

Teaching Learning Leading K-12
Steven Miletto
Providing ideas and resources for K-12 teachers and school-based administrators.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 8, 2025 • 48min
Annalies Corbin, PhD - The PAST Foundation: Access Through Innovation - 784
Annalies Corbin, PhD - The PAST Foundation: Access Through Innovation. This is episode 784 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast.
Dr. Annalies Corbin is the Chief Goddess, President & CEO of the PAST Foundation. In 2000, Dr. Corbin founded the PAST Foundation, an organization she envisioned could lead the way to connecting scientific research with classrooms, schools and communities.
From a single school partnership in 2006, Annalies has grown PAST’s supporters across the nation, building a reputation for both transforming teaching and learning by understanding tomorrow’s education needs. In 2015, Annalies’ commitment to transforming schools led to the development of PAST Innovation Lab. Connecting directly with teachers through online professional development courses, MAEd program and on-site workshops, PAST Innovation Lab impacts more classrooms and expands learning opportunities for teachers and students everywhere.
In 25 years, PAST has impacted more than 3.2 million students, over 25,000 teachers across 42 states, hosting nearly 20,000 visitors and building hundreds of partnerships.
In 2019, Annalies and PAST launched Learning Unboxed. This podcast series highlights industry experts and students talking about the changing needs in the world of teaching, learning and the future of work. Rather than trying to fix a system that is working exactly as it was designed, this series challenges listeners to join the conversation of how we “unbox” education and create innovative solutions to better meet workforce needs.
Our focus today is ... The PAST Foundation and Learning Unboxed.
Great conversation!
So much to think about!
Thanks for listening!
Thanks for sharing!
Before you go...
You could help support this podcast by Buying Me A Coffee. Not really buying me something to drink but clicking on the link on my home page at https://stevenmiletto.com for Buy Me a Coffee or by going to this link Buy Me a Coffee.
This would allow you to donate to help the show address the costs associated with producing the podcast from upgrading gear to the fees associated with producing the show. That would be cool. Thanks for thinking about it.
Hey, I've got another favor...could you share the podcast with one of your friends, colleagues, and family members? Hmmm? What do you think? Thank you!
You are AWESOME!
Connect & Learn More:
www.pastfoundation.org
annalies@pastfoundation.org
https://www.facebook.com/PastFoundation
https://x.com/pastfoundation
https://x.com/AnnaliesCorbin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/annalies-corbin-4016121/
Length - 47:32

Sep 4, 2025 • 54min
Brandy Samuell - Student Needs for Mental Well-Being, Dangers Associated with AI for Mental Care, and the Role that Technology Can Play When It Supports Human Connection - 783
Brandy Samuell - Student Needs for Mental Well-Being, Dangers Associated with AI for Mental Care, and the Role that Technology Can Play in Supporting Student Mental Health When It Supports Human Connection. This is episode 783 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast.
Brandy Samuell, M. Ed., is a seasoned educator with an impressive 32-year career dedicated to public education. Her extensive experience encompasses roles ranging from classroom teacher to assistant superintendent, covering various educational settings, including charter, rural, suburban, urban, and virtual schools.
Brandy’s expertise spans general education, special education, mental health support, and school turnaround. Currently serving as the Director of Mental Health and Related Services at eLuma, Brandy holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration in Marketing from Texas Tech University (1989) and a Master of Education in School Counseling from Texas Christian University (2002). Complementing her educational background, Brandy has completed post-Master’s work in Educational Diagnostics and Educational Leadership from the University of the Southwest.
Certified in Critical Incident Stress Management, she has successfully managed multiple school-related crises and provided crisis management and response training for school staff and community-based first responders. While Brandy possesses a broad scope of knowledge and interests, most of her career has been dedicated to supporting students’ emotional and behavioral needs and managing, coaching, and developing staff.
Beyond her professional commitments, Brandy finds solace in outdoor activities, spending time with her animals, and tending to her yard during her leisure time.
