Struggle for Change

Join us as we discuss AI's impact on education access and how it may or may not meet the needs of our most vulnerable citizens. Are you an education professional or a student struggling? Email us at struggleforchangepodcast@gmail.com. We would love to hear your story. Visit our website: struggleforchange.com. Find us on Instagram: @struggleforchangepodcast. Find us on Facebook: @struggleforchangepodcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/struggle-for-change/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/struggle-for-change/support

Emily and Valerie talk with Laura, a HS English teacher at Sonoma Academy, around unique approaches to instilling mindfulness in students and embedding wellness in the day-to-day school schedule. We also ponder about trapped bats in houses and Taylor Swift electives. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/struggle-for-change/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/struggle-for-change/support

Chris, the creator of High Five Movement joins us in a conversation to talk about his wellness practices for himself and the implementation of wellness/positive practices in the classroom. He shares the importance of fueling our bodies with nutritious food to have energy to do the necessary things as it can greatly impact our mental and emotional wellness. Lastly, the positive connections we make with our students, helping them turn negative into positive thoughts, and letting them know that we're there for them are all things we can keep doing. Give your students a high five to improve the mood! Check out High Five Movement to "build resilience, manage stress and anxiety, and develop positive relationships with peers and teachers". --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/struggle-for-change/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/struggle-for-change/support

Here is a throwback to March of 2020, when Traci sat down with Diane Main in a heart-felt interview addressing her personal struggles with mental health as an education professional. Diane's OG Blog. Note: This version has been re-mixed and re-mastered! Help us keep creating by donating to our podcast. 50% of donations go toward the Dean Ledford Foundation. Are you someone with a story about a struggle related to education? Submit an ⁠interview interest form here⁠ or email us at ⁠⁠struggleforchangepodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠. We would love to hear your story. Visit our website: ⁠⁠struggleforchange.com⁠⁠. Find us on Instagram/Threads: ⁠⁠@struggleforchangepodcast⁠⁠. Find us on Facebook: ⁠⁠@struggleforchangepodcast⁠⁠. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/struggle-for-change/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/struggle-for-change/support

It's not just authors feeling the pressure of book-banning movements. Through this current uptick in school and public library censorship, students are missing opportunities to hone their critical thinking skills as readers and teachers facing barriers to providing a well-rounded curriculum for students. In honor of Banned Books Week 2023, Emily shares some tidbits around the history of book censorship and today's impact on authors and readers alike! Episode Resources and Further Reading/Viewing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDppHAzyFew https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/06/world/asia/india-textbooks-changes.html https://ca.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/the-firey-history-of-banned-books-video/its-lit-season-2/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpKqRC-9Avc&t=883s https://guides.library.harvard.edu/c.php?g=1269000&p=9306840 https://pen.org/report/banned-usa-growing-movement-to-censor-books-in-schools/ https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/as-book-bans-escalate-heres-what-you-need-to-know/2022/09 https://ed.stanford.edu/news/stanford-lecturer-explores-rise-book-bans-nazi-book-burnings-school-board-races https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/12/books/book-bans-libraries.html https://news.northeastern.edu/2022/08/24/banned-books-in-us-schools/ https://www.freedomtoread.ca/resources/bannings-and-burnings-in-history/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&app=desktop&v=h28316trOYU Are you someone with a story about a struggle related to education? Submit an interview interest form here or email us at ⁠struggleforchangepodcast@gmail.com⁠. We would love to hear your story. Visit our website: ⁠struggleforchange.com⁠. Find us on Instagram: ⁠@struggleforchangepodcast⁠. Find us on Facebook: ⁠@struggleforchangepodcast⁠. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/struggle-for-change/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/struggle-for-change/support

Join us as for a meaningful conversation around normalizing mental health management as an education professional. Tory shares with us his own raw and honest approach to managing mental health, and how it has made him a stronger educator and more-grounded human. We hope you find some strategies that you can apply tomorrow. Are you someone with a story about a struggle related to education? Submit an ⁠interview interest form here⁠ or email us at ⁠⁠struggleforchangepodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠. We would love to hear your story. Visit our website: ⁠⁠struggleforchange.com⁠⁠. Find us on Instagram: ⁠⁠@struggleforchangepodcast⁠⁠. Find us on Facebook: ⁠⁠@struggleforchangepodcast⁠⁠. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/struggle-for-change/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/struggle-for-change/support

