Send us a text (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2048018/open_sms) 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: 1. Listen to the full episode 2. Visit https://thecpd.group/podcast 3. Enter code 800140 to check in and download your certificate Listen. Learn. Earn. Great News! The Brighter Side of Education is now CPD Accredited!  Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMD (https://hasslerdental.com/) Trusted 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., DMD (https://hasslerdental.com/) Trusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?business=XYELHHBC2URPA&no_recurring=0&item_name=Making+a+difference+in+education+through+awareness.+Let%27s+keep+this+podcast+going%21&currency_code=USD) If you have a story about what's working in your schools that you'd like to share, email me at lisa@drlisahassler.com or visit www.drlisahassler.com (https://www.drlisarhassler.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 (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2048018/open_sms) 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 (https://www.childcareaware.org/families/choosing-quality-child-care/selecting-child-care-program/) • Find your local CCR&R (https://www.childcareaware.org/families/ccrr/) 💡 This episode is CPD accredited! Educators can now earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) minutes by listening. To claim your certificate: 1. Listen to the full episode 2. Visit https://thecpd.group/podcast 3. Enter code 800138 to check in and download your certificate Listen. Learn. Earn. Great News! The Brighter Side of Education is now CPD Accredited!  Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMD (https://hasslerdental.com/) Trusted 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., DMD (https://hasslerdental.com/) Trusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?business=XYELHHBC2URPA&no_recurring=0&item_name=Making+a+difference+in+education+through+awareness.+Let%27s+keep+this+podcast+going%21&currency_code=USD) If you have a story about what's working in your schools that you'd like to share, email me at lisa@drlisahassler.com or visit www.drlisahassler.com (https://www.drlisarhassler.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 (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2048018/open_sms) 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: 1. Listen to the full episode 2. Visit https://thecpd.group/podcast 3. Enter code 800131 to check in and download your certificate Listen. Learn. Earn. Great News! The Brighter Side of Education is now CPD Accredited!  Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMD (https://hasslerdental.com/) Trusted 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., DMD (https://hasslerdental.com/) Trusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?business=XYELHHBC2URPA&no_recurring=0&item_name=Making+a+difference+in+education+through+awareness.+Let%27s+keep+this+podcast+going%21&currency_code=USD) If you have a story about what's working in your schools that you'd like to share, email me at lisa@drlisahassler.com or visit www.drlisahassler.com (https://www.drlisarhassler.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 (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2048018/open_sms) 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 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardfrank/) 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 arrangements • Incorporating tab notation and alternative instruments • Encouraging improvisation through simultaneous group playing • Promoting student agency through choice and music analysis • Supporting SEL through confidence-building collaboration • Connecting classroom music to real-world performance opportunities Ideal 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 (https://www.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: 1. Listen to the full episode 2. Visit https://thecpd.group/podcast 3. Enter code 800130 to check in and download your certificate Listen. Learn. Earn. Great News! The Brighter Side of Education is now CPD Accredited!  Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMD (https://hasslerdental.com/) Trusted 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., DMD (https://hasslerdental.com/) Trusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?business=XYELHHBC2URPA&no_recurring=0&item_name=Making+a+difference+in+education+through+awareness.+Let%27s+keep+this+podcast+going%21&currency_code=USD) If you have a story about what's working in your schools that you'd like to share, email me at lisa@drlisahassler.com or visit www.drlisahassler.com (https://www.drlisarhassler.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.

