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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What if mathematics could be as captivating and enjoyable as a symphony concert? In our latest episode, we promise you'll discover innovative ways to make math not only accessible but genuinely fun for everyone. Join me, Dr. Lisa Hassler, alongside Cindy Lawrence, the inspiring Executive Director and CEO of the National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath), as we explore the vital role of mathematics in our modern world and tackle the concerning decline in math performance among US students.
Cindy shares her personal journey from CPA to leading MoMath, revealing how a volunteer opportunity ignited her passion for transforming public perceptions of math through interactive exhibits. Listen to our conversation about how the museum’s engaging displays, like the square-wheeled tricycle and MotionScape, make complex concepts like calculus come to life. We discuss the importance of human interaction in teaching math, changing the narrative around the subject, and showcasing how deeply intertwined math is with our daily lives.
Looking for ways to bring the joy of math into your home? We've got you covered with creative strategies for parents and educators. From noticing patterns and symmetry in your environment to solving real-world puzzles, we share practical tips to foster a positive math experience. You'll also hear inspiring stories like that of Eileen Collins, the first female commander of a space shuttle mission, who overcame her math struggles to achieve her dreams. Tune in to be inspired and learn how you can make math an exciting and integral part of learning and life.
Need math help? Go to MoMath and talk to a mathematician!
💡 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.
Equity-Centered Teaching: A Path to Educational Justice with Director Dr. Emily Affolter
What if we could transform education to truly empower every student, regardless of their background? Join me, Dr. Lisa Hassler, and our inspiring guest, Dr. Emily Affolter, as we uncover the potential of building just and inclusive educational environments. Drawing from Paulo Freire's "Pedagogy of the Oppressed" and Jean Anyon's "Social Class in the Hidden Curriculum of Work," we explore how education can challenge social inequalities and become a tool for liberation.
In this episode, Dr. Affolter shares her journey from activism in Seattle to her pivotal role as the director of Prescott College's Sustainability Education PhD program. Her commitment to equity and inclusion is evident as she emphasizes the importance of culturally responsive teaching and equitable leadership. Discover how recognizing students as co-learners and moving beyond the traditional banking model of education creates spaces of dignity and respect. Emily shares inclusive assessment practices and the significance of making implicit expectations explicit to bridge educational gaps.
We also highlight real-world applications and success stories from Prescott University, illustrating how culturally responsive pedagogy empowers students. Hear about innovative projects, such as climate justice-related screenplays, that connect theory to practice. As we discuss the vital roles educators and parents play in fostering a culture of equity and justice, we encourage you to share your stories and support the mission of creating positive change in education. Let’s work together to dismantle inequitable power dynamics and champion a brighter, more inclusive future for all students.
Connect with Dr. Emily Affolter at eaffolter@prescott.edu.
💡 This episode is CPD accredited! Educators can now earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) minutes by listening. To claim your certificate:
Unlock the secrets to teaching your children the priceless skill of financial literacy, as we welcome Anthony Delauney to share his expertise and heartwarming journey as a Family Financial Planner and author of Owning the Dash children's book series. This episode is packed with engaging stories and practical advice that will change the way you approach money management with your little ones. You'll hear stories which bring to life the concepts of patience and delayed gratification in a way that's relatable and impactful for kids.
We're venturing beyond the piggy bank to explore creative methods to help your children understand and value money. From grocery shopping with a purpose to interactive activities on the Owning the Dash website, these strategies are designed to foster independent thinking and solid decision-making skills. As we navigate through tales of goal-setting and the importance of a work ethic, you'll discover a treasure trove of resources and ideas that cater to the evolving financial landscape and the varied experiences of families.
To wrap up, we highlight the collective triumphs in incorporating financial literacy into our educational systems and share a call to action for listeners to become part of a community dedicated to promoting the good in education. Whether you're a parent looking to empower your child with confidence in their financial decisions or an educator seeking resources for your classroom, this episode offers a wealth of inspiration and practical steps to ensure our children are equipped for a financially savvy future. Join us for an enlightening conversation that promises to leave you inspired and ready to take on the challenge of raising financially literate kids.
Go to the Owning the Dash website for financial literacy for kids book series. Use the code OwningMyDash! for story discussion questions, activities, and games under the For Educator section.
💡 This episode is CPD accredited! Educators can now earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) minutes by listening. To claim your certificate:
Empathy and Education: Hidden Barriers in Generational Poverty with Food Bank CEO Michael Coleman
Discover the untold challenges of generational poverty and how it shapes the educational journey of countless children. I'm Dr. Lisa Hassler, and in a heartfelt conversation with Michael Coleman, CEO of Heart of Alabama Food Bank, we peel back the layers of societal norms and hidden barriers that dictate the success or failure of our youth in the classroom. This episode promises to alter your perspective, unpacking how generational poverty affects everything from financial literacy to classroom dynamics.
