It’s safe to say that everyone in education is being stretched to their limits. Earlier optimism back in the summer has given way to a sense of drudgery that we find ourselves back in the same COVID-impacted situations as in the previous school year. We are excited to have today’s guest, a teacher and advocate, to share her perspective. Join us to learn more! Jessica Keogh has an undiagnosed neuromuscular disorder from birth that limits her physical abilities and keeps her in a wheelchair. Despite her disability, she’s been a special education teacher for the past ten years. She also runs the nonprofit Faith Above My Ability, which educates people and advocates for people with disabilities. The main goals of the organization are to change the narrative around disability, advocate for policy changes, and develop curricula that are truly inclusive. Show Highlights: An overview of this school year from Jessica’s viewpoint in light of the lack of paraprofessionals How administrations are dealing with the challenges by mass hiring efforts and being open to teachers’ suggestions How Jessica’s district implemented cyber programs but remains committed to in-person learning Jessica’s advocacy work for people with disabilities, especially the new law in Pennsylvania around income limits for disabled people (The law goes into effect in December 2021.) Jessica’s advice for those who want to advocate: Start with your story. Build your community and talk to others. Talk to local legislators and introduce yourself to them. Don’t be afraid to start small with local politics. How Jessica plans to celebrate in December when the new bill becomes a law How Jessica has shared her story with her students and colleagues Connect with Jessica:  www.faithabovemyability.org Find Faith Above My Ability on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Links/Resources: Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show. Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns: Facebook Instagram Twitter IEP website This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.  

Inclusive Education Project Podcast

Changing the Narrative Around Disability with Jessica Keogh [IEP 186]

We are all dealing with the regression that some of our students have experienced through these COVID-affected times. We went from having a hope of real innovation of inclusive education to a focus on mere survival. Today’s guest shares insights into the evidence-based need for inclusion, practical steps to bring inclusion, and the barriers that still remain in school systems. Join us to learn more! Diane Ryndak is a professor at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in the Department of Specialized Education Services in relation to students with significant disabilities. She works in teacher training for undergraduates and doctoral students, and she works closely with school districts to bring systemic reform for improved student outcomes. Show Highlights: How Diane was led at an early age into advocating for marginalized students How Diane works in teacher training and affecting state policies regarding inclusive educational services for students with disabilities Why most school districts as a whole are resistant to inclusive education How segregated education has been established as the acceptable way to do things because of the support and attention that special needs students receive What the research shows about the level of engagement and instruction that students in inclusive classrooms receive from teachers AND peers How problems with inclusion occur when kids with IEPs transition from early childhood to kindergarten (95% of them will NEVER get back in general education classes once they are segregated!) Why the focus should be on preventing kids with disabilities from going into self-contained classrooms in the first place The big challenge for parents: Without universal preschool, their options are limited when early intervention identifies their child with special needs Why the focus has to be on specific strategies to address the barriers that are keeping a student from the general education classroom Two ways to address the need: Provide coaching and mentoring support for current teachers through professional development. Evaluate teacher education programs to prepare new teachers to co-plan, co-implement, and co-evaluate in the generalized education classroom.               Connect with Diane: Email: dlryndak@uncg.edu Find inclusive education resources for parents, teachers, and administrators: www.tiescenter.org Links/Resources: Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show. Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns: Facebook Instagram Twitter IEP website This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.    

A Holistic Look at Inclusion with Diane Ryndak [IEP 185]

