Podcasts about metro nashville public schools

In this special episode, we break down the shooting at Antioch High School in Nashville and discuss steps that must be taken to protect our schools and prevent future tragedies. We discuss the warning signs, social media threats, security measures like metal detectors and AI software, and the critical role of training and preparation. As former teachers, law enforcement, and military personnel, we use our insights to challenge you to take action before it's too late. How can we move beyond reactive solutions and truly protect our students?    Notes:   2:25 - We don't name shooters 3:10 - Threat assessment had been done on this particular student 4:55 - Someone made the decision to let him come back 7:00 - Intent had been shared on social media 9:20 - “It's not missed, it's being dismissed” 15:15 - Metal detector misconceptions 17:50 - Adam's thoughts on metal detectors and 2000 students in one area at one time 20:35 - AI gun-detection software that Metro Nashville Public Schools uses 28:40 - How critical is perceived threat in the military? Adam responds on the importance of training.  30:00 - Technology is NOT a replacement for the human 32:00 - Some SROs become friends with students and get far from focusing on students as potential threats which is dangerous. 36:00 - People's response was all over the place – subs without keys, etc. 42:00 - Go to your kid's school's board members to ask what they're doing and how.   Tips, Tactics, and Tools for a Safer Tomorrow was born out of several conversations between Brink Fidler and Tom Herring that always revolved around how they focus on properly educating their clients in order to maximize their effectiveness and customer service. Both companies strive to meet the same end goal and that is to increase the safety and security posture of their clients. Brink's company, Defend Systems, specializes in physical security consulting and active shooter mitigation training, while Tom's company, Herring Technology, focuses on being the best security technology integrator in the industry that can provide a one stop shop for any client's technology needs. The focus of this podcast is to educate and empower people. We discuss everything related to safety and security be it at home, work, church, or the mall. We take an in depth look at security technology, ease of use, reliability, and DIY products for homeowners.   Follow Brink: www.defendsystems.com Follow Tom: www.herringtechnology.com   Tips, Tactics and Tools is Produced and Edited by www.itsyourshow.co  

Join Ginger and Julie as they talk to Mathew Portell. Mathew has dedicated a decade and a half to education in his role as a teacher, instructional coach, teacher mentor, and school administrator before joining PACES Connection as the director of communities in March 2022. He spent seven years as principal of Fall-Hamilton Elementary, an internationally recognized innovative model school for trauma-informed practices in Metro Nashville Public Schools. Mathew is now back in the building as a principal and has written a book along with Ingrid Cockrhen, Julie Kirtz, Julie Nicholson, and Tyesha Noise entitled Reducing Stress in Schools. Check out Mathew's book: Reducing Stress in Schools: Restoring Connection and Community Mathew gives the following advice: Don't get caught up in the job and forget about the work. Get back to the basics and listen for what the fundamental truths are in trauma-informed educational environments. Mathew tells us that “Kids can't achieve academics if their social and emotional health needs aren't met.” He also says, “We have to base all our decisions on what we say and who we say we are. If we say we are student-focused and adult-supported, then the decision we make has to mirror that. It's huge when developing a school culture that is looking to reduce stress. You gotta know who you are first, establish your identity as an individual school then document it. Create your core values and then as you make decisions align them with who you say you are.” Be sure to view the "Every student Known" video.

Send us a text Please Support Our Show❤️https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=88DP4YMVETHFQAdvertise with us:https://theliteracyview.com/contact/Join our Facebook Group✅https://www.facebook.com/share/g/msdoTSwSiQvbtUW9/?mibextid=qtnXGeEmail us: FaithandJudy@gmail.comThe One About…Report Cards: Parents are in the Dark“When parents are in the know, they take action.” – Sonya Thomas Time Magazine:https://time.com/6308834/american-parents-how-their-kids-doing-in-school/ Nashville Propel:Article talks about a white paper released by Nashville Propel in June: Because of positive report cards, 78% of the Nashville parents surveyed believe their kids are reading at grade level. Meanwhile, data reveals that only 28.5% of students across MNPS—and only 19.6% of Black students—are. (MNPS stands for Metro Nashville Public Schools.)https://www.tennessean.com/story/opinion/columnists/2024/06/03/nashville-public-schools-literacy-crisis-affects-black-parents/73925657007/ Faith Borkowsky's books: "If Only I Would Have Known..." (3-in-1 Edition): What I wish the Pediatrician, the Preschool Teacher, and the Librarian would have told me about Language, Literacy, and Dyslexiahttps://a.co/d/6wTSSGv Failing Students or Failing Schools?: A Parent's Guide to Reading Instruction and Interventionhttps://a.co/d/aR6cPhR Special Guest, Dr. Irene DariaWebsite:www.StepstoReading.com Book:I Didn't Believe Himhttps://a.co/d/6tX7qLB Irene Daria on X: @StepstoReading Support the Show.The Literacy View is an engaging and inclusive platform encouraging respectful discussion and debate about current issues in education.

School starts tomorrow, and Hey Nashville newsletter editor Margaret Kingsbury — our token parent — grabbed some time with Metro Nashville Public Schools director Dr. Adrienne Battle to ask questions submitted by MNPS parents and get the scoop on the changes, challenges, and opportunities coming with the 2024-2025 academic year. Thanks to Tecovas, our Western wear faves, for being our exclusive launch sponsor! What do you want to know from our local officials? Email us, and we'll try to get you answers! Need to register to vote for the November election? Visit govotetn.com. Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. 

In the second episode of our second season — and our eighth episode overall — co-hosts Jerome Moore and D. Patrick Rodgers are joined by Nashville Scene reporter Eli Motycka to discuss this week's cover package, which is all about the state, federal and local elections on Aug. 1. Aside from one Metro Nashville Public Schools board seat, the Davidson County general elections are all but decided, so we spend most of the episode discussing the state and federal primaries — including the Democratic primary for a U.S. Senate seat, Metro Councilmember Courtney Johnston challenging incumbent U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles for his seat in the Republican primary, a competitive Democratic primary for state House District 60 and more.Follow Eli on Twitter/X (@ejmotycka), follow Jerome Moore on Instagram (@jeromelmoore), and follow D. Patrick Rodgers on whatever platform you prefer (@dpatrickrodgers). Give it a listen, and subscribe to hear more!

Anna Marie interviews DeMonica Coverson, Metro Nashville Public Schools' Director of Social Work/ Bullying Prevention Trainer, and Dr. Megan Cusson-Lark, Metro Nashville Public Schools' Executive Director of School Counseling.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"I'm putting every single ounce of who I am into every single book that I write, so y'all know to expect the blackest books you have ever read from yours truly.”  - Derrick BarnesDerrick Barnes' introduction to vulnerable storytelling was through the jazz and R&B records he found in his family's collection. For young Derrick, reading the liner notes in albums was just as important as any other kind of reading. Eventually, artists like Prince, Rakim, and John Coltrane taught him about the power in simply and truly being yourself. Inspired, young Derrick began writing his own poetry and short stories, which served as the beginning of a long and fruitful writing career. A career that includes being the first black creative copywriter for Hallmark cards.In his work as an author, Derrick embodies the authenticity of his idols, being uncompromising in his goal to tell an array of black stories, for black kids. Although already an established writer, Derrick's breakthrough picture book, "Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut" brought him national attention and accolades such as the Ezra Jack Keats Book Award, a Newbery Honor, and the Coretta Scott King Award. More recently he earned a National Book Award honor for the graphic novel “Victory Stand! Raising My Fist for Justice.” In this episode, Derrick tells the story of how music inspired him to write, how his idols taught him to never compromise his voice as a black man, and why he considers himself a freedom fighter. ***Connect with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. ***In Derrick's reading challenge, "Resistance and Resilience" he invited us to read powerful stories of resilience from America's black history.You can find her list and all past reading challenges at thereadingculturepod.com.Today's Beanstack Featured Librarian is Connie Sharp, a Librarian Training and Development Specialist at Metro Nashville Public Schools. She told us about how her district utilizes Beanstack with community partnerships to encourage students to read.ContentsChapter 1 - Jazz, Hip Hop, R&B (1:59)Chapter 2 - Literacy and Lyrics (6:31)Chapter 3 - A Hallmark Story (9:11)Chapter 4 - The Fresh Cut (12:52)Chapter 5 - Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave (19:22)Chapter 6 - Freedom Fighter (25:00)Chapter 7 - The Blackest Books (28:56)Chapter 8 - The Legacy of Derrick Barnes (31:29)  Chapter 9 - Resistance and Resilience (35:31)Chapter 10 - Beanstack Featured Librarian (37:29)LinksThe Reading CultureThe Reading Culture Newsletter SignupDerrick BarnesCaleb McLaughlin Reads "Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut" | Bookmarks | Netflix JrVictory. Stand!: Raising My Fist For Justice - National Book FoundationThe Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content)Beanstack resources to build your community's reading cultureHost: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducer: Jackie Lamport and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

While you can easily hear many languages in Middle Tennessee, Spanish is the second-most spoken language here after English. For anyone who is not fully bilingual, communicating across a language barrier can be at times humorous, but more often than not frustrating, discouraging, if not high stakes when it comes to situations involving medical care, education or basic services. So how can we better connect? Today, we're talking with the people behind companies and organizations that offer local Spanish and English language classes as well as resources available for English Learning students and families in the Metro Nashville Public Schools. Aunque puede que escuche muchos idiomas en el área central de Tennessee, el español es el 2° idioma más hablado después del inglés. Para todos aquellos que no son completamente bilingües, la comunicación que se da cuando existe una barrera en el lenguaje a veces puede ser graciosa, pero con más frecuencia es frustrante, desalentadora, y hasta puede llegar a representar un alto riesgo cuando se presentan situaciones que involucran el cuidado médico, educación o servicios básicos. Entonces, ¿como podemos conectarnos de mejor manera? Hoy estaremos hablando con algunos representantes de compañías y organizaciones que ofrecen clases de inglés y español, además de compartir recursos disponibles para estudiantes y familias que están aprendiendo inglés en las Escuelas Públicas de Metro. Guests: Beatriz Ordaz Ramírez,  Voces de Nashville Becca Blank, Voces de Nashville  Joleen Radnoti, Read to Succeed (Rutherford County, 615-738-7323) Maria Paula Zapata, Conexión Americás (615-270-9252) Vanessa Lazón,  Metro Nashville Public Schools English Learners (615-259-4636) Manny Díaz de León,  Metro Nashville Public Schools English Learners Today's episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys. El episodio de hoy fue producido por Katherine Ceicys.

In this thoughtful discussion, we navigate the landscape of grief and bereavement, shedding light on its many forms, common disruptors, and signs that indicate the need for intervention. Listen in as guests, Rebecca Sebastian, VHAN Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and Dr. Martha Shepherd, Medical Director for Vanderbilt Health at Metro Nashville Public Schools, take us through the intricacies of anticipatory and acute grief as well as exploring the role of employers in providing easy access to grief resources and the importance of reducing stigma around mental health in the workplace.  

