Nikole Sheaffer is an artist, mom, writer, educator, and facilitator. She is a key figure at the Environmental Charter School (ECS) in Pittsburgh and the founder of The Thinking Lab.

In this episode, Nikole and Seth talk about:

• Transitioning from corporate sustainability to education
• The concept of teachers as facilitators rather than traditional educators
• Importance of fostering intellectual discomfort and curiosity in students
• Integrating environmental education, systems thinking, and empathy into the curriculum
• Challenges and rewards of innovative educational practices
• Encouraging outdoor learning and community connections
• The future of the teaching profession and the impact of the next generation of educators

Learn more about The Thinking Lab at thethinkinglab.com.

Subscribe to Make It Mindful for more deep-dive interviews with education change-makers. It’s available wherever you get your podcasts.

About today’s guest
Nikole Sheaffer is an innovative educator and facilitator at the Environmental Charter School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With a background in environmental studies and corporate sustainability, Nikole brings a unique perspective to education. She has played a pivotal role in developing ECS's curriculum, focusing on outdoor learning, systems thinking, and empathy. Nikole is passionate about reimagining the teaching profession and creating more sustainable and meaningful learning experiences for students.

About your host
Seth Fleischauer is an educator, entrepreneur, and advocate for mindful education. As the co-founder and CEO of Banyan Global Learning, Seth brings over two decades of experience in teaching and educational leadership to the podcast. His mission is to explore innovative solutions for keeping schools relevant and impactful. Seth's unique approach combines mindfulness with practical strategies, aiming to foster meaningful change in the educational landscape. Through Make It Mindful, Seth engages with thought leaders and change-makers to uncover transformative practices that can shape the future of education.