We are all in the middle of the adventure that has become this school year. The only certainty seems to be that uncertainty continues, and we have to make adjustments along the way. Gratitude is a mindset that has become more relevant than ever, and teaching gratitude practices can help set our students up for success in the classroom right now and in their lives for the future. Join us for a closer look at learning to live with gratitude and intention! Nicole Thomson is a wife, mom, teacher, author, and entrepreneur in Ontario, Canada. She co-authored the Love Math Journal and wrote the children’s book, The Little Things: Finding Gratitude in Life’s Simple Moments. As a new business owner of The Fulfilled Classroom, Nicole uses her talents to help teachers live better lives. Her focus is on living with gratitude, setting intentions, and finding fulfillment in and out of the classroom. Show Highlights: Get to know Nicole, a lifelong teacher from the kindergarten to college level What is gratitude, and why is it important for our students? Why gratitude has to be practiced before it becomes second nature How gratitude benefits kids from a young age Examples of gratitude practices for the classroom: read-aloud books, sharing verbally, bulletin boards to highlight gratitude, challenges for students to notice the little things each day, etc. How to use things you hear and things you see as triggers for moments of gratitude Nicole’s messages to teachers, parents, and administrators about how gratitude benefits our students: Gratitude brings more optimism, patience, happiness, and empathy. Gratitude helps with healthy sleep patterns and immune system, decision-making, self-esteem, and resilience.    Connect with Nicole: The Fulfilled Classroom Website, and on Facebook and Instagram Books by Nicole Thomson: Love Math Journal The Little Things: Finding Gratitude in Life’s Simple Moments Links/Resources: Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show. Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns: Facebook Instagram Twitter IEP website This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.    

Learning to Live with Gratitude and Intention with Nicole Thomson [IEP 184]

As the school year continues in full swing with in-person learning, inclusion has never been a more important topic. Today’s conversation takes a deep dive into inclusion through the eyes of a new documentary film. Join us! Hilda and Olivier are filmmakers and parents of their son, Emilio. Through their documentary, Forget Me Not, they share the personal impact of NYC’s segregated education system as they fight for Emilio’s right to be educated alongside his peers. The film gives a rare look at what inclusive education can look like and how it can lead to a more inclusive society where every child can reach their full potential. The film lives up to its powerful title as it shines the spotlight on the kids who are often forgotten and underrepresented in their education. Show Highlights: How Hilda’s background in special education became more meaningful when their son was born with Down Syndrome, an event that changed the course of their family in every way How Olivier knew nothing about special education or Down Syndrome until Emilio’s birth How they set out to make a film about inclusive education as they experienced segregation in the education of their son Why many people aren’t aware of what goes on in our educational system for students with disabilities How breaking up segregated classrooms while students are young helps them understand the differences in how people learn How the documentary makes people aware of the benefits of inclusion and spurs them to take action to help change the system Why Hilda and Olivier hope the film encourages parents to raise their voices about what their children can do--even with disabilities How some parents don’t have the knowledge base or resources to advocate for their child’s education How lasting change will happen when people want to make a difference Learn more about Hilda, Olivier, and their documentary film: https://www.forgetmenotdocumentary.com Find the film’s Facebook page: Forget Me Not Documentary Links/Resources: Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show. Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns: Facebook Instagram Twitter IEP website This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.    

Forget Me Not Documentary with Hilda and Olivier Bernier [IEP 183]

We’re in it now: another school year taking us into the great unknown. Parents, students, and educators are all living with a “wait and see” approach as we live in a state of constant adaptability in yet another pandemic school year. Join us to hear practical tips and advice from today’s guest! Chris Banks is CEO and president of the Autism Society of America. He came to the society in 2020 from a comprehensive background in human services and healthcare, and he is a proven transformational leader committed to diversity and cultural growth. We are discussing what his organization does, along with the wealth of resources provided for parents, educators, and students. Show Highlights: Chris’ background and how his role merges his prior skills, talents, and interests Chris’ message about how businesses can help change the corporate culture and shift their perspective by hiring autistic employees Why a focus on diversity and inclusion in education serves the best interests of the children AND the best interests of the community as a whole How “big picture” thinking goes beyond awareness to acceptance, inclusion, and belonging How the Autism Society of America’s COVID-19 Toolkit is being distributed and used around the world Silver linings of the pandemic regarding many important issues in education Why many autistic students have thrived academically but regressed socially during the pandemic Why parents have to manage their own anxiety first in transitioning kids back to school Chris’ tips for easing the transition to in-person learning for autistic students: Ask for a video tour of the school to add a level of comfort for kids. Connect kids to the school’s support staff. Establish bedtime and waking routines. Take kids on social outings with masks. Create a countdown calendar and schedule. How the resources provided on The Autism Society of America’s website are relevant and timely and available through affiliates across the US Connect with the Autism Society of America: Autism Society On Facebook: Autism Society of America Links/Resources: Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show. Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns: Facebook Instagram Twitter IEP website This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.  