On Today's Show "It (TV) was my junk food, but also it was my in with the kids to be able to talk about pop culture, to know all the little nuances and jokes about the cultural zeitgeist things.” - Dan SantatMedia and stories around us around us are more than just entertainment. They provide a common space, a piece of the world around us that connects us to others. We learn from these stories, shape our own views and ideas, and listen to and share these ideas with others. Dan Santat, a son of Thai immigrants in rural SoCal, found solace and belonging in the storytelling of 80's TV shows and movies, connecting with others' experiences and perspectives. His fascination with storytelling coupled with his talent for drawing led him on a journey of self-discovery that would ultimately diverge from the career path his parents had urged him to pursue.In this episode, Dan shares openly about his fraught relationship with his dad. Dan's honesty is humorous and nostalgic and real all at once. He talks about the freedoms and limitations of growing up in the 1980s and how they helped him discover a passion for storytelling as a means of communicating. Dan also tells us about his experience of embracing art, despite his parents' differing expectations, and how his journey has impacted the messages he imparts to students he meets today.***Connect with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. ***In his reading challenge, "Profound Panels" Dan wants listeners to embrace the hidden wisdom in the medium that first sparked his love of storytelling: comics.You can find his list and all past reading challenges at thereadingculturepod.com.This episode's Beanstack Featured Librarian is Connie Sharpe from Metro Nashville Public Schools. She told us about the importance of the connection between administrators and librarians. ContentsChapter 1 - Thai in SoCal (2:25)Chapter 2 - Crime Fighting (vehicle here) (6:55)Chapter 3 - The Trial and Death of Socrates (12:59)Chapter 4 - A Book About Dan (21:04)Chapter 5 - Passing on Heritage (and advice) (24:09)Chapter 6 - A Storyteller's Legacy (31:03)Chapter 7 - Profound Panels (34:17)Chapter 8 - Beanstack Featured Librarian (35:40)Links The Reading Culture Dan Santat Dan Santat | Twitter, Instagram, Facebook | Linktree The Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content) Beanstack resources to build your community's reading culture Longlist for National Book Award for Young People's Literature Shane (movie) - Dan's dad's favorite movie before moving to America X-Men (comics that changed Dan's life) Flowers in the Attic (how were we allowed to read this at such a young age?!) The Trial and Death of Socrates (a critical book for Dan) The Replacements (Dan's show on Disney) Kung Fu: The Movie (starring David Carradine…hmmm) Dan's acceptance speech at Caldecott-Newbery banquet A conversation about “Drawn Together” by Dan and Minh Lê American Born Chinese (a book that is very important for Dan) Dan Santat Dan Santat | Twitter, Instagram, Facebook | Linktree Connie Sharp at MNPS (this week's featured librarian) The Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content) Host: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducer: Jackie Lamport and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

Ashford Hughes Sr., executive officer for diversity, equity and inclusion at Metro Nashville Public Schools, shares how gentrification affects the quality of education for Black children | Deep Dish ConvosWatch Full Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2M0pJPIKXdk?si=FkTGyYnmeadwKdVWA Slice of the Community Exclusively on Nashville Public Television.Donate and Support Community Power Building Content: https://dishdishconvos.captivate.fm/supportWatch Full Video Interview on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JeromeMooreCommunityChangersWebsite: https://www.deepdishconversations.com/Follow On:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deepdishconvoshttps://www.instagram.com/deepdishconvos/https://twitter.com/Deepdishconvos

Metro Nashville Public Schools board Member Christiane Buggs on should Black parents send their children to public schools? | Deep Dish ConvosDonate and Support Community Power Building Content: https://dishdishconvos.captivate.fm/supportWatch Full Video Interview on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JeromeMooreCommunityChangersWebsite: https://www.deepdishconversations.com/Follow On:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deepdishconvoshttps://www.instagram.com/deepdishconvos/https://twitter.com/Deepdishconvos

Join NPT Host & Producer Jerome Moore has he examines the state of Black education in Nashville with Metro Nashville Public Schools board Member Christiane Buggs and Ashford Hughes Sr., executive officer for diversity, equity and inclusion at Metro Nashville Public Schools | Deep Dish ConvosWatch Full Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2M0pJPIKXdk?si=FkTGyYnmeadwKdVWA Slice of the Community Exclusively on Nashville Public Television.Donate and Support Community Power Building Content: https://dishdishconvos.captivate.fm/supportWatch Full Video Interview on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JeromeMooreCommunityChangersWebsite: https://www.deepdishconversations.com/Follow On:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deepdishconvoshttps://www.instagram.com/deepdishconvos/https://twitter.com/Deepdishconvos

Thousands of students in Metro Nashville Public Schools are experiencing hardships, and for the past 18 years, the all-volunteer, non-profit Assistance League of Nashville has been working to help make their lives easier. In this interview, The Assistance League President Cindy Pramuk says their goal is to help take the burden of finding and buying school uniforms off the shoulders of these kids and their families.  As The Assistance League of Nashville keeps growing its network to help more children, Cindy says they've teamed up with the Nashville Children's Alliance and Operation School Bell.  The group's major Fall Fundraiser is Thursday, September 28th, and you're invited! If you can't be there in person, please bid online for great auction items, or just make a donation if you can! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christiane Buggs on How Allies Can Combat Anti-Blackness in Education | Deep Dish Convos Join NPT producer & Host Jerome Moore as he examines the state of Black education in Nashville with Metro Nashville Public Schools board Member Christiane Buggs and Ashford Hughes Sr., executive officer for diversity, equity and inclusion at Metro Nashville Public Schools.A Slice of the Community Exclusively on Nashville Public Television. Learn more: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLs4r0o-fAOUicHsl4EoaDNpWWFcX28UhXDonate and Support Community Power Building Content: https://dishdishconvos.captivate.fm/supportWatch Full Video Interview on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JeromeMooreCommunityChangersWebsite: https://www.deepdishconversations.com/Follow On:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deepdishconvoshttps://www.instagram.com/deepdishconvos/https://twitter.com/Deepdishconvos

College is difficult for everyone, but the high costs and confusing bureaucracy make it especially difficult for low-income students, as well as those who are the first in their families to go to college. These barriers to college mean fewer career opportunities for people who grew up in Nashville. Only 25% of Metro Nashville Public Schools graduates go on to receive a college degree. In this episode, This is Nashville sits down with counselors who help students navigate college, and with a current student who's working with one of those counselors. Guests: Melissa Watkins, Director of Communications and Careers, Persist Nashville Gabe Marrero, Director of Data and Technology, Persist Nashville Lindsay Hager, Assistant Director, Student Success Center at Nashville State Community College Shane Daugherty, student, Nashville State Community College This episode was produced by Char Daston.

One safety measure used by Metro Nashville Public Schools is school resource officers — SROs — which are staffed by the city's police department.  But having police officers in schools isn't a panacea. It's unclear if having SROs can prevent major tragedies like school shootings. And critics say that having officers in schools exacerbates the school-to-prison pipeline by criminalizing behavior that could be resolved in other ways, like counseling, conflict resolution or other restorative practices.  But if not SROs, how else can we protect our schools from threats? What can school staffers tell us about where threats are coming from? And how do you young people feel about their safety, and walking the halls with SROs? On on this first day of school for Nashville, we'll start today's show with WPLN education reporter Alexis Marshall. Guests: Israel Perez, high school senior Mac Hardy, director of operations, National Association of School Resource Officers Jonathan Brocco, educator and school administrator in Nashville Nancy Duchesneau, senior P-12 researcher with Education Trust Judge Sheila Jones Calloway, Davidson County Juvenile Court This episode was produced by Alexis Marshall and Magnolia McKay.

Mayoral frontrunner Freddie O'Connell and candidate Alice Rolli will now face a head to head race going into September's election. Several other upsets and runoffs came from yesterday's election as well. Take a listen to today's podcast for more information.New YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKjWKXfpjtNL0oL2R6MKSxwToday's Sponsors:XPLR Tourshttps://xplrtours.com/Use ND10 for 10% off the History of Nashville Walking TourBlessed Day Coffeehttps://www.blesseddaycoffee.com/Use Code "XPLR20" for 20% off at checkoutNash NewsNew school year, new school: Metro Nashville Public Schools building updatehttps://www.tennessean.com/story/news/education/2023/08/03/metro-nashville-public-schools-construction-projects-new-schools-2023/70509222007/NC5 Exclusive: We talked with Music City Grand Prix president about the race's future. Here's what he said.https://www.newschannel5.com/sports/nc5-exclusive-we-talked-with-music-city-grand-prix-president-heres-what-he-saidNashville Election Wins, Losses, and Runoffs Nashville mayor's race: Freddie O'Connell, Alice Rolli headed to runoffhttps://www.tennessean.com/story/news/politics/elections/2023/08/03/nashville-elections-2023-mayoral-race-results/70508874007/Nashville election results: Angie Henderson to be vice mayor as incumbent Jim Shulman concedeshttps://www.tennessean.com/story/news/politics/elections/2023/08/03/nashville-election-results-vice-mayor/70508996007/Election Resultshttps://www.newschannel5.com/election-resultsO'Connell Leads Nashville Mayoral Election Rolli in Secondhttps://www.newschannel5.com/news/oconnell-leads-nashville-mayoral-election-rolli-wiltshire-in-close-race-for-secondNashville Daily Artist of the Day Playlisthttps://open.spotify.com/playlist/51eNcUWPg7qtj8KECrbuwx?si=nEfxeOgmTv6rFUyhVUJY9AFollow us @ XPLR NASHWebsite - https://nashvilledailypodcast.com/YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/c/xplrnashInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/xplr.nash/Twitter - https://twitter.com/xplr_nashNASHVILLE & XPLR MERCH - https://www.xplrnash.com/shopMedia and other inquiries please email hello@xplr.life

It's been an unusual few years for Metro Nashville Public Schools. In this interview, we check in with Dr. Joe Gordon, Coordinator of School Counseling, and Dr. Mary Crnobori, the Coordinator of Trauma-Informed Schools, to find out what challenges the students, families and educators of MNPS are facing, and what's being done to meet those challenges. For example, hear about the MNPS Advocacy Center - one of the resources being used to meet those needs! The Advocacy Center is a fully staffed regulation space and includes an array of intentionally designed strategies to promote social emotional and behavioral health and wellness for all MNPS elementary-aged students. The Advocacy Center Coach is an emotional regulation coach who works to help students successfully navigate life's ups and downs. The Advocacy Center Coach works to: build caring relationships with students, preventatively teach important skills such as learning to manage and regulate emotions and behavior, and provide individualized support on-the-spot when needed to help students handle stressors or strong emotions such as frustration or sadness.  Want more info? Check out these videos!  Advocacy Center Overview Advocacy Center Strategies See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A few familiar faces in Metro Nashville Public Schools have found new places to coach. Tyler Palmateer and Russell Vannozzi interview the recently hired Katrina Carter (Hunters Lane boys basketball) and Damien Harris (East Nashville football) as they settle into their roles. Carter led Hillsboro girls basketball to a 34-1 record and the Class AAA state title in 2009, while Harris has been an assistant football coach at his alma mater Pearl-Cohn since 2008.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Angie Brantley, Founder and Director of TenThirtyFive, who highlights the organization's mission and efforts to provide at risk youth and women with confidence-building resources through fashion and mentorship. TenThirtyFive operates an upscale thrift store where recipients receive a wardrobe voucher to shop free.We are providing at risk youth and women with confidence building resources through fashion and mentorship. We do this through our upscale thrift store where our program is facilitated. Recipients receive a wardrobe voucher to shop free. Along with 21 programs that we partner with and serve, we provide clothing to several resource centers within Metro Nashville Public Schools.During the interview, Angie shares what led her to launch TenThirtyFive, how their model works and its impact on youth and women, how fashion and clothing help build confidence, how they partner with other organizations and provide clothing to several resource centers within Metro Nashville Public Schools, and how the community can support their efforts through clothing donations, volunteerism, and upcoming events, like their Fashion Show in June.Visit https://www.tenthirtyfive.net/ to learn more.https://www.facebook.com/tenthirtyfivenashville/?ref=pages_you_manage