Embarking on this narrative adventure, Michael Coleman, with his rich background transitioning from military service to nonprofit leadership, brings to light the nuances of poverty that often go unnoticed. We tackle the invisible rules that govern class interactions, and how these unspoken guidelines can inadvertently perpetuate cycles of poverty. It's a candid look at the heart of educational disparities, emphasizing the importance of empathy and tailored interventions that resonate with the reality of those we aim to uplift.
By the end of this episode, you'll be equipped with new insights into the complex relationship between poverty and education. We'll share inspiring stories of resilience and adaptation, challenging educators and nonprofit workers to grow personally and professionally. Join us in offering a beacon of hope for children whose potential is overshadowed by economic hardship.
Contact Michael Coleman at mscolemanjr@gmail.com or go to his website at mafb.org.
💡 This episode is CPD accredited! Educators can now earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) minutes by listening. To claim your certificate:
Discover the transformative power of Montessori and project-based learning as we journey with Michaela Kucera, a veteran Montessori educator from the Roots Nature and Leadership Academy, through the captivating terrain of individualized education. Prepare to be inspired as we unravel the secrets behind sensory-rich classrooms and mixed-age learning environments that do more than just educate—they ignite a natural propensity for leadership and instill a lifelong zest for discovery among students. Michaela brings to the table a treasure trove of insights from her experience with these progressive educational models, illustrating how they encourage children to blossom into self-reliant learners and innovative thinkers.
Our conversation then shifts to the nuanced art of assessing educational growth beyond the confines of traditional standardized testing. Embrace the Montessori philosophy where personal achievements are celebrated over percentile ranks, and where learning is a journey, not a race to the highest score. The episode sheds light on the crafted surroundings that support self-discipline, foster normalization, and promote practical life skills pivotal for the holistic development of young minds. By integrating these rich Montessori principles into your educational practice, whether you're an educator or a parent, you'll be equipped to not only enrich the learning experiences of children but also to nurture a generation that approaches life with curiosity, confidence, and an enduring passion for learning.
💡 This episode is CPD accredited! Educators can now earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) minutes by listening. To claim your certificate:
Realize the full potential of your child's early education journey with guidance from Autumn McKay, a former teacher turned author whose passion for hands-on learning shines through every page of her work. Autumn details how parents can support their child's academic journey by creating intentional learning experiences at home. Even the simplest activities, from baking to outdoor exploration, can make a tremendous impact on cognitive development and create cherished memories. As Autumn shares her expertise, gleaned from her Ultimate Preschool Activity Guide and her engaging reading and math series, you’ll discover a world where learning is not just educational but fun for the family.
Embrace a life where screen time takes a backseat to sensory-rich experiences that lay the foundation for a lifetime of learning. In our conversation, we emphasize the importance of balancing technology with sensory activities that bolster math and reading skills in an interactive manner. This episode gives practical tips for integrating these activities into your daily routine, ensuring that your child's education is as joyful as it is effective. So come along, and let's celebrate every small victory on the path to nurturing a brighter, more enlightened generation.
Embark on an educational adventure where the whispers of the forest merge with the laughter of learning. Justine Wilson, the innovative mind behind Curious and Kind Education, welcomes us into a world where classrooms have no walls, and the sky's the limit for curiosity. She's not your average educator; her story of transitioning from traditional schooling to the untamed embrace of nature's arms is not just inspiring – it's a blueprint for rekindling the innate joy of learning in children. With Denmark and Sweden as beacons, we discuss how forest schools are reshaping the educational landscape, nurturing well-being, and fostering a community where every student flourishes.
Join us as we reveal how forest schools are harmonizing the spontaneity of emergent curriculum with agile learning methods. Imagine a school that sits among the trees, guiding young minds to self-direct their explorations from crafting papyrus paper to river walks. Justine provides insights into the practicalities of navigating Florida's balmy climate while maintaining comfort and safety for eager explorers. This episode is a testament to the magic that ensues when children are given the freedom to learn through play and the trust to lead their own educational journey.
Our conversation culminates with a celebration of the transformative power of forest education. We discuss the unique aspects of a forest school day, from the freedom found in an 'anarchy zone' of creative play to the tranquility of circle time beneath the open sky. We delve into why this model is a sanctuary for the neurodivergent and those with a strong sense of self, reducing disciplinary issues and fostering autonomy. Join us in thanking Justine Wilson for her pioneering spirit and consider how you can contribute to the narrative of empowering education through collaboration and community.
Explore the educational revolution where AI becomes the teacher's ally, not the adversary. Unlock the promise of a tailored learning journey as we unpack the integration of artificial intelligence into the classroom setting. With insights from the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Educator Confidence Report and the expert knowledge of Amanda Bickerstaff, a former high school biology teacher turned ed-tech CEO, our conversation navigates the landscape of technology-enhanced education, from the practical reduction of teacher workloads to the pioneering role of generative AI tools like ChatGPT.