Tips for Easing the Transition to In-Person Learning with Chris Banks [IEP 182]

We know the transition into motherhood is not always easy. Today’s guest works to ease the transition and help prevent burnout for moms as she brings sanity, solutions, and overall mental health into the chaotic world of motherhood. Join us to learn more! Danielle Bettmann is an early childhood development expert, parenting coach, teacher, and mom of two girls. She helps families with strong-willed tiny humans find patience, peace, and partnership. Her mission is to come alongside parents to provide mindsets and strategies that make you feel proud of how you parent. She hosts the podcast Failing Motherhood and provides many resources for parents through her website. Show Highlights: Why Danielle was inspired to focus her work on helping moms and families How she identified the early childhood years as “ground zero” for families Why she started Wholeheartedly, her one-on-one coaching business for parents of young children Why parents come to Danielle for help when they feel inadequate in the parenting arena, need more tools, and want to do better How parents want to present a united front with their partner and function with more patience and cooperation in the home How parents are challenged in trying to mesh their parenting styles and varied upbringings as they parent their own children Practical tips for parents: Have a time set aside for curious conversations about how things are going, what has worked, what hasn’t worked, etc. Do research for free resources or consider reaching out to an expert for help. How the logistics of “getting help” works with appointments and time commitments Why learning and growing as a parent is like strengthening a muscle Danielle’s resources, classes, and podcast for parents   Connect with Danielle: Danielle’s Parenting Wholeheartedly coaching website Podcast: Failing Motherhood Links/Resources: Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show. Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns: Facebook Instagram Twitter IEP website This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.  

Learning and Growing as a Parent with Danielle Bettmann [IEP 181]

Today’s guest is Diana Pastora Carson, a self-described sibling advocate and a big fan of her brother, Joaquin, who spent 15 years of his life in an institution. Joaquin’s family fought for three years to bring him home, and he fully supports and endorses the way Diana shares their family story.  Diana has been an elementary educator for over 30 years in both general and special education. A lecturer for a Disability and Society course through San Diego State University, Diana also teaches other disability and inclusion courses through SDSU and a local community college. She’s a public speaker, inclusion visionary, and community activist who has also done a TEDtalk. With two terms on the board of Disability Rights California, she currently serves on the board of directors for Disability Voices United. Last year, she helped produce a series for Ability magazine in which she interviewed 50 experts and activists in the field of disability. Diana is the author of Beyond Awareness: Bringing Disability Into Diversity Work in K-12 Schools & Communities and the children’s book, Ed Roberts: Father of Disability Rights.  In addition to starting her own podcast soon, Diana’s upcoming endeavors include launching an online course about disability awareness through a social justice lens. Join us for a closer look at disability awareness and how inclusion in the classroom can benefit every student. Show Highlights: How inclusivity in education has changed--and what it means today A specific example of how Diana used a Marc Anthony song to help a non-speaking student engage with his classmates and the curriculum in her classroom Why a general education setting is best for most children with disabilities, even if their work output is very different How life quality is impacted by the early years of social and emotional opportunities Diana’s advice about the best way for teachers, administrators, and parents to establish more inclusion in schools What it takes to change people’s hearts and minds about inclusion and disability awareness Steps to bring disability awareness and justice Connect with Diana! Visit her website Download Diana’s FREE ebook: The Five Keys to Going Beyond Awareness  Links/Resources: Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show. Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns: Facebook Instagram Twitter IEP website This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.  