Our focus today is talking about Student Needs for Mental Well Being, Dangers Associated with AI for Mental Health Care, and the Role that Technology can Play in Supporting Student Mental Health When It Supports Human Connection.
Awesome discussion!
So much to learn and think about!
Thanks for listening!
Thanks for sharing!
Before you go...
You could help support this podcast by Buying Me A Coffee. Not really buying me something to drink but clicking on the link on my home page at https://stevenmiletto.com for Buy Me a Coffee or by going to this link Buy Me a Coffee.
This would allow you to donate to help the show address the costs associated with producing the podcast from upgrading gear to the fees associated with producing the show. That would be cool. Thanks for thinking about it.
Hey, I've got another favor...could you share the podcast with one of your friends, colleagues, and family members? Hmmm? What do you think? Thank you!
You are AWESOME!
Connect & Learn More:
https://eluma.com/
https://www.facebook.com/elumatherapy/
https://x.com/eLumatherapy
https://www.linkedin.com/company/elumatherapy/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHurmK6cjNlpwp_hr48VDwQ
BSamuell@elumatherapy.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandy-samuell-m-ed-98b52a73/
Length - 54:23

Sep 1, 2025 • 59min
Dr. Nakia Cotton-Smith: Essential Tips for Special Education Leaders - 782
Dr. Nakia Cotton-Smith: Essential Tips for Special Education Leaders. This is episode 782 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast.
With twenty-nine years of leadership and educational experience, Dr. Cotton-Smith has held various district and school-level leadership positions in the two largest districts in Georgia. She has also served as a Director of Special Programs at Florida State University School, Adjunct Professor at Tallahassee Community College, and an educator in various Florida school districts. In these roles, she has supported school and district leaders, diverse learner populations, and different educational programs.
Dr. Cotton-Smith is a wife and a proud mother of two sons, whom she considers her most outstanding achievement. She is also the owner and CEO of Edufaith Educational Services, a self-published author of Essential Tips for Special Education Leaders, Essential Tips for Section 504 Coordinators, Essential Tips for Parents of Students with Disabilities, and Essential Tips for Educators (Amazon), and a podcaster (Edufaith Essentials). Dr. Cotton-Smith is a full-time instructor at Clark Atlanta University and a part-time instructor at Kennesaw State University. She knows that education unlocks doors to vast opportunities and positively shapes society.
Our focus today is Nakia’s book - Essential Tips for Special Education Leaders.
So much to learn and think about!
Great conversation!
Thanks for listening!
Thanks for sharing!
Before you go...
You could help support this podcast by Buying Me A Coffee. Not really buying me something to drink but clicking on the link on my home page at https://stevenmiletto.com for Buy Me a Coffee or by going to this link Buy Me a Coffee.
This would allow you to donate to help the show address the costs associated with producing the podcast from upgrading gear to the fees associated with producing the show. That would be cool. Thanks for thinking about it.
Hey, I've got another favor...could you share the podcast with one of your friends, colleagues, and family members? Hmmm? What do you think? Thank you!
You are AWESOME!
Connect & Learn More:
http://www.edufaithconsulting.com
edufaith4all@gmail.com
https://youtube.com/@edufaithessentialsandknowledge?si=2bqfBGycsOhp0KLx
https://x.com/EdufaithS?s=20
https://www.instagram.com/edufaith2021?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
https://www.linkedin.com/company/edufaith-educational-services/
Length - 59:14

Aug 29, 2025 • 34min
Denise Haynes Talks About Her Novel - Talent Show, Growing Up in a Large Family, and Asks, "Do We Know and Understand Our Parents?" - 781
Denise Haynes Talks About Her Novel - Talent Show, Growing Up in a Large Family, and Asks, "Do We Know and Understand Our Parents?" This is episode 781 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast.
