In this episode of The Honoring Educators Podcast, Jon sits down with Kate Kawiecki, a school-based occupational therapist, to explore the depth and impact of OT in educational settings.

The conversation begins with The Honoring — naming what makes Kate a special educator — followed by her journey into occupational therapy and what her day-to-day work looks like in schools.

From there, the episode turns into a practical strategy session, covering:

• Fine motor development and pencil grasp
• Explicit writing instruction and letter formation
• Tracing, handwriting development, and use of materials
• Strategies and supports for left-handed students
• Vision-related challenges and how eye muscles work together
• Regulation strategies to support student readiness
• Attention challenges and how to help students refocus
• Test anxiety and executive functioning supports

Kate also helps break down complex OT terminology into language educators can understand and apply immediately.

The episode closes with reflection on what defines an ideal educator and a conversation around the value and impact of school-based occupational therapy.

👉 To continue the conversation and connect with other educators, head over to the Honoring Educators Facebook page and join the community.