Order the Leading Equity Book Today! Franklin Willis Franklin Willis is a trailblazer and catalyst for change in the music education space, as well as a rising leader within the music industry at large. Not only does he lead the way in culturally responsive teaching techniques, but also, in his new post as Community Impact Director at the CMA Foundation, paves the way for students to experience equitable access to opportunities in the music industry beyond the classroom. As a former elementary music instructional coach for Metro Nashville Public Schools, Willis offered invaluable insight into the challenges and solutions that exist in music and arts education. With intentionality and creative vision for the future, Willis continues to challenge the status quo and encourage all facets of the music education sector to think bigger in order to serve students and ensure that the next generation  Additionally, Willis serves as an adjunct professor in the Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University. Willis teaches undergraduate music education courses that provide a robust and realistic experience of teaching music in the 21st century. Show Highlights Teaching Black music to students Strategies for learning about music from students Considering the lyrics and content of hip hop Teaching music in core subjects Connect with Franklin Contact Information Additional Resources Book Dr. Eakins Watch The Art of Advocacy Show Learn more about our Student Affinity Groups Free Course on Implicit Bias 20 Diversity Equity and Inclusion Activities FREE AUDIO COURSE: Race, Advocacy, and Social Justice Studies

n this bonus episode, Dr. Brenda Diaz shares how traditional student discipline didn't improve the students behavior and the shift her campus made to implement relationship building strategies and restorative practices.  In this episode, we discuss: Trauma-informed practices Increasing diversity among educators Toddle's School Leader Bootcamp! About Dr. Brenda Diaz: As the Executive Principal of Nashville Big Picture High School in Nashville TN, Dr. Brenda leads with love, courage, and moral character.   With an almost 30-year career in education she believes strongly in small, personalized caring learning environments that allow all students, especially those who are from underserved and/or marginalized communities, to pursue their passions and interests connected to the real-world, which prepares them to attend college and/or pursue post-secondary experiences.  Brenda received her bachelor's degree in English from Rust College, a Historical Black College; Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of MS; Educational Leadership Endorsement from the University of Memphis; and her Doctor of Education Degree from Union University.   Dr. Diaz has been honored as the 2022 Big Picture Learning Ted Sizer School Leader of the Year; Memphis City Schools -Sheffield High School Teacher of the Year recipient; Metro Nashville Public Schools 2018 Out of the Box Leader/Employee Recognition recipient and a Metro Nashville Public Schools 2019 Women Who Overcome Challenges to Impact Others in Educational Leadership recipient.  She has a simple purpose: to work unapologetically as an educational leader who advocates for personalized educational frameworks/systems focused on students' passions/interest so that ALL students know they are valued, loved, heard, and seen which will propel them to personal and professional fulfillment.   Follow Dr. Brenda Diaz: Twitter: https://twitter.com/drbdiazlead  Linkedin: /www.linkedin.com/in/brenda-diaz-ed-d-0395a055/ New OFFICIAL Sponsor of the Aspire to Lead Podcast! [caption id="attachment_4158" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Toddle, Aspire to Lead. Joshua Stamper, Leadership Boot Camp[/caption] This episode is sponsored by Toddle. Toddle is an all-in-one teaching and learning platform used by over 40,000 educators around the world! This year, Toddle is hosting the largest virtual gathering for school leaders across the globe on March 3rd and 4th. Join 5000+ school leaders and leadership experts at #SchoolLeadersBootcamp and learn, connect, and grow with your professional learning network! Get your FREE pass now – https://bit.ly/3WgLHYe Additional Sponsor of the Aspire to Lead Podcast! As a passionate coffee drinker, I am always looking for the best cup of premium coffee. Once Leslie and I tasted Papa Rob's Coffee, we instantly fell in love with the flavor of the Espresso Special Blend. Papa Rob's...

More than 60% of Tennessee third graders could be at risk of being held back this year. That's because, under a state law that passed in 2021, students who score less than proficient on the English language arts portion of the state's big standardized test may not advance to fourth grade. In previous years, only a little over one third of Tennessee's third graders scored “proficient” or above on the TCAP. But the law does include exceptions for certain students, and interventions that can help kids get caught up while allowing them to move on to the fourth grade. In this episode, we dig into how the law works and what students stand to be most impacted. We hear from a policy expert and local education official, as well as a teacher and parents about how this law will impact students. But first, we check in with Executive Producer Andrea Tudhope for our weekly @Us! segment. We go over listeners' comments and questions from the last week. And we reveal the results of a listener poll deciding our host Khalil Ekulona's roller derby name. Guests: Breanna Sommers, policy analyst at the Education Trust in Tennessee Abigail Tylor, Metro Nashville Public Schools board member Lucy Kells, third grade parent and organizer Sonya Thomas, Executive Director of Nashville PROPEL Courtney Dial, third grade teacher for English language learners

NPT producer Jerome Moore talks with Director of Metro Nashville Public Schools, Dr. Adrienne Battle. This conversation unpacks the challenges and outcomes of leading Metro Nashville Public Schools during a pandemic while also addressing how to advance equity, diversity and inclusion in Metro Nashville Schools. Watch full interview on Youtube: https://youtu.be/NfImgGcR030 A Slice of the Community Exclusively on Nashville Public Television.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Jeff McGinnis, Executive Director of the Nashville Coaching Coalition, who highlights the nonprofit's mission and efforts to develop full-hearted coaches that are preparing young people for life.During the interview, Jeff talks about the important role coaches play in the lives of youth, how they are most well-positioned mentors in our society, yet the least resourced and trained for what they are facing today. He talks about their two main programs and how they have partnered with Metro Nashville Public Schools and trained all middle school coaches last year and in the process of training all high school coaches this year. Jeff wraps up talking about how the community can support their efforts and how coaches can access their programs and resources.Facebook:             @NashCoachCoalTwitter:                  @NashCoach_CoalWebsite:                NashvilleCoachingCoalition.comInstagram:             @NashCoach_Coal

Listen to Sito Narcisse, Superintendent of East Baton Rouge Parish School System on the Culture Eats Everything Podcast in conversation with Thomas Willis. Read more about Sito Narcisse: Dr. Sito Narcisse serves as the Superintendent of Schools of the East Baton Rouge Parish School System. Dr. Narcisse most recently worked as the Chief of Secondary Schools of the District of Columbia Public Schools. He understands the challenge of being a young student trying to learn English and living between two cultures, all the while adapting to the American public education system. The son of Haitian immigrants, Dr. Narcisse moved with his family to Long Island, New York, in the pursuit of a better life for him and his siblings. As an English language learner, Dr. Narcisse learned to navigate both the social and academic obstacles that confront millions of students today. His success as a student led him to enroll at Kennesaw State University in Georgia. Seeing his second language as a strength, Dr. Narcisse graduated with a degree in French and pursued a master's degree from Vanderbilt University in secondary education. Doctoral studies led him to the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned a doctorate in educational administration and policy studies and leadership. Serving as both a teacher and a principal, Dr. Narcisse opened a high school in the Pittsburgh Public Schools and led turnaround efforts in a Boston public high school. Dr. Narcisse has also been a director of School Performance and acting Chief School Improvement Officer for Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland; an Associate Superintendent overseeing school improvement efforts for 74 schools in Prince George's County Public Schools in Maryland and was the second officer in charge as Chief of Schools for Metro Nashville Public Schools with 159 schools. _____________________________ Sito Narcisse LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sito-narc... East Baton Rouge Parish School System: https://ebrschools.org/ ______________________________ Phoenix Performance Partners Website: https://www.phoenixperform.com/ Culture Eats Everything Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Culture Eats Everything Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1utf9dZ... Tom Willis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasawi... Checkout our book: https://www.phoenixperform.com/book #CultureEatsEverything Download & Share!

Thousands of students in Metro Nashville Public Schools are experiencing homelessness. There are some local groups who are working hard to at least take the burden of finding and buying school uniforms off the shoulders of these kids and their families. The Assistance League of Nashville is an all-volunteer, non-profit dedicated to getting new clothes and other items to local students. Now, they've teamed up with The Homeless Education Resource Office (HERO) AND UniCycle (School Uniform Recycling) to help even more families. In this interview Cindy Pramuk, the President of Assistance League of Nashville and Jami Oakley, founder of UniCycle give details, and tell how you can help! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, I'm speaking with Nancy Keil, President and CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, and Alison McArthur, the Director of Community Achieves at Metro Nashville Public Schools, as we discuss food insecurity across the state of Tennessee and how partnerships with organizations like Second Harvest Food Bank can be valuable resources to school districts. While Second Harvest Food Bank provides a central distribution center to help provide food for hungry people, it also oversees multiple programs that directly benefit school districts, such as the Afterschool Meal Program, the Kids Café, and the School Food Pantry – to name a few. Listen in today to learn more about how school districts can support students and families who struggle with food insecurity. Throughout today's episode, the below information was mentioned that school districts can utilize to learn more about ways to partner with their local food bank. Contact Information for your Local Food Bank: Nancy Keil nancy.keil@secondharvestmidtn.org Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee – Nashville | www.secondharvestmidtn.org Cathy Pope cpope@midsouthfoodbank.org | MidSouth Food Bank – Memphis | https://www.midsouthfoodbank.org/ Elaine Streno elaine@secondharvestetn.org | Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee – Knoxville | https://secondharvestetn.org/ Rhonda Chafin rchafin@netfoodbank.org | Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee – Kingsport | https://netfoodbank.org/ Melissa Blevins mblevins@chattfoodbank.org | Chattanooga Area Food Bank | https://chattfoodbank.org/ More information: 2018 Tennessee Comptroller Report on Community Schools Registration to a virtual learning summit in September https://tncommunityschools.org Click here to access the website to the State Coalition with community school districts across the state.

It's back-to-school season! Big box stores have put out special school supplies displays, and the airwaves are full of commercials for backpacks, clothes and markers. It's a pretty familiar phenomenon, but it's also impossible to deny that a lot has changed about education over the past few years, from the upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic to new laws that impact what can be taught in the classroom. What is this time of year — this year — like for Middle Tennessee's teachers? To learn more, we're joined by educators and MNPS officials. But first, we'll hear from our newsroom about the results of yesterday's election. Guests:  Blaise Gainey, WPLN News political reporter Julia Ritchey, WPLN News afternoon news editor Laura Delgado, Program Director of the Pionero Scholars Program at the Lipscomb College of Education Daven Oglesby, exceptional education teacher at Lakeview Elementary Design Center Susan Strasinger, teacher at Hillsboro High School Michele Sheriff, President of the Metropolitan Nashville Education Association Dr. Mason Bellamy, Chief of Academics and Schools for Metro Nashville Public Schools

Bundled care programs are a key driver in the transition from fee-for-service to value-based care. In this Members in Action podcast featuring maternal and child health efforts, Aisha Syeda, senior program manager at the AHA is speaking with CJ Stimson, Chief Medical Officer of the Vanderbilt University Medical Employee Health Plan and Senior Vice President of Value Transformation in the Office of Population Health. Together they will discuss how Vanderbilt University Medical Center is working with Metro Nashville Public Schools to provide bundled care solutions which improve maternal health outcomes and provide more value to patients and payers.

