Be a Better Ally: critical conversations for K12 educators

In this conversation, Tricia and Pasha Marlowe explore the multifaceted world of neurodiversity, exploring how social media platforms like TikTok serve as vital spaces for connection and understanding. Pasha shares insights on the importance of concise communication, particularly in short-form videos, and how these platforms can foster meaningful conversations about neurodivergent experiences. They discuss the significance of open dialogue in relationships, the necessity of creating neuro-inclusive environments in various settings, and the transformative power of language in shaping perceptions of neurodiversity. The conversation emphasizes the need for a paradigm shift in education and organizational practices to embrace neurodiversity as a natural variation rather than a disorder, advocating for a more inclusive and understanding approach to all individuals. In this conversation, Pasha Marlowe discusses the importance of challenging traditional norms in education and the workplace, advocating for a more inclusive approach that values neurodiversity and creativity. They highlight the generational shifts towards greater acceptance of neurodivergence and LGBTQIA identities, emphasizing the need for organizations to create safe spaces for these conversations. The discussion also touches on the unique bond between humans and dogs, exploring how this relationship can inform our understanding of empathy and connection. Finally, Pasha reflects on their own journey of curiosity and the importance of continual growth and rebranding in their work. Ready to learn about our guest? https://www.pashamarlowe.com/ Pasha Marlowe, MFT (she/they) Speaker and Coach 30+ years of professional experience as a marriage and family therapist and coach Global DEIAB speaker/trainer for organizations and universities who want to create culture transformation through the lens of neurodiversity, disability inclusion, and belonging. 54 years of lived experience as a multiply-neurodivergent, disabled, queer person Learn more about the Feedspot list mentioned at the top of the episode: https://blog.feedspot.com/lgbt_podcasts/

In this conversation, Jason June discusses his latest book, 'Flopping in a Winter Wonderland,' exploring themes of queer joy, the importance of setting in literature, sibling dynamics, and the creative process of writing. He emphasizes the need for representation of queer love in holiday narratives, particularly in rural settings, and highlights the significance of healthy sibling relationships and masculinity. Jason also shares insights on the value of feedback in the writing process and his meticulous outlining method. Get your copy today: https://bookshop.org/p/books/flopping-in-a-winter-wonderland-jason-june/21061341?ean=9780063260085 Ready to learn more about Ono? https://onoroller.com/abetterally Promo code: ABETTERALLY25

Karen Wilfrid discusses her book LAMBDA award nominated middle grade novel 'Just Lizzie' and how her personal experience and background in education helped spark the story. She talks about the importance of capturing the journey of identity exploration in middle grade books and the role of school in that process. Karen also shares how her students and colleagues supported her in writing the book and the impact of creating a writing community in the classroom. Learn more about Karen WIlfrid and her phenomenal book: https://www.karenwilfrid.com/just-lizzie.html

In this conversation, we hear from founder and Executive Director Joan Liu who discusses the origin and mission of Second Chance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping international students secure last-minute scholarships for higher education. The initiative began in response to a crisis where students lost their scholarships unexpectedly. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community support, innovative thinking, and the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of international education. Joan Liu is the Founder and Executive Director of Second Chance. She has been a college counselor for the past 22 years, across various public and private schools in the US, UK, Turkey, and Singapore. She has devoted her career to helping students go to college in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and other countries. An industry expert in financial aid and scholarships, she is a fierce advocate of international students seeking access to higher education. Joan is known for her work in 2018 when she mobilized the Nepal Justice League, a pro-bono team of counselors to support the 60 Nepali students who had lost their scholarships from the University of Texas at Tyler (due to a budget error on UT Tyler’s part). She galvanized a global movement amongst the international counseling community, and she and her team re-seat 56 students at new universities in the US, Canada, Middle East, and East Asia, with 10+ million in financial aid and scholarships, and raised 180K in gap funding - after the US cycle had finished that year. Joan has been the recipient of industry awards: NACAC’s Rising Star Award (2016); International ACAC’s Distinguished Service Award (2017); CIS’s Peggy Templeton Award, an international award recognizing one counselor in the world annually (2017). In 2021, she and the Nepal Justice League team were awarded NACAC’s Joyce E Smith Award, an award given to those who “have improved the field of education and the way students are served” (2020). In 2021, she served on the President’s Alliance for Higher Education and Immigration Pathways for Refugees Task Force, for the US. Learn more about Second Chance: https://www.secondchance.global/ Follow them on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/second-chance/posts/?feedView=all

