Building strong family-educator relationships is vital to healthy learning environments. Megan Olivia Hall, STEM educator and social emotional lead teacher at Open World Learning Community in St. Paul Public Schools, sits down with Kari to discuss proactive things educators can do to build more positive, collaborative relationships with parents. As both an educator and parent, Megan offers unique strategies to strengthen parent-teacher connections that result in more supportive and enriching learning environments for students. Join us for a compelling conversation as we unpack how to form these relationships, how they impact student learning, and more.

Access the full transcript: bit.ly/EWPTranscript_3E5

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Recent research has found evidence that loneliness has detrimental effects on both our mental and physical health. Join Kari and expert Jillian Racoosin, executive director of the Foundation for Social Connection, as they unpack the crucial role that social connection plays in fostering a healthier, happier life. Discover how educators can foster meaningful relationships, improve student mental health, and create more connected learning environments. Learn practical tips to build your own "connection muscle" and transform your classroom into a hub of social engagement.

Access the full episode transcript: https://bit.ly/EWPTranscript_3E4

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Why aren’t students coming to school and what can educators do about it? Dr. Carolyn Gentle-Genitty, a renowned expert on school avoidance with over 25 years of experience in higher education, joins Kari to unpack this hot button issue. Learn why developmental factors play a larger role than you might expect, the root causes of school avoidance, how the pandemic reshaped attendance norms, and innovative approaches schools are using to tackle this urgent issue.

Access the full episode transcript: https://bit.ly/EWPTranscript_3E3

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In this episode, explore the ripple effects of policy changes, social media, and evolving communication norms through the eyes of passionate educators. Kari talks with the dynamic husband-wife duo Myles and Haley Finn from Indianola, Iowa. Haley, a middle school counselor, and Myles, a high school vocal teacher and TikTok influencer (@itsmrfinn) with 1M+ followers, offer valuable insights into the complexities of teaching in today's world and how to harness your authentic self as an educator.

Access the full episode transcript: https://bit.ly/EWPTranscript_3E2

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Andrea Forcum – (better known as Educator Andrea) – makes educators feel seen. With 1M+ followers on TikTok and Instagram, Andrea is widely admired for down-to-earth videos that lean into the chaos of teaching. In this episode, Andrea sits down with Kari to explore the critical issues facing today's educators.

Together, they passionately advocate for teachers and students, discussing how collective action can transform our schools and drive meaningful change. This inspiring conversation will leave you energized and ready to take action in support of our K-12 schools.

Access the full episode transcript: https://bit.ly/EWPTranscript_3E1

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Visit our website: https://scsmh.education.uiowa.edu

Dr. Kari Vogelgesang hosts the University of California Santa Barbara’s Dr. Michael Furlong (research professor and distinguished professor emeritus of school psychology) and Dr. Erin Dowdy (professor in the department of counseling, clinical, and school psychology) to rethink Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) as a holistic well-being framework that benefits the entire school community. During this conversation, we broaden the scope of MTSS and reassess the framework's foundational 'why' while unpacking how a reconceptualized approach can contribute to the flourishing of student well-being.

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A rejuvenating conversation all about the power of outdoor education! Dr. Kari Vogelgesang hosts Dr. Angela Rekers, assistant professor at St. Ambrose University, and Jay Gorsh, director of the University of Iowa’s School of the Wild, to discuss the social, emotional, and mental health benefits of outdoor education for our students, educators, and education systems as a whole. Learn how to get nature-based programs started at your school or tips on integrating outdoor learning into your classroom.

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In today's digitally-driven world, social media and technology play an integral role in our students' lives. But what happens when tech use becomes excessive, unhealthy, or detrimentally affects our students’ emotional and mental health? Host Dr. Kari Vogelgesang welcomes Dr. Jacqueline Nesi, a psychologist and assistant professor at Brown University, to explore the latest research, healthy ways to incorporate it into our lives and classrooms, and safeguards that both educators and parents should consider as they navigate this complex topic.

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Visit our website: https://scsmh.education.uiowa.edu