• Is AI making teacher burnout worse? with Priten Shah
    Jul 25 2024

    In this episode, guest host Ross Romano speaks with education entrepreneur Priten Shah about teacher burnout, why it’s an important topic for resilient schools, and whether AI is currently making it better or worse.

    Priten is the founder of Pedagogy.Cloud, an educational consulting firm that supports educators in K-12 schools, higher education, and the nonprofit sector adapt to the increasing capabilities of AI. He is also the author of AI & The Future of Education: Teaching in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (Jossey-Bass, 2023).

    Hear about:

    ● Priten’s Ed Week op-ed: “I Was an AI Optimist. Now I’m Worried It’s Making Teacher Burnout Worse.”

    ● Priten saw potential for AI tools to reduce teachers’ workload — here’s what he anticipated

    ● What is the “So that…” of AI in schools? (In other words, AI saves teachers time on X so that they can do Y.)

    ● What is the current reality of AI in schools?

    ● What teachers need the most help with and how schools are currently supporting it

    ● To allow time for AI training, what can be replaced?

    About the host

    Ross Romano is a co-founder of the Be Podcast Network and CEO of September Strategies, a coaching and consulting firm that helps organizations and high-performing leaders in the K-12 education industry communicate their vision and make strategic decisions that lead to long-term success. Connect on Twitter @RossBRomano or LinkedIn





    We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL and MyFlexLearning.


    IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you simplify and streamline technology, reliably meet Tier 1 standards, improve assessment performance, and more. Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.


    MyFlexLearning is the scheduling platform that helps middle and high schools meet the individual needs of all students. Create and manage time for flex blocks, WIN time, activity periods, RTI, counselor and teacher appointments and much more. And with a built-in accountability tool and reporting features, solve your challenges around getting kids where they need to be and understanding how flex time is spent. Make your flex time work for you. Visit myflexlearning.com/BE to learn more and receive $500 off the first year.

    Show more Show less
    44 mins
  • Supporting Youth Through Job Corps with Ivory Boyce
    Jul 18 2024

    In this episode of Resilient Schools, recorded at the Bridging to Resilience Conference, Jethro Jones speaks with Ivory Boyce from the Flint Hills Job Corps Center. Ivory shares her journey, education, and passion for helping students.

    They discuss the range of services Job Corps offers to young adults, the importance of understanding individual backgrounds and needs, and insights gained from the conference. The conversation highlights the significance of proactive support and empathy in educational settings.

    00:00 Introduction to Resilient Schools Podcast

    00:14 Meet Ivory Boyce

    00:52 Ivory's Educational Background

    01:50 Job Corps Services and Support

    03:09 Purpose of Attending the Conference

    05:21 Conference Insights and Takeaways

    07:19 Final Thoughts and Action Steps

    10:32 Importance of Understanding Context

    13:47 How to Get Involved with Job Corps


    We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL and MyFlexLearning.


    IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you simplify and streamline technology, reliably meet Tier 1 standards, improve assessment performance, and more. Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.


    MyFlexLearning is the scheduling platform that helps middle and high schools meet the individual needs of all students. Create and manage time for flex blocks, WIN time, activity periods, RTI, counselor and teacher appointments and much more. And with a built-in accountability tool and reporting features, solve your challenges around getting kids where they need to be and understanding how flex time is spent. Make your flex time work for you. Visit myflexlearning.com/BE to learn more and receive $500 off the first year.

    Show more Show less
    17 mins
  • Fostering Hope and Courage with Sydney Perkins
    Jul 11 2024

    In this episode, Jethro interviews Sydney Perkins, a kindergarten teacher. She shares her insights and experiences from attending the Bridging to Resilience Conference. She discusses the importance of social-emotional learning, personal well-being, and the significance of building strong relationships with students. Sydney emphasizes practical strategies like tapping, breathing exercises, and movement to support her young students' emotional and educational needs.

    00:00 Introduction

    00:24 Joining the Conference

    00:52 Initial Understanding

    01:18 Key Takeaways

    01:54 Application in Classroom

    02:58 Tapping Technique

    04:25 Balancing Academics and Social Skills

    05:23 Building Relationships

    08:34 Insights on Discipline

    09:11 Advice for Teachers

    10:32 Actionable Steps Post-Conference

    13:37 Closing Thoughts


    We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL and MyFlexLearning.


    IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you simplify and streamline technology, reliably meet Tier 1 standards, improve assessment performance, and more. Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.