Franklin Willis, music educator and instructional coach with Metro Nashville Public Schools equips teachers with instructional support and necessary resources to strengthen their professional acumen and enhance their classrooms. Through his work, he has developed a passion for the cultivation of musicianship for young minds as every child has musical potential and deserves a music teacher who will see the best in them. Willis believes that music education is a vital tool to teach students about other cultures, create community, and inspire a love for learning. Willis has created and facilitated professional development sessions for music teachers of all grade levels sharing his unique and relevant teaching practices. Through his, work Willis has received national recognition for his commitment to student learning, his passion for the profession and his innovative teaching practices. He is a three-time recipient of the CMA Foundation Music Teacher of Excellence Award. ('16, '18, '19)

What if someone comes to support you and give you the mental break that you need, even if it was just for a few minutes? Doesn't that sound like a dream? It doesn't have to be because after today's episode with our amazing guest Mathew Portell, you'll learn how to support students, teachers, and staff members and establish a supportive culture in your school by incorporating trauma-informed practices. Mathew has dedicated a decade and a half to education in his role as a teacher, instructional coach, teacher mentor, and school administrator. He is currently in his seventh year as principal of Fall-Hamilton Elementary, an internationally recognized innovative model school for trauma-informed practices in Metro Nashville Public Schools. Principal Portell has had the honor of presenting Fall-Hamilton's work to state and national legislators and has spoken to some of the nation's most influential educators who serve on the National Commission of Social, Emotional, and Academic Development.Tune in and dive into trauma-informed practices that we can use to support our students and teachers!Want to connect with Mathew Portell? Follow him on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Go and listen to The Trauma-Informed Educators Network podcast, where the world's top experts from around the globe share their own trauma-informed journeys. If you want o shift the paradigm of your school culture, head to Paradigm Shift Education.Let's Connect! You can connect with our host Erica Terry on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Be sure to check out her website https://www.healthywealthyeducators.com/  to learn more about different strategies to achieve your teaching goals!You can connect with the TeacherGoals community on Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, Instagram, and Twitter. If you'd like to engage in Q&A with our guests during the live interview or interact with a rockstar community of educators, then you definitely want to join the T

This episode of Conversations About Student Mental Health explores the mindset shift that is necessary to create a culture and climate of mental health and wellness in your school. Making this shift is one of three critical facets of maximizing the mental health and wellness of students. Chris Leonard talks with Dr. Ricki Gibbs, Principal of Warner Arts Magnet Elementary in Nashville, who has assumed stewardship of the climate and culture of mental wellness in his school and is seeing meaningful results. Under Dr. Gibbs' leadership, Warner transformed from one of the lowest performing schools in the Metro Nashville Public Schools to being the first and only Metro Nashville Public School to be recognized as a Blue Ribbon Beacon School in 2021. Highlights include:Why schools must support students' emotional wellbeing along with academicsThe three facets of maximizing mental wellness, and why proactive school leaders need to shift the focus to improve climate and culture How trauma-informed practices, including mindfulness, movement, and breathing, can help students develop self-regulating strategiesHow to avoid power struggles and fear tactics that harm everyoneGiving school staff the tools and training they need for classroom management also helps to build morale and retain staff

All organizations start with WHY, but only the great ones keep their WHY clear year after year.”― Simon Sinek, Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action Watch the interview on YouTube here https://youtu.be/hP854mDG9do On this episode you will learn: ✔︎  The vision for The Neuroscience Meets SEL Podcast, from Majid Samadi's eyes, watching the podcast grow from the early days when it was just an idea. ✔︎  Why SEL skills are important in today's classrooms, and Emotional Intelligence training in our corporate workplaces. ✔︎ How Andrea held her vision for interviewing high quality guests with an experience over 12 years ago, of running The Teen Performance Magazine. ✔︎ The TOP 3 Guests from Majid's point of view in the past year. ✔︎ How to monetize a podcast, and why this step is crucial to sustain any idea. ✔︎ The "behind-the-scenes" of this podcast, from someone whose office is next door to where all interviews are conducted.   Welcome back to the Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning podcast, for our 200th episode milestone, with a reflection back on “The Why Behind Our Podcast” which is the #1 question people ask me when I share that I host this podcast. I hope that we can all learn something about “why we do what we do” as we reflect back on the past 100 episodes (that covers 2021 and the beginning of 2022). I've asked a special returning guest from episode #1[i], Majid Samadi, senior regional sales director at Lexia Learning[ii], and my husband, to join me as we reflect back on “why we do what we do”, as Simon Sinek would say. Welcome back.  I'm Andrea Samadi, author, and educator from Toronto, Canada, now in Arizona, and like many of you listening, have been fascinated with learning and understanding and applying the science behind high performance strategies that we can use to improve our productivity in our schools, our sports, and workplace environments. My vision with this podcast began 3 years ago, and I think it's important to step back and take a look at “why” we began this podcast, since “the why” should be behind all of our work to keep us moving forward. As we think about “why” we do what we do, I hope that you reflect on why you do what YOU do, and see if you can gain insights from your why, to drive you to new levels of awareness, as we do the same. I chose Majid Samadi to join me on this episode, because he's really good at launching big ideas, especially those ideas that have a clear “why” behind them. It was Majid who encouraged me to publish my first book, The Secret for Teens Revealed to put the ideas I learned from the seminar industry into writing, and when I mentioned that I was thinking about launching a podcast in early 2019, when my website had a podcast theme, his first words were “how can I help you to begin?” You would think that the person in our household who met Simon Sinek (me) would be his biggest fan, but Majid would be a much bigger fan of Sinek's work than me. Every year he trains his sales team (at Lexia Learning—a company that provides structured literacy solutions and professional learning to students and educators across the country) on Sinek's “The Golden Circle” so that his sales team launches their year with a clear why behind what they will be doing, to kickstart their year. I'm always looking for a new angle to think about “why we do what we do” and I recently saw Mathew Portell's[iii] keynote speech at Butler University's 6th Annual Educational Neuroscience Symposium and it opened my eyes to a new way to approach this episode.  Mathew Portell, who is currently in his sixth year as principal of Fall-Hamilton Elementary, an internationally recognized innovative model school for trauma-informed practices in Metro Nashville Public Schools, opened up his keynote for the Neuroscience Symposium with a completely NEW way of looking at our why. At least it was for me. Before I bring Majid on, I wanted us to all think about why we do what we do, to see our work through a new lens, with renewed purpose this year. Remember on our final episode of our Think and Grow Rich book study, we talked about how important it was that we had a clear vision of our goals (WHAT WE DO) but has anyone ever asked you why you do what you do? Canadian Health and PE Educator, Dan Vigilatore,[iv] teaches this to all new health/physical education teachers at York University's Faculty of Education. I'll put a link to his recent lesson in the show notes.[v] Back to Mathew Portell's keynote. During Mathew's recent keynote, he gave us a formula to think about. SLIDE from Mathew Portell's Presentation https://paradigmshifteducation.com He said to think about your Intent (why you do what you do) + outcome (what are your outcomes of your work) = Impact (are you having an impact?) when thinking about the work that you are doing. It's been almost three years ago since we launched this podcast (in June 2019) and back then, I didn't see this formula, but I knew we had the right intent with our work, we were making headway with our programs in the schools, but the impact was not at all what I had envisioned. We were missing something with our impact. I always had a global vision for this work and didn't need Mathew Portell's formula to tell me that our outcome was off. We needed to do something differently to have a larger impact—this global vision. So, when I bought a template for my new website that had a podcast theme, and the website developer said “you can delete the podcast section” I knew that I had to do something beyond what we were doing, and launched the podcast, putting our best work out to the world, for free, completely unaware of where it would lead us. Three years later, we hit the Top 15 Best SEL Podcasts for 2021[vi], and Top 20 Best Neuroscience Podcasts for 202[vii]1 featuring some of the leading experts in neuroscience, education and the brain, I know that the impact is beginning to match the vision I saw. Think about Mathew's formula with your work, and let's welcome my better half, the one who has watched me with this work since those early days when all of this was just ideas scrawled on paper all over my office walls and he said “are you ever going to do something with those ideas?” Let's welcome Majid Samadi. Welcome Majid! Thanks for agreeing to come back on the podcast as a returning guest for this important milestone. INTRO Q: I know that you know, I think it's important to thank people who've helped you along the way. It's always been very important to me. I think you'll remember I once drove 3 hours, each way, to thank someone who infused me with ideas and support over the years. I've thanked everyone but not sure if you know how much I appreciate all you've done to help me to keep this podcast going, from all of the late night edits, that often went into the weekend, so you would take the kids swimming while I'm at my desk or just giving me the quiet time needed to research each guest, there's just so much behind the scenes that goes into the production of each episode. So, my first question, after thanking you for all your support over the years, making everything, can you think back to episode 1 and tell me what YOU think are the biggest changes you've noticed since we launched the podcast to make all of this worthwhile? Q1: Thinking back to our first episode, that was June 2019, you had just come home from a business trip) when I asked you to read and answer those questions (with no prep) about why these emotional intelligence skills are important in our workplace. Almost 3 years later, what would you say now? After the pandemic--Why are these skills so important in the workplace? Q2: I've always said you are my quality assurance department because every guest has been vetted by you (after I've chosen them) to be sure they align with the most current research with practical strategies we can all use and implement. You've kept me on track with the vision of this podcast with high quality guests and it's not the first project we've done together where this was important. We had to do the same thing when we were looking for guests for the Teen Performance Magazine[viii] 12 years ago and I recall you on the phone with Taylor Swift's PR team. What sticks out to you with this responsibility of making sure we provide the highest quality guests/content for our listeners, just like we did 12 years ago with our magazine interviews? Q3: We hit the first 100 episodes last December 2020, (a bit over a year ago) and I know that don't have a chance to listen to ALL of them (I will do a thorough review of lessons learned from our TOP 10 in this past year). But I wonder, since we are immersed in each person before, during and after their interview, is there someone that comes to mind that stuck out to you this past year as we went from 100-200 episodes? Your TOP 3? Is there anything important that you remember about these episodes? Q4: Since you have watched the vision of Achieveit360.com where we started with curriculum and tools for middle and high schools with our Level Up Program, how do you see things have evolved over the years with our vision? If you can think back to the days we spent hours coming up with our website URL, how has our vision evolved over the years? Q5: This podcast was created by design, to consist of the highest quality content (that was going to be a course for an educational publisher as you remember) with the idea that this information would be FREE for those who do not have access to this information. You know that this podcast is sponsored by Achieveit360.com and our programs and services but in the future, we do have a vision to do something we have never done before and will provide ads on the podcast. As someone who drives sales with your sales team, why do you think monetizing a podcast with ad space is important and for people who think a podcast will make them a ton of money, what do you think they should know? Q6: For those who tune into the podcast, from whatever part of the world they listen to, what would you like them to know about the “behind the scenes” production process. What do you see that others don't (without embarrassing me too much) from the researching, editing, and production side of things? Q7: Aside from the fact that I know you would support anything I produce and create, what is it about this podcast that you see that's different from some of the other projects you have seen me working on over the years in this office? Q8: It's difficult for me to go back to earlier episodes when my sound quality wasn't that great, or to remember when the audio wouldn't work for my first interview with Ron Hall[ix], (who now uses our podcast as a resource for a graduate class he teaches on Trauma and Resiliency at a local University in his area), or when I was nervous for at least the first 50 interviews, including Greg Wolcott from EPISODE #7[x] who became one of our top supporters, giving me many opportunities to speak and share resources with First Educational Resources[xi], but I sometimes do listen to past episodes and the content is always useful and applicable and I know that we launched without being perfect, but was always open to learning something new. What would you like others to know about The Neuroscience Meets SEL Podcast that I would never say? Q8B: What's the process from idea formation, to an idea that comes to fruition? Q9: If you were to hijack my email account for a day, and invite a guest that has nothing to do with neuroscience that you would interview, who would you choose and what would you want to ask them? Q10: Is there anything I've missed, that you think is important that we share on this 200th milestone episode? We haven't spoken about the fact that you believe in the importance of giving back to the community with the work you do in your spare time. Why is giving back so important? Thank you, Majid, for coming back on the podcast as a guest and again, thank you for your support behind the scenes to make this podcast possible. I'm proud to be the one who does this thing called life next to you. Majid gives Andrea a surprise at the end of the interview that says "Congrats on #200! Thanks for your impact on the world.!" Stay to the end to see!  RESOURCES: See ALL past interviews on our YouTube playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLb5Z3cA_mnKhiYc5glhacO9k9WTrSgjzW REFERENCES: [i]Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning EPISODE #1 with Majid Samadi on “Why Implement an SEL or EQ Program in Your School or Workplace?”  https://andreasamadi.podbean.com/e/the-why-behind-setting-up-a-social-and-emotional-learning-program-in-your-school-or-emotional-intelligence-training-for-your-workplace/ [ii] Majid Samadi https://www.linkedin.com/in/majid-s-2328046/ [iii] Mathew Portell https://paradigmshifteducation.com/ [iv] Dan Vigliatore https://twitter.com/PhysEdDynasty [v] Health and Physical Education Educator Dan Vigliatore “Starts With Why Lesson” at York University's Faculty of Education https://bit.ly/3HbYhAb [vi] TOP 15 Best SEL Podcasts for 2021 https://blog.feedspot.com/social_emotional_learning_podcasts/ [vii] TOP 20 Neuroscience Podcasts for 2021 https://welpmagazine.com/20-best-neuroscience-podcasts-of-2021/ [viii] Teen Performance Magazine https://www.magcloud.com/browse/magazine/77535 [ix] Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning EPISODE #3 with Ron Hall on “Launching Your Neuroeducational Program” https://andreasamadi.podbean.com/e/interview-with-ron-hall-valley-day-school-on-launching-your-neuroeducational-program/ [x]Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning EPISODE #7 with Greg Wolcott on “Building Relationships in Today's Classrooms” https://andreasamadi.podbean.com/e/greg-wolcott-on-building-relationships-in-todays-classrooms/ [xi] First Ed Resources https://twitter.com/1stEdResources