Denise Theresa Haynes has had several different careers, ranging from a flight attendant for British West Indian Airways and an advertising clerk for a newspaper, (Trinidad Guardian), to being a tutor, teaching assistant, and college lecturer for a decade, and a Spanish interpreter for Court of Appeals in Bridgetown, Barbados for seven years. Her longest career was as a lawyer in private practice for 16 years in Barbados, from which she mostly retired in 2021. But perhaps her biggest talent is only sprouting now, as a writer and storyteller. Haynes’ debut novel, Talent Show, has been well-received by book reviewers, and so she plans to continue writing. Signs of her writing talents appeared in 1999 when she was a runner-up in the Commonwealth Bureau’s Short Story Competition. She has also had articles published in magazines and journals. Born and raised in Trinidad, the youngest of her 10, she is married for many years and has two adult children. She resides in St. Peter, Barbados.
Our focus today is Denise’s book - Talent Show.
Awesome story!!!
Great conversation!
Thanks for listening!
Thanks for sharing!
Before you go...
You could help support this podcast by Buying Me A Coffee. Not really buying me something to drink but clicking on the link on my home page at https://stevenmiletto.com for Buy Me a Coffee or by going to this link Buy Me a Coffee.
This would allow you to donate to help the show address the costs associated with producing the podcast from upgrading gear to the fees associated with producing the show. That would be cool. Thanks for thinking about it.
Hey, I've got another favor...could you share the podcast with one of your friends, colleagues, and family members? Hmmm? What do you think? Thank you!
You are AWESOME!
Connect & Learn More:
https://www.denisehaynesauthor.com/
https://www.facebook.com/denise.haynes.120336/
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/205255833-talent-show
Length - 33:57

Aug 26, 2025 • 44min
Dana Sutton Shares Her Latest Children's Book: Maddie Finds Her Place - 780
Dana Sutton Shares Her Latest Children's Book: Maddie Finds Her Place. This is episode 780 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast.
Dana Sutton is a tutor, coach, and parent with decades of experience working with children (biological, adopted, and stepchildren) and young adults. She had also worked in preschool, and as a substitute teacher. She is now inspiring young minds with an empowering series of children’s books that includes You Can Do Hard Things and Maddie Finds Her Place.
A keen athlete while growing up, she enjoyed playing fastball, ringette, volleyball, hockey, martial arts and skiing (both in water and downhill). While raising her children, she spent evenings tutoring students from primary school to first- and second year post-secondary school, as well as coaching and instructing various sports teams and athletes, including hockey, fastball, slow-pitch softball, martial arts, power skating, and ringette.
She has owned her own business for the past decade, providing consulting, payroll and accounting services for businesses in the Okanagan, Canada.
Sutton earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Calgary. Born in Ontario, and raised in Calgary, she has spent most of her adult life in Kelowna, British Columbia.
These days, when she isn’t busy with work or grandchildren, Sutton can be found reading a book or riding her motorcycle (an Indian Scout) throughout the Okanagan, where she lives with her husband, Ray and their two Old English Sheepdogs, Guinness and Misty. Guinness, Misty and Bailey (Misty's predecessor) can be found as background characters in many of her children’s book stories.
Our focus today is Dana’s book Maddie Finds Her Place.
Amazing conversation!
So much to learn!
Thanks for listening!
Thanks for sharing!
Before you go...
You could help support this podcast by Buying Me A Coffee. Not really buying me something to drink but clicking on the link on my home page at https://stevenmiletto.com for Buy Me a Coffee or by going to this link Buy Me a Coffee.
This would allow you to donate to help the show address the costs associated with producing the podcast from upgrading gear to the fees associated with producing the show. That would be cool. Thanks for thinking about it.
Hey, I've got another favor...could you share the podcast with one of your friends, colleagues, and family members? Hmmm? What do you think? Thank you!
You are AWESOME!
Connect & Learn More:
http://www.danasuttonbooks.com/
https://facebook.com/100092374490621
www.Instagram.com/danasuttonbooks
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-sutton-85819088?trk=universal-search-cluster
Length - 43:44

Aug 22, 2025 • 48min
Steve Haberlin, PhD - Demystifying Meditation Practice for Educators - 779
Steve Haberlin, PhD - Demystifying Meditation Practice for Educators. This is episode 779 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast.
