Classroom Matters

10 Steps to Develop Great Learners: Visible Learning For Parents: A Conversation with John and Kyle Hattie

What can concerned parents and teachers do to ensure their children, of all ages, develop great learning habits which will help them achieve their maximum at school and in life? This is probably one of the most important questions any parent can ask and now John Hattie, one of the most respected and renowned Education researchers in the world draws on his globally famous Visible Learning research to provide some answers. Working with his own son Kyle, himself a respected teacher, the Hattie...

Episode #81: Missouri's Teacher of the Year 2022: A Conversation with James Young

James Young, sixth-grade musical theatre teacher at Johnson-Wabash Sixth Grade Center, was named the 2022 Missouri Teacher of the Year. Young, a graduate of the UMSL College of Education, leads an innovative musical theater program, where students learn basic music theory concepts but also how to project self-confidence and be their best selves.  During our conversation we discuss  how being named Teacher of the Year has changed his outlook on teaching and the challenges of teaching music du...

Episode #80: Gaining and Maintaining Trust: A Conversation with Dr. Toby Travis

On this episode of the Classroom Matters podcast, I sit down with Dr. Toby Travis, founder of TrustED and an experienced teacher and school administrator, currently serving as the Superintendent of the Village Christian Academy in Fayetteville, NC. Toby has a story of working in a highly dysfunctional and toxic school environments, and through the implementation of intentional action steps, organizations experience mission-fulfillment and a sense of community well-being. Dr. Travis is also t...

Episode #79: How to Learn Problem-Solving Skills: A Conversation with Marsha Tuft

On today’s episode I will be sitting down with Marsha Tuff. Marsha not only loves her family, dogs and butterflies, she also loves solving problems by coming up with her own designs. She’s a retired engineer, with degrees in mechanical, aerospace, and materials engineering, and enjoys developing experiments targeting girls to give them engaging experiences with science, engineering, and math. Because math is so important to success in STEM fields, Marsha creates experiments that show the mag...

How to Learn Problem-Solving Skills: A Conversation with Marsha Tuft

On today’s episode I will be sitting down with Marsha Tuff. Marsha not only loves her family, dogs and butterflies, she also loves solving problems by coming up with her own designs. She’s a retired engineer, with degrees in mechanical, aerospace, and materials engineering, and enjoys developing experiments targeting girls to give them engaging experiences with science, engineering, and math. Because math is so important to success in STEM fields, Marsha creates experiments that show the mag...

Episode #78: The Math Kids Series: A Conversation with Dave Cole

On today’s episode I will be sitting down with author and math coach Dave Cole. Dave has done everything from designing missile guidance systems to teaching college computer science classes and teaching and coaching elementary school math teams.  One of the things Dave has learned throughout these experiences is the effective method of telling stories to help students understand difficult concepts. From this talent The Math Kids series was born. This book series isn't about teaching math but...

Episode #77: Strong Fathers, Strong Families: A Conversation with J. Michael Hall

J. Michael Hall is the founder of the fatherhood engagement program Strong Fathers Strong Families. Since 2003, this program has been implemented at schools throughout the United States and internationally, reaching over 225,000 dads and half a million kids. Michael is a father of two sons and the husband to a very successful middle school reading teacher. He is also a former special education teacher and a “recovering” middle school principal and is passionate about focusing on what fathers...

Episode #76: Teaching Mindset Through Art: A Conversation with Marc Stein

Founder of Limitless Art, Marc Stein along with his two daughters Abigail and Rebecca have teamed up to form a creative movement, that everyone can participate in!  The trio produces colorful and inspiring prints that help to promote a positive mindset, goal setting and the ability to dream big. Limitless Art was started by Marc and his two daughters while trying to find motivational, happy, and positive artwork for their bedrooms but instead, kept finding products that centered on themes of...

Episode #75: Creativity and Education: A Conversation with Cyndi Burnett

Cyndi Burnett has been teaching others how to be more creative for the last 20 years. In her role as the Director of Possibilities for Creativity and Education, her mission is to empower educators to infuse creative thinking into every classroom in the world. She has taught deliberate creative thinking at the college level for 20 years. Her on-line course, Ignite Your Everyday Creativity, reached over 100,000 people and she has written two books, Weaving Creativity into Every Strand of Your ...

