effective in this kind of work. Your mind can be your best friend or worst enemy. Most negative emotions and stress come from self-sabotage. The Positive Intelligence PQ® program offers proven tools to strengthen mental resilience and quiet internal saboteurs. This leads to a more positive mindset, greater resilience, and reduced stress, known as mental fitness. I cannot recommend Kymberly enough! Once regarded with dread, my upcoming talk to an audience of 2500 should be a breeze. Kymberly meets you where you are, not engaging in cookie-cutter solutions.I feel that I have been equipped by a “magical helper†to embark upon my own Hero’s Journey. Five stars, at least! ~ Jonathan Fisher Writer & Director of PBS Documentary on NYC Probation “In a Whole New Way†The Training Game Shift/POV I developed the training game Shift/POV: From Conflict to Collaboration in One Hour through the Top Gun incubator program and created a bookmarking app called Nugget to eliminate the need for note-taking in online meetings. URL to video:https://youtu.be/W2pU31j63_k?si=m_zq3hnDmiLd44VB Bookmarking App “Nugget†During the shutdown, when all of my in-person work evaporated, I was facilitating online meetings and noticed challenges. Challenges of trying to get participants engaged while taking notes, or coursing through videos to highlight the important points I wanted to share. “Nugget†lets users highlight the important things in real-time at the touch of a button and allows them to share those notes with the team. We sold Nugget in 2023 for a nice price! Why is deep listening at the core of coaching? How do we build trust? Listening is how we grasp another person’s story and build bridges to our own. It’s how we create relationships and build trust across differences in skillset, experience, background, race, age and gender. Effective listening gives us information beyond the actual words – once we know how to slow ourselves down long enough to pay attention to it. When we feel deeply heard, something in us relaxes enough to feel that we just might be able to trust this person. That is how trusting, positive relationships are built. Book, “Head, Heart & Hands Listening in Coach Practice†My book, Head Heart & Hands Listening in Coach Practice, is an exploration of intentional listening as an essential skill for coaches. It introduces the Head, Heart, and Hands (3H) Listening model as a vital tool to amplify effective listening in coaching practice. This is essential reading for coaches in practice and in training, as well as organizational psychologists, HR professionals, salespeople, and those working within corporations. Head, Heart, and Hands Listening in Coach Practice is about how we listen, what we listen for, why it matters, and how to do it better. The 3H model provided in these pages is quickly grasped, easily applied, and could transform your next important conversation. If you are a coach, a counselor, a therapist, a salesperson, or a teacher, you’re in a listening profession. This book is designed for YOU. “Head Heart & Hands Listening in Coach Practice,†published by Routledge Publishers, won a 2023 North American Book Award and is used at the Olympia Snowe Women’s Leadership Institute. Kym Dakin writes about listening, but more important are her listening skills. As a coach she listens, synthesizes and provides valuable feedback…often on the spot. I came away from my coaching sessions with her with clarity on issues that I’d been struggling with for a long time. I can highly recommend Kym as a coach if you are looking to sort things out and find a clear path forward in your life. Sue Inches, Author, Educator, Environmental Advocate What else would you like to share about the power of listening? What do you pay attention to when listening? What do you often miss? I wrote my book and provide coaching support because I want to help others grasp primary and secondary listening tendencies and amplify the ones they need to expand their personal and professional effectiveness. Just imagine a world driven by more curiosity, empathy, and understanding! Kym’s Contact Information Website: https://kymdakin.com/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kymdakinX: @kymdakinSubstack: https://kymdakin.substack.com YouTube: www.youtube.com/@kymberlydakin-neal7760Email: kdakin56@gmail.com ***** I appreciate that Kymberly Dakin-Neal joined me on my virtual porch. I believe it was destiny to meet Kym at the International Listening Association Convention. When we walked around the Listening Garden, she shared some stories that resonated with me. As a coach and author, I realized we had a lot in common. I needed to follow up with her, read her book, share my book, and invite her to be a guest on my podcast. I hope you enjoyed our conversation as much as I did. Please share this post and podcast with your friends and make sure you connect with Kym. ***** The post Don't Trust Your Ears! Head, Heart, and Hands Listening with Kymberly Dakin-Neal (EP178) appeared first on Barbara Bray.

MIchael Hernandez is changing the narrative by helping educators design assignments in ways that are meaningful to students and helps teachers make the case for why their curriculum matters. The post Episode #177: Michael Hernandez on Changing the Narrative first appeared on Rethinking Learning.