Steve Haberlin, PhD, is an assistant professor of curriculum and instruction in the College of Community Innovation and Education at the University of Central Florida.
Dr. Haberlin’s research focuses on the implementation of mind-body practices, including mindfulness, meditation interventions to address mental health concerns in educational settings and help students unfold their potential.
His research involves studying the impact of brief meditation, including the use of technology-assisted devices, to improve focus and reduce stress and anxiety. A life-long meditator, with more than 25 years’ experience, his work involves facilitating meditation professional development training and workshops for faculty.
Dr. Haberlin is the author of Meditation in the College Classroom: A Pedagogical Tool to Help Students De-Stress, Focus, and Connect, Awakening to Educational Leadership: A Mindfulness-Based Approach to Supporting and Coaching Teachers, and Calming Student Stress: Mindfulness, Meditation, and Other Strategies to Reduce Anxiety and Enhance Learning in K-12 Classrooms, which was released earlier this year.
Our focus today is on Demystifying Meditation Practice for Educators.
So much to learn!
Thanks for listening!
Thanks for sharing!
Before you go...
Check out these workshops offered by Steve Haberlin. Click link
Mind-Body Practice Workshops for Teachers and Students
(De-stress, Focus, and Energize!)
Also, you could help support this podcast by Buying Me A Coffee. Not really buying me something to drink but clicking on the link on my home page at https://stevenmiletto.com for Buy Me a Coffee or by going to this link Buy Me a Coffee.
This would allow you to donate to help the show address the costs associated with producing the podcast from upgrading gear to the fees associated with producing the show. That would be cool. Thanks for thinking about it.
Hey, I've got another favor...could you share the podcast with one of your friends, colleagues, and family members? Hmmm? What do you think? Thank you!
You are AWESOME!
Connect & Learn More:
Don't forget to check out Steve's workshops:
Mind-Body Practice Workshops for Teachers and Students
(De-stress, Focus, and Energize!)
http://facebook.com/steve.haberlin/
steve.haberlin@ucf.edu
https://www.amazon.com/Calming-Student-Stress-Mindfulness-Meditation/dp/147587300X
https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781475873016/Calming-Student-Stress-Mindfulness-Meditation-and-Other-Strategies-to-Reduce-Anxiety-and-Enhance-Learning-in-K-12-Classrooms
https://TeachingLearningLeadingK12.podbean.com/e/steve-haberlin-calming-student-stress-mindfulness-meditation-and-other-strategies-to-reduce-anxiety-and-enhance-learning-in-k-12-classrooms-760/
Length - 47:52

Aug 9, 2025 • 50min
Katherine Davis-Gibbon - Award Winning Children's Author & Publisher - Shares Her Latest Children's Book - Words: Growing a Child's Vocabulary & the Power of Words - 778
Katherine Davis-Gibbon Shares Her Latest Children's Book - Words: Growing Children's Vocabulary & the Power of Words. This is episode 778 of Teaching Learning Leading k12, an audio podcast.
Katherine Davis-Gibbon is an award-winning children's book author, publisher, certified yoga and Pilates teacher, and mother of two. She founded Riverlet Press in 2021 to publish books that nurture children's inner lives. Her debut book, My Old Friend, then received critical acclaim and multiple literary awards, and her new book, Words, has been lauded by multiple editorial outlets, and received a Gold Book Award from Literary Titan and a Distinguished Favorite recognition from the Independent Press Awards. Before her writing career, Davis-Gibbon was a contemporary dancer and choreographer, performing nationwide and teaching Pilates and yoga to a wide range of clients, including Olympians and celebrities. She holds a B.A. in Dance from Scripps College and numerous certifications in Pilates and yoga.
Our focus today is Katherine’s book Words.
Great discussion!
Awesome book!
So much to learn!
Thanks for listening!
Thanks for sharing!
Before you go...
You could help support this podcast by Buying Me A Coffee. Not really buying me something to drink but clicking on the link on my home page at https://stevenmiletto.com for Buy Me a Coffee or by going to this link Buy Me a Coffee.
