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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, her son, from The Lonesome Family Band. You can explore more of his work on Instagram.
63 Episodes
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Send us a text Worried about too much screen time for your kids or students? Discover how the Who Smarted podcast is helping parents and teachers bring back curiosity, focus, and fun — without a screen in sight. In this episode, Jerry Kolber, co-founder of Atomic Entertainment and creator of Who Smarted, shares how his wildly popular educational podcast (with over 3 million downloads!) is changing the game. Learn how short, engaging, screen-free episodes are being used in classrooms and homes...
Send us a text Robert Barnett, co-founder of the Modern Classrooms Project, explains how their innovative teaching model helps teachers effectively reach students with diverse learning needs through blended, self-paced, mastery-based learning. Traditional teaching methods struggling with different learning paces, gaps in knowledge, and absent students can be transformed with this approach that empowers both teachers and students. • Traditional teaching models fail when teaching to the middle...
Send us a text The education landscape is in turmoil as schools cope with a teacher shortage that leaves over 400,000 positions unfilled. This episode tackles the pressing issue head-on, exploring how innovative education leaders are transforming staffing challenges into pathways for continuity and excellence in learning. We welcome Nicola Soares, the president of Kelly Education, to share her insights from her frontline experience in education. Discover how Kelly Education addresses staffing...
Send us a text Are you aware of the gender gap in financial literacy? In this episode, James Comblo shares the impact of programs like Her Wealth, designed to empower girls aged 16-28 with the tools for financial independence. Through candid discussions, relatable anecdotes, and actionable strategies, we explore how parents and educators can foster environments that prioritize vital financial conversations. We aim to dismantle the stigma surrounding money discussions and encourage open dialog...
Send us a text Can better mental health support in schools transform student success? Join us as we explore this critical question with Kevin DaHill-Fuchel, Executive Director of Counseling in Schools (CIS). With him, we uncover the profound impact of integrating mental health professionals into school environments, a strategy that has notably boosted attendance and graduation rates in New York City. Our conversation takes a deep dive into the challenges faced by schools, especially in...
Send us a text What if a simple tool could improve the way we address chronic absenteeism in schools? Join me, Dr. Lisa Hassler, as I explore this provocative question with Chris Hull, the visionary founder of Otus. In this episode, we uncover how integrating various data points into a single platform can empower educators to swiftly identify at-risk students and create tailored interventions. Discover how technology not only simplifies the teaching process but also enhances a teacher's abili...
Send us a text The episode explores the science and psychology of math anxiety and features innovative educational approaches aimed at transforming math teaching. With a PhD in Mathematics & Computer Sciences, Dr. Aditya Nagrath shares insights on early intervention, preventive strategies to improve students' confidence, and the importance of viewing math as a language. As the creator and founder of Elephant Learning Mathematics Academy, he's on a mission to empower children with mathemat...
Send us a text Ever wonder how teachers and parents can navigate the festive frenzy of December without losing their minds? Join me and my husband, Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., as we unlock the secrets to maintaining sanity and maximizing learning during one of the busiest times of the year. We promise you'll walk away with practical strategies like planning detailed calendars to juggle school events and holiday activities seamlessly. Discover how aligning lesson plans with holiday themes can trans...
Send us a text Open the gates to the golden age of nonfiction literature with Dr. Lisa Hassler and Melissa Taylor, founder of Imagination Soup, as they unravel the often-overlooked power of nonfiction books in education. Did you know that 84% of first graders show a preference for nonfiction, yet these books are not as prevalent as they should be in children's literature? Join us as we discuss the crucial role nonfiction plays in nurturing literacy skills in our information-laden world. Melis...
Send us a text What if the key to managing childhood anxiety lies in the stories we tell? Discover how storytelling can transform anxiety from a daunting monster into a friendly guide, as Dr. Anna Housley-Juster, a licensed mental health clinician and author of "How to Train Your Amygdala," joins us. With a blend of empathy and humor, Anna shares her insights on how understanding the brain's alarm system can empower children to see anxiety as a protective mechanism rather than a foe. She reve...
Send us a text Unlock the powerful role of music in transforming education with insights from Dr. Lisa Hassler and guest, Dr. Giuliana Conti, Director of Education and Equity at Music Workshop. Prepare to discover how music education can boost adolescents' mental well-being, with research backing its impact on neural connectivity and emotional health. Giuliana shares her personal journey from classical viola performance to advocating for accessible music programs, highlighting the influence o...
Send us a text What if schools could transform chaos into community strength during a natural distaster? Join me, Dr. Lisa Hassler, as we promise a deep dive into the critical topic of hurricane preparedness in American schools. In this episode, seasoned educators Mary Guarino and Beth Donofrio, share their poignant experiences in preparing and dealing with the aftermath of hurricanes. We promise you'll gain valuable insights into the physical, educational, and emotional challenges faced by s...
Send us a text 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 s...
Send us a text 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 ...
Send us a text Dual language programs are growing as the value of linguistic diversity is seen as a strength to be leveraged, not a challenge to be overcome. Peek into the inner workings of the dual language program with Katherine Hamilton, the Senior Vice President of Programs at Ensemble Learning. Discover how these programs not only boost academic performance but also nurture bilingualism, biliteracy, and a strong sense of cultural identity. We'll explore key instructional practices, such ...
Send us a text "Our traumas can either be our greatest problem or our greatest superpower," (Dr. Robyn Koslowitz). Which do you believe it is? Reflect on childhood trauma with Dr. Koslowitz, a nationally recognized clinical psychologist, who dives deep into her personal journey and professional insights to help us understand how trauma can be hidden beneath a child's seemingly calm exterior. Dr. Koslowitz emphasizes the necessity for creating supportive environments for children who have face...
Send us a text How can understanding and integrating Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) impact the way we educate and nurture young minds? Join us as we explore SEL with Dr. Maggie Broderick, Associate Professor in the Teacher Education Department of National University’s Sanford College of Education, where she serves as a Dissertation Chair and Faculty Lead for the Curriculum and Instruction Specialization and the Social Emotional Learning Emphasis. Learn how SEL (Casel 5 framework) can help ch...
Send us a text Ever wondered how the commodification of education affects our teachers' mental health and the quality of education? Join us as we explore this pressing issue with renowned healthcare executive and leadership consultant, Dr. Roger Gerard. Together, we unpack the alarming rise in teacher burnout and anxiety, exacerbated by the pandemic, and delve into the structural issues that contribute to this crisis. Drawing from Dr. Gerard's upcoming book, "Lead with Purpose: Reignite Passi...
Send us a text Want to change your approach to teaching? Join us with Jessica Cavallaro, co-founder of The Agile Mind, as she uncovers the transformative power of Agile methodologies in the classroom. Discover how Jessica embraced Agile principles, reshaping her educational environment into a vibrant space of collaboration and student-driven problem-solving. This episode promises to equip educators and parents alike with innovative strategies for creating a more engaging and effective learnin...
Send us a text Can questioning transform teaching more effectively than lecturing? Join us on The Brighter Side of Education as we welcome Dr. Eric Mazur, the Balkanski Professor of Physics and Applied Physics at Harvard University, to discuss social learning and assessment. Dr. Mazur is the innovator of Peer Instruction and Perusall. His motivational lectures on interactive teaching, educational technology, and assessment have inspired people around the world to change their approach t...
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