Subscribe:Spotify|TuneIn|RSS Michael Hernandez is changing the narrative as an award-winning educator, best-selling author, education consultant, and international speaker. He helps individuals and organizations adapt and thrive in a changing world. Michael is an Apple Distinguished Educator, PBS Digital Innovator, and National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellow. Michael’s work focuses on authentic learning in the age of AI, digital and civic literacy, creativity, and innovation. Your WHY about Changing the Narrative This is a challenging moment in education. I’m doing my best to help teachers and education leaders navigate these challenges. Educators diagnose problems, such as academic integrity, in the age of AI. However, kids aren’t showing up to school, physically or intellectually. There has been too much focus on standardized test scores, the drill and kill mindset, and data-driven processes. Instead, we need to focus on human-centered experiences. But I don’t see many people offering solutions. That’s where I’ve decided to focus my energy. Students can create nonfiction multimedia research projects as an alternative to tests and worksheets. It just builds on what teachers already do best and what they know to be good pedagogy. When students have agency, when they can work on projects they care about, and when all of the hard work we ask them to do has a point, they’ll put in the effort and get excited about learning. They won’t want to cheat if the experience is rewarding and has an impact. Even kids as young as kindergarteners can have agency and impact their communities beyond the classroom. My WHY is to help educators design assignments that maintain rigor and address standards, but in ways that are meaningful to students and help teachers make the case for why their curriculum matters. How Changing the Narrative Affected You Growing Up I come from a family of educators–both of my parents, two aunts, and my uncle were educators. My brother is a college professor and research scientist. I guess learning is in my blood. I grew up in Central California, the son of a migrant farm worker who was the first in his family to graduate from college, so I have the experience of understanding why a quality education is important. I was fortunate to have some incredible teachers growing up, from elementary through college, who shaped who I am and my teaching philosophy. In fact, many of them are in the acknowledgements section of my book. The main thread is that they were all creative and none of them stuck to the rules. Even though they asked us to work hard, we had fun, and school was joyful. Fun and joy are the key pieces that have been sucked out of education in the U.S. ever since No Child Left Behind. The metric of success became a test score, not a tangible product or observable outcome. It’s not surprising that student engagement has been decreasing for years, long before the pandemic and cell phones. Your Story of Changing the Narrative as an Educator As I said, both of my parents were educators, so I should have known better than to become one! I was finishing graduate school in film and realized that I had student loan debt. I was going to be a production assistant, hunting for jobs. I should have thought that career path through a little better! Then I heard about a school district starting a film and journalism program, so I applied, and they hired me. It was a 5-year plan to pay off my student loans. I foolishly thought I could work on my own projects in all the spare time that teachers have! I just completed year 26 of the five-year plan! I was able to share my passion for film, journalism, and storytelling with thousands of students–many of whom are working in the industry. It’s so rewarding to open eyes to new possibilities, and students found their “thing.†It wasn’t math, or history, or science. We can’t all be novelists or engineers. It’s crucial to honor everyone’s individuality and potential, and offer students experiences that empower them to discover their way. Now that I’ve left the classroom, I’m focusing on helping schools and districts adapt and thrive in these challenging times by taking my knowledge of teaching and deep empathy for teachers to help others find success in meaningful ways. I support schools through keynote speaking, leading professional development experiences, and working alongside leadership teams. I’m still a teacher; however, I get to have more impact than if I stayed in my own classroom. Book: Storytelling with Purpose: Digital Projects To Ignite Student Curiosity I published my book, “Storytelling with Purpose, through ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education). It is a practical handbook and guide