Discover how AI shatters myths of omnipotence, serving instead as a powerful computational partner that thrives on precision and rich data sets. We scrutinize the role of AI in fostering academic integrity and debate its impact on the timeless issue of dishonesty in education. Delving deeper, the episode underscores the transformative potential of AI for students with disabilities, offering personalized support that transcends traditional learning barriers. By emphasizing the significance of AI literacy training, we advocate for a balanced approach to technology, ensuring it strengthens rather than replaces student creativity and intellect.
Join us as we illuminate the ways in which AI technologies are revolutionizing support for disabled students, providing barrier-free communication and the freedom to manage their educational endeavors. We celebrate the triumphs within our educational systems by inviting listeners to share their own success stories, fostering a communal spirit of innovation and inclusivity. This isn't just a glimpse into the future of education—it's an invitation to participate in shaping it. Your stories, insights, and experiences are the keystones to this growing educational edifice, and together, we write the next chapter.
Imagine a classroom where every child reads confidently, their eyes alight with understanding. Today literacy sage, Dr. Joseph Lockavitch, unveils the blueprint to literacy success for non-readers. We tackle the daunting educational crisis head-on, discussing Dr. Lockavitch's revolutionary Failure-Free Reading Program, dissecting the unique challenges non-readers face. From the '30% factor' to the critical role of reading with comprehension and expression, we'll equip you with the knowledge to identify and support diverse learners in transcending their reading barriers.
As we journey through the transformative power of literacy, Dr. Lockavitch shares his beacon of hope for at-risk children. Hear how a ninth-grader from the Bronx, once lost in the shadows of illiteracy, found his way to the light through tailored intervention strategies, a rich vocabulary, and the essential background knowledge that turns words into worlds. This chapter is a treasure trove of insights for anyone invested in seeing students not just read but relate to the text, unlocking academic and lifelong success.
But the inspiration doesn't end there. We celebrate the incredible strides made by middle schoolers from low-income families, thanks to a vocabulary improvement program that dared them to reach beyond their grasp. With practical advice on how parents can become language teachers and navigators through the common roadblocks of reading comprehension, this episode is a testament to the untapped potential in every child. Join Dr. Lockavitch and me as we share these success stories, shining a light on the bright side of education where every non-reader can find their voice and every child can embrace the joy of reading.
To learn more about Dr. Joe Lockavitch and The Failure Free Reading Program, go to FailureFreeOnline.com.
💡 This episode is CPD accredited! Educators can now earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) minutes by listening. To claim your certificate:
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The Poet's Heart: Sarika Singh on the Power of Poetry in Education
Have you ever felt a poem tug at your heartstrings, or stumbled upon lines of verse that perfectly captured your emotions? Today's podcast is a treasure for anyone who’s ever been moved by the power of poetry. We’re joined by the poet Sarika Singh, whose insights into the transformative impact of poetry on education are nothing short of inspirational. Together, we explore the emotional journey of poetic expression and its ability to connect us to our shared humanity.
Poetry is often seen as an enigma, a puzzle that only a selected few can unlock. But as Sarika and I unravel the myths surrounding this timeless art form, we discover that the poet within us is just waiting to be set free. In this heartfelt exchange, we talk about the universal appeal of poetry and the importance of creating spaces where everyone can enjoy the liberating power of poetic creation. Our discussion navigates the strategies to foster personal expression and connect with contemporary works, ensuring that poetry can be more than an academic exercise — it can be a source of pure joy and unity.
The episode culminates with powerful accounts of writing’s extraordinary influence on young lives. We share the stories of two students whose experiences with writing reveal its capacity to be a coping mechanism and a pathway to self-discovery.
To learn more about Sarika Singh, go to sarikasingh.in and listen to her podcast series, "Communicate 101: Speaking Writing Tips."
💡 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.
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.
I tried so hard to wipe it clean
To bring the window back its sheen,
I rubbed hard, it stayed undone
Alas, it still looked a hazy sun.
I wet my cloth to clean this time
Imagining now all would be fine,
I wiped again with all my might
My glass was fuzzy though sun was bright.
The haze kept growing further some more
My pulse was fast, my hands were sore,
The view distorted more than before
I ogled frozen at the smoggy outdoor.
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.
Apple Podcasts
🇬🇧 Great Britain - educationForKids
11/07/2026
#97
🇬🇧 Great Britain - educationForKids
10/07/2026
#89
🇬🇧 Great Britain - educationForKids
09/07/2026
#63
🇬🇧 Great Britain - educationForKids
08/07/2026
#62
🇬🇧 Great Britain - educationForKids
07/07/2026
#61
🇬🇧 Great Britain - educationForKids
06/07/2026
#52
🇩🇪 Germany - educationForKids
05/07/2026
#91
🇩🇪 Germany - educationForKids
04/07/2026
#70
🇩🇪 Germany - educationForKids
03/07/2026
#67
🇩🇪 Germany - educationForKids
02/07/2026
#54
Spotify
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