2. Discover the power of equine therapy through the eyes of specialist Erin Cain, founder of Grace Reins Equine Therapy (https://gracereins.org/about) 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.  Great News! This episode is CPD accredited! Educators can now earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) minutes by listening. To claim your certificate: 1. Listen to the full episode 2. Visit https://thecpd.group/podcast 3. Enter code 800128 to check in and download your certificate Listen. Learn. Earn. Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMD (https://hasslerdental.com/) Trusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily. If you have a story about what's working in your schools that you'd like to share, email me at lisa@drlisahassler.com or visit www.drlisahassler.com (https://www.drlisarhassler.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 (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2048018/open_sms) What if the solution to many childhood developmental challenges was literally right outside our windows? Naturalist and author Susie Spiegel (https://susiespikol.com/) reveals how unstructured nature play creates the perfect environment for children to develop crucial life skills that structured indoor activities simply can't replicate. Drawing from her book "Forest Magic for Kids: How to Find Fairies, Make a Secret Fort, and Cook Up an Elfin Picnic (https://a.co/d/84zwJvB) ," Spiegel shares how simple outdoor activities like mixing "potions" from natural materials or creating miniature fairy villages foster imagination while simultaneously developing communication skills, risk assessment abilities, and emotional regulation. These activities don't require specialized knowledge or expensive equipment—just the willingness to step outside and model curiosity. Perhaps most fascinating is how outdoor environments can transform children who struggle in traditional classroom settings. Those labeled as "troublemakers" indoors often become leaders in nature, where their heightened awareness becomes an advantage rather than a distraction. As Spiegel explains, "A lot of times kids that are hyper aware—somebody who might have ADHD—they're seeing a million things outside. They're the kids spotting the cardinal because they're seeing things in a really fast and exciting way." The good news? Nature-based play is accessible even in urban environments. From the "sliver" between buildings to cracks in sidewalks, children can find wonder anywhere with the right guidance. With simple tools like buckets, magnifying glasses, and journals, families can start small and gradually build confidence in outdoor exploration—creating not just cherished memories but crucial developmental opportunities our screen-centric world increasingly lacks. Ready to discover the transformative power of unstructured outdoor play for the children in your life? This episode provides a practical roadmap for bringing the magic of nature into everyday childhood experiences, no matter where you live. 💡 This episode is CPD accredited! Educators can now earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) minutes by listening. To claim your certificate: 1. Listen to the full episode 2. Visit https://thecpd.group/podcast 3. Enter code 800125 to check in and download your certificate Great News! The Brighter Side of Education is now CPD Accredited!  Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMD (https://hasslerdental.com/) Trusted 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., DMD (https://hasslerdental.com/) Trusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?business=XYELHHBC2URPA&no_recurring=0&item_name=Making+a+difference+in+education+through+awareness.+Let%27s+keep+this+podcast+going%21&currency_code=USD) If you have a story about what's working in your schools that you'd like to share, email me at lisa@drlisahassler.com or visit www.drlisahassler.com (https://www.drlisarhassler.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 (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2048018/open_sms) "Books are the key to unlocking your soul's true potential." These aren't the words of a veteran educator or bestselling author – they come from nine-year-old Ishara, host of Ishara's Reading Podcast (https://l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fisharasreadingpodcast.buzzsprout.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DPAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAad-WxO7pmTEceEL09OFr8-5xA_n47qur4U029pSbBzg3rt1DUzL5sfuLuY2sw_aem_dpT75SWTh7M4ODXJfFXwvA&e=AT3PmRrcg4aJrIjc--MBueStohkfGwU33CDiUpuFd2J2LStVgRT1fXTDba7oG8tUBgemaSKfQvxFDl7ti1nqa7gHz1KveKqnPMVDaQ) , literacy advocate, and aspiring astronaut who dreams of leading a mission to Mars. In this inspiring episode, Ishara is at her skating rink (YouTube video of this episode (https://youtu.be/212411plqvI) !) She shares how her reading podcast is helping children around the world access literature, explore big ideas, and discover the joy of learning. From environmental stewardship to space exploration, Ishara connects storytelling with action—proving that age is no barrier to leadership. Listeners will hear how she’s using her voice to empower others, promote equity in reading access, and inspire curiosity in STEM. This episode is a heartwarming look at youth leadership, peer mentoring, and the limitless power of books. Subscribe to Ishara's Reading Podcast (https://www.youtube.com/@isharasclub) to witness this inspiring young voice in action and discover how storytelling can spark curiosity, activism, and positive change in listeners of all ages. 