to solving these problems by designing authentic learning experiences. This has been my passion project for the past few years. I wanted to write a book that I wish I had when I started teaching or even mid-career. The title might be a little deceiving. Many educators don’t think they teach storytelling, especially if they teach math, history, or science. We always ask students to tell the story of their learning. We even say “show what you know†or “show your work,†and that’s exactly what the book helps teachers in every grade level and subject area accomplish. We demonstrate how to use multimedia research projects as a scaffold for their curriculum. So instead of a worksheet, a test, or a report that all end up in the trash and are cheatable by design, we challenge students to create an explainer video, publish a digital book, or an infographic. All of these are one-of-a-kind products that let students have agency and voice, and can be published publicly, which empowers both impact and accountability. Link to Storytelling with Purpose: https://www.amazon.com/Storytelling-Purpose-Digital-Projects-Curiosity/dp/1564849961/ It was important to me to make my book evergreen. There are many books about AI and specific tech tools, but I wanted this book to be device-agnostic and about pedagogy rather than a single tool. Apps come and go, but good teaching is forever. A highly readable and hugely helpful guide for teachers!â€~ Ken Burns Many teachers around the world are using it for professional development training. I recently led a five-hour pre-conference workshop at ISTE/ASCD this summer with teachers from at least 10 different countries. I am fortunate to have endorsements for my book from Ken Burns and Seth Godin. Just in time! This is a pedagogical and practical guide for teachers ready to take learning to a new level. ~Seth Godin Consultant and International Speaker on Changing the Narrative I enjoy working with educators, learning from them, and sharing possibilities to spark new ideas in their learning spaces. I used to focus on edtech tools since that’s where I got my start speaking at CUE (now CALIE) and ISTE. I’ve expanded my workshops into areas like assessment, digital and civic literacy, innovative teaching, and learning practices. I think that matches the evolution of technology, that it’s integrated into our lives. It seems almost artificial to focus on it in a silo, and out of the context of everything else we need to do in schools. Social-emotional wellness, assessment, inquiry, curiosity, creativity, and all of these are tied to our relationship with technology and how we as educators prepare students to be successful outside the classroom, not just on a test. One of the central ideas in my consulting work and writing is about reminding ourselves what school is for in the first place: to develop good citizens. No one takes tests or writes 5-paragraph essays. When our students are out in the world, when no one is looking, and there’s no grade on the line, can they vet a source of information so they know how to vote or what medicine to take? Are they capable of giving and receiving constructive feedback? These are the traits of good citizens in a democracy. It’s up to us as educators to help our students become intellectually agile and emotionally resilient. We can’t do that with tests and worksheets. Your Podcast: Change the Narrative This is a funny story. When I chose the idea for my book, I started researching how to publish it. One of the recommendations was to build an audience before you publish. So I started publishing my newsletter in 2018. A friend liked it a lot and suggested that I turn it into a podcast. So I did! Then, two years later, I finally got around to working on the book. But it’s a fun series. I average one season per year, and the topics change depending on what interests me. The topics are like innovation, storytelling, book publishing, and reflections on my expedition to Antarctica as a Lindblad/National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellow. I haven’t decided on my theme for 2026, so I’m open to any suggestions! Podcast, Change the Narrative: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/change-the-narrative/id1455984465 Fostering a Culture of Academic Integrity in the Age of AI AI is definitely top of mind for many educators, especially anyone who relies on writing as their primary means of assessment. Honestly, this affects everyone, from math teachers to science teachers, and even me as a photography, filmmaking, and journalism teacher. Students can literally generate high-quality images, video clips, and audio podcasts with just a prompt. It’s easy to see AI as a threat to our livelihoods and feel a sense of