Advertise on podcast: The Brighter Side of Education: Research, Innovation & Resources

Send us a text How can STEM education keep pace with a rapidly changing world? In this episode of The Brighter Side of Education, host Dr. Lisa Hassler explores innovative approaches to STEM learning with Dr. Jennifer Berry, CEO of SmartLab. This conversation examines how authentic, project-based STEM experiences help students build STEM identity, develop problem-solving skills, and see real connections between classroom learning and future careers. Drawing on research, classroom examples, and real-world applications, Dr. Berry explains why purpose matters more than tools—and how productive struggle, community partnerships, and industry-aligned learning environments can expand access and opportunity for all students. Listeners will gain insight into: • Why STEM identity is critical for student engagement and persistence • How real-world problems strengthen learning outcomes • Ways schools can integrate STEM without overhauling entire systems • The role of educators, facilitators, and communities in equitable STEM access • Preparing students with human skills that matter in an AI-driven future Whether you’re an educator, school leader, parent, or policymaker, this episode offers research-grounded strategies for preparing students for careers that don’t yet exist—while keeping learning meaningful, inclusive, and future-ready. 💡 This episode is CPD accredited! Educators can now earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) minutes by listening. To claim your certificate: Listen to the full episodeVisit https://thecpd.group/podcastEnter code 800156 to check in and download your certificateListen. Learn. Earn. Great News! The Brighter Side of Education is now CPD Accredited!  Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMDTrusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily. Head to the show notes to find if this episode is CPD eligible and details on how to claim your CPD certification! Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMDTrusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily. Support the show If you have a story about what's working in your schools that you'd like to share, email me at [email protected] or visit www.drlisahassler.com. Subscribe, tell a friend, and consider becoming a supporter by clicking the link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2048018/support. The music in this podcast was written and performed by Brandon Picciolini of the Lonesome Family Band. Visit and follow him on Instagram.

Send us a text What if a few words and a simple image could reshape how students treat each other—and how they feel about themselves? We dive into bucket filling, a plain-language framework that sparked a global kindness movement. Grounded in the CASEL competencies and early brain research, this approach replaces vague advice with three clear rules: be a bucket filler, try not to dip, and use your lid. Carol McCloud, president of Bucket Fillers Academy and author of 11 children’s books, shares how the metaphor took root in classrooms and homes, why it resonates from preschool to adults, and how “fill more, dip less, use the lid” becomes a daily rhythm. We talk through scaffolding the concepts by age, from concrete acts of kindness to the advanced skill of setting boundaries. Carol offers ready-to-use ideas: a 30-minute eye-to-eye affirmation circle that changes classroom tone, a daily pledge that keeps the habit top-of-mind, and family rituals that ask, “Whose bucket did you fill today—and what filled yours?” Expect data as well as heart. You will hear how one principal, once skeptical, watched behavior referrals fall by 68% after tracking witnessed kindness with classroom buckets and school-wide action. We also explore how the language reframes bullying as a behavior to be changed, not an identity to be assigned, helping students respond with empathy, accountability, and self-control.  Along the way, Carol points to free posters, songs, and multilingual tools at bucketfillers101.com to make the practice stick across mornings, group work, and conflict resolution. If you believe culture drives learning, this episode gives you a shared vocabulary, practical routines, and the science-backed reminder that tiny acts create big ripples. Subscribe, share with a colleague, and leave a review to help more educators and families discover tools that make kindness visible. What bucket will you fill today? 💡 This episode is CPD accredited! Educators can now earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) minutes by listening. To claim your certificate: Listen to the full episodeVisit https://thecpd.group/podcastEnter code 800154 to check in and download your certificateListen. Learn. Earn. Great News! The Brighter Side of Education is now CPD Accredited!  Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMDTrusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily. Head to the show notes to find if this episode is CPD eligible and details on how to claim your CPD certification! Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMDTrusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily. Support the show If you have a story about what's working in your schools that you'd like to share, email me at [email protected] or visit www.drlisahassler.com. Subscribe, tell a friend, and consider becoming a supporter by clicking the link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2048018/support. The music in this podcast was written and performed by Brandon Picciolini of the Lonesome Family Band. Visit and follow him on Instagram.

