In this engaging episode of the Flipboard EDU Podcast, our host Coach Jeffery sits down with the amazing Alice Keeler. Alice, an experienced math teacher and a Google Developer Expert, dives into her passion for student-centered classrooms, technology in education, and the importance of flexibility in school systems.

Episode Summary:

In this compelling episode of the Flipboard EDU Podcast, Coach Jeffery hosts Stephanie Filardo, an educator and curriculum developer. Their discussion centers on recognizing the human element within educational settings, with a focus on social-emotional wellness and addressing students' fundamental needs.

Stephanie shares her experience in curriculum development, highlighting her dedication to creating inclusive environments where all students see themselves as capable in mathematics. The episode delves into the critical issue of allowing students dignity in meeting basic needs, such as unrestricted restroom access.

The conversation explores the complexities of restroom policies and the social-emotional considerations educators must make, particularly in supporting female students during sensitive times. This includes fostering safe, approachable environments where students feel comfortable expressing their needs, especially regarding menstrual cycles.

Through personal anecdotes, thoughtful insights, and practical advice, Stephanie and Coach Jeffery examine strategies to cultivate a supportive and understanding school culture that prioritizes student and teacher well-being. They also touch upon health conditions like PCOS and their impact on students' attendance and performance.

Key Takeaways:

* The importance of acknowledging the humanity of teachers and students within the educational system.

* Addressing and improving school restroom policies to ensure students' basic needs are met with dignity and respect.

* The significance of building strong, trust-based relationships between students, teachers, and administrators.

* Stephanie's insights into creating inclusive classroom environments and the value of establishing "need stations" for students.

* Consideration of chronic health issues like PCOS that can affect students' attendance and academic performance.

Where to Find Stephanie:

* Stephanie is not very active on social media currently.

* Her dog, Sailor, has an Instagram account: "lab_named_sailor."

* Look for her potential presentations at upcoming educational technology conferences like ISTE.

This enlightening episode provides valuable insights into how small changes in school policies and culture can significantly impact the social-emotional needs of students and educators.

Hosts:

* Coach Jeffery

Guest:

* Stephanie Filardo, Curriculum Developer at Amplify

Summary: This episode examines recent developments and challenges impacting education in the United States, including policy changes, legal disputes, and evolving institutional practices. Coach Jeffery provides an overview of these complex issues.

Key Topics Discussed:

* Federal Education Policy Changes: Discussion of proposals to restructure the Department of Education, including the potential impact of executive actions and congressional roles.

* Legal Challenges to Educational Practices: Review of the Texas Attorney General's lawsuit against Coppell ISD, focusing on allegations regarding the teaching of critical race theory and its alignment with state law.

* Impact of Funding Adjustments on Universities: Analysis of reductions in federal grants and their consequences for university programs, including potential impacts on diversity initiatives.

* Title IX Compliance and Transgender Athletes: Examination of the Department of Education's rulings related to Title IX and the participation of transgender athletes in sports, including specific cases and compliance deadlines.

* Federal Funding and University Controversies: Overview of federal funding decisions related to university controversies, such as the withdrawal of funding from the University of Pennsylvania, and the resulting debates on fairness and inclusion.

* Broader Trends in Education Policy: Exploration of the evolving discussions around race, gender, equity, and inclusion in education, and their influence on school policies and practices.

Join the Conversation: Share your perspectives and experiences on these evolving educational issues on social media.

Works Cited

U.S. Department of Education. (n.d.). About ED. Retrieved from https://www2.ed.gov/about/landing.jhtml

U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights. (2011, April). Dear Colleague Letter: Sexual Violence. Retrieved from https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/title-ix-rights-201104.html

Texas Attorney General. (n.d.). Office of the Attorney General. Retrieved from

https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/using_articles.html

Congress.gov. (n.d.). Congress.gov. Retrieved from

https://www.congress.gov/

Episode Overview:

In this enlightening episode, Coach Jeffery delves into the transformative changes aimed at expanding access to higher education and addressing equity challenges. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

* Harvard University’s Bold Move: We kick off with Harvard University's groundbreaking decision to offer free tuition starting in the 2025-2026 academic year for families earning up to $200,000.1 For those earning under $100,000, all expenses, including tuition, housing, and fees, are fully covered.