existential dread. What does it mean to teach and learn anymore? I’m actually optimistic about it. I think AI is a gift. It has reminded us of what matters most in learning: originality, individuality, creativity, and having a purpose for our work. Artificial intelligence isn’t the problem; it’s artificial assessment. Much of school is based on teaching mechanics, and because standardized tests focus on that, we don’t teach or learn for fun or create rewarding experiences. The latest statistics show that fewer people read, and most students in school don’t even complete an entire novel in their language arts classes. We’ve drained humanness from school. This is why I’m excited about AI. If a tool can do the mechanical and clerical work for us, we can then focus on ideas and purpose. It’s forcing us to focus on the “why,†not just the “how.†It’s really disheartening when I see schools revert to in-class hand-written essays or spend tens of thousands of dollars on cheat detection software that is ultimately flawed. What does that say to our kids about what we think of them? Policing students and creating an antagonistic culture is a surefire way to make kids unhappy, and they may not show up. And if they do show up, they are not putting their best effort into their work. Cheating has always existed, long before AI, Google, and cell phones. There are two main reasons why students cheat: by incentive and by design. If we remove the incentive to cheat, we’ve solved 90% of the problem. And if our assessments only have one right answer that everyone is supposed to share at the same time, we’ve set ourselves up for failure. Online Course: Uncheatable Assessments In my online course, Uncheatable Assessments, I help teachers focus more on process and product rather than on memorization and compliance. And we learn to design assignments that result in original, one-of-a-kind artifacts that students want to complete After I published my book, I heard that people were interested in the chapter on using multimedia research projects as a type of authentic assessment. There was a demand for this topic in my workshops. So, I produced an asynchronous course that was flexible for busy educators. They didn’t need to fly to a city to attend a conference, and can fit in the modules when they have time, like during a prep period or after school. There are about 4 hours of video instruction, a 75-page downloadable workbook, and there’s even an option to earn three continuing education units from Loyola Marymount University for salary advancement or required professional development. There are volume discounts for school districts to make it more feasible for educators. Link to course, Uncheatable Assessments https://storytelling-with-purpose-learning.thinkific.com/collections/courses-for-educators Online Course: Slidefluence Everything is moving to video right now. Teachers have lectures recorded, and businesses engage with customers and clients on websites and social media. Just look at TikTok and Instagram. There’s really no way to learn how to do that well. I decided to create an affordable, all-in-one course to help folks learn to be effective video storytellers. I’m really excited about it, and I’m in the middle of editing it right now. Essentially, the course will show you how to transform slide decks into dynamic videos that help you teach, persuade, and win people over. Entrepreneurs can pitch their product to funders, Businesses can create a library of content for customers, Sales teams can make the case for their results more clearly, and, of course, educators can create engaging direct instruction to help learners of all abilities and in multiple locations. I talk about finding focus for the story, writing a narration script, designing slides, and recording and publishing the videos. Online course, Slidefluence: https://www.michael-hernandez.net/slidefluence.html Michael’s Contact Information LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-hernandez-21a8195/ Personal Website: https://www.michael-hernandez.net/ Website: https://www.storytelling-with-purpose.com/ Instagram: @changing.the.narrative Email: cinehead3@gmail.com ***** I am grateful that Michael joined me on my virtual porch. I have known and followed Michael for a long time. We’re both from California, so I met him earlier at CUE and then again at SXSW EDU 2 years ago when he launched his book. It was fun to connect on Zoom and see Michael sharing how he’s so passionate about helping educators make learning meaningful and assessments uncheatable. I hope you connect and follow Michael. Please share this post and podcast with your friends. ***** The post Changing the Narrative with Michael Hernandez (EP177) appeared first on Barbara Bray.