Mathew has dedicated a decade and a half to education in his role as a teacher, instructional coach, teacher mentor, and school administrator. He is currently in his seventh year as principal of Fall-Hamilton Elementary, an internationally recognized innovative model school for trauma-informed practices in Metro Nashville Public Schools. The school's work has been featured on National Public Radio, PBS, the documentary “#Enough”, and on the Edutopia website, with over 7 million views. Principal Portell has had the honor of presenting Fall-Hamilton's work to state and national legislators and has spoken to some of the nation's most influential educators who serve on the National Commission of Social, Emotional, and Academic Development. In 2018, his work was featured in a monthly blog in Education Week titled "Learning is Social and Emotional" where he documented the journey of sustaining a trauma-informed school. He is the founder of the Trauma-Informed Educators Network, with an active Facebook group and a podcast where educators and practitioners from around the globe share their own trauma-informed journeys. You can find Mathew on: Twitter @principalest His podcast, Trauma Informed Educators Network Podcast His Facebook group Trauma-Informed Educators Network --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bigedidea/message

This week's episode is dedicated to all the music educators who are making a positive impact in schools all over the world! I had the honor of interviewing award-winning music teacher Franklin Willis to learn about his journey in education, how Music came into his life, the importance of culturally relevant teaching in the music classroom, and so much more! To learn more about Franklin's work, you can visit his website at fwillismusic.com or follow him on Instagram (@fwillismusic and @princerhythmcompany). BIO: For more than a decade, educator, and leader, Franklin Willis has served the students and families of the Metro Nashville Public Schools community. Through music, Willis has educated, mentored, and developed young minds to be forward thinking contributors to society. A servant leader specializing in authentic culturally relevant teaching, empowering student contributions, and developing teachers to reach their full capacity, Willis finds true joy when at the service of others. As Elementary Music Coach for MNPS, he equips teachers with instructional support and necessary resources to strengthen their professional acumen and enhance their classrooms. This includes shepherding colleagues and teachers through the reality's students are faced with around equity, inclusion and racism. Through his work, he has developed a passion in the cultivation of musicianship for young minds as every child has musical potential and deserves a music teacher who will see the best in them. Willis believes that music education is a vital tool to teach students about other cultures, create community, and inspire a love for learning. Willis consistently uses his network to provide opportunities for students to utilize their passion for music for all to see. This includes producing music videos and stadium performances at CMA Fest, a four-day music festival in Nashville, TN. Willis has created and facilitated professional development sessions for music teachers of all grade levels sharing his unique and relevant teaching practices. He consistently collaborates with colleagues, community organizations, local businesses, colleges, and universities to advocate for the importance of music education in our schools as well as developing curriculum that will lead to higher engagement from students. Through his work Willis has received national recognition for his commitment to student learning, his passion for the profession and his innovative teaching practices. He is a three-time recipient of the CMA Foundation Music Teacher of Excellence Award. ('16, '18, '19). Willis is a children's book author and graduate of the University of Memphis with a Bachelor of Music Education with an emphasis in Choral Music in 2009. In 2012, he earned the Master of Education Degree in Nonprofit Leadership from Belmont University. Most recently Willis completed the Education Specialist Degree with an emphasis in Instructional Leadership from Tennessee Technological University. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/identitytalk4educators/support

  Season 2 kicks off with a great discussion between Franklin and Missy about how teachers can find ways to dig into their own creative wells as musicians while also finding ways to joyfully draw out musicality from students…even in a pandemic.   Franklin Willis, music educator and instructional coach with Metro Nashville Public Schools … Continue reading Franklin J. Willis: Digging Deep While Pressing Forward | S02E01 →

In 2015, Bridgestone forged a unique partnership with Metro Nashville Public Schools to support the Maplewood High School Automotive Training Center, an immersive program helping students develop trade skills and identify career opportunities in the auto industry. The successful venture has already graduated more than 110 students and is now being replicated through a similar partnership in Akron, Ohio. In this episode, THRIVE host Keith Cawley talks to Miss TJ Williams, the heart and soul of the Maplewood program, and one of her recent graduates, Jacqueline Nanney, who now works at a Firestone Auto Care store in Nashville.

Brent Wills - Education:  Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Middle Tennessee State University, Masters of Education degree from Middle Tennessee State University, and Master of Divinity from Memphis Theological Seminary.Vocation Experience:  Served 11 years as a high school geometry teacher before going to seminary.Current Ministry and Vocations:  Pastor of Jerusalem Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Murfreesboro Presbytery   serving this congregation for 13 years and will be starting my 14th year with them in November 2021.  School Bus driver for Wilson County Schools with this school year being my 25th year driving a school bus.  Campground Director for Crystal Springs Camp, the church campground of Tennessee Synod with this being my 11th year as director for Crystal Springs Camp.  Seasonal worker for Cedars of Lebanon Tennessee State Park served as a swimming pool lifeguard, operated the campground store, assisted the park rangers with interpretive and educational programs, as well as "other duties as assigned".  I have been on staff with the state park for 8 years.  Family:  Wife - Robin Wills, a school psychologist for Metro Nashville Public Schools and very active in the Cumberland Presbyterian Women's Ministry(CPWM) and Our United Outreach (OUO) of our denomination.  Son - Benjamin Wills, who is 8 years old and in the 3rd grade.  At this point, I am just simply known as Benjamin's dad.Pets:  We currently have 10 cats - Peyton, Casey, Smokey, Buddy Dobbs, Rosie, Daphne Thelma, Gidget, Zoey, Lizzie, and Cape.Publications:  I have written one quarter of the Encounter for the Discipleship Ministry Team.Things unique to me:  Pretty much everything listed above.  I'm a huge Tennessee Vols fan.Music is provided by Pierce Murphy, Caldera Blue. Source:  https://www.freemusicarchive.org/music/Pierce_Murphy/through-the-olive-branches/caldera-blueComments: http://freemusicarchive.org/Additional comments:  modifications made to shorten and loop song for introduction and closing of podcast.Copyright Attribution and License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Jennifer Bell, Director of the Academies of Nashville and Career and Technical Education at Metro Nashville Public Schools, who highlights their 35 academies with their 12 zoned high schools, which are built on the foundations of college and career readiness. The academies high school experience allows students to select a themed academy (similar to a college major) to study throughout their high school career, including everything from automotive to healthcare to IT. Students can gain early college credit, industry recognized credentials, and take advanced academic courses to assist in their journey to their next destination. During the interview, Jennifer talks about these benefits, their 15 year anniversary, ways the community can engage through internships, mentorship, job shadowing, guest speaking, career fairs and more.What are the Academies?How we do high school at our 12 zoned schoolsBuilt on the foundations of college and career readiness, an academies high school experience allows students to:Select a themed academy (similar to a college major) to study throughout their high school career, including everything from automotive to healthcare to IT.Gain early college credit, industry recognized credentials, and take advanced academic courses to assist in their journey to their next destination (college, career, etc).Have a more personalized experience within these smaller learning communities built within the academy structure.We have 35 academies within our 12 zoned high schools.15,000 students within MNPS attend an AON high schoolShift in the way we did things due to COVID, opportunities with technology that hadn't been there before…etc…In addition to excellent staff, teachers, and students, the model relies on community investment from local nonprofit and for-profit businesses to provide real world experiences for our students. Have to see it to be it.The Power of PartnershipWays to engage in the academies:Career Fair (virtual)Guest speakingField TripsJob ShadowsMentorshipInternshipsIf you or your organization is looking to get involved in this work, please reach out to us!Celebrating 15 YearsLike many have said, the last two years have been unprecedented. We have learned so much and had some heartaches, as well as successes.We are lucky enough to be celebrating 15 years of the Academies of Nashville in the 2020-2021 school year, and we are taking the lessons we have learned from that time to think about our next.Stay tuned to see what excellent opportunities we have in store.Website:              https://www.mnps.org/learn/academics/academies-of-nashvilleFacebook:            https://www.facebook.com/MetroSchools/Twitter:                https://twitter.com/MetroSchoolsLinkedIn:              https://www.linkedin.com/company/metro-nashville-public-schools/Email:                   jennifer.bell@mnps.org

As we navigate the transition back to "normal" in education, there are things that have shifted that we don't want to see return to the way we've always done them. We need to maintain some of this momentum to push forward and embrace the paradigm shift. In Metro Nashville Public Schools, Dr. Lakisha Brinson is helping lead the way as their Director of Instructional Technology and Library Services. Dr. Brinson and other district leaders are creating a more intentional plan for blended learning, integrating new practices and pedagogies into their teaching and learning to benefit their students. Thanks for joining us today on Focus on K-12, EdTech and The Education Experience. If you enjoyed the show, please subscribe. If you have any ideas for future guests or you'd like to contact us about the show, please reach out to me on Twitter @dkonopelko. Thanks for tuning in and we will see you next time, as we Focus on K-12. Links to Resources from the Show: Video Podcast

From a shaky start at the beginning of the pandemic, educators, parents, and students have made tremendous progress in how kids learn! In this podcast, hear the role technology plays and how each student is being better monitored to make sure they have the tools they need to succeed!  Get more info about MNPS here and find out what resources they are offering to students and families here! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For more than a decade, educator, and leader, Franklin Willis has served the students and families of the Metro Nashville Public Schools community. Through music, Willis has educated, mentored, and developed young minds to be forward thinking contributors to society. A servant leader specializing in authentic culturally relevant teaching, empowering student contributions, and developing teachers to reach their full capacity, Willis finds true joy when at the service of others. As Elementary Music Coach for MNPS, he equips teachers with instructional support and necessary resources to strengthen their professional acumen and enhance their classrooms. This includes shepherding colleagues and teachers through the reality's students are faced with around equity, inclusion and racism. Through his work, he has developed a passion in the cultivation of musicianship for young minds as every child has musical potential and deserves a music teacher who will see the best in them. Willis believes that music education is a vital tool to teach students about other cultures, create community, and inspire a love for learning. Willis consistently uses his network to provide opportunities for students to utilize their passion for music for all to see. This includes producing music videos and stadium performances at CMA Fest, a four-day music festival in Nashville, TN. ​ Willis has created and facilitated professional development sessions for music teachers of all grade levels sharing his unique and relevant teaching practices. He consistently collaborates with colleagues, community organizations, local businesses, colleges, and universities to advocate for the importance of music education in our schools as well as developing curriculum that will lead to higher engagement from students. Through his work Willis has received national recognition for his commitment to student learning, his passion for the profession and his innovative teaching practices. He is a three-time recipient of the CMA Foundation Music Teacher of Excellence Award. ('16, '18, '19). ​ Willis is a children's book author and graduate of the University of Memphis with a Bachelor of Music Education with an emphasis in Choral Music in 2009. In 2012, he earned the Master of Education Degree in Nonprofit Leadership from Belmont University. Most recently Willis completed the Education Specialist Degree with an emphasis in Instructional Leadership from Tennessee Technological University. To learn more about Mr. Willis, go visit his website at THIS LINK or www.fwillismusic.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/musicast-podcast/support

In our first episode of Speak Up for Equity, a new podcast from the Tennessee Diversity Consortium, Ashford Hughes shares his efforts to create a more equitable environment for students as Executive Officer for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Metro Nashville Public Schools. He also explains how understanding Nashville's history can help us create a roadmap for addressing inequity today.