Send us a text We hit “Go Live” to close our longest season yet and lean into a simple truth: growth beats perfect. Holiday crunch time made the choice easy—pivot, try the new thing, and share what’s working for educators and parents who want less noise and more clarity. We review the milestone that mattered most this year—CPD credits for listeners—so your professional learning can count toward recertification while you collect practical strategies you’ll actually use. Across the season, AI literacy became a defining throughline. We highlight four standout conversations featuring innovators who make AI useful, ethical, and human-centered. From Endless Studios and its free pathway for students to build real portfolios, to teacher- and parent-friendly guidance on boundaries, citations, and transparency, we map a path from curiosity to confident use. You’ll hear about Notebook LM for source-grounded studying that turns dense readings into clear summaries and audio explainers, Canva AI for building interactive learning games in minutes, and InstaLesson for drafting adaptable, standards-aligned lessons that save precious time. We also talk candidly about moving to video, why showing the unpolished version matters, and how small rituals—at school and at home—keep everyone steady when routines fall apart. Parents get practical advice on setting expectations and modeling ethical AI use, while teachers get permission to start small, iterate, and invite students to use tools responsibly rather than banning them. Innovation, we argue, is about people first and tools second; relationships and good judgment turn new tech into better learning. Season four launches January 15 with more conversations, more practical resources, and more human stories from the brighter side of education. If this resonated, subscribe, share it with a colleague or parent, and leave a quick review—what tool or mindset will you try next? Great News! The Brighter Side of Education is now CPD Accredited!  Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMDTrusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily. Head to the show notes to find if this episode is CPD eligible and details on how to claim your CPD certification! Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMDTrusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily. Support the show If you have a story about what's working in your schools that you'd like to share, email me at [email protected] or visit www.drlisahassler.com. Subscribe, tell a friend, and consider becoming a supporter by clicking the link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2048018/support. The music in this podcast was written and performed by Brandon Picciolini of the Lonesome Family Band. Visit and follow him on Instagram.

Send us a text Are we preparing young people to follow instructions or to solve real problems? We explore a better path with Barry Garapedian—financial advisor, mentor, and author of Winning the Game of Life—who makes a compelling case for teaching value creation as the antidote to uncertainty, inflation, and the AI upheaval. Together, we unpack the hidden curriculum, why compliance still shadows classrooms, and how to build graduates who contribute, not just compete. Barry maps out his Seven Fs—family, faith, friends, fitness, financial, fun, philanthropy—as a practical life blueprint. We dig into the systems that turn big ideas into daily progress: mentors over guesswork, a color-coded calendar, KPIs for sleep and routines, and 90-day goals across work, personal growth, and wellness. He shares the “impossible goal” that raises your baseline, plus a decision-board approach that keeps your aspirations visible and actionable. We go tactical with micro-leadership: “practice going first,” replace weasel words, and learn to hold “third vault” conversations that create trust and impact. Barry reframes ADHD as a superpower when paired with structure, and offers an anxiety playbook—never worry alone, get the facts, make a plan. For parents and educators, we lay out how to allow healthy struggle while opening doors to mentors and networks. For students, we emphasize AQ—adaptability—as the new edge in an AI-powered economy, backed by four reliability habits anyone can master. By the end, you’ll have a toolkit to help young adults measure ROI as return on impact, choose better books and better rooms, and codify shared values with a family constitution. Ready to shift from achievement to contribution and help the next generation become confident problem solvers? Follow the show, share with someone who needs a nudge, and leave a review to help more listeners find us. 💡 This episode is CPD accredited! Educators can now earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) minutes by listening. To claim your certificate: Listen to the full episodeVisit https://thecpd.group/podcastEnter code 800151 to check in and download your certificateListen. Learn. Earn. Great News! The Brighter Side of Education is now CPD Accredited!  Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMDTrusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily. Head to the show notes to find if this episode is CPD eligible and details on how to claim your CPD certification! Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMDTrusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily. Support the show If you have a story about what's working in your schools that you'd like to share, email me at [email protected] or visit www.drlisahassler.com. Subscribe, tell a friend, and consider becoming a supporter by clicking the link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2048018/support. The music in this podcast was written and performed by Brandon Picciolini of the Lonesome Family Band. Visit and follow him on Instagram.