    MyFlexLearning is the scheduling platform that helps middle and high schools meet the individual needs of all students. Create and manage time for flex blocks, WIN time, activity periods, RTI, counselor and teacher appointments and much more. And with a built-in accountability tool and reporting features, solve your challenges around getting kids where they need to be and understanding how flex time is spent. Make your flex time work for you. Visit myflexlearning.com/BE to learn more and receive $500 off the first year.

    Show more Show less
    17 mins
  • How Adaptable Districts Can Reverse Chronic Absenteeism with Jen Perry
    Jul 4 2024

    In this episode, guest host Ross Romano talks with Jen Perry, Senior Manager of Learning Design and Whole Learner at Edmentum.

    Jen helps us identify the types and indicators of trauma present in many school districts, the causes of chronic absenteeism as well as the ongoing trends, the risk factors for disengagement, how to integrate educator and student engagement, and more.

    00:00 Introduction

    00:53 Defining Resilient Schools

    01:32 What 'Resilience' Means

    03:44 Trauma and Adaptability

    06:15 Indicators of Trauma

    09:59 Attendance as an Indicator

    23:49 Behavior and Connection

    16:36 COVID-19 Impact on Attendance

    25:01 Chronic Absenteeism

    30:16 Creating Meaningful Engagement

    35:16 Example from Rochester City School

    39:22 Importance of Career-Connected Learning

    41:58 AI and Education

    46:16 The Whole Learner Framework

    Related Resources:

    • Read Jen’s District Administration article, Connectedness is key: 3 ways to reverse chronic absenteeism
    • Learn more about Edmentum: https://www.edmentum.com

    About the guest

    Jen Perry is Senior Manager of Learning Design and Whole Learner at Edmentum. Jen has worked over 30+ years with youth in educational and community settings. As a teacher, administrator, and trainer, her passion has been to help educators develop an understanding of the importance of social-emotional learning and build trauma-informed responses and systems. This work has included supporting youth, administrators, and schools in understanding behavior and implementing transformational change through strength-based approaches. Connect on LinkedIn

    About the host

    Ross Romano is co-founder of the Be Podcast Network and CEO of September Strategies, a coaching and consulting firm that helps organizations and high-performing leaders in the K-12 education industry communicate their vision and make strategic decisions that lead to long-term success. He has spent over a decade helping dozens of founders, C-level executives, and authors develop and distribute compelling thought leadership through a variety of media channels. Connect on Twitter @RossBRomano or LinkedIn


    We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL and MyFlexLearning.


    IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you simplify and streamline technology, reliably meet Tier 1 standards, improve assessment performance, and more. Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.


    MyFlexLearning is the scheduling platform that helps middle and high schools meet the individual needs of all students. Create and manage time for flex blocks, WIN time, activity periods, RTI, counselor and teacher appointments and much more. And with a built-in accountability tool and reporting features, solve your challenges around getting kids where they need to be and understanding how flex time is spent. Make your flex time work for you. Visit myflexlearning.com/BE to learn more and receive $500 off the first year.

    Show more Show less
    56 mins
  • Cultivating Authenticity and Resilience in Schools with Tammy Fellers
    Jun 20 2024

    In this episode of Resilient Schools, Jethro Jones speaks with Tammy Fellers at the Bridging to Resilience Conference. Tammy, a long-time team member of ESSDACK and a part of the Inspired Leadership team, discusses the essence of leadership coaching, balancing personal and professional lives, and the significance of conscious leadership.


    00:00 Introduction


    00:18 Tammy's Roles at ESSDACK


    00:55 Coaching at the Conference


    01:07 Difference Between Coaching and Therapy


    03:47 The IPEC Certification


    04:21 Understanding Energy Leadership


    07:17 Conscious Leadership


    11:07 Characteristics of a Conscious Leader


    14:55 Authenticity in Leadership


    17:41 Conclusion


    We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL and MyFlexLearning.


    IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you simplify and streamline technology, reliably meet Tier 1 standards, improve assessment performance, and more. Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.


    MyFlexLearning is the scheduling platform that helps middle and high schools meet the individual needs of all students. Create and manage time for flex blocks, WIN time, activity periods, RTI, counselor and teacher appointments and much more. And with a built-in accountability tool and reporting features, solve your challenges around getting kids where they need to be and understanding how flex time is spent. Make your flex time work for you. Visit myflexlearning.com/BE to learn more and receive $500 off the first year.

    Show more Show less
    22 mins
  • Empathy in Teaching with Sarah Reade
    Jun 13 2024

    In this episode of the Resilient Schools podcast, host Jethro Jones talks with Sarah Reade, a second-grade teacher attending the SDAC Bridging to Resilience Conference.