Welcome back to the Square Pizza podcast. In the first episode of 2021, Mia Howard of The Opportunity Trust joins Greg in conversation. Mia will share more about The Opportunity Trust later in the episode, an organization that is working to ensure that every child in St. Louis is prepared to lead a life of choice and dignity.Keep listening on to hear Mia and Greg discuss:- Mia's new podcast, The Pop Junction, that's focused on the 80s + 90s pop culture- Mia shares about the "wins" she's experienced in her first two years at The Opportunity Trust- They also discuss the potential return to in-person learning and the importance of talking and listening to parents when making this decision.Enjoy the episode!More about Mia Howard:Mia is a Partner at The Opportunity Trust, where she leads the organization’s $21mm investment strategy in innovative schools and talent across the St. Louis region. Previously, Mia founded and led Intrepid College Prep Schools, consistently leading middle school and high school performance in Nashville and across Tennessee. Under her leadership, the schools received numerous distinctions from Metro Nashville Public Schools and the state of Tennessee including recognition as a Reward School in 2015 and 2018, and acknowledgment as an Excelling School for Economically Disadvantaged students and English Language Learners. Notably, Intrepid was a member of the E-CMO cohort program at CSGF and Achievement First Charter Network Accelerator. Prior to launching Intrepid, Mia was a Fellow at Building Excellent Schools. Mia received a B.A. in Communication Studies from Vanderbilt University and a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. In her spare time, she loves to play with her dog Fizzy and she just launched a podcast called Pop Junction about 80s, 90s, and early aughts pop culture. Support the show (http://Scherm.co)

I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change; I am changing the things I cannot accept (Angela Davis). This quote has been the driving force behind Dr. Gibbs’ passion to change lives through the power of a great education. Dr. Ricki Gibbs earned his B.S. in Elementary Education and M.Ed. in Administration and Supervision from Tennessee State University. He then went on earn a Doctor of Education degree in Organizational Leadership and Strategic Change from Lipscomb University. He started his career teaching 3rd grade at Paragon Mills Elementary in Nashville, TN for four years. He served as an assistant principal and principal in Metro Nashville Public Schools and now has the honor of currently leading the transformation work as principal of Warner Arts Magnet Elementary.

Join us for this special interview. Learn about an internationally recognized model school for trauma-informed practices from Mathew Portell. Mathew Portell has dedicated a decade and a half to education in his role as a teacher, instructional coach, teacher mentor, and school administrator. It is through the collaborative team approach and building positive relationships that Portell is leading his school into success. He is currently in his fifth year as principal of Fall-Hamilton Elementary, an internationally recognized innovative model school for trauma-informed practices in Metro Nashville Public Schools. The school’s work has been featured on National Public Radio, the local documentary Enough, PBS, and Edutopia, one of the world’s top educational practices website funded by the George Lucas Foundation which resulted in over 7,000,000 views. Principal Portell has had the honor of presenting Fall-Hamilton’s work to both the Tennessee State Legislative, Senate Education Committees, as well as the National Conference for State Legislators. He has also spoke to some the U.S. most influential educators who serve on the National Commission of Social Emotional and AcademicDevelopment. In 2018, his work was featured in a monthly blog in Education Week tilted "Learning is Social and Emotional" where he documented the journey of sustaining a trauma-informed school. He is the founder of the Trauma Informed Educators Network Group on Facebook which has connected nearly 25,000 educators in over 100 different countries! In July 2019 he launched the first annual Trauma Informed Educators Network conference which was attended by 150 people from around the world! In September of 2019 he launched the Trauma Informed Educators Network Podcast. Through this podcast he is viewing educators and practitioners from around the globe in which they are sharing their own trauma-informed journeys.Portell has presented at a variety of conferences internationally including Healthy Nashville Summit, Tennessee State Behavioral Conference, Conditions for Learning, LEAD Conference, National Music City SEL Conference, SCORE and many more. He was featured as the keynote speaker of the Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents, New Teacher Academy, and multiple Leader in Me National Symposiums around the country. In January 2019, he was the keynote speaker at the Towards Trauma Informed Practices in Northampton, England and returned to England in October of 2019 as a featured speaker at the Hertfordshire Virtual School Conference. He provided a CAD Talk at the 2019 Tennessee Children's Advocacy day which inspired children advocates from around the state! He also recently served on an expert panel as a part of community event in Fort Worth, TX called Raising of Fort Worth, NOAH Resilience Screening, and various others. He has served as a facilitator of professional learning at David Lipscomb University, Murfreesboro City Schools, Coffee County Schools, Lawrence County Schools, Roane County Schools, Charvelvoix ISD in Michigan, Milton Hershey Public Schools in Pennsylvania amongst other organizations. He has participated in multiple webinars including Ukeru Systems, Trauma-Informed Positive Behavior Support, Love in a Big World, Tennessee Department of Children Services /Tennessee Commission Children and Youth, and Small Act Big Impact. The highlight of his speaking opportunities occurred in February 2020, where was a featured speaker at the National Education Foundation Association's Teacher Gala in Washington D.C. The gala is designed to honor and inspire the countries top educators. from each of the 50 states.Mathew’s work extends past his educational experience. As a classroom teacher in 2008, he combined his passion for literacy and cycling and founded the double award winning national non-profit Ride for Reading.

Visibility matters. How can we expect to change the world if we’re invisible? That’s what we will discuss in this episode featuring Suezette Yasmin Robotham, who is a passionate advocate for visibility and authenticity as a catalyst for change. Suezette is a DEI practitioner, speaker, connector, coach, and a leading “Black Woman in Tech”. She currently leads Diversity Programs on the Global Product & Software Engineering Recruiting team at Facebook. Suezette has more than a decade of leadership experience, with expertise in talent acquisition, diversity & inclusion initiatives, leadership development, strategic planning and relationship building across various industry sectors. Suezette also founded a platform created to amplify the voices of Black Women in Tech and beyond, called #BlackTechBeauty in 2020.   Highlights: [03:26] Suezette’s journey [15:25] Building relationships [20:55] Advice on landing a role in Big Tech [22:18] Articulating the transferability of your skills [26:19] Overcoming limiting beliefs [30:32] Finding your community [33:42] Suezette’s daily success habits [36:44] Advice on accelerating success in the digital age [40:09] Black Tech Beauty   Quotes: “Be grateful for your process and trust in that process.” – Suezette Yasmin Robotham “Assess the company landscape and gain an understanding of who are the people that you have an opportunity to learn from.” - Suezette Yasmin Robotham “Owning who you are authentically can help you overcome imposter syndrome and increase your confidence.” - Suezette Yasmin Robotham “Ensure that your LinkedIn profile evokes someone to want to know more.” – Suezette Yasmin Robotham “The best investment you can make is an investment in yourself.” – Suezette Yasmin Robotham   About Suezette Yasmin Robotham: Suezette Yasmin Robotham is a DEI practitioner, speaker, connector, coach, and a leading “Black Woman in Tech.” She has more than a decade of leadership experience, with expertise in talent acquisition, diversity & inclusion initiatives, leadership development, strategic planning and relationship building across various industry sectors. Over her career, she has contributed her work to large urban school districts, such as Atlanta Public Schools and Metro Nashville Public Schools, as well as education reform organizations that include Teach For America, The New Teacher Project and The Achievement Network. She previously served as the lead Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Program Manager on the Google Search & Assistant team; and currently leads Diversity Programs on the Global Product & Software Engineering Recruiting team at Facebook. Suezette also founded a platform created to amplify the voices of Black Women in Tech and beyond, called #BlackTechBeauty in 2020. Suezette has been tapped as a speaker by a number of organizations across the U.S. and Canada for her thought leadership in authenticity in the workplace and diversity and inclusion, and she has been a featured TEDx Speaker (TEDxBeaconStreet 2015). Suezette is passionate about the power that can be realized in spaces where vulnerability, empathy and authenticity are encouraged, and she is devoted to using her talents to connect others – whether individuals or organizations – to the people, opportunities and resources that will help them realize, access and achieve their highest potential. Suezette is also a TNJ 40 Under Forty 2019 Honoree. An alumna of the University of Florida and the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University, Suezette currently lives, works, and plays in Brooklyn. Her words to live by: “You were brave before you were born.”-Her Mommy   Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suezette/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suezette/ & https://www.instagram.com/blacktechbeauty/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/11Zette17  

Anna Marie interviews Dr. Megan Cusson-Lark, Metro Nashville Public Schools' Executive Director of School Counseling. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to this month's episode with Metro Nashville Public Schools. Our special guest, Executive Officer for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Ashford Hughes speaks with Kristy Hairston about what REALTORS® need to know about MNPS. 

This episode I'm speaking with Angie Adams, CEO of PENCIL, about how they help meet the needs of Metro Nashville Public Schools' students in a variety of ways. Learn more and get involved at pencilforschools.org. Follow us on Instagram @betteringnashville. Send your topic/organization requests to betteringnashville@gmail.com.

In this episode, TPAC's CEO Jennifer Turner talks with Metro Nashville Public Schools' principal of the year, Dr. Ricki Gibbs. Dr. Gibbs discusses his school, Warner Arts Magnet Elementary, and its unique arts partnership with TPAC. Their conversation is pulled from a recent Salon Series event presented on Zoom.  

Today, we talk with Dr. Shawn Joseph about looking within ourselves and accepting that we, as educators contribute to students not making progress and how if we want to fix organizations we need to fix ourselves. We will discuss how important student voice is when using improvement science to get to the root cause of problems within school communities. We will also chat about how true equity work begins when you see who is in front of you. Visit our Bronx ART website and connect with us on Twitter @BX_ARTeam! Today's hosts are Kris DeFilippis, Adelia Gibson, and Kaitlyn Reilley Guest Information: Dr. Shawn Joseph's passion for equity and social justice has led him to serve in a number of positions in the world of education. He has been an English teacher, school administrator, central office administrator, and superintendent in Maryland, Delaware, and Tennessee. His work as the superintendent of Metro Nashville Public Schools resulted in schools that are more equitable and accelerated growth for all student groups in both reading and mathematics. Currently he is a Visiting Associate Professor at the Fordham University Graduate School of Education, where he teaches courses in Educational Leadership and Policy. Connect with Dr. Joseph by visiting his website. Resources for Listeners: “Nashville Schools Made Strides at Student Equity, Thank You Dr. Joseph” The Principal's Guide to the First 100 Days of the School Year: Creating Instructional Momentum Finding the Joseph Within Becoming a Data Champion in 6 Steps

In this episode, Franklin and I discuss what we wish we had known before entering the teaching profession, cultural relevant teaching in the elementary music classroom, and the importance of music education advocacy. You'll get SO much out of this episode and so many amazing ideas, strategies, and thoughts were shared. Some of my favorite things Franklin said in this episode are: Build community, build trust, build relationships Understand that the kids have some brilliance and knowledge that we don't have and be ok with letting them share that with us. Understand what it is that you want to accomplish as a music educator and start with the end in mind. We can accept and realize that it's ok to explore the music our student's enjoy, while still implementing the musical standards. Music education advocacy begins with the teacher and your views on music education. Mr. Franklin J. Willis currently serves as the Elementary Music Coach for the Metro Nashville Public Schools district. In this role he provides instructional support for elementary music teachers in creating a learning environment that fosters meaningful cultural experiences int eh performance, understanding and appreciation of music. Before this new role, Willis taught both general music and choir at the elementary and middle school levels for the past decade. He is a three time recipient of the prestigious Country Music Association Foundation Music Teacher of Excellence award. His student performance groups have been featured on national syndicated television programs such as NBC New with Lester Holt, Entertainment Tonight, and The Today Show. He specializes in providing musical instruction that will empower and engage all children to achieve their best through authentic culturally relevant teaching experiences. He is a graduate of the University of Memphis where he earned a Bachelor's of Music Education with an emphasis in choral music. Willis also earned the Master of Education Degree in Nonprofit Leadership at Belmont University. To learn more about Franklin and his advocacy for music education visit his website at www.fwillismusic.com You can also follow Frankin on social media here: Instagram Twitter I'd love for you to leave a rating and a review of the podcast on I-tunes, be sure to share the podcast with any music teacher friends who would find it helpful and be sure to tag me on Instagram or Facebook.