Episode #74: Getting It Together: A Conversation with Rowena List

Rowena List is the founder of Getting It Together, an organization that helps people “de-clutter” and “get it together” while keeping their sanity in the process.   Dubbed by her clients and friends alike as “the de-clutter queen”, she believes that being organized in all areas of life can help us to reach our goals, mitigate stress and be the best versions of ourselves. Whatever that means for each of us.  Rowena understands that the work of educators, both in public education and in the ho...

Episode #73: The Case of Sensational Stims: A Conversation with Erin Garcia

On today’s episode I will be sitting down with author and teacher Erin Garcia. Erin is on a mission to make the world more inclusive and as the parent of an autistic child she can share misunderstandings and mistakes she encountered to help others navigate these unchartered waters. Erin has a gift of speaking the truth without outraging those who will need to change their beliefs and behaviors. She has written two books including Tiger Livey and her most recent work, The Case of Sensational ...

Episode #72: Drop Kick the Drama: A Conversation with Madonna Hanna

This is episode #72 of "Classroom Matters" by Educate.Today. We are a program dedicated to speaking with some of the most outstanding educators in the nation, covering different topics in the world of teaching and learning. On today’s episode I will be sitting down with Madonna Hanna, an award-winning educator, author, athlete, and inspirational speaker. She helps individuals of all ages believe that anything is possible when you work hard and have passion. She honestly believes that when p...

Episode #71: Buried Beneath: A Conversation with Author, Kelly Hopkins

This is episode #71 of "Classroom Matters" by Educate.Today.   On this episode of Classroom Matters I will be sitting down with Kelly Ann Hopkins an author, librarian and teacher who spends her days as a high school educator where she challenges her students to read with abandon. Kelly is passionate about both writing and teaching which is evident in her most recent book "Buried Beneath," in which she tackles the topic of hoarding.   During this conversation we will be discussing the inspi...

Episode #70: Life After High School: Are You Ready? A Conversation with Beth and Greg Langston

On today’s episode I will be sitting down with Greg and Beth Langston the founders of College Flight Plan. Greg and Beth Langston have more than 20 years of experience working with students and young professionals to help them gain confidence by empowering them to use their strengths and values to set goals and develop individual plans for their lives. They truly understand how helpless parents can feel and the challenges of starting a child on the college or career path that fits them best...

Episode #69: Good Night, Sleep Tight: A Conversation with The Sleep Lady, Kim West

On today’s episode I will be sitting down with Kim West, best-selling author and family therapist who has been lovingly titled “The Sleep Lady,” In her work as a family therapist and busy mom, Kim dreamed of a deep, restful sleep. While conventional wisdom promoted a cry-it-out approach to sleep training, Kim knew that was not her style. Over time, she gently helped her first daughter get to sleep, fine-tuning a process over the years which later became a world-renowned sleep method that ha...

Episode #68: Classroom Management, Then and Now: A Conversation with Dr. Rick Chromey

On today’s episode I will be sitting down for a second time with Dr. Rick Chromey, the founder and president of MANNA! Educational Services International, a nonprofit organization that serves schools, churches, and other organizations with inspirational edu-trainment. He's penned over a dozen books on classroom management, leadership, and cultural analysis, including his most recent work "GenTech: An American Story of Technology, Change and Who We Really Are." Rick has a doctorate in leader...

Episode #67: Using Social Media to Break Down Barriers and Extend Learning Beyond the Classroom Walls

 Steven W. Anderson is a learner, blogger, speaker, educational evangelist, and Dad. As a former teacher and Director of Instructional Technology, he is highly sought after for his expertise in educational technology integration and using social media for learning. He regularly travels the country talking to schools and districts about the use of social media in the classroom and how they can better serve students through technology.  During this conversation we will be discussing the idea...

Episode #66: Motivating Students to Be Productive, Good and Engaged: A Conversation with Dr. Rick Chromey

On today’s episode I will be sitting down with Dr. Rick Chromey, the founder and president of MANNA! Educational Services International, a nonprofit organization that serves schools, churches, and other organizations with inspirational edu-trainment. He's penned over a dozen books on classroom management, leadership, and cultural analysis, including his most recent work "GenTech: An American Story of Technology, Change and Who We Really Are." Rick has a doctorate in leadership and specializ...

Episode #65: It’s Gonna Be Ok: A Conversation with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge

On today’s episode I will be sitting down with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, a mental health trailblazer, founder of The Global Institute of Children’s Mental Health, and media expert who is, “changing the way we view and treat children’s mental health”.  Her work has helped thousands reverse the most challenging conditions: ADHD, anxiety, mood, Lyme, and PANS/PANDAS using PROVEN holistic therapies. She is often featured on dozens of media outlets and is the author of 3 books, the latest being...