Christy Mandin is a New York Times bestselling children's book author, illustrator, and surface designer. She grew up in rural Georgia and credits her country life of solitude as an only child for much of her love of books and nature. You'll find this love of nature along with nostalgia, magic, and whimsy woven into the fabric of her art. When she isn't drawing she can be found quilting, gardening, beekeeping, or cozied up with a cup of coffee and the latest period drama on BBC or PBS. Christy currently lives in Georgia with her husband, 4 children, and a menagerie of animals and insects. Summary In this engaging conversation, Tricia and Christy Mandin explore the creative process behind Christy's latest children's book, discussing the iterative nature of writing, the importance of collaboration, and the practicalities of finding time to write amidst a busy life. They dig into themes of community and belonging as reflected in the book's gardening motif, and Christy shares insights on connecting with young readers and the joy of storytelling. Learn more: https://www.christymandin.com/books

Kwame Sarfo-Mensah has an incredible book hitting shelves TODAY, and it is one of those must read books. In this episode we talk about that book and Kwame's perspective on much more. We explore the importance of understanding one's childhood experiences and how it can help educators better connect with their students. We also discuss the concept of home and how it can be defined differently for each person. Kwame emphasizes the need for trust and vulnerability in building relationships and creating a sense of belonging. They also touch on the role of curiosity and learning in dismantling hate and promoting inclusivity. Kwame shares how his podcast has influenced his book and the importance of listening to diverse perspectives. The conversation explores the power of storytelling and the importance of media literacy in building belonging in schools. It delves into the concept of counter storytelling as a way to challenge stock narratives and learn about marginalized communities. Learn more about Kwame, his podcast, book and ways to connect with him: www.identitytalk4educators.com/about www.identitytalk4educators.com/podcast Check out his post as discussed at the beginning of the episode: aieloc.org/how-do-we-make-our-…ery-student-aieloc/

Aaron Blabey discusses the creation and conclusion of his beloved children's series, The Bad Guys. He reflects on the balance between humor and deeper messages in storytelling, the emotional journey of saying goodbye to a series that has impacted millions, and the importance of staying true to one's creative vision. Blabey also shares insights on the influence of audience engagement and the evolution of his artistic journey, emphasizing the significance of authenticity in creative expression. Learn more about Tricia's upcoming free webinar series: www.shiftingschools.com

Eliot Schrefer, the New York Times bestselling standout author of many books for kids and teens. The Brightness Between Us is the sequel to The Darkness Outside Us. His books have twice been named finalists for the National Book Award in Young People’s Literature and have garnered a Printz Honor, a Stonewall Honor, and the Green Earth Book Award. Learn more about this new book: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-brightness-between-us-eliot-schrefer?variant=41378517057570 Let Tricia know you have entered to win the give-away tricia(at)shiftingschools.com

In this conversation, Tricia and Rebecca Skinner discuss the upcoming Neurodiversity Comic Con at Gillen Brewer, emphasizing the importance of creating inclusive spaces for neurodiverse learners. They explore the significance of partnerships, representation in literature, and the role of joy in learning. Rebecca shares insights on the value of comics as a valid form of literature and the impact of narrative on shaping perspectives. The discussion highlights the importance of community engagement and collaboration in fostering a supportive environment for all students. Ready to learn more about the event? https://sites.google.com/gillenbrewer.com/gbsneurodiversitycomiccon/home Want to explore the free guide Tricia referenced at the top of the episode? https://shiftingschools.lpages.co/our-mega-prompt-playbook/ Transcript not loading from your podcast player? Reach out to Tricia Tricia(at)shiftingschools.com

On this week Tricia speaks with Dr. Sirisha Kuchimanchi and Malur Narayan about their new emerging concept to better bridge students with apprenticeships that are meaningful: https://employability.one/ Our guests are looking for educator input and perspective. We talk about why that matters now more than ever before. Would you like to connect with them? Send your feedback and questions: https://forms.gle/CnwzMxQS7zq1XXzbA Connect with them on LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malur/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sirishakuchimanchi/ Join Tricia this November for a free Futures Literacy Cohort: https://app.glueup.com/event/aaie-leadership-learning-series-co-creating-future-foresight-skills-122479/

This week's episode explores the journey of Heartstopper from its origins as a webcomic to its successful adaptation into a TV series with Author Alice Oseman and Executive Producer Patrick Walters. The creators discuss the importance of staying true to the source material, the emotional resonance of the story, and the collaborative process that brings the characters to life. They emphasize the themes of hope and optimism that permeate the narrative, making it relatable and beloved by audiences worldwide. Ready to learn more? https://aliceoseman.com/heartstopper/ Join Tricia in the free AAIE Future Foresight Community: https://app.glueup.com/event/aaie-leadership-learning-series-co-creating-future-foresight-skills-122479/

