The CharacterStrong Podcast

John talks with new CharacterStrong team member and veteran educator Don Bartel about the topic "The Way Out Is Through", they discuss the new CharacterStrong student leadership conference, and they share why the topics of purpose, influence, and obstacles are so important.

Nationally-recognized speaker, counselor, and author Barbara Gruener thrives on positively influencing character change, passionately helping people create caring connections, and intentionally improving school climate and culture. Her innovative, inspirational ideas are sparked by her 37 years in education growing alongside learners from every age and stage and helping them to find their purpose and pursue their passion. Her 2014 Mom's Choice Gold Award Winner, What's Under Your Cape?, is filled with engaging empowerment strategies to serve all stakeholders stretch and soar. When she's not working, Barbara enjoys spending time with her husband John and their adult children.

Nikolete Nikravan went to UHCL, graduated with her BA in Math and her 7-12 Math Certification in May of 2019. She won New Teacher of The Year for Santa Fe High School last school year, and was featured on the news for delivering gift bags to all 97 of her students during covid/distance learning. Currently, Nikolete is a math teacher at Santa Fe HS, coaches girls basketball, and is in school to get her masters in Educational Leadership.

Felisha Fields is a Mississippi native & she graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi. She is in her 11th year in education and her 2nd year in Crowley ISD. Felisha has spent 9 years as an ELAR teacher and was featured on NBC 5's Carter in the Classroom. She is an advocate for Positivity inside and outside the classroom, Optimism in learning, Student and Colleague Mentorship, and promotes a positive growth mindset.

CharacterStrong Co-Founder John Norlin reminds us that sometimes when things get difficult the first thing we can forget is our purpose, he talks about the difference between happiness and purpose, and he shares about the 4 different levels of happiness.

Today we kick off a new series highlighting EduHeroes! We know that there are education heroes in every building in every district, and we want to help put a spotlight on who they are & the amazing things that they do. Today we talk with Melissa Purswell, a middle school teacher at Armand Larive Middle School in Hermiston, Oregon.

Tracy Kelly has ten years teaching Special Education in California. He has taught all grades K-12, as well as being a Lecturer, both Adjunct and Full Time, at University level. He taught those that were inspired to be General Education and Special Education Teachers. He earned an BA in Economics, MA in Special Education, and his Ed.D. in candidacy status in Educational Leadership. He has edited six books as he continues to write his dissertation on the self-efficacy of Special Education teachers. You can interact with Tracy on Twitter @tracyscottkelly. Maren Kelly has been teaching Special Education for 14 years, 13 years in a moderate to severe environment from pre - k to 6th grade and 1 year as an RSP 8th grade teacher. She taught two years in a preschool Autism program then one Year in an Autism Specific class with k-5th grade. Maren had the pleasure of working with Dr. Ron Leaf who is the Director of Autism Partnership. She has earned a BA in Political Science/Pre-Law, and is finishing her Master's with Arizona State University in Curriculum and Instruction emphasizing in Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can connect with Maren on Twitter @k_curiousg22m

We talk with Principal Marcia Stephens, Instructional Coach Kacy Russell, & 4th Grade Teacher Sydni Edwards from Airport Road Intermediate School about their participation in Rock Your School, the culture of outside the box thinking that this event helped create, and the positive impact that it has had with students.

Amy Campbell was the 2020 Washington State Teacher of the Year. After earning her Master in Teaching, Amy realized her deep passion for supporting students with unique learning needs and returned to school for an endorsement in special education. She has been teaching at Helen Baller Elementary School for 12 years. In her position as a teacher of students with significant learning challenges, she collaborates with staff, parents, and community to develop individualized plans that focus on each student's unique skills, abilities, and interests to help them find their place among their peers in the school community. Amy does not live in a world of deficits. She lives and teaches a world of possibilities, potential, and opportunities.

Dr. Byron McClure is a National Certified School Psychologist currently redesigning a high school in Southeast, D.C. His work centers around influencing systemic change and ensuring students from high-poverty communities has access to a quality education. Dr. McClure has extensive knowledge and expertise in mental health, social emotional learning, and behavior. Dr. McClure has done considerable work advocating for fair and equitable discipline practices for all students, particularly, for African-American boys. He has designed and implemented school-wide initiatives such as SEL, restorative practices, RTI, and trauma responsive practices. As a result of this work, led by Dr. McClure, his school recently won the 2019-2020 Whole Child Award. Dr. McClure has presented across the country as a panelist, and featured keynote speaker. He believes in the power of dreaming big to make dreams come true!