Working with community partners, the schools with Community Achieves staff offer programs focused on four key areas: College and Career Readiness, Family Engagement, Health and Wellness, and Social Services. What is Community Achieves?  A community school unites families, educators, and community partners to provide students with academics, enrichment, health and social services.Community Achieves is a community school initiative led by the Support Services division of Metro Nashville Public schools.Community Achieves Mission:Schools: Number of schools & tier (elementary, middle, high)What does collaboration between families, educators, and partners look like in a Community Achieves school? Structure: a person to coordinate partnerships and programs, needs assessment, strategic plan, partner meetingAttendance barriers – incentives,Academic barriers – tutors, after-school programsBasic needs – food pantry, clothing closet, hygiene items, laundry servicesHealth & wellness – health screenings, incentives,How can someone listening get involved?One-time donations – food, clothing, toiletries, household items like laundry detergent. (as of December 28, 1056 food items have been given to students/families, 11,280 clothing items, 20,414 supplies, 39, 410 toiletriesVolunteer – one time or ongoing, lunch buddy, reading partner, test proctorSchool strategic plans can be found at communityachieves.orgLearn more:  https://www.mnps.org/family-support 

Episode 2.10 features Erika Long, librarian at Thurgood Marshall Middle School with Metro Nashville Public Schools. Erika is active in ALA, AASL, Tennessee Library Association (TLA) and the Tennessee Association of School Librarians (TASL). She has served on TLA’s Advisory Council and is currently President-Elect. She previously served AASL on Standards Crosswalk Task Force and as interim Regional Director, and is currently chair of the Presidential Initiative Task Force. She has twice been named an AASL Social Media Superstar finalist and was part of the ALA Presidential Initiative: Fight for School Libraries. She has previously blogged for The Horn Book and TASL Talks. You can connect with her on Twitter @erikaslong or email her at erika.long@mnps.org. ALA Video: https://youtu.be/bKwePnkjGgM Lego Education: https://education.lego.com/en-us Music written and performed by Damian and Carson LeMaster.

Mathew Portell has dedicated a decade and a half to education in his role as a teacher, instructional coach, teacher mentor, and school administrator. It is through the collaborative team approach and building positive relationships that Portell is leading his school into success. He is currently in his fifth year as principal of Fall-Hamilton Elementary, an internationally recognized innovative model school for trauma-informed practices in Metro Nashville Public Schools. The school’s work has been featured on National Public Radio, the local documentary Enough, PBS, and Edutopia, one of the world’s top educational practices website funded by the George Lucas Foundation which resulted in over 7,000,000 views. He is the founder of the Trauma-Informed Educators Schools Network Group on Facebook which has connected over 20,000 educators in over 100 different countries! In July 2019, he launched the first annual Trauma Informed Educators Network conference which was attended by 150 people from around the world! In September of 2019, he launched the Trauma Informed Educators Network Podcast. Through this podcast he is viewing educators and practitioners from around the globe in which they are sharing their own trauma-informed journeys. Mathew's Book/Resource Recommendations The Trauma-Informed Educators Network The Trauma-Informed Educators Network Podcast The Deepest Well: Healing the Long-Term Effects of Childhood Adversity by Nadine Burke, MD The Trauma-Informed School: A Step-by-Step Implementation Guide for Administrators and School Personnel by Jim Sporleder and Heather T. Forbes Fostering Resilient Learners: Strategies for Creating a Trauma-Sensitive Classroom by Kristin Souers and Pete Hall The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog: And Other Stories from a Child Psychiatrist's Notebook--What Traumatized Children Can Teach Us About Loss, Love, and Healing by Bruce D. Perry and Maia Szalavitz Trauma Stewardship: An Everyday Guide to Caring for Self While Caring for Others by Laura van Dernoot Lipsky If you are interested in connecting and collaborating with Mathew, you can e-mail him at mathew@paradigmshifteducation.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/todd-scholl0/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/todd-scholl0/support

We are so excited to share our conversation with Molly Stovall Hegwood, Executive Director of English Learners for Metro Nashville Public Schools. We talk about how diverse Nashville is and what librarians can do to support all learners not only as they learn English, but also in their native language. It is important libraries and librarians are culturally responsive to all students. Curious about a student’s background? Just ask your students and build those relationships. Molly can be reached on Twitter @Molly_Stov or @MNPS_EL Buncee https://app.edu.buncee.com/ Conexiòn Americas https://www.conexionamericas.org/ Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition https://www.tnimmigrant.org Islamic Center of Nashville http://www.icntn.org/ Salahadeen Center of Nashville http://www.scntn.org Music written and performed by Damian and Carson LeMaster.

September is mental health awareness month, and on today’s episode, we are speaking with Metro Nashville Public Schools staff, Dr. Tony Majors, Chief HR Officer; Debra McAdams, Exec. Dir. of Exceptional Ed.; and Kyla Krengel, Dir. of Social & Emotional Learning as to how mental health awareness is incorporated in to all Metro Nashville schools. Mental health affects all school districts, and our hopes for today’s discussion is that ideas are fostered and questions are asked as to how board members and school personnel can make this a bigger discussion within their school system. Under The Surface Video Mental Health First Aid Tennessee Family Resource Centers Pure Edge, Inc. Vanderbilt University Grant Funding Resources

Episode 2.1: Tell your story It is hard to believe we are starting a new season, which means it is a new school year! In this episode, Stephanie Ham, Director of Library Services for Metro Nashville Public Schools, provides some tips and tricks to starting the year off right. You seriously get to get into her head for like 13 minutes! This episode will revisit your mission and vision, that initial meeting with your admin, how to tell your story, and most importantly self-care specifically for school librarians. Contact information for MNPS Library Services- Stephanie.ham@mnps.org. Twitter: @mnpslibraries, Instagram: @mnpslibraries School Library Journal Article- https://www.slj.com/?detailStory=Self-Care-for-School-Librarians Music written and performed by Damian and Carson LeMaster.

Budgeting is an important element of education leadership, and it can be a daunting task. Examine the process for determining a school's most important needs in order to establish a functional and effective school budget. Practical information and insights are provide by Dr. Kesha Walrond, an Assistant Professor in Lipscomb's College of Education (and former MNPS Principal) and Dr. Shawnna Pierce, a current Principal in Metro Nashville Public Schools. SHOW NOTES: A "Professional Learning Guide" document is available to help you extend your learning for this podcast episode. This document can be used for individual growth or for group study with your Professional Learning Community (PLC) or Professional Learning Network (PLN). CREDITS: Producer & Host: Julia Osteen Engineer & Editor: Forrest Doddington

This week intern Emma had a chance to speak with Jimmy Lawrence, candidate for Mayor of the City of Nashville. The Nashville Municipal Election will be held August 1. Learn more about the candidates running for office in your community at www.Vote-USA.org! Narration Transcription: Nashville has experienced massive growth. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that in 2018 Davidson County had a population of almost 700,000 people, which was a 10% increase from 2010. This growth has challenged the city’s affordability. The 2018 Nashville Chamber of Commerce Vital Signs Report found that 40% of residents had difficulty covering their monthly expenses, which was 6% higher than the previous year. Rising housing costs is one of the main contributing factors. In just the past 10 years, the median house price has jumped from $159,800 in 2008 to $246,500 in 2018. Housing markets have been unable to keep up with demand, causing prices to skyrocket while median household incomes have not experienced corresponding raises. Tourism has also increased in recent years. In 2018, according to the Nashville Conventions and Visitors Corp, 15.2 million visitors came to Nashville. Tourism is a 6.5 billion-dollar industry which has been partially fueling the growth of the city. To attract tourists, Nashville invested in several large public works projects. One such investment was the Music City Center, which opened in 2013. Taxpayers have been picking up the bill for many of the Center’s expenses, such as police overtime for covering events and infrastructure upkeep for increased tourist traffic. Many would argue that the Center should cover these expenses instead of the city since it is the one generating these costs. In order to assuage its critics, the Convention Center Authority which runs the Music City Center agreed to give $10 million from its surplus funds to the city’s general fund to make up for some of the costs the city has covered in the past. However, some say that the $10 million isn’t enough nor is it a long-term solution. Even though Nashville generates great wealth from its tourism industry, debt still plagues the city leaving tight budgets for all elements of the metro government. The Metropolitan government has $3.6 billion in outstanding debt obligations. Last year, for every $10 spent by the city, $1 went to servicing its debt. The city’s debt problems can be traced back to policies implemented during the Great Recession and to borrowing that continued following its recovery. A Blue-Ribbon Commission was recently designated to address Nashville’s debt. It was tasked with trimming $20 million from the budget, and, in April of this year, the Commission released its first report with an extensive list of recommendations. Mayor Briley proposed an operating budget of $2.3 billion for the next fiscal year. Unanticipated revenue shortfalls limited his budget proposal which leaves public schools severely underfunded. Metro Nashville Public Schools requested a $76.7 million increase in their budget to pay for 10% raises for its teachers and staff, but, in Mayor Briley’s budget, the school system was only awarded a $28.2 million increase. The Nashville School Board has proposed an alternative to raise the remainder of the money where a referendum would be put to Nashvillians to vote on whether to raise their property taxes to make up for the shortfalls of Mayor Briley’s budget. This plan is still being considered. Under Mayor Briley’s budget, property taxes would not be raised. Today, we will be speaking with Jimmy Lawrence, one of the candidates for Mayor of the metro government. He is known not only as a local businessman but also as a musician. He does not have prior political experience. Now, let’s dive in with Mr. Lawrence.

When teachers, students, and parents have real-time access to information about student learning, students are more likely to succeed. Lance Lott from Metro Nashville Public Schools shares more about the district’s current data setup, and how using a data standard will allow its educators to get more accurate information in the right places, at the right times.

PENCIL is the premier organization linking community resources to Metro Nashville Public Schools. Thanks to dedicated PENCIL Partners, students work in state-of-the-art laboratories alongside teachers and industry professionals. Teachers design lesson plans that cross the traditional boundaries of education - like linking data points in algebra with students' Agricultural Science classes. Dedicated volunteers regularly donate one lunch hour a week to help a child improve his or her reading comprehension. Businesses work to create an engaged and excited student pipeline interested in their industry through internships and job shadowing. Learn more: www.pencilforschools.org

This episode features Robert Greene, Superintendent of Dayton City Schools and Chris Henson, Chief Operating Officer of Metro-Nashville Public Schools as they discuss the role of board members in the budget process and how it relates to the board’s mission and vision for the school system. 

