5/19/20

Synopsis: This episode is a connection piece in relation to the pandemic crisis and the adjustment to our “new normal” as parents and caregivers.

Starring: Jenifer Eisenstein, ShaLonda Woods, Ashley Mosley, Joy Spellman, Kate Werder

5/28/20

Synopsis: This episode reflects on remote learning and effective home-based behavior strategies. While the target audience is geared towards parents and families, some of the strategies described apply to classrooms, as we also give a "hats off" to teachers.

Starring: Jenifer Eisenstein, ShaLonda Woods, Ashley Mosley, Joy Spellman, Kate Werder

[Disclaimer: This episode is a bit glitchy]

6/2/20

Synopsis: This episode is a self-care piece that focuses on how we can take care of ourselves for us to be our optimal selves when managing and facing challenges.

Starring: Jenifer Eisenstein, ShaLonda Woods, Ashley Mosley, Joy Spellman, Kate Werder, and special guest Dr. Franita Ware

RESOURCES:

21 Day Calendar

The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Anchor

The Happy Secret To Better Work

• Shawn Anchor TED Talk

6/16/20

Synopsis: The first episode of our mini-series More Than a Para, in which we discuss the personal experiences and challenges of working as a paraprofessional in center-based programs.

Starring: ShaLonda Woods, Ashley Mosley, Kate Werder

6/26/20

Synopsis: In the second episode of our mini-series More Than a Para, we examine the importance of relationships, the realities of advocating for students, and the acquired skills that have shaped us personally and professionally.

Starring: ShaLonda Woods, Ashley Mosley, Kate Werder

7/16/20

Synopsis: In our longest episode yet, and the fourth in our mini-series More Than a Para, we break the episode into two parts. In part one, we hear our guests' stories of becoming paraprofessionals and the struggles of being viewed as just another "body" when falling into the classroom hierarchy. In part two, we cover how to advocate for yourself, the importance of mutual respect, and the necessary systemic mindset shift to help our students (and paras) succeed.

Starring: Ashley Mosley, ShaLonda Woods, Monte'y Hill, Scott Todd, Kate Werder

8/14/20

Synopsis: As a new school year begins, the group exchanges their self-care strategies to take on new challenges. We speak on the realities of what our kids are missing, the positive effects of remote learning, and how we can have an optimistic outlook upon entering the school year.

Starring: Ashley Mosley, Jenifer Eisenstein, ShaLonda Woods, Joy Spellman, Kate Werder

9/8/20

Synopsis: In this episode, we delve into what it means to be an equity champion for our students and action steps to continue to advocate for them. We touch on the biases we all hold, how to work through them, and how to holistically address our students' mental health issues.

Starring: Jenifer Eisenstein, ShaLonda Woods, Joy Spellman, Kate Werder, and special guest Dominique Jackson

9/11/20

Synopsis: In this incredibly informative episode, we explore how to support and be allies for our LGBTQ+ students. We learn about the power of pronouns and to not be afraid to question how gender is constructed in our society. We are here to honor all students' identities and help create a space for them to feel safe and accepted. DPS has made important strides towards this goal but we still have work to do.

Starring: Jenifer Eisenstein, Joy Spellman, Kate Werder, and special guest Levi Arithson

RESOURCES:

LGBTQ+ DPS Toolkit

• Positions, procedures, and policies of Denver Public Schools

The Trevor Project

• National Survey on LGBTQ+ Mental Health

GLSEN

• National School Climate Survey: The experiences of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer youth in our nation's schools

Welcoming Schools

• Bias-based bullying prevention program to embrace family diversity, create LGBTQ+ and gender-inclusive schools, and support transgender and non-binary students by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC)

10/15/20

Synopsis: In this episode, we were lucky enough to have two guests from the Family and Community Engagement (FACE) department. Although FACE consists of many teams, we outline the unique services and support of two: Family Constituency Services and the Family Engagement Team. From general information, problem-solving between schools and families to online training, the FACE department is an incredible resource that everyone should know. Please use the links below for more information and ways to reach out!

Starring: Ashley Mosley, Jenifer Eisenstein, Kate Werder, and special guests Melissa Arreola Peña and Kate (Katherine) Diaz

RESOURCES:

Family and Community Engagement

Family and Community Helpline: (720) 423-3054

FACE University

• Access parent and family tips, tools, webinars, and trainings to support, advocate, and engage your students

Family Constituency Services

Family Empowerment Team

12/2/20

Synopsis: In this episode, we discuss what it means to have a culturally responsive classroom without reducing rigor for our Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) students. We examine the teacher shift from classroom "managers" to classroom "facilitators" to encourage independent student learning and engagement. Our guest explains the Para-to-Teacher pipeline opportunity and touches on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Early College (DMLK) students who are rewriting our history curriculum. This episode is a much-needed reminder to keep antiracist work at the forefront of what we do every day, both professionally and personally.