Saadia Qureshi is Senior Officer for Training and Community Engagement at Common Ground USA/Search for Common Ground that is transforming how we deal with conflicts. The post Episode #176: Transforming the Way the World Deals with Conflict with Saadia Qureshi first appeared on Rethinking Learning.

Subscribe:Spotify|TuneIn|RSS Saadia Qureshi is Community Engagement Officer, Senior Officer for Training and Community Engagement at Common Ground USA/Search for Common Ground. Her work as a Gathering Coordinator for Preemptive Love led her to Common Ground USA, transforming how we deal with conflicts. When I met Saadia at the International Listening Association Convention, I knew that her story needed to be heard. Your WHY Through authentic connections, hearts can soften and hatred can subside. My religious tradition teaches us that we were created to know and understand one another. This is how we bring peace to the places where we live. We all have a role to play in this; it takes courage and determination- and this is why we need to do it in community, because “We Belong to Each Other.†Your Background I was born in Pakistan and moved to the United States when I was three years old, as my father was finishing his master’s degree and saw greater opportunities for our family here. After a few years up north, my parents decided to settle in hot, humid, and sunny Orlando, Florida—a place I have now proudly called home for nearly 40 years. Growing up in Central Florida, I navigated what it meant to feel “different†in a very homogenous environment. Those experiences—both the struggles and the joys—shaped me into who I am today. Your Education and Beliefs I pursued a degree in environmental engineering and worked in the field for several years, driven by a desire to use my skills to make the world a better place. After pausing to raise my family, I felt a growing pull toward people as much as the planet. My faith deepened this conviction: to get to know those who were different from me and to show that we have more in common than what divides us. I’ve always seen myself as a connector, as I have always been one to look for similarities I have with people who are not like me. Growing up in Central Florida—where diversity was limited—I experienced the good, the bad, and the uncomfortable realities of difference. It took time, but when I eventually found my “people,†I knew building bridges was the work I wanted to dedicate myself to. When the towers fell on 9/11, as a Muslim American, the world I had known crumbled too. That’s when I made a conscious choice to be a bridge builder, a peacemaker, a practitioner of nonviolence. Whether facilitating groups for nonprofits, volunteering for the Muslim Women’s Organization of Orlando, or bringing her kids to a vigil around town, I believe meaningful friendships can be found in unexpected places. What or who inspired you to get involved in peace projects? One of my biggest inspirations is my dear friend Anna, who embodies what it means to lead with an open heart. She’s the reason I’m in this field today—showing me how to lean into uncomfortable conversations with people who are different, speak the truth with love, and model courage rooted in empathy. Together, we embarked on a peace-building journey. What began as a small women’s group blossomed into work with Preemptive Love, helping people around the world host their own Love Anyway Gatherings. Today, I continue this work as a Senior Officer for Community Engagement and Training at Search for Common Ground / Common Ground USA. I’m also deeply inspired by other peace heroes in my life, like my friend Diana, a veteran who chose to lay down her weapon in Iraq and now continues her commitment to peace through the Waging Peace Project, creating change both locally and globally. Search for Common Ground/Common Ground USA Founded in 1982, Search for Common Ground is the world’s largest dedicated peace-building organization. and was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2018. Search for Common Ground works to transform the way the world deals with conflict, moving from adversarial approaches toward collaborative problem-solving. We work with local partners to find culturally appropriate means to strengthen societies’​ capacity to deal with conflicts constructively: to understand the differences and act on the commonalities. www.cg-usa.org Our mission is to transform the way the world deals with conflict: away from adversarial approaches, towards cooperative solutions. We have developed a broad array of operational methods, collectively our “toolbox.â€â€‹ These include well-known conflict resolution techniques, such as mediation and facilitation, and less traditional ones, like TV productions, radio soap opera, and community organising. We have found that employing multiple tools increases their overall effectiveness. After realizing that the markers for violence and destabilization seen abroad is shown in our own American society, Search for Common Ground created Common Ground USA as the U.S.-focused peace-building leg that works towards depolarization and decreased violence. Common Ground Gatherings Campaign One of my favorite initiatives is Common Ground Gatherings, which invites people to host small meals in their living rooms, coffee shops, or community centers with those just outside their everyday circles. For the past five years, we’ve encouraged “do-gooders†to join us in creating a community and spaces where people break bread, share courageous stories, and discover common ground. We aim to nurture an alternative narrative—one rooted not in division, but in listening, understanding, and the simple yet radical act of belonging to one another. Common Ground Gatherings are grassroots events where people come together across the one thing that unites us all: Food. These locally rooted, nationally connected gatherings build civic resilience through storytelling, connection, and shared purpose. Community leaders of all backgrounds bring together groups as small as five to as big as one hundred to talk about everything: from who their favorite band is to what makes them feel safe. It is an opportunity to learn about the people around us, and discover that we often have more that unites us than divides us. This is a unique opportunity to join our neighbors and community members at tables, on picnic blankets, before our favorite sporting events—or even at the bar—to talk and learn more about each other. https://www.cg-usa.org/initiatives/common-ground-gatherings Short video: 2024 Love Anyway Feasts Even when we believe different things, most Americans want to find solutions across our differences. Everyone’s invited to join Common Ground as we gather to find ways to make our country better. Read more about hosting a Gathering this October 2025. Follow us on Instagram: @cg_usa Saadia’s Contact Information LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/saadia-qureshi-aa038097/ Website: www.cg-usa.org Email: squreshi@sfcg.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saadiaq2 ***** I am so grateful that Saadia joined me on my virtual porch. I met her at the International Listening Association Convention in August. After she shared Saadia story as part of a story exchange, I knew I had to learn more about her. I even found that Saadia is friends with my good friend, Ilene Winokur. I hope you connect and follow Saadia. Please share this post and podcast with your friends. ***** The post Transforming the Way the World Deals with Conflict with Saadia Qureshi (EP176) appeared first on Barbara Bray.