Episode #64: How to Build a Love of Reading: A Conversation with Danny Brassell

On today’s episode I will be sitting down with Danny Brassell, A former inner-city teacher and author who is on a mission to bring joy back into education and the workplace by transforming struggling and reluctant readers into more passionate and proficient readers. Danny teaches his audiences how to make reading a life-long habit and he trains leaders on how to communicate their messages through effective and inspirational storytelling. During this conversation we will be discussing how t...

Episode #63: Raising Supaman: A Conversation with Nathaniel Turner

On today’s episode I will be sitting down with author and TED speaker Nathaniel Turner, a self-described “Humanity Propulsion Engineer.” Nate is the author of several books, including the children’s book series, “The Amazing World of STEM,” and his history-making book, “Raising Supaman.” As a zealous advocate that every person has an opportunity to maximize their human potential, Nate regularly shares his theory of a backward design life process with parents, teachers, and students.  What t...

Episode #62: Chemistry for Kids: A Conversation with Dr. Stephanie Ryan

This is episode #62 of "Classroom Matters" by Educate.Today.  We are a program dedicated to speaking with some of the most outstanding educators in the nation, covering different topics in the world of teaching and learning. On today’s episode I will be sitting down with Dr. Stephanie Ryan, a chemist,  boy mom, and a social media influencer who enjoys using her background to create superior educational products and content.  Although an academic at heart, Dr. Ryan is passionate about learni...

Episode #61: Dream It & Do It: A Conversation with Holly Sharp

This is episode #61 of "Classroom Matters" by Educate.Today.  We are a program dedicated to speaking with some of the most outstanding educators in the nation, covering different topics in the world of teaching and learning. On today’s episode I will be sitting down with author, career coach and innovative thinker, Holly Sharp as we discuss how to help kids discover career options and interests so they can grow into happy adults. Along with this mission, Holly also works with parents to hel...

Episode #60: An Educator’s Guide to Using Your 3 Eyes: A Conversation with Dr. Megan Sweet

Megan Sweet is an author and systems-thinker who has been in education for more than twenty-five years. She's been a teacher, school administrator, and school district leader.  Megan also has a Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership and her academic and professional interests rest mainly with how to create effective change in educational contexts. She's passionate about meditation, mindfulness, and the power of love to heal our world.  Megan believes that when we approach educating our y...

Episode #59: Blueprint4SummerSTL: A Conversation with Zasmine Johnson

Children have been isolated at home for months, staring at screens, and parents are looking to summer camps as a critical opportunity for social interaction, physical activity and enriched learning. Getting kids moving and socializing are top priority as we move into the summer months. According to the 2021 Summer Camp Outlook by Blue print4SummerSTL, 82% of responding STL regional families plan to send their child to in-person camp this summer.  On today's episode of Classroom Matters I ...

Episode #58: Can You Hear Me Now? A Conversation with Author Suzanne DeMallie

On today’s episode I will be sitting down with Suzanne DeMallie, who is not only a driving force in the world of educational change, but also a breath of fresh air for parents and educators across the globe.  Suzanne is a former math teacher, advocate for auditory reform and the author of the book Can You Hear Me Now?  where she exposes the unsettling reality of our classrooms with a brutally honest account of the policies and practices that leave so many children behind. During this conve...

Episode #57: What’s Your Musial Moment? A Conversation with Solomon Alexander – St. Louis Sports Commission

Led by Sports Foundation Director Solomon Alexander, the Musial Moments program was inspired by the life and legacy of the great Stan Musial. The Musial Moments program was created to help schools and organizations foster kindness, character, and respect among young people My guest today, Solomon Alexander is a former teacher, experienced public speaker and authority on sportsmanship, Solomon encourages students to have fun, be good and play right. He motivates students to show kindness, in...

Episode #56: Once a Teacher, Always a Teacher? Life After Teaching with Brittany Long

 On today’s episode I will be sitting down with former educator, Brittany Long as we dive into the topic of how to realize your talents in the teaching world and how to know when to move on. Brittany Long is a former science teacher turned freelancer and entrepreneur who now works from home and is the host of the Life After Teaching podcast. Brittany knows what it's like to feel burned out, tired and desperately wanting more for her life, and although she still advocates for great teachers i...