Disability Awareness and Inclusion with Diana Pastora Carson [IEP 180]

Today’s episode is the final part of our series to kick off the new school year. Parents, students, and educators were assuming that things would be back to normal by the beginning of the 2021 school year, but we are still in a state of uncertainty. Since COVID-19 has impacted schools in many ways during the past two school years, we have seen many adjustments to learning. CA Assembly Bill 130 addresses the independent study (IS) options, not to be confused with virtual learning. We’ll dive into the bill’s provisions and what it means for school districts and your students. Join us! Show Highlights: Independent study options have existed in many variations at different schools; IS varies from virtual learning in that students are required to do a lot of work on their own without teacher instruction. IS is a common element for students with IEPs and students in special situations that require them to leave school early, arrive late, or do coursework away from school. What’s new about IS in AB 130? School districts in CA are now required to offer IS as an option to students. Why the change? The state recognized that some students aren’t comfortable with full-time in-person learning. What is independent study? Independent study is not the same as virtual learning as it requires a lot of reading and work with much less teacher instruction. The fact is that IS is not a great option for students with IEPs who may not be comfortable with 100% in-person schooling right now. Main components of AB 130: A high standard of strict curriculum instruction minutes Student-to-teacher ratios equivalent to in-person learning Access to Wifi for all IS students Concrete plans to monitor and record student participation The problem is that not all districts are complying with the provisions of AB 130; some are only requiring a one-hour weekly check-in with a teacher. There is an exception to AB 130 that allows IS to be waived for this school year if low enrollment/participation creates an unreasonable fiscal burden for the district. Like most education bills, AB 130 pleases some advocates, but for others, it doesn’t go far enough. Listeners outside of CA should check out what’s happening with education legislation in your state for this school year. Links/Resources: Thank you for listening! We welcome your questions regarding the new school year, guidelines, and protocols, so send them in! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show. Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns: Facebook Instagram Twitter IEP website This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.  

Back to School with COVID-19, Part 3 [IEP 179]

Today’s episode is part two of our three-part series to kick off the new school year. Parents, students, and educators were assuming that things would be back to normal by the beginning of the 2021 school year, but we are still in a state of uncertainty. California legislators have implemented specific steps to help students, even reaching into last school year.  We are taking a closer look at Assembly Bill 104, which was passed in CA in July. We’ll dive into the provisions of the bill and what it means for your students. Join us! Show Highlights: AB 104 was passed in July and included a very quick deadline of August 15 for parents; two major components make up the bill: The pass/no pass option allows 2020-2021 students to apply for a letter grade to be changed to “pass/no pass.” The retention option allows parents to request retention in a consultation if a K-11th grade student had a D, F, or no pass grade in at least half of their course work. Another part of the bill allows for a 5th year for course recovery for students not on track to graduate after four years of high school. IF YOU MISSED THE AUGUST 15 DEADLINE, IEP meetings can be scheduled to implement these measures for your student. California colleges and universities are encouraged to accept pass/no pass grades for incoming students.     Links/Resources: Thank you for listening! We welcome your questions regarding the new school year, guidelines, and protocols, so send them in! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show. Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns: Facebook Instagram Twitter IEP website This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.    

Back to School with COVID-19, Part 2 [IEP 178]