* Impact Across Higher Education: Learn about similar initiatives being adopted by MIT, UMass, and other elite universities. These efforts aim to diversify student bodies and level the financial playing field, potentially benefiting nearly 90% of U.S. families.

* Challenges for Smaller Schools: The discussion highlights concerns about how smaller institutions can compete with these new standards set by elite universities and what this means for the future of higher education.

* Federal Funding and Legal Battles: Coach Jeffery explores the lawsuit led by California's Attorney General, Rob Bonta, challenging proposed cuts to the Department of Education. Discover the potential disruptions these cuts could cause, especially for low-income and special education students.

* Financial Literacy Focus: An OECD report reveals that only 11% of teenagers can solve complex financial problems.2 This sparks a debate on the best methods for teaching financial literacy, from standalone classes to integrated curriculums, alongside creative solutions like community budgeting workshops.

* Preparing for the Digital Economy: The episode concludes with a discussion on the need for systemic changes to equip students for financial challenges in the digital age.

Key Takeaways:

* The push for free tuition is a significant step toward making higher education accessible to more families.

* Smaller institutions need innovative strategies to remain competitive.

* Legal battles over federal cuts highlight the ongoing discussions around education funding and priorities.3

* There is a growing recognition of the importance of financial literacy in preparing students for future challenges.

Tune in to explore these pivotal changes in education and their implications for future generations.

Connect with Us:

* Follow us on Twitter @TheCoachJeffery

* Join our Facebook group for more discussions and updates.

Works Cited

Harvard University. (2024). Harvard announces enhanced financial aid program. [Press release]. Retrieved from https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2023/12/harvard-announces-enhanced-financial-aid-program/

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). (n.d.). Affordability & Aid. Retrieved from https://sfs.mit.edu/affordability/

University of Massachusetts (UMass). (n.d.). Tuition and Fees. Retrieved from https://www.umass.edu/bursar/tuition-fees

California Department of Justice. (2023). Attorney General Bonta Leads Coalition Challenging Federal Cuts to Critical Education Programs. [Press release]. Retrieved from https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-leads-coalition-challenging-federal-cuts-critical

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). (2020). PISA 2018 Results (Volume IV): Are Students Ready to Thrive in an Interconnected World? Retrieved from https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/education/pisa-2018-results-volume-iv_5307258e-en

In this episode of the Flipboard EDU Podcast, Coach Jeffery welcomes Brittany Walker, a passionate theater director from a prominent Houston district. Brittany shares her remarkable journey in theater arts, from her initial discovery of her love for performing to becoming an inspiring theater director dedicated to making a difference in Title I schools.

Key Highlights:

* Introduction to Brittany Walker (00:00:13):

* Brittany discusses her lifelong passion for theater and how her experiences performing in school and college shaped her career.

* Impact of Theater in Title I Schools (00:01:55):

* Brittany talks about the transformative power of theater programs in Title I environments, emphasizing the importance of providing students a creative outlet and a sense of belonging.

* Cultivating Relationships (00:03:53):

* Learn how building strong relationships with students leads to better behaviors and performance, as Brittany explains the essential role trust plays in the classroom.

* Inspiration from Educators (00:04:51):

* Brittany shares how her eighth-grade theater teacher and later a college professor recognized her talents and encouraged her to pursue directing, highlighting the invaluable impact educators can have.

* Advice for New Teachers (00:09:39):

* Brittany gives insight into maintaining authenticity, high expectations, and recognizing the potential and talent in all students.

* Guidance for Administrators (00:11:17):

* Discover tips on how administrators can support and grow theater programs as culture drivers within schools.

* Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (00:12:59):

* Brittany eloquently addresses the importance of inclusion and the need to put politics aside to truly reach and support students of all backgrounds.

* Looking Forward to Leadership (00:18:30):

* Brittany discusses her future ambitions in pursuing administration to influence positive change and extend her classroom culture to more learning environments.