    They discuss Sarah's journey into teaching, the importance of love and connection in the classroom, and how trauma-informed care is vital for student success.

    Sarah shares personal insights about her approach to building relationships with her students and overcoming the emotional challenges faced in a trauma-aware educational environment.

    00:00 Introduction

    00:22 Meet Sarah Reade

    00:54 Teaching Journey

    01:59 Trauma-Informed Care and Conference Insights

    05:29 Challenges in Building Relationships

    07:49 Overcoming Emotional Barriers

    13:30 The Power of Empathy


    We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL and MyFlexLearning.


    IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you simplify and streamline technology, reliably meet Tier 1 standards, improve assessment performance, and more. Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.


    MyFlexLearning is the scheduling platform that helps middle and high schools meet the individual needs of all students. Create and manage time for flex blocks, WIN time, activity periods, RTI, counselor and teacher appointments and much more. And with a built-in accountability tool and reporting features, solve your challenges around getting kids where they need to be and understanding how flex time is spent. Make your flex time work for you. Visit myflexlearning.com/BE to learn more and receive $500 off the first year.

    Show more Show less
    16 mins
  • Navigating Trauma-Informed Teaching with Hillary Barragan
    Jun 6 2024

    In this episode of the Resilient Schools podcast, recorded live at the ESSDACK Bridging to Resilience Conference, we interview Hillary Barragan, a para educator at a trauma-informed center helping teens and adults obtain their high school diplomas.

    Hillary discusses her journey to this role, the challenges of working with students who have experienced trauma, and the importance of maintaining her own mental health.

    She shares her aspirations for bringing trauma-informed education to the Philippines and highlights the power of human connection and resilience in education.

    00:18 Meet Hillary Barragan: A Para Educator's Journey

    00:34 Understanding the Trauma-Informed Center

    02:40 Challenges and Rewards of Working in Trauma-Informed Education

    04:13 Maintaining Mental Health and Building Resilience

    05:31 Future Aspirations and Cultural Connections

    07:28 Inspiring Resilience in Students

    09:13 Conference Highlights


    We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL and MyFlexLearning.


    IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you simplify and streamline technology, reliably meet Tier 1 standards, improve assessment performance, and more. Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.


    MyFlexLearning is the scheduling platform that helps middle and high schools meet the individual needs of all students. Create and manage time for flex blocks, WIN time, activity periods, RTI, counselor and teacher appointments and much more. And with a built-in accountability tool and reporting features, solve your challenges around getting kids where they need to be and understanding how flex time is spent. Make your flex time work for you. Visit myflexlearning.com/BE to learn more and receive $500 off the first year.

    Show more Show less
    14 mins
  • Balancing Support and Accountability with Jason Shelangouski
    May 16 2024

    In this episode of the Resilient Schools Podcast, recorded live at the Bridging to Resilience conference in Wichita, Kansas, the Jethro interviews Jason Shelangouski, an experienced middle school teacher from Wamego Middle School, Kansas.

    Jason shares insights into his 16-year teaching career, focusing on teaching 8th-grade language arts, creative writing, and leadership. He emphasizes the importance of co-regulation in helping students navigate the unique challenges of middle school, particularly in terms of emotional and behavioral development.

    Jason discusses the role of teacher behaviors, such as being a calming presence or providing stern reminders, in effectively supporting student self-regulation.

    He also highlights the significance of administrative support in fostering a positive environment for both teachers and students.

    The conversation delves into the power of vulnerability and authenticity in building trust and understanding between teachers and students.

    Jason and Jethro explore the concept of life as a game and the importance of adapting behaviors for success in different contexts.

    Jason's approach to teaching underscores the necessity of personalized, empathic engagement with students to prepare them for future challenges while respecting their individual experiences and needs.

    00:23 The Joy and Challenges of Teaching Middle School

    01:20 Exploring Co-Regulation in Education

    03:21 The Importance of Leadership and Support in Schools

    06:12 Personal Approaches to Teaching and Leadership


    We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL and MyFlexLearning.


    IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you simplify and streamline technology, reliably meet Tier 1 standards, improve assessment performance, and more. Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.


    MyFlexLearning is the scheduling platform that helps middle and high schools meet the individual needs of all students. Create and manage time for flex blocks, WIN time, activity periods, RTI, counselor and teacher appointments and much more. And with a built-in accountability tool and reporting features, solve your challenges around getting kids where they need to be and understanding how flex time is spent. Make your flex time work for you. Visit myflexlearning.com/BE to learn more and receive $500 off the first year.

    Show more Show less
    17 mins