💡 This episode is CPD accredited! Educators can now earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) minutes by listening. To claim your certificate: 1. Listen to the full episode 2. Visit https://thecpd.group/podcast 3. Enter code 800121 to check in and download your certificate Listen. Learn. Earn. Great News! The Brighter Side of Education is now CPD Accredited!  Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMD (https://hasslerdental.com/) Trusted 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., DMD (https://hasslerdental.com/) Trusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?business=XYELHHBC2URPA&no_recurring=0&item_name=Making+a+difference+in+education+through+awareness.+Let%27s+keep+this+podcast+going%21&currency_code=USD) If you have a story about what's working in your schools that you'd like to share, email me at lisa@drlisahassler.com or visit www.drlisahassler.com (https://www.drlisarhassler.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 (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2048018/open_sms) Dinalynn Rosenbush (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinalynn-rosenbush-b5750854/) , certified speech-language pathologist and host of the Language of Play podcast, shares research-backed approaches for supporting children's communication skills through play when speech therapy services are delayed or unavailable. • Nearly 8% of children ages 3-17 have communication disorders with speech problems being most common • Children need to hear a word approximately 400 times before they begin using it themselves • Understanding the difference between speech (sound production) and language (meaning, vocabulary, sentences) • Simple strategies include having sensory-rich conversations about everyday activities • Expand vocabulary by providing multiple words for common concepts (hot, warm, heated) • Screen time impacts pragmatic language development, with 40% of children ages 3-10 struggling with social communication • Create intentional tech-free time for family conversations and connection • Stay curious about children's behavior, remembering that all behavior is communication • Providing correction when children use incorrect grammar helps build their reading foundation You can find Dinalynn's podcast "The Language of Play (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-language-of-play-kids-that-listen-speech/id1661880535) " on any player, contact her at hello@thelanguageofplay.com, or access free resources through her newsletter. 💡 This episode is CPD accredited!  Educators can now earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) minutes by listening. To claim your certificate: 1. Listen to the full episode 2. Visit https://thecpd.group/podcast 3. Enter code 800120 to check in and download your certificate Continue your professional growth—one episode at a time. Great News! The Brighter Side of Education is now CPD Accredited!  Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMD (https://hasslerdental.com/) Trusted 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., DMD (https://hasslerdental.com/) Trusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?business=XYELHHBC2URPA&no_recurring=0&item_name=Making+a+difference+in+education+through+awareness.+Let%27s+keep+this+podcast+going%21&currency_code=USD) If you have a story about what's working in your schools that you'd like to share, email me at lisa@drlisahassler.com or visit www.drlisahassler.com (https://www.drlisarhassler.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 (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2048018/open_sms) Post-secondary planning doesn't need to be overwhelming for students, parents, or educators. Sam Bernstein (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-bernstein/) shares how his app Loper is transforming this crucial process into a personalized, engaging experience that meets Gen Z where they are. • Only 74% of Gen Z teens plan to attend college, down from previous generations • Students increasingly interested in staying at home or exploring alternatives to four-year colleges • College rankings create unnecessary stress and don't account for individual fit • Traditional planning tools rely on outdated checklists that don't engage today's students • Average school counselor manages 400+ students, making personalized guidance difficult • Loper offers a free, TikTok-style interface that helps students discover options aligned with their interests • 90% of Loper users apply to schools they match with, two-thirds discover these schools on the app • First-generation students benefit from Loper's approach that assumes no prior knowledge • Parents and educators should celebrate the process, not just outcomes • Specific questions about interests work better than generic "how's it going" check-ins Download Loper (https://www.getloper.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=brighterside) for free to help students explore personalized post-high school options in a format that resonates with them. 💡 This episode is CPD accredited!  Educators can now earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) minutes by listening. To claim your certificate: 1. Listen to the full episode 2. Visit https://thecpd.group/podcast 3. Enter code 800091 to check in and download your certificate Continue your professional growth—one episode at a time. Great News! The Brighter Side of Education is now CPD Accredited!  Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMD (https://hasslerdental.com/) Trusted 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., DMD (https://hasslerdental.com/) Trusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?business=XYELHHBC2URPA&no_recurring=0&item_name=Making+a+difference+in+education+through+awareness.