Today’s episode is the first in a three-part series covering guidelines for going back to school for in-person learning for the 2021-2022 school year. It’s hard to believe that we are here on the cusp of beginning another school year, and as with the last two school years, COVID-19 has changed everything for students, educators, and parents. Join us for this three-part guide to everything you need to know and the momentum you need to kick off a new school year. We are discussing COVID-19 guidelines, safety protocols, and the recent teacher vaccine mandate in California. Show Highlights: The Safe Schools for All Hub through the www.cde.ca.gov website is THE place to go for updates and guidelines from the CA Department of Public Health. The main components of the guidelines for schools include: recommended vaccines for everyone over age 12 and a mask mandate for all to allow less social distancing within school activities Mask mandates (with medical exemptions) are identified as part of the best practices for schools, and districts have been busy developing their testing protocols. After a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, the requirements for returning to school are as follows: A negative COVID-19 test 24 hours fever-free (without using fever-reducing medications) Improvement of all symptoms **With any positive COVID-19 test, the guideline is for the person to isolate at home for ten days, even if they have no symptoms Assembly Bill 86, approved in March, requires schools to report COVID-19 cases to their local public health department. If a vaccinated person comes into close contact (per CDC definition) with a positive COVID-19 case, they only have to quarantine if they show symptoms. These safety protocols have to be documented to account for various scenarios and posted on schools’ websites before the school year begins. The recommendation remains that schools limit non-essential visitors, volunteers, and activities for those not fully vaccinated. Why it is still important to conduct meetings virtually when possible so as to limit exposure for those under vaccination age Hand-washing hygiene and rigorous cleaning recommendations are still in place, as well as maximum social distancing when possible for school activities. As of August 11, CA Governor Newsome stated that teachers in CA be fully vaccinated or submit to weekly COVID-19 testing. CA has 6.1 million students and 550,000 teachers (about 90% of teachers are vaccinated so far) Links/Resources: Thank you for listening! We welcome your questions regarding the new school year, guidelines, and protocols, so send them in! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show. Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns: Facebook Instagram Twitter IEP website This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

Back to School with COVID-19, Part 1 [IEP 177]

It’s the end of the school year, and this will be our last episode before we break for the summer. What a year it’s been! Stick with us as we take a look back on this unusual year and its different hybrid models, issues to look out for and to make your teams aware of, and what the 2021-2022 school year may hold.  We appreciate your support and remember, summer break would be a great time to listen to any of our past episodes that you may have missed! Show Highlights: When kids returned to school back in August/September, it was still all distance learning. There was a lot of repetition of content from the previous school year in this past school year. If you have a health care plan within your IEP, you may need to get updated doctor's orders. Communicate with your team! How schools will be addressing regression. Thoughts on enrichment programs. Although it’s been a hard year for everyone, our focus should be on the child that is right in front of us. The trap of lowered expectations. September 2021 will be the jumping-off point. Although it will take some time to get our kiddos caught up academically, we can’t forget to address their mental health and social skills. Consider giving your kids a break this summer. Be mindful of the trauma a child has experienced from this pandemic. During our summer break, you can still visit our website or catch us on social media. We’ll be back soon with new content for you!   Links/Resources: Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show. Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns: Facebook Instagram Twitter IEP website This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

So, We Made It Another Year! [IEP 176]

Carlia Oldfather, Director of Operations from Stand Up for Kids in Orange County, is our guest today! Stand Up for Kids is a national, non-profit organization that serves youth between the ages of 12-24 that are experiencing homelessness. There are twenty chapters throughout the nation. Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at this wonderful organization that is about FAR more than just getting kids off the street. You’ll be glad you did! Show Highlights: In Orange County alone, there are an estimated 31,000 homeless and at-risk youth. Carlia provides additional statistics from the school districts regarding homeless youth. A holistic approach is used when addressing the multiple needs of this at-risk population. Stand Up for Kids is big on partnering with members of the community. Carlia offers different ways for people to get involved in the programs. How COVID impacted their programs. 90% of their high school seniors graduate and go on to college or full-time employment. Stand Up for Kids has four pillars of service: street outreach, outreach centers, mentoring, and apartment support. Carlia shares a heart-warming success story. If you know someone in need of services in Orange County, please call (714) 356-5437.   To Find Out More or to Learn How You Can Help: StandUp For Kids - Orange County Links/Resources: Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show. Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns: Facebook Instagram Twitter IEP website This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

Ending Youth Homelessness with Carlia Oldfather [IEP 175]

