In this episode, Gina Watts and Andrew McPeak are joined by expert guest Kara Mallory, a parent and educator, to discuss the critical role of parental involvement in education. Kara emphasizes the importance of communication and transparency between parents and teachers and shares insights on the need for collaboration between home and school. Throughout the conversation, they explore expectations from both parents and educators, offer actionable steps for school leaders to engage parents effectively, and highlight the significance of mutual respect in fostering a positive educational environment.

Trust isn't built overnight; it requires consistent, intentional actions and commitment from teachers, students, parents, and administrators. In this episode, Gina and Andrew explore the essential role of trust in creating a positive and effective educational environment. They will discuss practical strategies for fostering trust, such as transparent communication, showing empathy, and demonstrating reliability. By examining real-life scenarios and the latest research, we highlight how cultivating trust can transform school culture, enhance collaboration, and improve student outcomes. Join us as we dive into the nuanced process of building and maintaining trust in educational settings.

We’d like to thank EdTrust, the American Federation of Teachers, SpringerLink, and Pew Research Center for their research that contributed to today’s episode.

In this episode, Gina and Andrew explore the crucial role of psychological safety in fostering student engagement and academic success with expert insights from Dr. Michelle Braillard. We discuss how creating a safe environment allows students to take academic risks, express themselves, and engage more deeply in learning. Dr. Braillard shares practical steps for educators and school leaders to build psychological safety, including promoting open communication, mutual respect, and inclusivity. With real-life success stories and actionable strategies, this episode provides valuable tools for cultivating a positive school climate where both students and staff can thrive.