Jason Blair is a transformative force in arts education, with over 20 years dedicated to unlocking the creative potential of young minds. The post Episode #175: Growing Creative Thinkers and Agents of Change with Jason Blair first appeared on Rethinking Learning.

Jerri Kemble is an accomplished leader in the field of educational technology (edtech), renowned for her innovative approach and dedication to positive change. The post Episode #174: EdTech, Design Thinking, and Women's Empowerment in Education with Jerri Kemble first appeared on Rethinking Learning.

Patrick Cerria is a music educator, researcher, author, and speaker who helps teachers, administrators, and school therapists reimagine and expand the role of music in their school. The post Episode #173: Reimagine and Expand the Role of Music in Education with Patrick Cerria first appeared on Rethinking Learning.

Michael Wesely, an Instructional Technology Specialist, who is passionate about turning classrooms into creative playgrounds where curiosity is sparked, innovation is fueled, and a little fun is always part of the plan. The post Episode #172: Ignite Joy, Creativity, and Purpose in Teaching, Learning, and Life with Michael Wesely first appeared on Rethinking Learning.

Dr. Marc Isseks believes in the power of learning to engage,  inspire, inform, and transform young people so they can become the best versions of themselves. The post Episode #171: Engaging Students in a World of Distractions with Dr. Marc Isseks first appeared on Rethinking Learning.

As an artist and illustrator with over 20 years of experience in graphic design and multimedia, Jide Fresh is passionate about using his skills to promote mental health and self-development through art.  The post Episode #170: Jide Fresh on How Opportunities are Imagination first appeared on Rethinking Learning.

Stephanie Howell's mission is to create more personalized and differentiated learning experiences that empower every student to overcome obstacles. The post Episode #169: Empowering Students to Overcome Obstacles with Stephanie Howell first appeared on Rethinking Learning.

A passionate advocate for EdTech, curiosity, and integrating indigenous knowledge to find novel solutions, Dr. Michael Harvey is committed to making education more equitable, engaging, and future-ready and is a strong advocate for public education. The post Episode #168 with Dr. Michael Harvey: Redefining Education with Curiosity, Innovation, and a Dash of Kiwi Humour first appeared on Rethinking Learning.

Melanie Ching is a life-long educator and learner. She is passionate about play, curiosity, and using ed-tech to amplify student voice. The post Episode #167: The Art of Living in the Question with Melanie Ching first appeared on Rethinking Learning.

Chris Pultz loves designing educational experiences that focus on purpose, belonging, and challenging students to thrive in a growingly complex world. The post Episode #166: Fostering a Sense of Purpose and Belonging with Chris Pultz first appeared on Rethinking Learning.

Dr. Michelle Ament is an educational pioneer who created the Learning, Experienced (LXP) model as Chief Academic Officer at ProSolve and is co-founder of the Human Intelligence Movement. The post Episode #165: Developing Human-Centered Skills in an AI World with Dr. Michelle Ament first appeared on Rethinking Learning.

Dr. Kapono Ciotti, a leader in social-constructivist education, directs the PEAK Distinction Model and promotes student-driven impact education globally. The post Episode #164: Shaping the Future of Education with Dr. Kapono Ciotti first appeared on Rethinking Learning.

Aaron Moniz is the co-founder, director, and lead facilitator of Inspire Citizens. He focuses on social issues, human rights, anti-racism and anti-homophobia, environmentalism, animal rights, etc. through Punk. The post Episode #163: The Blueprint for EMPATHY to IMPACT with Aaron Moniz first appeared on Rethinking Learning.

We are Barbara Gruener and Barbara Bray excited to talk about “Gratitude” which is close to our hearts. We discuss why it is important to have gratitude as a daily habit.   The post Reflection #19: Power of Gratitude with the Barbaras first appeared on Rethinking Learning.

Dr. Kaylah Holland works to restore justice and shares the importance of books over bars, education over incarceration, and her book, Putting Out Fires.  The post Episode #162: Empowering Educators and Championing Student-Centered Classrooms first appeared on Rethinking Learning.

Dr. Amy Mathews-Perez is the Director of Special Programs in a public school in Texas. She coordinates multiple programs: Special Education, 504, Homeless, MTSS, and Dyslexia as a part of BETTER. The post Episode #161: Being a Part of Better with Dr. Amy Mathews-Perez first appeared on Rethinking Learning.

Jennifer Womble has been nationally recognized for over 30 years of leadership, for 15 years as conference chair of FETC, and for creating high-quality professional development in education technology. The post Episode #160: Shaping the Future of Education Technology and Leadership with Jennifer Womble first appeared on Rethinking Learning.

Cara founded Big World of Little Dude, an educational platform that focuses on teaching social and emotional skills to children aged 3-6 through a comprehensive "humanKIND Curriculum."  The post Episode #159: Nurturing Social-Emotional Learning for a Brighter Future with Cara Zelas first appeared on Rethinking Learning.