This would allow you to donate to help the show address the costs associated with producing the podcast from upgrading gear to the fees associated with producing the show. That would be cool. Thanks for thinking about it.
Hey, I've got another favor...could you share the podcast with one of your friends, colleagues, and family members? Hmmm? What do you think? Thank you!
You are AWESOME!
Connect & Learn More:
https://www.riverletpress.com
https://www.instagram.com/riverletpress
https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-davis-gibbon-32083323b/
https://x.com/RiverletPress
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075626097180
Length - 50:22

Aug 4, 2025 • 34min
Rae Hughart - Founder & CEO of Teachers Deserve It: Talking Teacher Burnout & the Need for Great Professional Development - 777
Rae Hughart - Founder & CEO of Teachers Deserve It: Talking Teacher Burnout & the Need for Great Professional Development. This is episode 777 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast.
Rae Hughart is the CEO & Founder of Teachers Deserve It, a TEDx speaker, and an award-winning educator dedicated to transforming the teaching profession. With a background in middle-level math education, Rae has pioneered innovative models like the Teach Further Model and co-authored influential books such as Teachers Deserve It and Teach Better. Through her work, she empowers educators with sustainable strategies that promote professional success and personal well-being, aiming to create a system where teachers can thrive.
Our focus today is Rae's organization Teachers Deserve It, teacher burnout, and the need for great professional learning.
Awesome conversation!
So much to think about!
Thanks for listening!
Thanks for sharing!
Before you go...
You could help support this podcast by Buying Me A Coffee. Not really buying me something to drink but clicking on the link on my home page at https://stevenmiletto.com for Buy Me a Coffee or by going to this link Buy Me a Coffee.
This would allow you to donate to help the show address the costs associated with producing the podcast from upgrading gear to the fees associated with producing the show. That would be cool. Thanks for thinking about it.
Hey, I've got another favor...could you share the podcast with one of your friends, colleagues, and family members? Hmmm? What do you think? Thank you!
You are AWESOME!
Connect & Learn More:
https://teachersdeserveit.com/
rae@teachersdeserveit.com
https://open.spotify.com/show/1ZDo7psMhu9TTomUBKxVvO
https://teachersdeserveit.com/podcast/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rae-hughart/
https://x.com/RaeHughart
https://www.instagram.com/teachersdeserveit/
https://www.facebook.com/people/Teachers-Deserve-It/61568079585675/
https://www.amazon.com/Teachers-Deserve-What-Deserve-Dont-ebook/dp/B08DKDHNYF?ref_=ast_author_dp
https://www.amazon.com/Teach-Better-Chad-Ostrowski-ebook/dp/B07Y5RZ5RX?ref_=ast_author_dp
https://youtu.be/OLzaa7Hv3mo?feature=shared
Length - 33:56

Jul 31, 2025 • 38min
Durga Suresh-Menon, PhD - Head of School: New England Innovation Academy - 776
Durga Suresh-Menon, PhD - Head of School: New England Innovation Academy. This is episode 776 of Teaching Learning Leading, K12, an audio podcast.
Durga Suresh-Menon, Ph.D., is Head of School at New England Innovation Academy.
An energizing, dynamic and growth-minded educator with a record of inclusive leadership and passionate storytelling, Dr. Suresh-Menon joins NEIA with over two decades of collaborative higher-education experience, academic program development and a unique understanding of what makes students successful. She has a rich background in higher education, leadership, curriculum development, and academic excellence.
Before joining NEIA, she served as Dean of the School of Computing and Data Science and Dean of Graduate Education at Wentworth Institute of Technology, as well as an Associate Professor, where she led efforts to implement progressive learning strategies and interdisciplinary curriculum that promoted innovation and global awareness.
She is recognized for her work fostering a culture of growth, development and innovation, ensuring that a STEAM curriculum remains aligned with the ever-evolving technological landscape and industry demands.
Fluent in multiple languages, Dr. Suresh-Menon loves to connect with tech-minded students and parents from all backgrounds and brings a global perspective and collaborative spirit to NEIA’s academic community.