Episode #55: Missouri Teacher of the Year Darrion Cockrell

Darrion Cockrell joined a gang by age 10, navigated the challenges of the foster care system, struggled to find love and security during his adolescence, but with the help of his teachers became a teacher himself -- one of the best in Missouri, in fact.  Cockrell, or "Mr. DC" as his students affectionately call him, was named Teacher of the Year by the Missouri Department of Education earlier this year.     During this conversation we will discuss his journey into education and how being na...

Episode #54: Maslow Before Bloom: A Conversation with Dr. Bryan Pearlman

On today’s episode I will be sitting down with Dr. Bryan Pearlman as we dive into the topic of how to meet a student’s human needs before academic needs. Dr. Bryan Pearlman is a veteran educator/school administrator, a mental health therapist, PD leader, keynote speaker, and adjunct professor. He is the author of two books: Maslow Before Bloom: Basic Human Needs Before Academics released in May 2020 & Whatever It Takes For All Students To Succeed In School and Life, released in January 2019...

Episode #53: Truly Human Leadership: A Conversation with Bob Chapman

On today’s episode I will be sitting down with Bob Chapman, Chairman and CEO of St. Louis based Barry-Wehmiller. Over the last two decades Bob has dedicated his work and life to creating an environment where people feel truly valued and cared for.  In his book Everybody Matters: The Extraordinary Power of Caring for Your People Like Family, Bob writes about his journey to find his true calling, going behind the scenes as his team tackles real-world challenges with caring, empathy, and inspi...

Episode #52: Alternative Education: What It Really Means

On today’s episode I will be sitting down with two amazing educators who not only work in the world of alternative education, but also strive to help other educators through their roles in the Missouri Alternative Education Network. Amy McEvoy currently serves as the President of MAEN and Dan Davinroy is the President-Elect. Their mission, which aligns to the National Alternative Education Association is to provide advocacy and support for professionals who work on behalf of children and you...

Episode #51: A Conversation with Tabatha Rosproy: National Teacher of the Year 2020

Today, our guest is National Teacher of the Year 2020, Tabatha Rosproy.  We spoke with Tabatha earlier this month about her recent accomplishment of being named the first early childhood Teacher of the Year.   Tabatha Rosproy is a 10-year veteran of education and the first early childhood educator to be named National Teacher of the Year. Tabatha currently teaches preschool for the Winfield Early Learning Center in Winfield, Kansas.  As the Covid-19 pandemic forced the close of school buil...

Episode #50: Young Author and Business Owner: One on One with Michael "Mikey" Wren

Kristy sits down with 12-year-old Mikey Wren, the youngest vending machine owner in the country.  Mikey's interest in business started with a lemonade stand and grew into the ownership of several vending machines across the St. Louis area and two best-selling children's books. Hear Mikey and his supportive mother, Arriel, talk about what drives him, how he balances business with school, and his plans for the future.

Episode #49: How Community Is Supporting Education

In this episode of Classroom Matters, host Kristy Houle chats with Stacy Clay, Senior Vice President and Director of Community Affairs, First Bank and Dr. Steven Coxen, Associate Professor of Education, Maryville University about their involvement with the Education Technology Initiative and how this partnership is assisting St. Louis school districts.

Coffee with Kristy and Tim: Episode #9: Back to School from Home

Listen to Kristy and Tim talk about the upcoming fall semester and the different ways that being remote and using online resources can be beneficial. Watch our first ever video podcast episode on our Youtube page!

Episode #48: Keeping Your Kids Safe Online, Part 3: A Conversation with Ronna Glickman

Join host Kristy Houle as she wraps up this three part series with Online Safety expert, Ronna Glickman. In this episode they will discuss the importance of online safety during this season of remote-learning and share some strategies to keep your kids focused and safe while working online.

Episode #47: Keeping Your Kids Safe Online, Part 2: A Conversation with Ronna Glickman

Join Kristy Houle as she dives deeper into conversations with Online Safety Expert, Ronna Glickman.  In part two of this series Ronna discusses the impact too much online or screen time on a child's brain development.

Episode #46: Keeping Your Kids Safe Online, Part 1: A Conversation with Ronna Glickman

What is the right age to get my child a cell phone? Should I monitor my child's social media usage? How does too much screen time affect my child? These may be familiar questions you've asked yourself. Join host Kristy Houle as she kicks off this three part series with Online Safety Expert, Ronna Glickman.

