Toby’s conversation centers around Ashley Birchall’s journey as an educator, highlighting her experiences in inclusive classrooms, her time away from teaching to raise her children, and her return to the field through specialized training. Ashley discusses her work as an inclusion collaborative teacher in New York City, the multifaceted roles educators often juggle, and her decision to become a certified Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner. Themes include the evolving identity of educators, inclusive education practices, the intersection of personal and professional growth, and the importance of specialized training in supporting diverse learners.

References:

Orton–Gillingham

https://www.readingrockets.org/topics/dyslexia/articles/orton-gillingham-what-you-need-know

Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner:

https://www.wilsonlanguage.com/professional-learning/wilson-professional-credentials/

Teachers’ perceptions of their experience with inclusive education practices in Saudi Arabia

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0891422223001622

Understanding Special Education Beyond the Jargon (Quick Reference Guide)

https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Special-Education-Beyond-Reference/dp/1416633715

“True inclusion means fostering student independence, not dependence on adults.”

— Freeman-Green et al., 2023

“Exposure to Disability Studies in teacher education significantly increased positive attitudes toward inclusion.”
— Drelick, Freedman, McCann & Morettini, 2023

“Co-teaching can enhance inclusion when there’s parity, planning, and purpose.”
— Iacono et al., 2023

#TobyKarten #Karten’sInclusionConversations #KIC #Inclusion #AshleyBirchall #DyslexiaAwareness #AutismAcceptance #InclusiveEducation #SpecialEducation #Neurodiversity #TeacherLife #EdChat #LiteracyMatters #WilsonReading #DyslexiaSupport #AutismInclusion #EducatorJourney #WomenInEducation #LearningDifferences #EducationPodcast

For more information please visit https://inclusionworkshops.com/

In this conversation, Toby and Angie explore themes of personal and professional growth, focusing on the importance of embracing authenticity, leveraging strengths, and fostering connections in educational environments. Guest Angie Freese discusses her book Meant for More, emphasizing creating inclusive spaces where individuals feel valued and capable. Key topics include system improvement, leadership, intentional design in schools, and nurturing resilience among educators and students. The conversation also highlights empathy, reflection, and self-care as essential practices for revitalizing teaching and learning. The hummingbird symbolizes these ideals, representing adaptability, strength, and inspiration in Freese's work and life.

Check out Angie's book:
Meant for More https://www.solutiontree.com/meant-for-more.html

#TobyKarten #Karten’sInclusionConversations #KIC #Inclusion #AngieFreese #MeantForMore #EducationLeadership #StrengthsBasedEducation #InclusiveClassrooms #TeacherWellbeing #NurturingResilience #AuthenticLeadership #FosteringConnection #EducationalEquity #GraceInEducation #RedesignEducation #StrengthsCoach #HummingbirdSymbolism #GrowthInEducation #DignityInClassrooms

For more information please visit https://inclusionworkshops.com/

Donna Ross and Toby discuss co-teaching strategies, professional development, and supportive coaching that encourages teachers to grow without judgment. They highlight the need for personalized approaches, focusing on student strengths rather than disabilities, and promoting a culture of collaboration among educators. Additionally, the conversation touches on the importance of resourcefulness and adaptation in teaching, particularly during times of change, and the ongoing effort to meet diverse learner needs through strategies like differentiation and Universal Design for Learning.

Understood – https://www.understood.org

Child Mind Institute – https://childmind.org

The IRIS Center – https://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu

#TobyKarten #DonnaRoss #Karten’sInclusionConversations #KIC #Inclusion #CoTeaching #TeacherCollaboration #StrengthBasedLearning #ProfessionalDevelopment #DifferentiatedInstruction #UDL #SpecialEducation #TeacherSupport #StudentSuccess #EducationInnovation #InclusiveClassrooms.

For more information please visit https://inclusionworkshops.com/

In this conversation, Toby explores themes of empathy, equity, and inclusion in early childhood education, centered around the book, Little Learners, Big Hearts with authors Randy Ross, Orinthia Harris and Jill Flanders . The discussion highlights the importance of addressing implicit biases, fostering diversity, and creating inclusive classrooms where all children, including those with disabilities, are valued and celebrated. Key strategies include professional development focused on equity, using multicultural literature as tools for learning, and adopting a "heart-centered" teaching framework emphasizing hope, education, acknowledgment, and community engagement. The conversation also tackles systemic issues like the preschool-to-prison pipeline and emphasizes the role of educators and families in nurturing understanding and compassion in young learners, despite the challenges posed by polarized societal attitudes.

Books:

Little Learners, Big Hearts: A Teacher’s Guide to Nurturing Empathy and Equity in Early Childhood: https://www.solutiontree.com/little-learners-big-hearts.html

Antiracist baby by Ibram kendi: https://www.ibramxkendi.com/antiracistbaby

A Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats: https://www.ejkf.org/ezras-books-the-snowy-day/

Born on the Water: https://www.penguinclassroom.com/books/the-1619-project-born-on-the-water/

Advancing Empathy and Equity in Early Childhood Education: https://www.solutiontree.com/advancing-empathy-and-equity-in-early-childhood-education.html

The Advantures of Butchie by Mary Edmonson: https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Butchie-Mary-Edmondson/dp/B09VH1KJWG

Princess Pooh: https://www.amazon.com/Princess-Pooh-Kathleen-M-Muldoon/dp/0807566276

Websites:
Dr. Gilliam Yale University 2016 study: https://medicine.yale.edu/news-article/implicit-bias-may-help-explain-high-preschool-expulsion-rates-for-black-children/