What an awesome conversation!
So much to think about!
Thanks for listening!
Thanks for sharing!
Before you go...
You could help support this podcast by Buying Me A Coffee. Not really buying me something to drink but clicking on the link on my home page at https://stevenmiletto.com for Buy Me a Coffee or by going to this link Buy Me a Coffee.
This would allow you to donate to help the show address the costs associated with producing the podcast from upgrading gear to the fees associated with producing the show. That would be cool. Thanks for thinking about it.
Hey, I've got another favor...could you share the podcast with one of your friends, colleagues, and family members? Hmmm? What do you think? Thank you!
You are AWESOME!
Connect and Learn More:
https://neiacademy.org/
durga.suresh-menon@neiacademy.org
https://www.instagram.com/hello.neia/?hl=en
https://www.linkedin.com/in/durga-suresh-menon/
Length - 37:41

Jul 22, 2025 • 47min
Laura Levine - President & CEO - JumpStart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy - 775
Laura Levine - President & CEO - JumpStart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy. This is episode 775 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast.
Laura Levine has devoted her career to helping people of all ages better understand financial services through marketing and outreach, communications, and most recently, through education. In 2004, she became executive director of the Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy, a Washington DC-based nonprofit organization committed to “financial smarts for students,” and was named President and CEO in 2011.
Since taking over at Jump$tart, Laura has continued to raise awareness about the importance of financial literacy and the need for effective financial education. Under her leadership, Jump$tart launched the Jump$tart National Educator Conference, Jump$tart Financial Foundations for Educators and J$FFE Online, Project Groundswell/Check Your School and the Jump$tart Teen Teach-In, as well as the coalition’s social media efforts. Laura guided the expansion of Financial Literacy for Youth Month to the broader Financial Literacy Month (sometimes called National Financial Capability Month) observed today. While growing the coalition at both the state and national levels, she led the enhancement of legacy programs including the Jump$tart Clearinghouse and National Standards for Personal Financial Education.
In 2008, Laura was appointed to the President’s Advisory Council on Financial Literacy by President George W. Bush and chaired the Council’s Youth Committee. She is currently a member of the Experian Consumer Council, the Forbes Nonprofit Council, CNBC Financial Wellness Council, the Community Advisory Forum for Fifth Third Bank, and has held many voluntary appointments, including having served on the Parent Cabinet for DCPS Chancellor Kaya Henderson. Laura speaks and writes on financial literacy topics, especially guidance for parents and family members, and the important role that classroom-based financial education can have in advancing financial equity and inclusion. Laura began her career in credit unions and was a credentialed, Capitol Hill correspondent before moving into the securities industry. She served as Director of Editorial Services for the National Association of Securities Dealers (now FINRA) and, later, as Director of Education and Information for the NASD Office of Individual Investor Services. From 1999-2004, Laura was Director of the NASDAQ Educational Foundation. A native of Los Angeles, Laura holds a degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Southern California. She does not consider herself a financial expert, but rather, a staunch advocate for financial education and information and – she hopes – she has raised a financially literate son.
Our focus today is the need for financial education, the impact of financial education, and mobilizing passionate advocates nationwide.
Awesome conversation!
So much to learn!
So much to do!
Thanks for listening!
Thanks for sharing!
Before you go...
You could help support this podcast by Buying Me A Coffee. Not really buying me something to drink but clicking on the link on my home page at https://stevenmiletto.com for Buy Me a Coffee or by going to this link Buy Me a Coffee.
This would allow you to donate to help the show address the costs associated with producing the podcast from upgrading gear to the fees associated with producing the show. That would be cool. Thanks for thinking about it.
Hey, I've got another favor...could you share the podcast with one of your friends, colleagues, and family members? Hmmm? What do you think? Thank you!
You are AWESOME!
Connect & Learn More:
laura.levine@jumpstart.org
https://www.jumpstart.org
https://x.com/JumpStart1995/
https://www.facebook.com/Jumpstart1995/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/jumpstart1995/
Length - 47:22