Send us a text Imagine a school where grades reward collaboration, character, and genuine mastery—not just memorization and speed. In this episode, Dean of Academics Marc Aronson shares how his school, Cheshire Academy,  rethought assessment through Grading What Matters, a framework focused on authentic learning, student agency, and mission-aligned outcomes. We explore Final Demonstrations of Learning instead of exams, a Community of Learners model that grades students on contribution and engagement, and a fully open honors pathway where any student can earn honors inside their regular class. Drawing from research by Grant Wiggins and Eric Mazur, Marc explains why performance assessments build deeper learning, why narrative feedback matters more than percentages, and how shifting to mission-based grading builds belonging, confidence, and durable skills. What you’ll learn: • How to design authentic assessments & FDOLs • How to grade collaboration and community contribution • Why narrative feedback drives real motivation • Practical steps to begin grading what truly matters If grades shape how students see themselves, let them measure what counts: mastery, growth, and contribution. 💡 This episode is CPD accredited! Educators can now earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) minutes by listening. To claim your certificate: Listen to the full episodeVisit https://thecpd.group/podcastEnter code 800150 to check in and download your certificateListen. Learn. Earn. Great News! The Brighter Side of Education is now CPD Accredited!  Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMDTrusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily. Head to the show notes to find if this episode is CPD eligible and details on how to claim your CPD certification! Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMDTrusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily. Support the show If you have a story about what's working in your schools that you'd like to share, email me at [email protected] or visit www.drlisahassler.com. Subscribe, tell a friend, and consider becoming a supporter by clicking the link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2048018/support. The music in this podcast was written and performed by Brandon Picciolini of the Lonesome Family Band. Visit and follow him on Instagram.

Send us a text Play isn’t just fun—it’s a blueprint for learning. In this episode, Dr. Lisa Hassler and Matt Dalio (Endless Studios/Foundation) explore how student game-making builds creativity, collaboration, and resilience while scaffolding real tools—from no-code building to Unity and Blender. We unpack the research on learning by making, connect Jane McGonigal’s mechanics of motivation to classroom practice, and trace a big-picture story from the printing press to software literacy.  Matt lays out why the next divide is not just devices and bandwidth, but the ability to create with digital tools and command AI workflows. You’ll hear how  teachers can launch projects in minutes, not months. Along the way, we challenge the input-obsessed mindset of school and advocate for outcome-focused learning: build something that works, share it, improve it. Highlights: Research showing gains from student-created gamesEndstar’s classroom-friendly on-ramp to pro tools: from no-code to UnityMultidisciplinary learning: CS, art, writing, math, project mgmtEquity: offline-first kits + affordable devicesAI, software literacy, and outcome-based learningPlay as a driver of learning, resilience, and creativityClassroom rollout, peer learning, and ready-to-use curriculaClosing the digital divide with devices and offline contentBecoming power users of AI and building real-world outputsMatt Dalio- [email protected] 💡 This episode is CPD accredited! Educators can now earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) minutes by listening. To claim your certificate: Listen to the full episodeVisit https://thecpd.group/podcastEnter code 800149 to check in and download your certificateListen. Learn. Earn. Great News! The Brighter Side of Education is now CPD Accredited!  Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMDTrusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily. Head to the show notes to find if this episode is CPD eligible and details on how to claim your CPD certification! Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMDTrusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily. Support the show If you have a story about what's working in your schools that you'd like to share, email me at [email protected] or visit www.drlisahassler.com. Subscribe, tell a friend, and consider becoming a supporter by clicking the link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2048018/support. The music in this podcast was written and performed by Brandon Picciolini of the Lonesome Family Band. Visit and follow him on Instagram.

Send us a text Nearly 1 in 10 children are diagnosed with ADHD, yet most educators receive no formal training in supporting executive function deficits. This gap creates challenges for teachers, frustration for parents, and academic struggles for students who are often mislabeled as unmotivated or lazy. In this episode, Dr. Lisa Hassler speaks with Ann Dolin M.Ed., founder of Educational Connections and author of "Homework Made Simple," about the critical role of executive function in student success and practical strategies for supporting ADHD learners. Topics Covered: Executive function skills and their impact on academic performanceDistinguishing between motivation deficits and executive function challengesThe cycle of negative feedback and declining student confidenceEvidence-based classroom accommodations and visual organization techniquesHomework modification strategies that maintain academic rigorMetacognitive questioning approaches that promote student agencyAppropriate integration of AI tools in learningWhen to implement executive function coaching versus subject-specific tutoringAbout Our Guest: Ann Dolin, M.Ed., has 30+ years of experience in education. She founded Educational Connections 27 years ago and is the author of "Homework Made Simple" and "Getting Past Procrastination." Her work focuses on executive function coaching and academic support for students with ADHD and learning differences. Resources: Educational Connections: ectutoring.com 💡 This episode is CPD accredited! Educators can now earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) minutes by listening. To claim your certificate: Listen to the full episodeVisit https://thecpd.group/podcastEnter code 800146 to check in and download your certificateListen. Learn. Earn. Great News! The Brighter Side of Education is now CPD Accredited!  Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMDTrusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily. Head to the show notes to find if this episode is CPD eligible and details on how to claim your CPD certification! Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMDTrusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily. Support the show If you have a story about what's working in your schools that you'd like to share, email me at [email protected] or visit www.drlisahassler.com. Subscribe, tell a friend, and consider becoming a supporter by clicking the link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2048018/support. The music in this podcast was written and performed by Brandon Picciolini of the Lonesome Family Band. Visit and follow him on Instagram.

