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Latest episodes from SEL Convergence

47: Diversity is Life

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2025 5:43


In this powerful episode, Thom Stecher draws on 51 years in education to unpack the growing discomfort around words like diversity, equity, and inclusion. With honesty and heart, he challenges the narrative and offers a grounding truth: diversity isn't a debate—it's a fact of life and an essential part of being human.

46: Fostering Resilience and Building Assets in Our At-Risk Youth EDUC 532

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2024 17:47


Scott Heydt and Jessie McFarland join Thom to discuss their graduate course on resiliency and asset building for at-risk youth. EDUC 532 is a part of Neumann University's Master of Science in Education with an emphasis in Social Emotional Learning program. More information can be found ⁠here⁠. This course is designed to move our students from risk to resiliency by identifying and fostering the developmental competencies needed for students to succeed.  The course hinges on the belief that resilience is not something you do, but something you are and can become.  To that end, the course is designed to guide educators through a paradigm shift, away from the Deficit Model and toward the Strengths/Asset Model.  Drawing on research from Nan Henderson, Mike Milstein, Robert Brooks, and Bonnie Benard, the attributes seen in resilient students will be identified and specific strategies for fostering these traits in all students will be taught.

45: Culturally Responsive Teaching EDUC 505

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2024 16:22


Dawn Mader and Deb Moore join Thom to discuss their graduate course exploring culturally responsive teaching. EDUC 505 is a part of Neumann University's Master of Science in Education with an emphasis in Social Emotional Learning program. More information can be found here. This course will include provide students with a framework for becoming culturally responsive teachers.  An assortment of topics that reflects cultural diversity in education, including an historical overview of programs for students from linguistically and culturally diverse backgrounds, contemporary multicultural and bilingual education, and education for social justice and equity are addressed. This course, through the use of varied literature, relating to issues of diversity will focus on strategies that will ensure all students are achieving their fullest potential. Gaining insights into the interconnection between the diversity of students and process of teaching will be critical to your continued success as a teacher in the 21st century classroom.

44: Philosophical Foundations for Instructional Leadership EDUC 500

Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2024 23:05


Mark Eisenhuth and Chris Palochak join Thom to discuss their graduate course exploring philosophical foundations for instructional leaders. EDUC 500 is a part of Neumann University's Master of Science in Education with an emphasis in Social Emotional Learning program. More information can be found here. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/selconvergence/message

43: Wellness - Research, Practices and Policies for Teachers and Students EDUC 512

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2024 15:48


Chris Engler and Jessie McFarland discuss their educator wellness course and the importance of self-care. EDUC 512 is a part of Neumann University's Master of Science in Education with an emphasis in Social Emotional Learning program. More information can be found here. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/selconvergence/message

42: Big Feelings with Rebecca Louick

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2024 36:24


Thom sits with Rebecca Louick to talk about navigating the emotional landscape of feelings in school. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/selconvergence/message

41: Unifying Daniel Boone

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2024 26:49


In this episode, Thom sits with three student leaders to discuss the impact of student involvement in unifying school communities and the influence of the LifeSkills Conference throughout the process. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/selconvergence/message

40: STEAM Powered SEL with Chris Palochak and Patrice Reiche

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2023 34:00


Chris Palochak and Patrice Reiche sit with Thom to discuss how SEL can, and should, be integrated into STEAM education. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/selconvergence/message

39: Where to Draw the Lines with Dr. Krista Leh

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2023 35:54


Thom invites Dr. Krista Leh back to the podcast to discuss how school district leaders lead the process of within-district racial and socioeconomic integration. Dr. Krista Leh Owner & Director of Professional Learning Resonance Education https://www.resonanceed.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/selconvergence/message

38: Learning to Connect with Katie McLaughlin

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2022 31:13


Thom speaks with Katie McLaughlin, teacher, to discuss her process for building connections and relationships in the classroom. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/selconvergence/message

37: Teaching SEL Through Literacy with Lisa Graham

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2022 35:42


Thom sits with Lisa Graham to discuss the power of literature for teaching young children about feelings, adversity, mindfulness, and a wide range of tender topics. Lisa Graham www.lgrahamauthor.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/selconvergence/message

36: Systems of Support with Dr. Meg Givnish Brezina

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2022 36:51


Thom sits with Dr. Meg Givnish Brezina to discuss the health and well-being of educators and how they can begin or continue to care for themselves in today's school environment. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/selconvergence/message

35: Happiness 101 with Deb Langol

Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2022 29:52


Thom sits down with Deb Langol to talk about the practice of teaching happiness in school and how students have responded to these practices. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/selconvergence/message

34: Changing the Climate in Your Building with Chiara Bouchard and Brittany Hagan

Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2022 36:51


Thom speaks with Chiara and Brittany who are making an immediate and significant positive change in their school's culture. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/selconvergence/message

