David Carson from Dumbify delves into the intriguing concept that embracing "dumb" thinking can often lead to innovative solutions. We explore how society has cultivated a reluctance to ask seemingly foolish questions, thereby stifling creativity and potential breakthroughs. Our conversation is enriched by anecdotes illustrating how historical figures, like Isaac Newton, harnessed the power of curiosity and unorthodox thinking to arrive at revolutionary ideas. We also reflect on personal experiences and methodologies that advocate for a shift in mindset—encouraging individuals to welcome and cultivate their "dumb" thoughts as a pathway to discovery and success.

Takeaways:

• Throughout history, the concept of 'dumb' has surprisingly provided solutions to complex problems.
• As individuals gain more knowledge, they often realize how much they still do not know.
• Encouraging the asking of seemingly 'dumb' questions can lead to significant creative breakthroughs.
• Creative thoughts often stem from individuals attempting to replicate others but failing, thereby generating originality.
• Rewarding curiosity in educational settings can foster a more open and innovative learning environment.
• The practice of intentionally thinking 'dumb' can lead to the development of new and effective solutions.

Website

david-carson.com

dumbify.beehiiv.com

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EDUCATIONAL THERAPY For Learners 5th Grade to Adult with ADHD and Executive Functioning Challenges

Rachel Kapp grew up in Los Angeles. She graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Sociology and minored in Jewish Studies. Rachel began tutoring students in high school, eventually choosing to pursue a career in education. For over six years, Rachel was a lead preschool teacher where she gained a firm foundation in explicit teaching.

Rachel has been a tutor in private practice since 2004, working with students in a variety of subjects including all levels of math, reading, history and writing. After working with so many types of students over the years and realizing she was passionate about building relationships with and helping students who learn differently, Rachel decided to pursue Educational Therapy. She completed her coursework at the California State University, Northridge in December 2015 and Masters degree in December 2016.

In her free time, Rachel loves spending time with her husband, Adam, sons, Elliot and Owen, and their dog, Fritzy, watching Cal Football, cooking for friends, and spinning.

Rachel is a Board Certified Member of the Association of Educational Therapists. She is a co-founder and co-host of the Learn Smarter Podcast, a resource offering over 350 episodes of educational content for educators and families. Rachel is an active participant in ongoing education through the International Dyslexia Association and she is also trained in Wilson Reading Systems.

Takeaways:

• Executive functioning skills are not inherent traits; they can be cultivated through dedicated learning and practice.
• Educational therapy should not be perceived as a permanent necessity; it aims to empower learners towards independence.
• Parents play a crucial role in educational therapy by stepping back, allowing their children to take initiative in their learning process.
• The distinction between educational therapy and tutoring lies in the focus on developing strategies rather than merely addressing academic content.
• The virtual landscape of educational therapy can foster just as meaningful connections as in-person sessions, debunking common misconceptions.
• Understanding and addressing underlying learning challenges can prevent significant achievement gaps from forming in learners.

Website

www.kappedtherapy.com

Social Media Information

@kappedtherapy (IG)

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Connecting Through Conversation: A Playbook for Talking with Students.

Erika Bare has been an educator for over 20 years, currently serving as the Superintendent in the South Umpqua School District in Oregon. A special education teacher by training, she is passionate about supporting all students through individual supports to reach their limitless potential.

Tiffany Burns loves working with kids. In her two decades in education, she taught elementary, middle, and high school students. Tiffany has been an administrator since 2012 and an elementary school principal for the past nine years. This year, she is on a professional sabbatical, teaching university pre-service teachers, while also connecting with educators across the nation, helping to grow the Connected Communicator Movement.

Together they wrote Connecting Through Conversation: A Playbook for Talking with Students.

We can offer $50 off our new online course, using the code: CTCPODCAST

Takeaways:

• In our discussion, we explored the intricate dynamics of interpersonal relationships and their profound impact on individual well-being.
• We emphasized the significance of effective communication as a cornerstone for fostering understanding and collaboration among diverse groups.
• The episode highlighted the necessity of self-reflection and personal growth as essential components of leading a fulfilling life.
• We examined the role of resilience in overcoming adversity and the importance of maintaining a positive outlook in challenging times.
• Throughout the conversation, we underscored the value of empathy in enhancing connections and building a supportive community.
• Finally, we concluded by advocating for continuous learning and adaptability as vital traits in an ever-evolving world.

