Hosted by Dr. Lisa Hassler, The Brighter Side of Education: Research, Innovation, & Resources a podcast that offers innovative solutions for education challenges. We bring together research, expert insights, and practical resources to help teachers and parents tackle everything from classroom management to learning differences. Every episode focuses on turning common education challenges into opportunities for growth. Whether you're a teacher looking for fresh ideas or a parents wanting to better support your child's learning, we've got actionable strategies you can use right away.
The podcast's music was created by Brandon Picciolini from The Lonesome Family Band. You can explore more of his work on Instagram.
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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 performance
Distinguishing between motivation deficits and executive function challenges
The cycle of negative feedback and declining student confidence
Evidence-based classroom accommodations and visual organization techniques
Homework modification strategies that maintain academic rigor
Metacognitive questioning approaches that promote student agency
Appropriate integration of AI tools in learning
When to implement executive function coaching versus subject-specific tutoring
About 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.
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. 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.
AI Education for Kids: Expert Guide for Teachers & Parents | Mike Todasco
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.
Handwriting Instruction: How it Boosts Literacy & Brain Development| Holly Britton
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 comprehension
The kinesthetic connection between hand movement and language acquisition in the brain
Evidence-based strategies for teaching proper letter formation and pencil grip
How to support children struggling with handwriting difficulties and learning differences
Whether cursive writing still matters in digital education
Practical tools and techniques that make handwriting easier for young learners
What happens when handwriting instruction is delayed or skipped entirely
Key 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.
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 lisa@drlisahassler.com 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:
Who’s Behind the Curriculum? Missing Voices in Academic Publishing|Dr. Cassidy Sugimoto
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:
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.
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:
Jazzing Up Your Music Program: Reignite Teen Engagement With Unison-Based Content
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 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 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 episode
The Healing Power of Wild Mustangs: Biophilia & Equine Therapy with Erin Cain
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:
Why Outdoor Play Is Essential for Kids' Growth | Susie Spikol on Nature, Learning & Imagination
What if the solution to many childhood developmental challenges was literally right outside our windows? Naturalist and author Susie Spiegel 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," 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 Continu
Great News! The Brighter Side of Education is now CPD Accredited!
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. 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.
Research by Karin James (Indiana University)
Virginia Berninger's handwriting studies (University of Washington)
💡 This episode is CPD accredited! Educators can now earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) minutes by listening. To claim your certificate:
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. 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.
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. 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.
Great News! The Brighter Side of Education is now CPD Accredited!
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. 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.
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. 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.
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. 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.
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. 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.
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. 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.
💡 This episode is CPD accredited! Educators can now earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) minutes by listening. To claim your certificate:
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. 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.
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