The Counter Narrative: Changing the Way We Talk (and think) About Education

Episode Summary: In this episode, Meagan and I chat about the natural need for movement in learning environments and how educators can be intentional about incorporating this into their daily routines. By engaging in rhythmic, repeated, and predictable patterns of movement, students can not only satiate their physiological need for movement, but they can also help regulate brain functions when they are beginning to struggle. Guest Info: Meagan is a Bal-A-Vis-X practitioner/trainer, and an educator with about 25 years of experience in both general and special education. In her private Bal-A-Vis-X studio, she teaches Bal-A-Vis-X exercises to both children and adults with varying degrees of social and cognitive challenges. Meagan is sanctioned by Bill Hubert, BAVX founder, to provide both on site trainings and virtual coaching. During the school year, Meagan is the facilitator of the Reset and Return room, a space designed to promote regulation for students and staff, in an urban school in Wichita, KS. Most recently, she has joined the team at the Trauma Informed Educators Network as a part-time consultant. Find more information on TIEN here https://www.tienetwork.org/ . Meagan's interest in Bal-A-Vis-X began many years ago as she navigated teaching general education students and parenting a child with a disability. Eventually she decided that her true calling was special education and spent the next 6 years implementing BAVX with her students. Website: https://www.heartlandbavx.com/ Twitter: @mbheartlandbavx Facebook: HeartlandBAVX

Following in yet another online trend, I share my Ins and Outs for the upcoming year in my final #pausetoponder segment for 2023.

This year I have gathered a group of edurockstars who have fully dedicated their time to improving educational spaces. Join me as I reflect on holiday memories and explore current traditions with Laquanta "BOSS" Nelson, Darrin Peppard, Katie Kinder, and Joe Brummer. -- Click here to register for "From Stage Fright to Spotlight" Use promo code "COUNTER" for an extra 10% off

Winter Break is quickly approaching which means a long awaited and much needed moment is upon us. As we close out the year, I wanted to take a moment to share my appreciation for you, my listeners, and to remind you to not only enjoy this time but to also use it as an opportunity to rest and recharge. -- Click here to register for "From Stage Fright to Spotlight" Use promo code "COUNTER" for an additional 10% off

Guest Bio: Tracie Chauvin is a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker, who also holds both a building level and district level leadership license. Tracie has spent more than a decade working in the public education system with a focus on building trauma informed, resilience-oriented schools and communities. Driven to have an impact on others lives and build systems that support all, Tracie employs her background in clinical social work and experiences working in the public school system into providing opportunities for others to learn and grow as they build their capacity to understand the impacts of trauma, harness the power of neuroscience in the classroom, utilize social emotional learning and trauma informed teaching practices in order to build classroom and school communities with policies and systems where all within can thrive. In addition to her professional experience, Mrs. Chauvin is an active board member on multiple non-profits in the state of Kansas. Currently, she works as the Director of Student Support Programs in Kansas City Kansas Public Schools and is the owner of True Resilience Consulting. As a school social worker and district administrator, Mrs. Chauvin’s purpose is to transform schools to lever them as agents of change within the community. Guest Links: Twitter LinkedIn Promo Information: Click here to register for the "From Stage Fright to Spotlight" webinar on January 6th. Use promo code "COUNTER" for an additional 10% off

Listen to the TedTalk here: https://www.ted.com/talks/coleman_hughes_a_case_for_color_blindness?language=en

​Introducing Kara and Megan, the visionary educators behind IntegratED, a revolutionary educational platform dedicated to fostering student growth and instructional innovation in classrooms across the United States. Kara and Megan specialize in delivering dynamic professional development solutions that empower educators to embrace cutting-edge curriculum development, innovative instructional strategies, and student-centered learning experiences. Leveraging their extensive expertise in transformative teaching practices, curriculum mapping and instructional design, Kara and Megan are committed to equipping educators and administrators with the tools and knowledge necessary to optimize student growth, engagement, and lifelong learning. Visit their website: https://www.integratedk12.com/ Follow them on Twitter: @integratedk12

On this episode, I'm diving into a hot topic in the world of teaching: making lessons fun and engaging. It's a noble goal, but there's a tricky balance to strike. How do we keep students excited about learning without sacrificing the depth and quality of the education they receive? This is particularly crucial in low-performing schools, where this approach is often most prevalent. Webinar Registration Get 10$ off with code: COUNTER

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Is the pursuit of happiness a paradox? That was the question posed to students during a lesson while I was conducting a recent observation. A lively discussion ensued and I was asked to participate (a no-no for observations but...). The resulting student conversations left me pondering on the topic well after I left the classroom. What have I sacrificed to get to where I am? What am I sacrificing to maintain what I have? Was it .. is it worth it?