The Thoughtful Teacher Podcast

In the second part of our discussion with Larry Brendtro we talk about how the latest brain science and social science research continues to demonstrate that youth develop resilience by developing supportive relationships with caring adults. The values that support these relationships are belonging, mastery, responsibility and generosity which are universal values. 

Larry Brentro shares his experiences in his career as a teacher, principal, program director, social worker and professor as he helps illuminate what what effective educators do in classrooms and schools. Larry has authored or co-authored 15 books on topics include teaching and learning, healthy brain development and quality learning environments for students who have been marginalized. He also co-hosts the annual Reclaiming Youth Seminars, which are currently held every summer in Sioux Falls, South Dakota along with his co-authors of the book Reclaiming Youth at Risk: Futures of Promise. Larry and his late wife, Janna who was research editor for his publications, are parents to three adult children and seven grandchildren. Our wide ranging discussion will start with some of Larry's early professional experiences and continue as we discuss why many schools fail to adequately meet the needs of students.

A non-profit Haitian and US based partnership for recycling plastic also has a growing educational mission within Haitian schools. In this episode, guest Blada Desauguste and host Scott Lee discuss this teacher-created education program that operates as part of a plastic recycling program in Haiti. Blada also explains how some short-sighted policy decisions have led to a large plastic waste problem in Haiti and how his organization, Kay (pronounced Kai) Blada Recycling, provides part of the solution. 

Malcolm Gillard and Scott Lee discuss equity issues, restorative practices and creating a positive classroom environment for all students. 

Executive Director of the Tennessee Council for the Social Studies and I discuss recent laws that limit discussion of equity, race, and gender issues by teachers. Tennessee was one of the first of several states have passed such laws. We talk about how this law may affect teachers, particularly social studies teachers, in Tennessee and elsewhere.

In this episode, Jennifer Knowles returns and we dive deeper into mindfulness in schools as we discuss trauma informed mindfulness. Enjoy learning more about how mindfulness is a part of transforming learning and schools.

Our friend Joshua Sneideman returns to discuss his new book Parenting Tweens: Successfully Navigating the Middle School Years. We learn about a useful resource for teachers and parents about this important (and sometimes difficult) developmental time. 

We continue our conversation from last season with Adam Jordan discussing the negative public narratives that professional educators are facing.

Guest Adam Jordan and I discuss some of the exciting events planned for this summer and fall sponsored by the All Y'all Social Justice Collective. After that he and I discuss some of the problems of equity facing the teaching profession.  This part one of two episodes of conversations where we discuss equity issues.  This episode will conclude our spring 2021 series, we will return with the fall series in September and Adam and I will continue our conversation.

Commentary by host Scott Lee discussing Tim Shriver's recent call for "An Education Moon Shot".