Send us a text The digital revolution in education is happening right now, and AI literacy has surged to become the #1 skill employers demand. With 70% of job skills projected to change by 2030, our conversation with Mike Todasco couldn't be more timely or crucial for parents and educators navigating this shifting landscape. Mike brings a rare dual perspective as both a visiting fellow at San Diego State University's AI Center and father of two school-aged children. His insights bridge the technical sophistication of artificial intelligence with the practical realities of raising children in a world where over 22% of kids aged 8-12 already use generative AI tools—many unable to distinguish between AI and human content. Throughout our discussion, Mike unpacks the delicate balance between embracing AI's educational potential and protecting children's cognitive development. We share compelling research about reduced prefrontal cortex activity when students rely on AI for writing tasks, alongside stories of remarkable progress when AI tutors are thoughtfully implemented. The contrast is stark and highlights the importance of intentional implementation. What makes this conversation particularly valuable are the practical applications. From using voice mode in ChatGPT during car rides to create personalized learning experiences, to implementing retrieval augmented generation (RAG) systems that minimize AI "hallucinations," Mike offers tangible strategies that work both in classrooms and at home. His suggestion to dedicate specific portions of curricula to AI literacy while preserving traditional instruction for foundational skills provides a balanced framework any educator can adapt. Perhaps most thought-provoking is his examination of children forming emotional attachments to AI companions programmed to be unfailingly supportive—raising profound questions about healthy relationship development in an increasingly AI-integrated world. As Mike puts it, "This is what scares me the most." Whether you're a teacher redesigning curriculum, a parent guiding digital natives, or simply curious about education's AI-powered future, this conversation provides the clarity and practical wisdom needed to ensure technology serves learning rather than diminishes it. The question isn't whether AI will transform education—it's whether we'll shape that transformation to truly benefit our children. 💡 This episode is CPD accredited! Educators can now earn Continu Great News! The Brighter Side of Education is now CPD Accredited!  Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMDTrusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily. Head to the show notes to find if this episode is CPD eligible and details on how to claim your CPD certification! Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMDTrusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily. Support the show If you have a story about what's working in your schools that you'd like to share, email me at [email protected] or visit www.drlisahassler.com. Subscribe, tell a friend, and consider becoming a supporter by clicking the link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2048018/support. The music in this podcast was written and performed by Brandon Picciolini of the Lonesome Family Band. Visit and follow him on Instagram.

Send us a text Discover why handwriting instruction is disappearing from classrooms and how this impacts your child's literacy development. In this research-backed episode, handwriting specialist Holly Britton reveals the neuroscience behind why forming letters by hand activates crucial brain pathways that typing cannot replicate. What You'll Learn: Why explicit handwriting instruction is missing from most schools and its impact on reading comprehensionThe kinesthetic connection between hand movement and language acquisition in the brainEvidence-based strategies for teaching proper letter formation and pencil gripHow to support children struggling with handwriting difficulties and learning differencesWhether cursive writing still matters in digital educationPractical tools and techniques that make handwriting easier for young learnersWhat happens when handwriting instruction is delayed or skipped entirelyKey Research Discussed: Studies from Indiana University, University of Washington, and Frontiers in Psychology demonstrate that students who practice handwriting show stronger neural activation for reading and language, write more words, express more ideas, and develop better fine motor skills than those who rely solely on keyboards. Guest Expert: Holly Britton, M.Ed., is founder of the Squiggle Squad Method, a research-based handwriting program used in schools across the United States. With 25+ years in education, Holly bridges the gap between educational neuroscience and practical classroom application. Perfect for: Elementary teachers, parents of young children, homeschoolers, special education professionals, and anyone interested in literacy development and brain-based learning strategies. Resources Mentioned: SquiggleSquad.com - Free name worksheet generatorContact: [email protected] by Karin James (Indiana University)Virginia Berninger's handwriting studies (University of Washington)Great News! The Brighter Side of Education is now CPD Accredited!  Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMDTrusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily. Head to the show notes to find if this episode is CPD eligible and details on how to claim your CPD certification! Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMDTrusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily. Support the show If you have a story about what's working in your schools that you'd like to share, email me at [email protected] or visit www.drlisahassler.com. Subscribe, tell a friend, and consider becoming a supporter by clicking the link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2048018/support. The music in this podcast was written and performed by Brandon Picciolini of the Lonesome Family Band. Visit and follow him on Instagram.