Website

https://www.connectingthroughconversation.com/

Social Media Information

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090370647418&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/connectingthroughconversation/

Linked In Erika Bare

http://linkedin.com/in/erika-bare-6a72a6215

Linkedin Tiffany Burns

http://linkedin.com/in/tiffany-burns-90a50a274

Twitter

https://twitter.com/CTCPlaybook.com

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/@CTCPlaybook

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Dr. Emily Levy is the founder and director of EBL Coaching, a specialized tutoring program that offers individualized one-on-one home, virtual, and on-site instruction using research-based, multi-sensory techniques. She is also the author of Strategies for Study Success, a 22-part student workbook series that teaches students strategies for test taking, note taking, reading comprehension, writing, summarizing, and executive functioning, along with the Flags and Stars Orton Gillingham student workbook series, which helps students develop their fundamental decoding and spelling skills.

Additionally, she is the author of Flags and Stars Multi-Sensory Math, a multi-sensory math program that helps students develop a stronger understanding of core math concepts, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and fractions. These workbooks are currently used at schools nationwide.

Takeaways:

• Multi-sensory learning techniques significantly enhance the academic performance of students with learning difficulties.
• Engaging multiple senses during learning creates a more effective educational experience for children with special needs.
• Personalized tutoring, especially in one-on-one settings, allows for tailored instruction that meets individual student needs.
• The importance of a structured approach in education cannot be overstated, as it helps students build mastery in various skills.
• Challenges in traditional education systems often necessitate external tutoring for students with specialized learning requirements.
• Empowerment through small achievements is crucial for building self-esteem in students with learning disabilities.

Website

https://eblcoaching.com/

Social Media Information

https://www.facebook.com/EBLCoaching

https://www.instagram.com/ebl_coaching/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilylevy/

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Marcela Andrés serves as President and CEO of designEDengagement, PBC, a Latina-owned education consulting firm based in Texas on a mission to reimagine how educators, families, and community members partner to support the hopes and dreams of students. Previously, Marcela was a program director for a non-profit whose mission was to advocate for public education. She was also a third- and fourth-grade teacher at a bilingual elementary school.

She is the author of Purposeful Educator Connections: Five Principles to Strengthen Relationships with Students. In the book, Marcela offers critical principles to deepen relationships with students, understand the importance of context beyond compliance, foster meaningful interactions, design high-quality learning environments, and partner with key stakeholders. Purposeful Educator Connections provides high-leverage practices, case studies, and reflection questions to help educators apply these principles to their practice, ultimately improving classroom culture and student outcomes.

Takeaways:

• The discussion posits that zip codes should not determine an individual's destiny, emphasizing the importance of equity in educational opportunities.
• We assert that education is a non-linear journey, where each experience contributes uniquely to personal growth and career development.
• The podcast highlights the significance of educators in recognizing potential in students, often before they themselves are aware of it.
• We explore the crucial role of family and community engagement in the educational process, emphasizing that learning occurs beyond traditional classroom settings.
• The conversation underscores the necessity of self-care for educators, as their wellbeing directly influences their capacity to support students effectively.
• Lastly, we reflect on the transformative power of relationships in education, asserting that true learning flourishes in environments where individuals feel valued and seen.

Website

https://www.designedengagement.com/

Social Media Information

IG: https://www.instagram.com/molcajete_talk/

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcelaandres/

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Dr. Jewel Williams, a Doctor of Health Science, Nationally Registered EMT, and Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®), is an adjunct faculty member at the University of Bridgeport. With over 20 years as an educator and former principal, she is passionate about empowering educators to prioritise their well-being.

Dr. Williams integrates neuroscience with the eight dimensions of wellness—physical, emotional, social, intellectual, spiritual, occupational, environmental, and financial—to help educators create sustainable wellness practices. Through workshops and her private wellness community, she provides strategies that connect brain health to holistic well-being, enabling educators to thrive both personally and professionally.