If you dread hearing, “What’s for dinner tonight?”, then you’re going to LOVE today’s guest. If, like most of us, you live a busy life, have picky eaters or food allergies in your family, or just need a dash of inspiration and a serving of encouragement for answering that burning question, keep listening!  Marie Fiebach is the founder of “Feed Your Family Tonight”. She is an author, podcaster, coach, and, in her own words, a “Weeknight Dinner Expert”. Marie has plenty of tips and strategies to share with us today! Show Highlights: Marie explains what motivated her to start “Feed Your Family Tonight”. Having dinner together each night as a family builds connection and stability with your children. The pandemic gave those working from home an opportunity to look at dinner differently. Marie addresses balancing different dietary needs within a family. Marie teaches others how to plan their meals around the kind of day that they’re having. “What do I need to do today, in order to be successful later in the week?” Planning WHEN you cook is almost more important than planning WHAT you cook. The importance of having (and how to plan for) backup meals. Marie reflects on the emotional burden of feeding your family. Marie shares her philosophy on base ingredients. Feeding your family is enough. It doesn’t have to be perfect all the time. Connect with Marie: Feed Your Family Tonight’s Website and Instagram Get Marie’s FREE Weekly Meal Plan Sheet Links/Resources: Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show. Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns: Facebook Instagram Twitter IEP website This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

Meal-Time Management with Marie Fiebach [IEP 174]

We’re so thrilled to have Caroline Hines as our guest today. Caroline is a Social-Emotional School Counselor at a public charter school here in California, and she shares with us the advantages that having a dedicated counselor onsite provides, how kindness is taught through each grade level, plus she offers tips on how you can foster more kindness right in your own home. We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did! Show Highlights: Caroline explains her role as a Social-Emotional School Counselor. Having a dedicated Social Emotional Counselor at a school site gives the school an advantage as far as being able to build social-emotional learning. Kindness is the platform used to establish the school’s culture. Caroline shares the philosophy of her “Kind Kids Club”. Caroline breaks down the kindness-learning focus of each grade level. How COVID has affected the transition from distance learning, to hybrid, to in-person learning. What a kindness challenge looks like. Tips for parents to help get kindness in their home.   Connect with Caroline: Follow Caroline on Instagram Links/Resources: Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show. Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns: Facebook Instagram Twitter IEP website This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

Kindness As a Learning Platform with Caroline Hines [IEP 173]

Our guest today describes herself as a “veteran educator, survivor of burnout, and a self-care advocate.” Kayland Lamar coaches educators on self-care practices and boundary-setting in the classroom. If a healthy work-life balance and proactive personal wellness habits seem out of reach for you, then you will definitely want to listen to the tips that Kayland has to share with us, for the classroom and beyond. Kayland Lamar is a high school science teacher who loves her job, loves her students, and teaches at the same high school from which she graduated. Show Highlights: Kayland relates her personal story of burnout that she experienced during her first official teaching job. How setting boundaries can help us find the proper work-life balance. Kayland describes the relationship she has with her students. Being vulnerable with her students lets them know that she has a life outside of the classroom, too. Developing routines with her students helps to set them at ease and know what to expect each day. “Family Fun Friday” - the students have to earn it, but here’s an idea that Kayland occasionally implements in the classroom. How Kayland helped her students weather the COVID storm.   Connect with Kayland! Visit her website, and follow her on Instagram and Twitter! Links/Resources: Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show. Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns: Facebook Instagram Twitter IEP website This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

Self-Care in the Classroom with Kayland Lamar [IEP 172]

Disability rights is the next frontier in civil rights. We believe education is the key to building an inclusive society and ensuring that all students are given an equal opportunity. The Inclusive Education Project Podcast, hosted by Special Education and Civil Rights attorneys, Amanda Selogie and Vickie Brett, offers a fresh, smart perspective on what it takes to truly make our educational systems and communities inclusive. Tune in each week as Amanda and Vickie share insight on topics ranging from education reform to advocating for equal rights for all students, and participating in modern activism. This show will also offer user-friendly resources to help you and your family navigate the educational playing field.

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Inclusive Education Project Podcast

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