+Let%27s+keep+this+podcast+going%21&currency_code=USD) If you have a story about what's working in your schools that you'd like to share, email me at lisa@drlisahassler.com or visit www.drlisahassler.com (https://www.drlisarhassler.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 (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2048018/open_sms) Worried about too much screen time for your kids or students? Discover how the Who Smarted podcast is helping parents and teachers bring back curiosity, focus, and fun — without a screen in sight. In this episode, Jerry Kolber, co-founder of Atomic Entertainment and creator of Who Smarted, shares how his wildly popular educational podcast (with over 3 million downloads!) is changing the game. Learn how short, engaging, screen-free episodes are being used in classrooms and homes to spark learning, boost retention, and cut down on screen addiction. 🎧 Why kids engage more with audio than reading  📚 How teachers use podcasts as screen-free learning tools  🧠 The science behind audio comprehension & learning  🎉 Why Who Smarted feels like entertainment but delivers real education ✅ Whether you're a parent looking for healthier habits or an educator searching for creative teaching tools, this is your go-to solution. 📌 Learn more about ad-free classroom use: whosmarted.com (https://whosmarted.com) 💡 This episode is CPD accredited!  Educators can now earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) minutes by listening. To claim your certificate: 1. Listen to the full episode 2. Visit https://thecpd.group/podcast 3. Enter code 800059 to check in and download your certificate Continue your professional growth—one episode at a time. Great News! The Brighter Side of Education is now CPD Accredited!  Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMD (https://hasslerdental.com/) Trusted 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., DMD (https://hasslerdental.com/) Trusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?business=XYELHHBC2URPA&no_recurring=0&item_name=Making+a+difference+in+education+through+awareness.+Let%27s+keep+this+podcast+going%21&currency_code=USD) If you have a story about what's working in your schools that you'd like to share, email me at lisa@drlisahassler.com or visit www.drlisahassler.com (https://www.drlisarhassler.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.

The Brighter Side of Education: Research, Innovation & Resources host Dr. Lisa Hassler, brings Robert Barnett, co-founder of the Modern Classrooms Project, on this episode to explain how their innovative teaching model helps teachers effectively reach students with diverse learning needs through blended, self-paced, mastery-based learning. Traditional teaching methods struggling with different learning paces, gaps in knowledge, and absent students can be transformed with this approach that empowers both teachers and students. Listen to the full episode here: https://youtu.be/PRkSlez87fQ?si=y-AycdYGhf9NHizm

Send us a text (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2048018/open_sms) Robert Barnett (https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-s-barnett/) , co-founder of the Modern Classrooms Project (https://www.modernclassrooms.org/) , explains how their innovative teaching model helps teachers effectively reach students with diverse learning needs through blended, self-paced, mastery-based learning. Traditional teaching methods struggling with different learning paces, gaps in knowledge, and absent students can be transformed with this approach that empowers both teachers and students. • Traditional teaching models fail when teaching to the middle leaves advanced students bored and struggling students lost • Modern Classrooms Project combines blended instruction, self-pacing, and mastery-based learning • Teachers create short instructional videos that students can pause, rewind, and access anytime • Students work at their own pace, ensuring they master concepts before moving on • Teacher role shifts from lecturer to providing targeted one-on-one and small group support • Research shows students feel more capable and develop stronger relationships with teachers • Schools implementing the model have seen significant increases in test scores • Teachers report greater job satisfaction and connection to why they entered teaching • Free resources available through ModernClassrooms.org and InstaLesson.com • Robert's book "Meet Every Learner's Needs (https://a.co/d/gAnZ8Wc) " offers a step-by-step guide to implementation Visit Insta-lesson.com (https://insta-lesson.com) to create your first blended, self-paced, mastery-based lesson and begin transforming your teaching approach today. 💡 This episode is CPD accredited!  Educators can now earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) minutes by listening. To claim your certificate: 1. Listen to the full episode 2. Visit https://thecpd.group/podcast 3. Enter code 800060 to check in and download your certificate Continue your professional growth—one episode at a time. Great News! The Brighter Side of Education is now CPD Accredited!  Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMD (https://hasslerdental.com/) Trusted 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., DMD (https://hasslerdental.com/) Trusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?business=XYELHHBC2URPA&no_recurring=0&item_name=Making+a+difference+in+education+through+awareness.+Let%27s+keep+this+podcast+going%21&currency_code=USD) If you have a story about what's working in your schools that you'd like to share, email me at lisa@drlisahassler.com or visit www.drlisahassler.com (https://www.drlisarhassler.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.