Takeaways:

• As educators, it is imperative to acknowledge and adapt to the cultural dynamics of the environment in which we teach.
• The manner in which we communicate significantly influences our overall well-being and mental health.
• Implementing a brief daily practice of mindfulness and breathing can substantially enhance one's emotional resilience and clarity.
• Teachers must recognise their own wellness needs in order to effectively support their students' learning experiences.
• Pursuing one's authentic aspirations, irrespective of external validation, is essential for personal fulfilment and professional growth.
• The holistic approach to wellness encompasses emotional, physical, and mental health, which are interdependent in fostering a thriving educational environment.

Connect with Dr. Williams at:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jewelwhitewmsdhsc/

https://www.youtube.com/@jewelwhitewilliams

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Beyond its essential educational initiatives, The Be The Ladder Foundation also recognises those who make a difference through the Be The Ladder Awards. These prestigious awards shine a spotlight on individuals and organisations that embody the ethos of ‘being a ladder’ – helping others overcome obstacles and achieve greatness.

Every year, the awards celebrate 30 exceptional individuals or groups, known as The Ladder List, across ten categories. From these nominees, one deserving recipient in each category is honoured with the coveted Golden Ladder Award during a special awards ceremony. This recognition is not just about celebration; it’s about inspiring a movement of kindness and mentorship, encouraging others to step up and be the ladder for someone else.

The Be The Ladder Foundation provides vital support to young people who may not meet their potential due to their socio-economic status and require essential resources to reach their full potential. The foundation bridges the gap by offering school uniforms, educational equipment, tuition support, and funding for enriching experiences that build confidence and self-esteem.

Dr. Trevor D. Sterling (Hon.causa), Senior Partner at Moore Barlow, is the Founder of the Be The Ladder Foundation.

His unwavering commitment to social mobility and education drives our firm’s dedication to this cause. Through his leadership and vision, we are not only supporters but active participants in changing lives for the better.

Takeaways:

• The mantra of 'don't just aspire to climb the ladder, Be The Ladder' serves as a profound reminder that we should actively support others in their journeys to success.
• The Be the Ladder foundation is dedicated to providing opportunities for individuals from under-resourced backgrounds to fulfil their potential, thereby enhancing social mobility.
• Believing in oneself is crucial; a sense of purpose and motivation can significantly influence educational and societal outcomes for individuals.
• Trevor Sterling's journey exemplifies that extraordinary achievements can stem from ordinary backgrounds, demonstrating the power of self-belief and resilience in overcoming socioeconomic barriers.
• The foundation aims to bridge the attainment gap by offering support such as private tuition and workshops, ensuring that all individuals have access to necessary resources for success.
• Celebrating those who have 'been the ladder' helps to inspire future generations, creating a ripple effect of motivation and empowerment throughout society.

Website

https://www.betheladderawards.com

https://www.betheladderawards.com/our-mission

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Bobby Donohue is the founder of Planet Bonehead, an innovative educational platform helping schools teach kids about climate change and prepare them for environmental STEAM careers. Planet Bonehead provides teachers with the knowledge, resources, and support they need to effectively educate young learners about environmental issues. His work combines creativity, storytelling, and real-world solutions to inspire kids to think critically and take action. Planet Bonehead is used in classrooms across 86 countries, empowering the next generation to build a sustainable future.

Takeaways:

• The podcast emphasizes the importance of teaching children about climate change in an engaging manner that avoids overwhelming negativity.
• Bobby Donohue highlights that green technology offers viable solutions to climate change, yet remains largely unknown to the public.
• Through Planet Bonehead, children are encouraged to explore various career paths within green technology that they may not have previously considered.
• The podcast advocates for an educational approach that empowers children to take immediate action towards environmental stewardship and sustainability.
• The discussion underscores the necessity for collaboration between educators and green tech companies to effectively implement educational resources.
• Bobby Donohue expresses a commitment to making educational materials accessible for all students, regardless of their school's budget constraints.

Website

https://planetbonehead.com/

Social Media Information

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbydonohue/

https://bsky.app/profile/planetbonehead.com

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