Brian Curcio is the visionary behind Rapunzl, an EdTech game-changer reshaping financial education that fosters independent learning and outstanding student outcomes. The post Episode #158: Empowering Students through Financial Literacy with Brian Curcio first appeared on Rethinking Learning.

Kevin Honeycutt is a technology integrationist, staff developer, musician, and songwriter. He has worked with teachers and students and delivered keynotes to audiences around the world. The post Episode #157: Growing Learners in Challenging Times with Kevin Honeycutt first appeared on Rethinking Learning.

Erik Francis, Maverik Education owner, provides socially and emotionally supportive teaching and learning experiences. The post Episode #156: Rethinking the Why of Teaching and Learning with Erik Francis first appeared on Rethinking Learning.

Priten Shah creates innovative solutions that meet diverse learner needs, leveraging experiences globally ranging from civics education to AI-enhanced classrooms. The post Episode #155: Role of AI in the Future of Education with Priten Shah first appeared on Rethinking Learning.

Janella Watson is renowned for creating curricula and play experiences that center equity and spark joy, learning, and whole-family engagement. The post Episode #154: Creativity, Play, and Experiential Learning with Janella Watson first appeared on Rethinking Learning.

Dr. Asia Lyons is the founder of Lyons Educational Consulting LLC that supports schools through equity auditing, culturally responsive programming and curriculum, and job-embedded coaching. The post Episode #153: Just Keep Showing UP and Always Learning with Dr. Asia Lyons first appeared on Rethinking Learning.

Sylvester Chisom is the CEO and founder of Global CTE Learning, an education technology entrepreneur, the author of 4 best-selling books including, "Manifest Greatness,” and hosts the podcast, Global CTE Podcast,. The post Episode #152: Principles to Unleash Your Potential with Sylvester Chisom first appeared on Rethinking Learning.

Jennifer facilitates dynamic, interactive workshops for teachers, leaders, and students, working to amplify student voice, to provide the tools for high-quality project-based learning. The post Episode #151: Educating with Hope, Optimism and Courage with Jennifer D. Klein first appeared on Rethinking Learning.

Elliot Washor is co-founder of Big Picture learning and B-UnBound, and co-author of “Leaving to Learn” and his recent book “Learning to Leave.” The post Episode #150: New Ways, New Forms, and New Measures for Learning with Elliot Washor first appeared on Rethinking Learning.

Dr. Mark Hines is the Director of Kupu Hou Academy at Mid-Pacific Institute, a professional learning organization that supports deeper learning practices for teachers and school leaders. The post Episode #149: Weaving Core Values, Curiosity, and Joy with Dr. Mark Hines first appeared on Rethinking Learning.

Maxwell Roach is a children's book author, leads a multi-center child care organization as CEO, and also works as an Operations Director and Consultant for e-commerce tech companies globally. The post Episode 148#: The “3 L's”: Love It, Learn It, and Live It with Maxwell Roach first appeared on Rethinking Learning.

John Miller is head of school of Eton School in Mexico City. His journey started in in LA with detours to Oakland, Rio de Janeiro, and more on the way to his dream school in Mexico. The post Episode #147: Value Exceeds Circumstance with John Miller first appeared on Rethinking Learning.

Qin Coe is a Professional Coach and a martial artist. She is a passionate enabler with 16 years of experience unlocking personal and business potential and igniting lasting positive changes. The post Episode #146: Unlocking Potential and Igniting Positive Changes with Qin Coe first appeared on Rethinking Learning.

Carolyn Foote is an educator/librarian, a White House Champion of Change, provides Library design, is a keynoter, a Lilead Fellow, and the co-founder of #FReadomFighter. The post Episode #145: FReadom Fighters with Carolyn Foote first appeared on Rethinking Learning.

Tim Taylor is president of America Succeeds whose vision is about building public education systems to prepare all students to succeed in the competitive global economy. The post Episode #144: Durable Skills and Stackable Credentials with Tim Taylor first appeared on Rethinking Learning.

Chris Quinn showcases Profiles In Ed Leadership hosted on Twitter and on his web page. He offers #QoftheWeek, #WWEd (Wednesday Wellness or Wednesday Wisdom), #FFP (Friday Follow Party) and through his other Twitter @Gratefuledu64. Chris also hosted his own Kinder L.I.G.H.T.S. podcast. The post Episode #143: Servant Leadership…In Gratitude with Chris Quinn first appeared on Rethinking Learning.