Send us a text The transition from college to adulthood has dramatically transformed over recent decades, with financial independence, full-time employment, and independent living occurring much later for today's graduates than their 1980s counterparts. Yet despite these shifting timelines, Sallie Mae's latest research reveals that higher education continues to deliver tremendous value for Gen Z. According to Annat Shrabstein, Senior Director of Consumer Insights & Brand Strategy at Sallie Mae, their "How America Succeeds After College 2025" report uncovers interesting insights about what success truly means for recent graduates. Research reveals a significant shift in how Gen Z defines post-college success, balancing financial health, mental wellbeing, and career satisfaction in a world where traditional adulthood milestones are happening later than ever. The data challenges common assumptions about higher education's value while highlighting critical opportunities to better prepare students for life after graduation. • Only 25% of 21-year-olds in 2021 were financially independent, compared to 42% in 1980 • 90% of recent graduates report positive college experiences, with 70% believing education was worth the cost • 74% of grads who used student loans say they would have rather borrowed than not gone to college  • Students who use career services are significantly more likely to find jobs in their field • 64% of graduates wish they had fully engaged in all their college had to offer • Having a mentor is the attribute most strongly associated with post-college success • Almost two-thirds of recent graduates are living with parents two years after college Visit salliemae.com to access college planning tools including Scholly Scholarship Search, Scout College Search, step-by-step FAFSA guides, and research reports. Email [email protected] to share stories about what's working in your schools. 💡 This episode is CPD accredited! Educators can now earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) minutes by listening. To claim your certificate: Listen to the full episodeVisit https://thecpd.group/podcastEnter code 800141 to check in and download your certificateListen. Learn. Earn. Great News! The Brighter Side of Education is now CPD Accredited!  Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMDTrusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily. Head to the show notes to find if this episode is CPD eligible and details on how to claim your CPD certification! Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMDTrusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily. Support the show If you have a story about what's working in your schools that you'd like to share, email me at [email protected] or visit www.drlisahassler.com. Subscribe, tell a friend, and consider becoming a supporter by clicking the link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2048018/support. The music in this podcast was written and performed by Brandon Picciolini of the Lonesome Family Band. Visit and follow him on Instagram.

Send us a text Curriculum doesn’t start in the classroom—it starts in the knowledge system: the people, institutions, and practices that produce and disseminate research. Dr. Cassidy Sugimoto, a Tom and Marie Patton Professor and School Chair from the School of Public Policy at Georgia Tech, explains how publishing and citation practices flow into standards and textbooks. Dr. Sugimoto highlights the systemic barriers faced by women and underrepresented minorities in academia and how these barriers affect what is taught in classrooms. The discussion also covers the need to redefine success in academia and the importance of inclusive curricula that reflect diverse perspectives. Finally, Dr. Sugimoto encourages educators to foster inquiry-based learning by shifting the focus from what students learn to the questions they ask. Takeaways A knowledge system is the ecosystem in which knowledge is made.The lack of women and minorities in academia affects knowledge production.Representation in science influences girls' interest in STEM fields.Words used by educators can significantly impact students' self-perception.Success metrics in academia often exclude diverse perspectives.Diversity in research leads to more comprehensive knowledge.AI-generated materials can perpetuate stereotypes.Educators should recognize biases in the materials they use.Encouraging questions fosters a sense of inquiry in students.Education is influenced by broader societal knowledge systems.💡 This episode is CPD accredited! Educators can now earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) minutes by listening. To claim your certificate: Listen to the full episodeVisit https://thecpd.group/podcastEnter code 800140 to check in and download your certificateListen. Learn. Earn. Great News! The Brighter Side of Education is now CPD Accredited!  Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMDTrusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily. Head to the show notes to find if this episode is CPD eligible and details on how to claim your CPD certification! Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMDTrusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily. Support the show If you have a story about what's working in your schools that you'd like to share, email me at [email protected] or visit www.drlisahassler.com. Subscribe, tell a friend, and consider becoming a supporter by clicking the link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2048018/support. The music in this podcast was written and performed by Brandon Picciolini of the Lonesome Family Band. Visit and follow him on Instagram.