Join us for a conversation with school media specialist and librarian Mary Ledford, who left the elementary classroom to better support teachers in a changing tech landscape. After 20 years or so in the elementary classroom, Mary took advantage of an opportunity to transition to the school Media Center as a librarian, where she supports teachers with innovative, (mostly) tech-centered and relevant approaches to lesson design. According to Traci, this is a must-listen episode. Dean Ledford Memorial Foundation Website Mary Ledford in the News! Connect with Mary Ledford: on LinkedIn and "X" (we miss Twitter) Are you someone with a story about a struggle related to education? Submit an ⁠interview interest form here⁠ or email us at ⁠⁠struggleforchangepodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠. We would love to hear your story. Visit our website: ⁠⁠struggleforchange.com⁠⁠. Find us on Instagram: ⁠⁠@struggleforchangepodcast⁠⁠. Find us on Facebook: ⁠⁠@struggleforchangepodcast⁠⁠. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/struggle-for-change/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/struggle-for-change/support

A conversation with Ashley Mireles, a public middle school teacher, doing her best to meet students where they are, both emotionally and academically. She struggled last year with her 8th-grade students not meeting the academic standards to proficiently "graduate." Most importantly, we talk about the awesome ways in which she HAS achieved success in helping students do their best and be their best. We also discuss the opportunity for schools to better support the mental health of teachers so they can be their best for students. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/struggle-for-change/message

Emily Hendricks (@eh48), Traci Bonde (@tr_bo), and Valerie Sun (@mllevalsunshine) transport you to a Zen space known more commonly as a wellness room that was piloted at #FallCUE and brought fully to life at #SpringCUE with the support of Axiom. The space appealed to all senses with activities, décor, and furniture intentionally placed. While that space described was at a conference, the hosts discussed the reality of wellness rooms on school campuses. What's the school culture around the use of the wellness rooms? What kind of guidelines or culture will there need to be for this new space? Don't forget the funding necessary. Join us, lean in, take a deep breath, and give yourself a bit of rest. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/struggle-for-change/message

Here's the first episode of pocket change, where the discussion is short and sweet, for those with less time to listen. Valerie (@MlleValSunshine) shared the awesomeness of the wellness room at the #SpringCUE Conference in Palm Springs with Emily (@eh48) who wasn't able to attend this year. They share this innovative model and the need for a wellness room at conferences where attendees can have a space to rest in a mentally and physically draining setting. Together, they dream of having this kind of space on school campuses where students can have the chance to relax. Do you have a wellness room on your school campus or workspace? Let us know! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/struggle-for-change/message

Emily (@eh48) in California, chats with Brianna in Michigan, who has been passionate about music and was on track to earn her undergraduate degree in music with an interest in becoming a teacher. In her second year of college, her classes were moved online due to COVID safety and restrictions. She pivoted to another passion - cosmetology. Tune in as she shares the stigma of alternative education and the joy she has every day in her profession. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/struggle-for-change/message

Emily (@eh48) talks with two of her former students, Vivaan and Noah, who are currently both Sophomores in a fully-online high school (Stanford OHS). They discuss some of the pros and cons of online learning, why they decided this school was a good fit and the challenges they face balancing education with other important aspects of life. Additional Resources: https://wehavekids.com/education/connections-academy https://www.hillbrook.org/ https://www.usnews.com/education/k12/articles/what-families-should-know-about-k-12-online-schools: Pros and Cons of Online School  By Linda Lee Baird|March 22, 2022, at 3:58 p.m. How do you know if online school is right for your child? Experts say some of the reasons families have selected online learning include: Ongoing concerns about COVID-19. School safety concerns, including students who have experienced bullying. Students who are working at a different grade level than their peers. Students whose learning needs are not being met at their school. Students who are also parents or caregivers. Medically compromised or vulnerable students. Families looking for flexibility in their learning schedules. Families living abroad. Caregivers seeking an increased role in their child's education. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/struggle-for-change/message

In this episode, Traci Bonde (@tr_bo) starts a conversation with Joe Ayala (@joeayala) in regards to his 2022 CITE Conference session about resilient leaders. He shares his process to prepare for the session, the reasons for demonstrating his vulnerability, and the practices he continues with to ensure his mental health. Tune in to find ways to self regulate and to stay grounded. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/struggle-for-change/message