In this conversation, Tricia and Daryl Sinclair discuss the launch of Daryl's podcast, DEIJ Hot Takes, which aims to explore diverse perspectives in the DEIJ (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice) space. Daryl shares his journey into the DEIJ field, emphasizing the importance of learning from various practitioners and the need for a platform that showcases different approaches to equity work. They delve into the concept of 'hot takes' as a way to invite opinions and foster dialogue, rather than presenting definitive answers. The discussion also highlights the significance of creating safe spaces for conversations, the intentionality behind podcasting, and the need for systemic changes in education to promote equity. Daryl draws parallels between breakdancing and DEIJ work, emphasizing the value of lived experiences and diverse media in shaping understanding and fostering inclusivity. Connect with our guest and follow his new podcast: https://dsinclairwriting.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/darylsinclairgeography/ https://dsinclairwriting.com/2024/09/20/deij-hot-takes/ As mentioned at the top of the episode, learn with LeeAnne and Shei with Reciprocal Community Partnerships: https://global-citizenship-hub.teachable.com/p/reciprocal-community-partnerships-a-master-class-in-how-to-evaluate-and-build-sustainable-inclusive-partnerships-in-k-12-schools

How can a game help us work on media literacy? On the show this week we talk to Anahita Dalmia about Agents of Influence. Try the game out today: https://www.agentsofinfluencegame.com/ As mentioned at the top of the episode: Do you believe in the power of stories? Do you want your students to become active global citizens ready for positive and purposeful civic engagement? Do you want to equip your students with the skills to be purposeful content creators rather than passive consumers of digital information? Do you want to create and launch your own class website/digital storytelling platform? Learn more with LeeAnne Lavender! https://global-citizenship-hub.teachable.com/p/becoming-a-digital-storyteller

For Banned Books Week the INCREDIBLE non-profit Pride and Less Prejudice is hosting Banned Together. How can you help them meet their goal for this year? https://www.prideandlessprejudice.org/events

This week Tricia brings you an espisode of a show she appreciates: The SENIA Happy Hour podcast, where host Lori Boll chats with Tricia Friedman. Tricia shares insights on how algorithms shape our interactions, particularly in education and social media. Be sure to learn more about the show and SENIA: https://www.seniainternational.org/podcast/ They discuss the importance of understanding algorithms in relation to information literacy and DEIJ (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice) work. Trisha emphasizes the need for nuanced conversations about technology, encouraging listeners to explore how algorithms influence our identities and relationships. This engaging discussion reveals the complexities of algorithmic systems and their impact on society, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and education! As a bonus, Trisha will be a keynote speaker at SENIA Unplugged: Inclusive Insights virtual conference in November. Connect ⁠Website: Shifting Schools⁠ ⁠Website: Allyed⁠ ⁠LinkedIn⁠ From Today’s Show: Podcast: Be a Better Ally Free Guides from Shifting Schools Replika WISE Strategy Duke career hub info on a Hireview AI interview Facebook group: role play being in an ant colony BotLove The Shame Machine: Who Profits in the New Age of Humiliation, by Cathy O’Neil Bridget Todd Mozilla: IRL ACLR Free Framework Wrong - by Dannagal Goldthwaite Young Filter World: How Algorithms Flattened Culture, by Kyle Chayka Earth Species Communication Algorithms and taste-making: Exposing the Netfilx Recommender System’s operational logics When Dog’s Play, They Follow the Golden Rules of Fairness Chatbots can persuade conspiracy theorists their view might be wrong

On the show today Tricia speaks with a renowned expert in HigherED about the ways AI is already shifting the university experience. If you work in K12, what more do we need to understand about that changing landscape? Our guest this week: Dr. Claire Brady is a seasoned executive and recognized change agent and coalition builder with significant experience improving processes, leading digital transformations, building world-class teams, and achieving strategic goals. She is a proud graduate of Michigan State University (BA & MA), and the University of Central Florida (EdD). Claire has served in executive VPSA roles at Lake-Sumter State College in Florida and Ana G. Mendez University in Florida and Puerto Rico. Claire also has 10+ years of undergraduate teaching experience. Claire is a nationally recognized educator and passionate advocate for AI in higher education. She is leading the charge in AI literacy as a vocal advocate across higher education. Claire is dedicated to equipping executive teams and student affairs professionals with the necessary tools and knowledge to leverage the immense potential of AI in their personal and professional lives. Claire is an active member of regional and national associations and is engaged in her local communities by serving within organizations and on boards. Claire, her partner Ben, and their son Fox (13) live in Orlando. When she’s not picking up LEGO or discussing the intricacies of Minecraft, she enjoys travel, reading, exploring AI, TV, crafting, Broadway shows, trying new restaurants, and spending time with family and friends. Website: www.drclairebrady.com Socials: IG @drclairebrady LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/clairebradyedd/ Blogs: https://www.drclairebrady.com/blog Thank you to our incredible show sponsor for making this series possible: Lebra: https://www.lebrahq.com/ 📨Tell us about your thoughts on this episode: info@shiftingschools.com