Pacer Institute: https://www.pacer.org/about/howpacerhelps.asp

#TobyKarten #Karten’sInclusionConversations #KIC #Inclusion#RandyRoss #OrinthiaHarris #Dr.Oh #JillFlanders #EmpathyInEducation #EquityInAction #InclusiveClassrooms #EarlyChildhoodEducation #TeachingWithHeart #LittleLearnersBigHearts #AntiRacistBaby #DiversityInBooks #InclusiveLiterature #NurturingEquity #BreakingBias #BelongingMatters #HeartCenteredTeaching #TeachEmpathy #RepresentationMatters #EarlyEducationMatters #BuildingInclusiveFutures #StartYoungStartRight

For more information please visit https://inclusionworkshops.com/

In Toby’s conversation with Dr. Christopher Kinney, the discussion centers around the integration of special education strategies into general education, highlighting the importance of collaboration between general and special education teachers. Dr. Kinney emphasizes the value of learning from each other's expertise and the necessity for teachers to be adaptable and inquisitive. He shares his experiences of starting in special education without adequate preparation and underscores the importance of ongoing professional development and support for teachers. The conversation also touches on the significance of individualized education plans (IEPs) that are tailored to the specific needs of students, rather than being overly generalized. Dr. Kinney advocates for a balanced approach to providing support to students, ensuring they are empowered rather than overly dependent. The role of parents in the educational process and the need for their collaboration with teachers is also discussed. Finally, the conversation addresses the broader goal of preparing students for life beyond school, focusing on both academic and social-emotional skills.

#TobyKarten #Dr.ChristopherKinney #Karten’sInclusionConversations #KIC #Inclusion #SpecialEdStrategies #TeacherCollaboration #EducationPodcast #IEPs #StudentSuccess #TeacherSupport #SpecialEducation #GeneralEdIntegration #EdLeadership #ParentTeacherPartnerships #LifelongLearning #EmpowerEducators #EdChat #ClassroomInnovation

For more information please visit https://inclusionworkshops.com/

In Round 2, Toby and Takia’s conversation focuses on the importance of community engagement and empowerment, highlighting the critical role of education and mentorship in uplifting individuals, especially within underserved communities. It discusses the value of providing guidance and resources to support personal and professional growth, emphasizing the power of collective action and the impact of nurturing future generations through education and community support.

Key Notes:
ERI - https://www.acsssd.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=3808275&type=d&pREC_ID=2464423

CGOs Curriculum Graphic organizers - https://inclusionworkshops.com/inclusion-tools/

Frayer Model - https://dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/ela/bank/6-12_L.VAU_Frayer_Model.pdf

KWL charts - https://www.theteachertoolkit.com/index.php/tool/kwl

Books Mentioned:
"Monster" by Walter Dean Myers - Used for discussions on perception and influences.

"Thank You, Ma'am" by Langston Hughes - Discussed in terms of being considered a criminal versus a child experiencing hard times.

"Blue Bottle Mystery" by Kathy Hoopman - About a student with autism, used to help another student relate to his own experiences.

#TobyKarten #TakiaLogan #Karten’sInclusionConversations #KIC #Inclusion #SocialEmotionalLearning #InclusiveEducation #TeachingStrategies #EducationalInnovation #StudentEngagement #TraumaInformedTeaching #SEL #EducationalBooks #TeachingResources #EmotionalSupportInEducation

For more information please visit https://inclusionworkshops.com/

In this episode of Karten's Inclusion Conversations, Toby welcomes back Phil Hochman, who has a diverse background in education, including health and physical education, AI, and well-being for educators and students. The conversation delves into the transformative potential of AI in education, emphasizing how it can ease teachers' workloads by automating routine tasks and personalizing student learning. Phil discusses the importance of balance in using technology, ensuring it complements physical activity and holistic well-being. The dialogue also covers the significance of diverse assessment methods, particularly for students with exceptionalities, and stresses the need for educators to stay informed about new tools to best support their students. Ethical considerations in AI use and the evolving nature of education with technology are key themes, highlighting the ongoing shift towards more individualized and adaptive learning environments.

Article: How to Maslow Before Bloom, All Day Long

https://www.edutopia.org/article/how-maslow-bloom-all-day-long/

#TobyKarten #PhilliHochman #Karten’sInclusionConversations #KIC #Inclusion #AIinEducation #EdTech #InclusiveEducation #TeacherWellbeing #PersonalizedLearning #FutureOfEducation #EdTechInnovation #AIforTeachers #HolisticEducation #EducationReform #AdaptiveLearning #ProfessionalDevelopment #DiverseLearningNeeds #EducationEthics #ClassroomTechnology

For more information please visit https://inclusionworkshops.com/

Toby’s conversation with Carrie and KC Bree" centers on educational approaches, inclusion, and personalized learning. Carrie and KC discuss the importance of adapting teaching methods to fit individual student needs, sharing personal and professional experiences. They highlight how different students, including those with special needs, can thrive with the right support. Key themes include making learning relevant and engaging by connecting it to students' interests, and the significance of building relationships to understand each student's unique learning style. The conversation also touches on the challenges of advocating for tailored educational approaches over conventional norms, emphasizing the value of flexible, inclusive, and empathetic teaching practices.

#TobyKarten #CarrieBree #KCBree #Karten’sInclusionConversations #KIC #Inclusion #InclusiveEducation #InclusiveEducation #PersonalizedLearning #StudentCentered #EducationInnovation #TeachingStrategies #AdaptiveLearning #SpecialNeedsEducation #EmpowerStudents #FlexibleTeaching #EngagedLearning

For more information please visit https://inclusionworkshops.com/