Send us a text Quality childcare creates the foundation for lifelong learning and development, but finding the right program often leaves parents confused, frustrated, and uncertain. What should you actually look for beyond a clean facility and friendly staff? How do you know if a program will nurture your child's development in ways that matter? In this illuminating conversation, Dr. Lisa Hassler welcomes Judith Sikora, a respected voice in early childhood education with over three decades of leadership at national organizations like Child Care Aware of America. Sikora cuts through the confusion with practical wisdom that helps parents make informed choices based on what truly matters. We explore the crucial differences between licensing (minimum safety standards) and quality indicators, examining adult-to-child ratios, curriculum approaches, staff qualifications, and physical environments. Sikora explains why staff trained specifically in early childhood education rather than elementary education provide better experiences for young children—"it's like comparing elephants to apples"—and guides parents through evaluating center-based programs, family childcare homes, and friend/family care options based on their child's unique temperament and needs. Perhaps most surprisingly, Sikora challenges the common parental focus on academic readiness, revealing why communication skills and problem-solving abilities matter far more than memorizing letters and numbers at early ages. She offers specific questions to ask during program visits, observations to make about toys and activities, and explains how to access helpful resources like childcareaware.org's age-specific checklists. 🔗 Resources & Checklists • Child Care Aware — Childcare Program Checklists • Find your local CCR&R 💡 This episode is CPD accredited! Educators can now earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) minutes by listening. To claim your certificate: Listen to the full episodeVisit https://thecpd.group/podcastEnter code 800138 to check in and download your certificateListen. Learn. Earn. Great News! The Brighter Side of Education is now CPD Accredited!  Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMDTrusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily. Head to the show notes to find if this episode is CPD eligible and details on how to claim your CPD certification! Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMDTrusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily. Support the show If you have a story about what's working in your schools that you'd like to share, email me at [email protected] or visit www.drlisahassler.com. Subscribe, tell a friend, and consider becoming a supporter by clicking the link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2048018/support. The music in this podcast was written and performed by Brandon Picciolini of the Lonesome Family Band. Visit and follow him on Instagram.

Send us a text Behind the concrete walls and steel bars of America's prisons, something remarkable is happening. Education—once considered an afterthought in correctional settings—is proving to be one of the most powerful tools for transformation, not just for individuals but for entire institutions. Our conversation with Joshua Gilliam, who brings a unique dual perspective as both a former correctional officer and current university instructor, reveals the profound impact of educational opportunities for incarcerated individuals. Drawing on over a decade of experience and his ongoing doctoral research, Joshua shares compelling evidence that participation in higher education programs significantly reduces behavioral incidents within facilities while opening pathways to meaningful employment after release. The journey of prison education reflects America's evolving approach to rehabilitation. From the early "nothing works" doctrine to today's restoration of Second Chance Pell grants in 2023—after being eliminated by the 1994 Crime Bill—represents a crucial policy change making college accessible behind bars again. What makes this conversation particularly timely is the potential for mutual benefit. As colleges face enrollment challenges from demographic shifts and pandemic disruptions, correctional education programs offer a way to fill seats while fulfilling their educational mission. For correctional facilities, education creates safer environments for both incarcerated people and staff while addressing the staggering human and financial costs of America's world-leading incarceration rates. Perhaps most moving is the human element—older students mentoring younger ones, individuals overcoming literacy challenges to read their first book, or former substance users preparing for careers helping others overcome addiction. Consider this: nearly everyone incarcerated today will eventually return to our neighborhoods. The question isn't whether they'll come home, but who they'll be when they do.  💡 This episode is CPD accredited! Educators can now earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) minutes by listening. To claim your certificate: Listen to the full episodeVisit https://thecpd.group/podcastEnter code 800131 to check in and download your certificateListen. Learn. Earn. Great News! The Brighter Side of Education is now CPD Accredited!  Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMDTrusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily. Head to the show notes to find if this episode is CPD eligible and details on how to claim your CPD certification! Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMDTrusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily. Support the show If you have a story about what's working in your schools that you'd like to share, email me at [email protected] or visit www.drlisahassler.com. Subscribe, tell a friend, and consider becoming a supporter by clicking the link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2048018/support. The music in this podcast was written and performed by Brandon Picciolini of the Lonesome Family Band. Visit and follow him on Instagram.