Traci Bonde (@tr_bo) kicks off this episode by sharing her professional background and the realization that she needed to create boundaries in order to maintain balance. She shares the small changes she has made and the ways she protects her time and productivity. Emily Hendricks (@eh48) shares the self-care steps she has taken to recharge from different work environments. Valerie Sun (@mllevalsunshine) reflects on the demands of teaching and educators wanting to do it all to be the best teacher at a high physical, emotional, and mental cost. They recognize that good mental health doesn't require big vacations or frequent getaways. Daily, small changes in our habits can provide high dividends in happiness and better social, emotional, mental, and physical health. Are you an education professional or a student that is struggling? Email us at struggleforchangepodcast@gmail.com. We would love to hear your story. Visit our website: struggleforchange.com. Find us on Twitter: @strug4change. Find us on Instagram: @struggleforchangepodcast. Find us on Facebook: @struggleforchangepodcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/struggle-for-change/message

Emily Hendricks (@eh48) begins this episode with a reflection on the difficulties of making a transition and listening to her gut when it comes to making changes. Traci Bonde (@tr_bo) compares transitory steps to the stages of grief. Valerie Sun (@mllevalsunshine) points out that everything we do is hard when it is not part of our regular routine. Join us in this discussion about making changes in our lives, if there is a possibility for systemic change in education, and how we can all be better “listeners of our gut.” Are you an education professional or a student that is struggling? Email us at struggleforchangepodcast@gmail.com. We would love to hear your story. Visit our website: struggleforchange.com. Find us on Twitter: @strug4change. Find us on Instagram: @struggleforchangepodcast. Find us on Facebook: @struggleforchangepodcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/struggle-for-change/message

We're 3 years into the progression of COVID where some of us feel like it's a thing of the past and others are still diligently masked and taking precautions. Traci Bonde (@tr_bo), Emily Hendricks (@eh48), and Valerie Sun (@mllevalsunshine) explore the effects of our post-COVID collective “whiplash” that we witness in our classrooms and workplaces, setting boundaries for our own benefit, and the fact that there is no “normal” for us to return to in this post-shutdown time. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/struggle-for-change/message

Traci Bonde (@tr_bo), Emily Hendricks (@eh48), and Valerie Sun (@mllevalsunshine) come back together after several months of podcast hiatus to share the news: We're still here and we're still struggling. This short and sweet episode shares thoughts for future episodes. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/struggle-for-change/message

Danielle Rose Bardellini (daniellebardellini.com) talks with Emily Hendricks (@eh48) about her latest entrepreneurial endeavor, fireflyschools.com, and how bringing your own passions and creativity as an educator into the classroom is an important part of a joyful learning experience. She also unveils to us the concept of decentralized learning and her philosophy behind “Firefly Schools” and how you can get involved in the future. For more information about "Firefly Schools," visit www.fireflyschools.com.

Val (@mllevalsunshine) speaks with Jen Young (@msyoung428) about the positive things that have come out because of COVID and distance learning. In a previous episode, she gave us a run-down of her struggle with managing mental health issues while teaching. This is a follow-up episode to see how things are going! She talks about making connections with her students from last year and this year through Lunch Bunch meetings and the support she has received from her district for her mental health. She also explains her new-found confidence in fighting the challenges of being a person of color in public education by taking on leadership roles within her school, district, and teacher union.

In this episode, Traci has an unscripted conversation with Danny Hauger (@DannyHauger). Danny is host of the podcast "Inspiring Teachers Show" (@ShowTeachers), as well as a broadcast professional and high school educator. He talks about about how he found ways to be super positive when we entered the shutdown in March of 2020. He shares his approach to trying to make his course a safe & fun destination through the spring and for the 2021 school year. 

Traci Bonde (@tr_bo), Emily Hendricks (@eh48), and Val Sun (@mllevalsunshine), the creators of Struggle for Change are joined by Doreen Bonde (@doreenbonde), come together in a live conversation around teaching in this crazy new hybrid model. This is our first live podcast video recording via Facebook! Realizing that many teachers may be experiencing the same hesitations, fears, and anxiety and uncertainty around teaching in this new model, we share our thoughts to let you know that you are not alone. Emily's school has been in hybrid mode since the beginning of the school year while Val's school district just announced that they will be bringing teachers and students back as early as mid-March.

Traci Bonde (@tr_bo), Emily Hendricks (@eh48), and Val Sun (@mllevalsunshine), the creators of Struggle for Change, come together in an impromptu conversation around teaching in this crazy new hybrid model. This is our first podcast video recording via Zoom! Realizing that many teachers may be experiencing the same hesitations, fears, and anxiety and uncertainty around teaching in this new model, we share our thoughts to let you know that you are not alone. Emily's school has been in hybrid mode since the beginning of the school year while Val's school district just announced that they will be bringing teachers and students back as early as mid-March. This will be first in a series of conversations throughout the coming weeks! Join us as we go live on Facebook next Tuesday night, 2/23/21 at 7 PM.