Tamara Fyke is a creative entrepreneur with a passion for kids, families, and urban communities, and is the creator, author, and brand manager for Love In A Big World. In her early days, Tamara worked as a substitute teacher in Metro Nashville Public Schools. She transitioned to leading community programs as well as in-school support services, program development, and research. Tamara received her master’s degree in education from Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College of Education and Human Development and worked at Vanderbilt’s Center for Safe & Supportive Schools providing professional development, coaching, and consulting for principals and teachers for issues related to safety and climate.   Tamara is editor of Building People: Social-Emotional Learning for Kids, Schools & Communities, a book published by Abingdon Press that brings 12 wide-ranging perspectives on SEL to educators, parents, and leaders.   Tamara’s specialties and focus areas within education include racial equality; educational technology; entrepreneurship; digital literacy; educational video games; research; school climate; curriculum design; applied developmental science; arts education; urban education; service learning; literature education; the development of caring learning communities; the professional development of educators; and learning in out of school contexts.   Tamara lives in Nashville, Tennessee, and is the proud mother of three adopted children.   Tamara Fyke Show Highlights: Love in a Big World’s SEL Curriculum Relationships with self and others Ownership and power facing challenging circumstances Risk and resiliency research Stop being a control freak Give yourself time to become who you need to be Do I let my people know that I care?   “I wish schools were more like a home rather than an institution” -Tamara Fyke   Tamara Fyke Resources:   The Matrix Coach Snoop     Tamara Fyke Contact Info Website Twitter (@LoveInABigWorld) Facebook Insta LinkedIn Email Show Some Love BECOME A PATRON OF THE SHOW FOR AS LITTLE AS $1/MONTH DID YOU LIKE THE SHOW?  iTunes SUBSCRIBE HERE! LEAVE A 5-STAR RATING AND REVIEW   Join my hybrid group coaching & leadership development community Text BETTERMASTERMIND to 33444 Grab your FREE 15 Phrases of Effective School Leaders Text PHRASES to 33444 or click the link above. Website :: Facebook :: Insta :: Twitter :: LinkedIn   SHOW SPONSORS: ORGANIZED BINDER Organized Binder is an evidence-based RTI2 Tier 1 universal level solution Focuses on improving executive functioning and non-cognitive skills Is in direct alignment with the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework Is an integral component for ensuring Least Restrictive Environments (LRE)   You can learn more and improve your student’s success at https://organizedbinder.com/   The Conrad Challenge The Conrad Challenge promotes collaborative, student-centered, real world-relevant learning that fosters innovation and entrepreneurship, unleashing students’ potential to create future-defining solutions and a sustainable society for generations to come. The Conrad Challenge invites teams of 2-5 students between the ages of 13-18 to innovate new products and services that address global issues in one of six categories: Aerospace & Aviation; Cyber-Technology & Security; Energy & Environment; Health & Nutrition; Smoke-Free World; Transforming Education with Technology.     The registration process is open from August 24 to October 19, 2018 at www.conradchallenge.org.   Copyright © 2018 Better Leaders Better Schools

Would you recognize bullying if you saw it? Many people can't. In this Focus, hear what bullying is, what you can do about it, and what Metro Nashville Public Schools are doing about it. 

Have you ever wondered how to authentically hold space for students who have experienced adverse trauma, uphold a successful results-based academic program, and maintain your sanity? Well, you are in for a treat. My guest has been featured on a number of viral educational videos for the incredible work his school is doing to realize the trauma-informed schools movement. In this episode we discuss 7 keys to developing student leadership and agency, creative ways to reduce compassionate burnout in teachers, specific strategies for developing growth mindset in our students, and explore two proven transformational strategies for reaching at-risk students within your classroom. Please enjoy this conversation. Mathew Portell has dedicated over a decade to education in his role as a teacher, instructional coach, teacher mentor, and school administrator. He is currently in his third year as principal of Fall-Hamilton Elementary, a nationally recognized innovative model school for trauma-informed school practices in Metro Nashville Public Schools. National Public Radio, Edutopia amongst other organizations have highlighted the school’s work. In 2008, he combined his passion for literacy and cycling and founded the local double award winning non-profit Ride for Reading. The organization promotes literacy and healthy living through the distribution of more than 500,000 books via bicycle to underserved children. Portell also heads up Paradigm Shift Education which is focused on providing professional learning experience to assist in creating or cultivating a trauma informed school culture. You can find him on social media by searching his name. For more information visit my website smallactbigimpact.com and search for episode #24.

My guest in this episode is Metro Nashville Public Schools Director Dr. Shawn Joseph. As MNPS is in the midst of budget season, I ask Dr. Joseph about Title I funding, student achievement, teacher retention, enrollment projections and free lunches. Nashville Sounding Board is a new podcast dedicated to discussing social and political issues affecting the Nashville community. www.twitter.com/nashsoundboard www.facebook.com/NashvilleSoundingBoard Produced by Benjamin Eagles Interview has been edited for length and clarity. Music: "State of Mind" by Audiobinger is licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International Public License. www.audiobinger.net/

This episode features Vesia Wilson-Hawkins, a former Metro Nashville Public Schools student, parent and staffer. Vesia is an education activist and blogger. Interview has been edited for length and clarity. Nashville Sounding Board is a new podcast dedicated to discussing social and political issues affecting the Nashville community. www.facebook.com/NashvilleSoundingBoard Produced by Benjamin Eagles. Music: "State of Mind" by Audiobinger is licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International Public License. www.audiobinger.net/

Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Zachary Himelhoch is a world-percussionist with specialization in Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, and Caribbean styles. Zachary has performed with numerous artists including Chance The Rapper, Denny Jiosa, Andy Narell, Lenny Castro, Etienne Charles, The Cool Kids, Daru Jones, Mark Walker, and Dave Garfield at events throughout the country including The Percussive Arts Society International Convention, Lollapalooza, the Detroit Jazz Festival, the Hyde Park Jazz Festival Benefit Concert, Windsor Jazz Festival, and the Syracuse Jazz Festival. Currently, he serves as the house percussionist for Tom Hurst presents The Loud Jamz. As a World Percussion Specialist in Metro Nashville Public Schools, Zachary teaches Brazilian, West African, Cuban, and Caribbean percussion to students ranging from Grades 2-12. For the past year, he has taught World Percussion for the Classroom, designed to help teachers integrate world percussion into the classroom setting, as an Adjunct Instructor for VanderCook College of Music.Studying extensively under the direction of Ruben Alvarez, Skip “Brinquito” Burney, Tom Hipskind, Jarett Hicks, James Coviak, and Al DiBlassio, Zachary received his Bachelor of Arts in Instrumental Performance from Columbia College Chicago and his Masters in Music Education from VanderCook College of Music. He has taught clinics and master classes in percussion at a number of venues including the Jim Lee Fine Arts Camp, Columbia College Chicago, Holly Middle School, Mott Community College, Vanderbilt University, VanderCook College of Music, and Metro Nashville Public Schools.Zachary owns and operates ZJH Percussion, a company providing instructional programs, presentations, and private tutoring in all aspects of world percussion. ZJH Percussion, in collaboration with Columbia College Chicago's Community Arts Partnership and the Music Institute of Chicago, served Chicago Public Schools and Chicago Parks District for over four years through the provision of culture and music education to underprivileged learners through the Chicago area. ZJH Percussion now serves the greater Nashville area.LInks:https://sambanashville.com/https://zhimelhoch.com/https://www.facebook.com/zachary.himelhoch Zachary's Thesis:https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=sites&srcid=dmFuZGVyY29vay5lZHV8dmNtLW1hc3RlcnMtcHJvamVjdHMtb25saW5lfGd4OmQzYWJlNmExMTA3YjA0ZASponsored by GoSamba.net! This episode sponsored by GoSamba.net Your site to purchase Brazilian samba drums in the USA!

Lesley has taught English Learners in the Elementary Classroom for over 10 years in both Chicago Public Schools and Metro Nashville Public Schools. In this episode, we discuss 3 ways to help English Learners feel confident in the classroom including using morning meeting to build a comfortable learning environment, academic conversations to build language skills, and vocabulary overload for EL students in the classroom.  Listen Here RSS

Music teacher and math interventionist Jesenka Filipovic joins me from Metro Nashville Public Schools. Jesenka is a band director, music teacher, and math teacher at a magnet middle school specializing in math and science. We talk about the unique role of the music teacher in schools, what makes teaching music unique, what makes it just like teaching any other subject! Takeaways from this week’s episode: 1) Students are able to learn more effectively when they are relaxed and having fun. 2) Music can be leveraged as a way to reach students who are struggling in core subjects, especially math and reading. 3) Teaching music requires just as much expectation setting, classroom management, and behavioral management as teaching any other subject. 4) Set expectations early in every area that students and parents need to know. 5) Music teachers - as well as non-core subject teachers and coaches - bear the unique burden of having to prove the value of their subject to their students, parents, administrators, and even district-wide supervisors. Resources: READYTOTEACH.COM

Today on Cause Talk Radio, Megan and Joe talk to Alison McArthur, Community Achieves Coordinator for Metro Nashville Public Schools about the The Whirlpool Care Counts laundry program. Whirlpool is fighting against education inequality by installing washers and dryers in schools to remove this barrier to attendance, and give students the confidence they need and deserve to get through class each day. On the show, Megan and Joe discuss: How the Whirlpool Care Counts laundry program got started in Nashville schools. The little-known problem of children missing school because they don't have clean clothes.  How the program works in three Nashville schools. How the schools create a welcoming atmosphere for families so that they use the laundry center. The emphasis on collecting data so that Whirlpool and the schools know the program is working. How the program might expand in Nashville and across the country. How the program supports Whirlpool's business objectives. Links & Notes Whirlpool Care Counts

On this episode the host DJ ART and David interview Amy Frogge. She is a Metro Nashville Public Schools board member, mother and attorney in Nashville. Amy sits down with the hosts and talks about education and her life. Executive Producer:DJ ART and David Audio Director: DJ ART Hosts:DJ ART and David

DIGITAL EQUITY AND LEADERSHIP IN SCHOOL SYSTEMS COSN' s Keith Krueger joins us with two special guests,Laura Hansen of Metro Nashville Public Schools and Deborah Carcher, CIO of Miami-Dade Public Schools Presented by LIGHTSPEED SYSTEMS  and FUNDS FOR LEARNING

In Episode 7 of The Sprouted Pitchfork, host Dustin Ogdin interviews Jennifer Tlumak Westerholm, Executive Director of the Urban Green Lab in Nashville, TN (www.urbangreenlab.org.) The Urban Green Lab is an educational non-profit organization that focuses on issues of sustainability and environmentalism within an urban context. The Lab is a constant presence advocating sustainability in Middle Tennessee. Among other programming, they conduct frequent community workshops for adults as well as outreach coordination with Metro Nashville Public Schools focusing on everything from urban agriculture to green building. Jennifer is a Nashville native with a long history of academic research and public service relating to ecology and social justice.

Expanding Music Education: It’s OK to be Iterative! Interview with Laurie Schell Director, Music Makes Us, Metro Nashville Public Schools.

In April, our guest is Dr. Warren Simmons, executive director, Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University.  AISR is a national policy research and reform-support organization that works with urban districts and communities to improve the conditions and outcomes of schools, especially in urban communities and in those attended by traditionally underserved children. Their work focuses on three crucial issues in education reform today: school transformation, college and career readiness and expanded learning time.  We will speak with Dr. Simmons and Dr. Jesse Register, Director of Metro Nashville Public Schools. MNPS is currently engaged with the Annenberg Institute to improve achievement in that district.  Listen and learn what is happening in Nashville. Join us for what promises to be an incredible discussion on April 23 at 2pm EST.

Each Fall, Capitol Records hosts a street party, where they shut down part of Demonbreum, right near Music Row, set up a stage and play some free music for their fans well into the night.  This year, the featured performers included newcomers Walker Hayes, Jenette McCurdy, and Troy Olson as well as established stars Luke Bryan, Darius Rucker, and even a surprise performance from Keith Urban. Although the concert was free, fans were encouraged to bring supplies for the Pencil Foundation. Representatives were on hand to collect over five thousand school supplies for Metro Nashville Public Schools.  Kelly Lynn headed backstage to catch up with a few of her friends before thousands of fans packed the street for an evening to remember.