Starring: Ashley Mosley, ShaLonda Woods, Jenifer Eisenstein, Joy Spellman, Kate Werder and special guest Michaela Lane Spiel

RESOURCES:

Para-to-Teacher Pathways:

• Commons Page

• Becoming a Teacher in DPS: Para-to-Teacher Pathway

Book Recommendations:

• Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain by Zaretta Hammond

• So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo

• White Fragility by Robin D’Angelo

• White Rage by Carol Anderson

• The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander

12/10/20

Synopsis: The pandemic has taken a toll on all of us, but especially parents and families. In this episode, we have guests from the Trauma Team to discuss strategies to build resilience and work through the collective trauma we've all experienced this year. From creating consistency and predictability at home to finding time for connection, this episode is full of ideas we can use for ourselves and with our children.

Starring: Ashley Mosley, Jenifer Eisenstein, Joy Spellman, Kate Werder, and special guests Monica Padilla and Leah Parker

RESOURCES:

Trauma-Informed Practices

• Click the link for a list of services and other resources

12/15/20

Synopsis: In this jam-packed episode, we explore what it means to be gifted and talented (GT) and twice-exceptional (2e) and the complexity of identification. Other traits often overlap, and therefore, students can be misidentified, especially our students of Color. We discuss how these traits can manifest and ways that parents and families can advocate for their children. Our guests share personal stories and passion projects/programs to support our GT and 2e students. As educators, we must adjust our lenses to view our students for their strengths instead of their deficits to empower this population. Please find an essential clickable list of resources below!

Starring: Ashley Mosley, Jenifer Eisenstein, Joy Spellman, Kate Werder, and special guests Dr. Vanessa Ewing, Stacey Pendleton, Carlitha Wilson, Shalelia Dillard, and Cecilia Quintanilla.

RESOURCES:

A Short Guide to Giftedness

• English

• Spanish

Websites

Books

1/28/21

Synopsis: In our first episode of the new year, we clarify what Restorative Practices (RP) are and how parents and families can incorporate them at home and in the community. We explore the idea of intention versus impact and different ways to repair the harm when dealing with conflict. Listeners will walk away with foundational strategies and methods to shift towards having a more curious mindset to reach better outcomes. This change does not happen overnight but trust in the process. It will be worth it.

Starring: Ashley Mosley, Jenifer Eisenstein, Joy Spellman, ShaLonda Woods, Kate Werder, and special guests Deanna Goodrich and Yeruwelle De Rouen

RESOURCES:

Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL)

• Social and emotional learning resources for parents and families

Social Discipline Window

• a visual resource that displays four basic approaches to maintain social norms and behavioral boundaries

Books

• Tomorrow's Children: A Blueprint for Partnership Education by Riane Eisler

• Restorative Little Book Series by Various Authors

2/4/2021

Synopsis: In our part two episode with the Restorative Practices (RP) team, we learn how to use RP in the school setting correctly. As educators, we need to approach students and situations with curiosity and remind ourselves that all behavior is communication. To reframe outcomes, we must let go of discipline as a power dynamic between adults and students and welcome the use of RP to break down inequitable practices. With commitment and drive, these practices can lead to a larger goal: to shift the education system itself.

Starring: Ashley Mosley, Jenifer Eisenstein, Joy Spellman, Kate Werder, and special guests Deanna Goodrich and Yeruwelle De Rouen

RESOURCES:

Instructions to access Restorative Practices Training online HERE

RP Guide and Toolkit

• Chicago Public Schools

Restorative Justice Implementation Guide

• Oakland Unified School District

2/23/2021

Synopsis: Join us as we welcome back some familiar faces to talk about simple social-emotional practices accessible for all ages. We all need strategies to find peace, calm, and a sense of belonging so we can fill our buckets to help others. Try these practices to start and end your days on an uplifting note. Please use the link below to purchase the book referenced in the episode.

Starring: Ashley Mosley, Jenifer Eisenstein, Joy Spellman, Kate Werder, and special guests Dr. Vanessa Ewing, Stacey Pendleton, and Gail Stine.

RESOURCES:

Make a Great Day: Daily Thoughts for Children by Vanessa Ewing, Ph.D., Stacey Pendleton, MA, and Gail Stine, MS

Webpage: https://www.makeagreatdaydailythoughtsforchildren.org/

5/19/21

Synopsis: Enjoy our final episode of the 20-21 school year, where we have a light-hearted reflection on one of the most unpredictable and challenging years any of us have ever faced. As we look ahead to the future, we also bid one of our own farewell as she moves on to her next endeavor. Take care, everyone, and have a wonderful summer!

Starring: Ashley Mosley, Jenifer Eisenstein, Joy Spellman, and Kate Werder