Join Coach Jeffery and Brittany Walker for an insightful conversation on the necessity of the arts in education and how they cultivate not just talent but empowered, confident individuals.

Where to Find Brittany Walker:

You can connect with Brittany Walker on LinkedIn. Stay tuned to keep up with her journey as she continues to inspire and lead future generations in the world of education.

Tune in and enjoy the episode!

Episode Summary:

This powerful episode explores the importance of affinity spaces for educators of color, particularly focusing on the Black affinity space created at ISTE Live 2024. The discussion features three distinguished guests who share their experiences and insights about creating safe spaces for educators of color and the challenges of Black leadership in education.

Featured Guests:

* Dr. Desiree Alexander - Founder/CEO of Educator Alexander Consulting

* Leticia Citizen - Education Coach with Samsung Education

* Dr. Toutoule Ntoya - Educational Consultant and Advocate

Key Topics Discussed:

* The significance and impact of affinity spaces at educational conferences. These spaces offer a sense of community and belonging, allowing educators of color to connect with others who share similar experiences.

* Challenges faced by Black leaders in K-12 education. Guests discuss systemic barriers, microaggressions, and the unique pressures faced by Black educators in leadership roles.

* Supporting educators who are "the first" or "the only one" in their positions. The episode explores the importance of mentorship, sponsorship, and creating inclusive environments.

* The importance of community support and mentorship. Guests highlight the value of peer networks and organizations that provide professional development and advocacy.

* Navigating predominantly white spaces as educators of color. The discussion delves into strategies for navigating cultural differences, advocating for equitable practices, and maintaining well-being.

* The emotional labor and professional expectations placed on Black educators. Guests discuss the disproportionate burden often placed on Black educators to address issues of race and equity within their schools and districts.

Notable Quotes:

"The affinity space is a space for people that are usually part of the same racial group to come together and have a brave space to hang out, discuss topics... where you don't have to explain yourself." - Dr. Desiree Alexander

Resources Mentioned:

* Equity in Action California

* Our Voices Alliance

Where to Find the Guests:

* Dr. Desiree Alexander: educatoralexander.com

* Leticia Citizen: @CityCoach on Twitter and Instagram

* Dr. Toutoule Ntoya: @TatouleNtoya on Twitter and LinkedIn

Follow. Like. Share.

Guest: Dr. Rachelle Dene Poth

Summary:

In this episode of the Flipboard EDU Podcast, Coach Jeffery interviews Dr. Rachelle Dene Poth, an educator, consultant, attorney, and author, about her career journey and insights on education.

Key Discussion Points:

* Starting the New School Year:Dr. Poth discusses the challenges and excitement of a new school year, including adapting to technology changes and staying positive.

* Motivation Behind Teaching:She explains her passion for education and impacting students, which motivates her to continue teaching despite her other roles.

* Classroom Strategies and Tips:Dr. Poth shares insights on setting up a welcoming classroom, building relationships with students, and incorporating social-emotional learning (SEL).

* Managing Student Behavior:She emphasizes effective communication, clear expectations, and promoting respect in the classroom.

* Incorporating AI in Education:Dr. Poth discusses her journey into AI, emphasizing responsible use and highlighting tools like EduAid and Snorkel.

Favorite AI Tools:

* EduAid: Focuses on data privacy and teacher needs.

* Snorkel: Combines whiteboards with AI feedback for instant evaluations and suggestions.

Closing Remarks:

Coach Jeffery acknowledges Dr. Poth's contributions to education and her support for fellow educators. Dr. Poth shares her contact information and resources for listeners.

Resources and Links:

* Dr. Rachelle Dene Poth's Latest Book: "How to Teach AI: Weaving Strategies and Activities into Any Content Area"

* Other Books

* Podcast: Thriving EDU podcast

* Social Media: @rdene915

* Facebook Community for Educators: Thrive in EDU community

* Contact: rdenepoth@gmail.com

Final Note:

Thank you to Edumatch and their community for connecting educators like Dr. Poth and Coach Jeffery.

Subscribe to the Flipboard EDU Podcast for more insightful conversations!