Episode #45: Helping a Community Grow: Navigate STL

What started as a grassroots effort by St. Louis parents has turned into a community organization designed to help parents make the best educational choice for their children.  Navigate STL is a non-profit focused on helping St. Louis families find local schools that are the right fit for the unique needs of their children. Join host Kristy Houle as she chats with former Board President Gloria Nolan and Executive Director, Anna-Stacia Allen about the challenges families face when looking for...

Episode #45: Helping a Community Grow: Navigate STL Schools

What started as a grassroots effort by St. Louis parents has turned into a community organization designed to help parents make the best educational choice for their children.  Navigate STL Schools is a non-profit focused on helping St. Louis families find local schools that are the right fit for the unique needs of their children. Join host Kristy Houle as she chats with Executive Director, Anna-Stacia Allen, and Founding Board President and Community Parent, Gloria Nolan, about the challen...

Episode #44: The Importance of Online Learning: A Conversation with Tina McCord

Tina McCord has been in the world of education for over ten years and is also the founder of the Zuni Learning Tree website.  Tina's passion is for supporting teachers and having high-quality resources available in one place.  Join host Kristy Houle as she chats with Tina about the Zuni Learning Tree resources and how teachers and parents can utilize them during a time of remote learning.

Episode #43: All the Things: A Conversation with Kristen Schindler

As both a public and private school teacher and a homeschool mom, Kristen Schindler has had over twenty years of experience with teaching and learning. In her most current role as a published author and educational consultant she is able to connect with people and truly listen to the stories they have to share. Join Kristen as she sits down with host Kristy Houle to chat about her book All the Things and what she is doing to help new homeschool families get a stress-free start to the new sch...

Episode #42: A Bridge Toward Common Ground: Our Community Listens: A Conversation with Michael Desparrios

Michael Desparrios is no stranger to the world of education.  As a former special education teacher and a special education consultant and coordinator he has seen firsthand the challenges teachers and parents sometimes face with understanding, and empathy for each other in times of trouble.  In Michael’s current role as the Leader of Educational Initiatives for the Our Community Listens organization, he develops and train participants in the field of listening, non-verbal behaviors, and heal...

Episode #41: Heather Forbes, Part 3: The Necessity of Trauma-Informed Care During Covid-19

In this episode of Classroom Matters join host Kristy Houle as she wraps up a three-part series with Heather Forbes, the owner of the Beyond Consequences Institute.  In the last episode of this series Heather discusses how the pandemic and civil unrest around the nation have increased the need for a trauma-informed approach.

Episode #40: Heather Forbes, Part 2: Teacher Buy-In

In the second part of our three part series with Heather Forbes we dive into teacher buy-in and how to create change in the school environment.  Heather is an expert in the field of trauma-informed care and is the owner of the Beyond Consequences Institute which works to help educators and parents take a trauma-informed approach with students.  Join Kristy Houle as she chats with Heather and takes a deeper look into teacher implementation of the trauma-informed approach.

Episode #39: Chuck Alphin

Episode #39: Helping A Community Stay Strong: A Conversation with Chuck Alphin

Chuck Alphin has been a vital part of the St. Louis community for decades and now his dedication to keeping the community safe is stronger than ever.  As the regional director of the O’Fallon Boys and Girls Club and an intregral part of the Kingian Nonviolence philosophy  Chuck spends his time delivering and emulating a message of support and love.  Join host Kristy Houle as she chats with Chuck about the role of the Boys and Girls Club this summer and how the Kingian Nonviolence movement is...

Episode #38: Beyond Consequences: A Trauma-Informed Approach with Heather Forbes

Heather Forbes is one of the nation's leading experts in the world of Trauma-Informed Education and has been a catalyst for the positive changes in school districts across the country.  As the owner of the Beyond Consequences Institute, Heather has worked for over 20 years helping to educate both teachers and parents in the area of using a trauma-informed approach to help student's academic and behavioral health.  Join host Kristy Houle as she starts this three part series with Heather to di...

Episode #37: Isolated Learning Part 2

Education shifted tremendously when the pandemic hit the nation in early March.  Many parents were instantly thrown into the educator role and students had to learn a new normal quickly.  Join host Kristy Houle as she talks about the differences between isolated learning and homeschooling.  In both segments you will hear Kristy talk about the foundation of each and strategies for dealing with both types of learning.