33: COLA with Chris Felton

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2022 43:48


Thom sits with Chris Felton to explore how to provide students with continuous opportunities for learning and achievement. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/selconvergence/message

32: Wisdom with Dr. Yvonne Kaye

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2022 39:36


Thom and Yvonne sit down to talk about history, empowerment and understanding what children know and feel. Dr. Yvonne Kaye www.yvonnekayewisdom.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/selconvergence/message

31: Living an Intentional 3x5 Life with Bryan and Jessie McFarland

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2022 40:01


In this episode, Bryan and Jessie McFarland share their purpose-driven productivity system, 3x5 Life, and how intentionality and purpose can foster wellness and success. Bryan & Jessie McFarland 3x5 Life www.3x5life.com Contact --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/selconvergence/message

30: Six Gears of Learning and Leadership with Julia Skolnik

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2022 46:16


Julia Skolnik is fireside once again to speak with Thom about the essential components of learning and leadership. Julia Skolnik https://www.learningpartnerships.org/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/selconvergence/message

29: The Gratitude Girls

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2022 33:35


So many guests! This time around Thom gets a chance to talk to a school team that is making SEL work in the real world! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/selconvergence/message

28: Polarization with Geena Flores

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 24, 2021 39:20


Geena Flores is back again to explain the polarizing forces present in our society and how bridges can be built to meet on common ground. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/selconvergence/message

27: The Convergence of Trauma with Geena Flores

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2021 49:20


Geena Flores, Social Studies teacher, joins Thom to talk about the trauma that exists inside our students and the very real historical roots of that trauma. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/selconvergence/message

26: Impacting Your Practice Using Neuroscience with Julia Skolnik and Dave Baugh

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2021 47:19


How can we leverage what we know about how to brain works to impact teaching and learning? Listen to find out! Thom Stecher www.thomstecher.com thom@thomstecher.com Julia Skolnik https://www.learningpartnerships.org jskolnik@learningpartnerships.org Dave Baugh LinkedIn --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/selconvergence/message

25: Dignity, Ethics, and Integrity with Dr. Jim Scanlon

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2021 40:00


In this episode, Thom sits down with Jim Scanlon, educational leadership consultant and retired superintendent of schools, to discuss the impact of current events on schools, educators, and children. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/selconvergence/message

24: Essential Services with Pamela Hackett

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2021 37:24


Thom sits down with Pamela Hackett, managing partner of Pediatric Therapeutic Services, to discuss essential services for educators and students. Pamela Hackett, MPT Pediatric Therapeutic Services, Inc. 525 FAYETTE STREET CONSHOHOCKEN, PA 19428 610.941.7020 Main 610-941-7792 Fax www.mypts.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/selconvergence/message

23: Insights from Brain Science for Education with Julia Skolnik

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2021 55:46


Julia Skolnik, Chief Learning Officer and Founder of Professional Learning Partnerships, joins Thom in this episode to discuss of learning works in the brain and how schools can transform learning and culture rooted in the science of the brain and learning. Julia Skolnik, MSEd Chief Learning Officer & Founder Professional Learning Partnerships LLC jskolnik@learningpartnerships.org (267) 691-1610 Twitter: @Julia_Skolnik LinkedIn www.learninpartnerships.org --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/selconvergence/message

22: Enneagram with Dennis Tallon

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2021 49:47


In this episode, Dennis Tallon pulls up a chair to discuss Enneagram personality types and how essential relationships are in everything that we do. Dennis J. Tallon, Owner/Founder of Tallon Consulting Group www.tallonconsultinggroup.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/selconvergence/message

21: Fueling Schools with Dr. Kelley Munger

Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2021 40:26


Pull up a chair and sit by the fire as Thom talks with Dr. Kelley Munger about developing resilient, trauma-informed educators. Please excuse the audio quality. We are recording remotely and we think that the quality of the conversation is worth the sacrifice of audio quality. Thank you for listening! Dr. Kelley Munger www.fueledschools.org Instagram/Twitter: @fueledschools --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/selconvergence/message

20: Linking STEM to Careers with Dale Keshishian

Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2021 45:22


Join us fireside for a discussion with Dale Keshishian. Dale is the CEO of HealthWorks Academies and is transforming education to attract and develop the next generation of healthcare professionals; combining the goals and needs of both the individual student and the community at large. To learn more about HealthWorks Academies you can visit their website at www.healthworksacademies.org or contact Dale. Dale Keshishian dkesh@healthworksacademies.org --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/selconvergence/message