Val Sun (@mllevalsunshine) interviews Susan Fitzpatrick Burris (@parispanache08) about the concept of being a teacher. Susan explains the process of letting go of the traditional notion that •teachers are keepers of knowledge and learning to let her high school students have agency and ownership in their learning process. She includes an anecdote of student critique that helped her realize the need to differentiate activities among her periods despite teaching the same subject. Follow Susan on Twitter at @parispanache08.

Jen Young (@msyoung428) speaks with Traci Bonde around the struggles with mental health as a person of color in education. As a social justice advocate and 4th-grade teacher, she realized how exhausting it can be to be a voice for social justice while also transitioning from private to public school teaching. Her struggles with mental health and trauma have also felt more present during the isolation of this pandemic. Affinity groups have become an important source of empowerment and liberation to give her more confidence in sharing her story and identity with coworkers and students.Follow Jen Young on Twitter and Instagram: @msyoung428Visit our website and call our "hotline" if you have a struggle that you would like us to address: bit.ly/Struggle4Change

Sarah Hollingsworth and Clara Ngo (both math/science teachers at Hillbrook School) talk with Emily Hendricks about all things identity, social justice, anti-racism and what it's like to try and integrate it all in teaching and working with students and faculty at an independent school.  Check out these referenced sources:“Showing Up for Racial Justice” Mike Fishback “The Big 8” of IdentityKimberly Krenshaw: IntersectionalityPeople of Color ConferenceZinn Education ProjectPolyanna OrgSEED

Gully LaValle, Director of DEI at Hillbrook School, and Emily Hendricks (@eh48) discuss the reality of creating and supporting a DEI framework in educational institutions.  What are its challenges and opportunities?For further resources and educational opportunities, check out comprehensive Gully's list of resources in supporting social justice and DEI work: https://bit.ly/2AB0OaO.  

Val Sun (@mllevalsunshine) interviews Rebekah Remkiewicz (@RemScience) about the connection between a person’s name and identity. She shares an elementary school experience that affected her and helped her realize the need to pronounce students’ names correctly and with the correct accent. Follow Rebekah’s blog at www.eduawesomeadventure.com, listen to the podcast she hosts with her children, The EdTechFamily Podcast, and on Twitter (@RemScience).

Val Sun (@mllevalsunshine) interviews Dr. Eddie Gonzalez @DrEddiesClass) around the struggles he has faced during this pandemic in providing empathy for students and parents. Also, Eddie discusses how evident the learning gaps can be in some demographics and how important it is for educators to stay flexible and current in how they connect and interact with students, no matter the age or subject area.Follow the happenings of Dr. Eddie Gonzalez at www.eddiesclass.com or on Twitter at @DrEddiesClass.

Part 2: Doreen Bonde talks deeply about her and her school board's initiatives in supporting the mental health of employees. @doreenbonde: Doreen@tr_bo: Traci 

Doreen Bonde talks deeply about her and her school board's initiatives in supporting the mental health of employees. @doreenbonde: Doreen@tr_bo: Traci  

Traci Bonde (@tr_bo) interviews Diane Main in this second segment, shedding light on the importance of being open about mental health, defining labels and the courage it takes to do so in an educational setting. Diane's blog: about.me/dowbigginTwitter: @dowbiggin

Traci Bonde (@tr_bo) interviews Diane Main, shedding light on the importance of being open about mental health, defining labels and the courage it takes to do so in an educational setting.Diane's blog: about.me/dowbigginTwitter: @dowbiggin

Emily Hendricks interviews Hannah Cousino (her sister!) about the (sometimes) stressful choices involved with curating your child's education. Twitter: @eh48Instagram: @soundteaching  

Emily Hendricks interviews Greg Stamos, a seasoned educator, around the challenges of working at an independent school.  At Hillbrook School in Los Gatos, CA, professional and personal growth is heavily supported, leading to the struggle of making time for "all of the things" in this universal reality of work/life balance.Greg has awesome photos: https://500px.com/gregstamos Twitter: @eh48Instagram: @sounteaching

Valerie Sun, Ed.D. (@mllevalsunshine) interviews Kim Voge (@kvoge71) about her experience shifting from classroom teacher to TOSA...and back again! Tough stuff. Check out Kim's blog at bit.ly/techsassy.