In this episode we have an amazing conversation with Barak Ben-Amots, the Educational Director at Flying Pig Farm. Barak highlights the importance of helping our students and educators reconnect with the land in an attempt to help them reconnect with themselves. He shares some phenomenal examples of how getting students outside promotes learning and regulation. As an educator, he truly understands that no one grows alone, and by getting kids access to nature he has uncovered a new found joy in teaching.

Today we connect with our friend Megan Bartlett, who is truly trying to change the game for our student athletes. Megan highlights why sports are so important and the power that comes when our students are given the opportunity to play. Sports can bring a strong sense of belonging and promote regulation and learning in so many ways. Megan also emphasizes that we must be aware that accessing sport is not equal and shares how her organization is working to level the playing field.

In today’s episode we have a great conversation with Alicia García, the Founder of Circle Corps. Alicia talks openly about the collective healing that needs to take place systemically for our adults in education and encourages all of us to disrupt the patterns that continue to exist. As a restorative justice practitioner, she highlights how utilizing a restorative framework helps create learning environments that increase engagement and give voice and control back to the students.

Today we connect with Jase Williams, the Principal of Henry Hill School in New Zealand. Jase begins the episode by honoring his Māori culture and acknowledging his ancestors that are a part of him and his journey. He highlights four specific things he did to change his classrooms and school and says that for us to change this archaic system of education, we must step away from the system and move outside the box.

In today’s episode we connect with Jen Jackson, the Principal at AUL Denver. Jen brings so much insightfulness to our discussion and provides concrete examples of what it looks like to change the system to support our teachers. She reminds us how important joy is for learning and why we must have a deep well of grace to be successful. Jen also challenges all of us to move into advocacy, not just for the students we serve, but for all kids.

In today’s episode we sit down and connect with Stephanie Brown. She sets us up with great takeaways as we move into a new school year. Stephanie talks about why focusing on teachers matters and how that in turn impacts our students. As a counselor, turned principal, turned district leader, she comes from a strong relational lens, and uses strategies as a leader that she used as a teacher.

Today we sit down with Jack Ludlam, an amazing photographer who shares his story with us. Jack’s experience as a student is one that is so familiar for so many students, they want to go North when the system is trying to push them in a different direction. He reminds us that imagery is part of learning, we’ve been using it for millenia to show our experiences and emotions. Jack gives us different examples for how we can use photography to continue to help our students tell their stories and encourage learning.

We are back!! In today’s episode we sit down with Pi'ikea Kalakau-Baarde, who is the Program Manager for a community facing, grant funded program focusing on getting public school students in Hawai’i college and community ready.