On this week: Alder Van Otterloo https://aldervanotterloo.com/about We dig into their incredible book and more: https://aldervanotterloo.com/books The conversation explores the themes of empathy, understanding, and respect for others, as well as the importance of storytelling and fiction in fostering empathy. It also touches on the intersectionality of identities and the need for inclusivity and acceptance. The book, 'The Beautiful Something Else,' is praised for its relatability and its exploration of complex family dynamics and the challenges of understanding oneself and others. It highlights the significance of affirming relationships and the power of small acts of kindness. The conversation also emphasizes the role of libraries as inclusive spaces and the value of intergenerational relationships. The conversation explores the themes of body respect, autonomy, emotional regulation, and self-compassion. It emphasizes the importance of honoring children's agency and allowing them to make choices about their bodies and preferences. The conversation highlights the significance of self-regulation and the role it plays in emotional literacy and overall well-being. It concludes with a reflection on the power of connection and the comfort that animals can provide in the creative process. Reach out to tricia@shiftingschools.com to enter to win your copy of the book by Sept. 10!

Kwame Sarfo-Mensah has an incredible book hitting shelves this coming Fall, and it is one of those must read books. In this episode we talk about that book and Kwame's perspective on much more. We explore the importance of understanding one's childhood experiences and how it can help educators better connect with their students. We also discuss the concept of home and how it can be defined differently for each person. Kwame emphasizes the need for trust and vulnerability in building relationships and creating a sense of belonging. They also touch on the role of curiosity and learning in dismantling hate and promoting inclusivity. Kwame shares how his podcast has influenced his book and the importance of listening to diverse perspectives. The conversation explores the power of storytelling and the importance of media literacy in building belonging in schools. It delves into the concept of counter storytelling as a way to challenge stock narratives and learn about marginalized communities. Learn more about Kwame, his podcast, book and ways to connect with him: https://www.identitytalk4educators.com/about https://www.identitytalk4educators.com/podcast Check out his post as discussed at the beginning of the episode: https://aieloc.org/how-do-we-make-our-classrooms-feel-like-home-to-each-and-every-student-aieloc/

On this week: Dr. Kat Schrier discusses the potential of games to help people better connect with themselves and others. She shares her research on using games to enhance compassion, empathy, and reduce biases, as well as her work on a game in Nigeria that teaches about different ethnicities and discrimination. Dr. Schrier also highlights the importance of understanding multiple perspectives and the complexity of games. She emphasizes the need to reframe how we think about games and the diverse uses and possibilities they offer. The conversation explores the intersection of games and empathy, the value of grief literacy, and the hope that games can bring. Dr. Kat Schrier (she/they) is Full Professor, Director of the Play Innovation Lab, and Director of the Games and Emerging Media program at Marist College. She is the author/editor of over 100 published works, such as We the Gamers: How Games Teach Ethics & Civics (Oxford University Press, 2021) and Knowledge Games (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2016). She has previously edited two book series, Ethics and Game Design and Learning, Education, & Games. She was a Belfer Fellow with the ADL's Center for Technology & Society, and she is co-PI for a Templeton Grant on designing VR games for empathy. Prior to joining the Marist College faculty, she worked as a media producer at Scholastic, Nickelodeon, and BrainPOP. She is currently consulting with the World Health Organization (WHO) as a game designer. She has a doctorate from Columbia University, a master’s from MIT, and a bachelor’s from Amherst College. https://www.karenschrier.com/ https://www.karenschrier.com/publications https://www.adl.org/resources/blog/how-we-can-use-games-understand-others-better

Skateistan is an international NGO that uses skateboarding as a tool for education and empowerment. It started with a few children in Kabul who were curious about skateboarding and has now grown into a global movement. The organization focuses on providing fun and inclusive spaces for children and at-risk youth to learn, play, and shape their futures. Skateistan has also created the Good Push Alliance, a social skate network that connects over a thousand skate projects worldwide. The organization emphasizes the importance of play and the valuable life skills that can be learned through skateboarding. 🎙️Connect with them to learn more: https://skateistan.org/ Want to take this episode further and map out your personal plans for having a playful summer? 🏖️ Explore our six-part planner, download it free : https://shiftingschools.lpages.co/power-of-play/ 👏🏻Thank you to our incredible sponsors for supporting this series: MackinVision: https://home.mackin.com/mackinvision/ Lebra: https://www.lebrahq.com/ 📨Tell us about your thoughts on this episode: info@shiftingschools.com