🔑 Key Topics in This Episode:

        • When SEL empowers—and when it alienates

        • Why delivery, identity, and intention matter

        • Leading with emotions through crisis and change

        • Modeling emotional intelligence from the top down

        • Building community, not just compliance

If you care about emotional education, equity, or what it means to truly lead—this episode will challenge and inspire you.

     From family dynamics to school pressure, social media to emotional avoidance, Dr. Lebowitz explains how anxiety develops and shares research-backed strategies to help kids feel stronger, not smaller.

     🔎 Topics Covered: – What childhood anxiety really is (and isn’t)

 – How to support kids without overprotecting

 – Two common parenting traps

 – The difference between “scary” and “dangerous”

 – What makes emotional strength possible in kids

     🎧 Whether you’re a parent, educator, or mental health professional, this conversation offers a roadmap for helping kids feel safer in their own skin.

    In this episode, I’m breaking down the research behind how children’s behavior drives the behavior of adults without the adults realizing it. I share why understanding that behavior has reciprocal impacts is so important, how to ensure we aren’t fading out the demands on a student based on their behavior, and the importance of observing other adults in the classroom.

As always, I share TONS of useful resources for you

   Drawing from their book Long-Term Success for Experienced Multilinguals, Beth and Tan share practical strategies for supporting students who have been in language programs for years but still need explicit academic language instruction to succeed across all content areas.

   They discuss:

Why labels matter and how to shift to asset-based language

The importance of teaching academic vocabulary and sentence structures

The "Orchard Framework" for planning content and language together

How content teachers can make their instruction accessible without watering it down

Real classroom and district success stories from schools applying this model

   Instructional leaders will leave with practical ideas for supporting teachers in implementing effective questioning techniques along with resources for further self directed learning.

     What's your "why" for being a teacher? Unlike other professionals, teachers often have strong reasons for why they teach and a clear sense of purpose. Acknowledging and understanding this purpose helps educators to not just do what they do but do it well.

     This illustrated guide was designed for all classroom teachers to emphasize the unique challenges and opportunities that arise in multilingual learner education. Using Simon Sinek's Golden Circle theory to understand and elevate that sense of purpose, the book is organized into three parts: the why, the how, and the what of teaching multilingual learners. You will learn

 The benefits and goals of a multilingual education

     Valentina shares her personal journey as a former ELL student and her professional insights into embracing the linguistic and cultural assets that multilingual learners bring to the classroom. Discover actionable strategies for creating culturally inclusive and language-affirming classrooms, including:

✔️ Recognizing and valuing students' native languages

✔️ Practical, low-prep strategies for fostering language development

✔️ The importance of words, labels, and perceptions in shaping students' educational experiences

   Learn why "ESOL is not an intervention" and how to shift mindsets in schools

How educators can design classrooms that celebrate diversity and empower learners

🧠 In this engaging conversation, Larry shares his expertise on:

🔹 Understanding the delicate balance between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.

🔹 The principles of self-determination theory and how they apply in the classroom.

🔹 Practical strategies for teachers to inspire and support English learners.

🔹 Building a classroom environment that fosters connection, curiosity, and growth.

   In this heartfelt episode, I’m sharing 10 things every paraprofessional deserves to hear—but may not get to hear often enough. These simple yet powerful affirmations go beyond the typical “thank you” and help build the trust and appreciation our teams truly need.

  In this episode, we sit down with Kelly Brownholtz from Sawtooth Middle School and Tricia Hendrickson from Rocky Mountain High School to explore their journey, their impact, and their advice for the future. 🌟

   From sharing what led them into the role, to walking us through a “day in the life,” Kelly and Tricia open up about the challenges and joys of their work. You’ll hear stories of collaboration with teachers 🤝, one-on-one student support 🎒, and the unforgettable moments that keep them inspired 💡.

   We’ll also dive into the bigger picture: how the role of paraprofessionals has evolved 📈, what they wish more people understood about their impact, and the powerful message they’d share with the broader community about why paraprofessionals are essential to education. 📚✨

   Ready to ditch the micromanaging and boost your classroom vibe? Dive in and discover how to make your teacher-paraprofessional partnership work for everyone!

🌍 Insights into the importance of emotional intelligence in today's fast-paced and ambiguous work environments. 

🤝 Rich's personal journey and the transformative power of developing emotional intelligence. 📚 Practical techniques for improving emotional regulation and awareness in the workplace. 

👥 Discussion on the challenges people face with emotions at work and how to overcome them.

Key Takeaways:

-Emotional Intelligence as a Skill: Understand that emotional intelligence is a learnable and invaluable skill for personal and professional growth.

-Impact on Leadership: Discover how emotional intelligence can transform leadership by fostering empathy, better communication, and stronger connections.

-Personal Development: Learn from Rich's journey of overcoming emotional struggles and developing a high EQ to support and lead others effectively.

-Practical Applications: Gain insights into practical techniques for improving emotional regulation and awareness in the workplace.

     Rob is the 2010 National Teacher of the Year Finalist, 2009-2010 Michigan Teacher of the Year, 2006 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, SMART Exemplary Educator, and WKAR PBS Television "Science Minute" Host... What else can we say?

    Gregory Chahrozian joined the American University of Armenia as an adjunct lecturer in the Fall of 2020. Gregory holds a Master’s Degree in Teaching and a Bachelor’s Degree in Science from The University of Sydney. He majored in Microbiology and Genetics and Science Education. He has spent the last twenty years teaching Secondary education students. During that time, his leadership roles included Head of Curriculum and Head of Science Faculty. He is keen to share his educational experience and be part of the education revolution here in Armenia, focusing on Curriculum and Assessment development. He recently repatriated to Armenia from Australia.