19: Visioning Onward with Dr. Patschke

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2021 43:26


Dr. Melissa Patschke, co-author of "Visioning Onward: A Guide for ALL Schools", joins us for a conversation about visioning in schools and the important role that all stakeholders have in the process. If you'd like to check out the book for yourself, you can find it here: Amazon Dr. Melissa Patschke Twitter: @Melissatschke --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/selconvergence/message

onward visioning all schools
Diversity & Equity: Part 3

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2020 56:10


Part 3 is here! Thom's conversation with Krista Leh (Educational Consultant specializing in SEL, Diversity & Equity) and Jamillah Parker (School social worker) on diversity and equity moves towards the idea of systemic change. This is the third episode in a multi-part series. This was recorded remotely so please forgive any sound hiccups you may hear. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/selconvergence/message

Diversity & Equity: Part 2

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2020 39:48


We are back for part 2! Thom continues his conversation with Krista Leh (Educational Consultant specializing in SEL, Diversity & Equity) and Jamillah Parker (School social worker) on diversity and equity. This is the second episode in a multi-part series. Krista Leh @Krista_Leh Jamillah Parker @Jamillah_Parker SEL Convergence is honored to have been included in Feedspot's Top 10 Social Emotional Learning Podcasts. Check out the list! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/selconvergence/message

Diversity & Equity: Part 1

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2020 48:11


In this episode, Thom connects virtually with Krista Leh (Educational Consultant specializing in SEL, Diversity & Equity) and Jamillah Parker (School social worker) to begin a conversation on diversity and equity. This is the first episode in a multi-part series. Krista Leh @Krista_Leh Jamillah Parker @Jamillah_Parker --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/selconvergence/message

The Center of Wellness

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2020 40:13


In this episode, Mike Quintans joins us fireside to discuss the intricacies of physical wellness and how our physical wellbeing is connected to the rest of what makes us human. SEL Convergence is honored to have been included in Feedspot's Top 10 Social Emotional Learning Podcasts. Check out the list! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/selconvergence/message

Spring-Ford is United

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2020 44:48


In this episode, Thom and Mike travel to Spring-Ford High School to meet with the teachers and students who are living SEL every day in their school community. Thom takes us through the process of this amazingly successful program. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/selconvergence/message

Can I go to the nurse?

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2020 34:46


Thom brings Becky Kilfoy, School Nurse, and Sarah Weber, School Counselor, into the studio to talk about their unique and powerful collaboration at West Vincent Elementary School. Becky Kilfoy Twitter: @NurseKilfoy Blog: https://rkilfoy.wixsite.com/website Sarah Weber Email: sarahweber@ojrsd.net --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/selconvergence/message

Mindfulness

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2020 37:32


In this episode, Thom invites Brian Aikens of Insight Minds into the studio to discuss the role that mindfulness can and should play for educators and their students. Brian can be found: Twitter: @Insight_Minds Instagram: @insight_minds Web: www.insightminds.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/selconvergence/message

The Unicorn Squad - An SEL Tale

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2019 37:43


In this episode, Thom invites a special guest into the studio to talk about how integrating SEL has reshaped her classroom. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/selconvergence/message

What is LifeSkills?

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2019 30:39


Thom and Mike take the show on the road in this episode! Recorded at the LifeSkills Conference in Elizabethtown, they sit down with two very invested staff members to talk about the impact of their work. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/selconvergence/message

It's Just Business

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2019 28:43


In this episode of SEL Convergence we push into uncomfortable territory and address one of the most pervasive problems in the professional world. "It's Just Business" is an attempt to remove emotion from a relationship. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/selconvergence/message

Soft Skills

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2019 31:33


There's no such thing as a soft skill, just a soft heart. A soft heart can't be supported by anything less than a strong foundation. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/selconvergence/message

Wellness

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2019 41:12


Thom and Mike welcome Jessie McFarland into the studio to talk about the aspects of wellness that so many of us sacrifice while serving others. Remember, you can't pour from an empty cup. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/selconvergence/message

Gratitude

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2019 17:32


This time we are digging deeper into the science of please and thank you. Gratitude is often given away to others, but we receive a lot in return. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/selconvergence/message

Kindness

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2018 17:48


Kindness is survival. We are hardwired for it despite the social norms that we so often find ourselves trapped in. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/selconvergence/message

Empathy

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 24, 2018 42:31


What is empathy? Is it just a buzzword or is it a reasarched and proven component of human success? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/selconvergence/message

Classroom Community - Part 2

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2018 24:20


In this two-part podcast, Thom and Mike take a detailed approach in explaining how a strong classroom community is founded and nurtured. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/selconvergence/message

Classroom Community - Part 1

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2018 32:31


In this two-part podcast, Thom and Mike take a detailed approach in explaining how a strong classroom community is founded and nurtured. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/selconvergence/message

What is Social Emotional Learning?

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2018 27:16


A first conversation with Thom Stecher about his foundations for Social Emotional Learning and it's importance in education. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/selconvergence/message

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