Send us a text Secondary music classrooms are increasingly challenged by student disengagement—especially when traditional models fail to resonate with today’s learners. In this compelling episode, professional bassist and music educator Richard Frank introduces his Unison-Based Content (UBC) approach, a student-centered framework designed to revitalize music programs and re-engage learners of all skill levels. UBC shifts away from the conventional jazz band structure, offering a more inclusive model that welcomes diverse instrumentation—including non-traditional instruments—and varying skill levels from the start. By blending formal (notation and theory) and informal (playing by ear) learning traditions, Frank creates a “blended space” where all students feel validated and empowered. Educators will gain practical strategies for: Engaging mixed-skill ensembles with adaptable arrangementsIncorporating tab notation and alternative instrumentsEncouraging improvisation through simultaneous group playingPromoting student agency through choice and music analysisSupporting SEL through confidence-building collaborationConnecting classroom music to real-world performance opportunitiesIdeal for secondary educators seeking to refresh their approach or supplement existing programs, this method bridges the gap between traditional music education and contemporary student needs. Explore ready-to-use resources at PlayTheGroove.com and discover how UBC can transform your classroom into a space where all students groove—and grow. 💡 This episode is CPD accredited! Educators can now earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) minutes by listening. To claim your certificate: Listen to the full episodeVisit https://thecpd.group/podcastEnter code 800130 to check in and download your certificateListen. Learn. Earn. Great News! The Brighter Side of Education is now CPD Accredited!  Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMDTrusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily. Head to the show notes to find if this episode is CPD eligible and details on how to claim your CPD certification! Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMDTrusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily. Support the show If you have a story about what's working in your schools that you'd like to share, email me at [email protected] or visit www.drlisahassler.com. Subscribe, tell a friend, and consider becoming a supporter by clicking the link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2048018/support. The music in this podcast was written and performed by Brandon Picciolini of the Lonesome Family Band. Visit and follow him on Instagram.

Send us a text Discover the power of equine therapy through the eyes of specialist Erin Cain, founder of Grace Reins Equine Therapy in Colorado. When words fall short in traditional therapy settings, horses step in as powerful healers for children struggling with anxiety, trauma, and emotional regulation. The science behind this approach is fascinating. Horses, with heart rates half that of humans despite their massive size, naturally help children downregulate their nervous systems through a mirroring effect. This physiological connection creates a safe space for emotional processing that bypasses the need for verbal expression. For children who find traditional therapy settings intimidating or ineffective, the barn becomes a sanctuary where healing happens through movement, trust, and connection. What makes Erin's program particularly special is her work with rescued wild mustangs. These magnificent animals bring their own stories of resilience and recovery to the therapeutic relationship, creating powerful parallels for children who have experienced hardship. As children learn the mustangs' journeys from trauma to trust, they discover new narratives for their own lives. The program extends beyond individual therapy to support entire family systems and provide educator wellness sessions, recognizing that healing happens in community. Even without direct access to horses, parents and educators can incorporate elements of biophilia into daily routines. Simple practices like breath work, guided visualizations, and mindful movement help children build "cellular memory" of calm they can access anywhere. These techniques offer powerful tools for emotional regulation that complement traditional educational approaches. Ready to explore how equine therapy might benefit a child in your life? Organizations like PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) can connect you with certified programs in your area.  💡 This episode is CPD accredited! Educators can now earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) minutes by listening. To claim your certificate: Listen to the full episodeVisit https://thecpd.group/podcastEnter code 800128 to check in and download your certificateListen. Learn. Earn. Great News! The Brighter Side of Education is now CPD Accredited!  Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMDTrusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily. Head to the show notes to find if this episode is CPD eligible and details on how to claim your CPD certification! Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMDTrusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily. Support the show If you have a story about what's working in your schools that you'd like to share, email me at [email protected] or visit www.drlisahassler.com. Subscribe, tell a friend, and consider becoming a supporter by clicking the link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2048018/support. The music in this podcast was written and performed by Brandon Picciolini of the Lonesome Family Band. Visit and follow him on Instagram.