Empathy is often described as the ability to understand another person’s perspective or experience—but what does empathy look like in practice and can it be measured?

In this episode, Dr. Nicole Alioto speaks with Icle Freeland and Kristin Vaassen from Two by Two Character Development about defining empathy and supporting our youngest learners in developing it so that they can build strong relationships and positive futures!

Listen to this episode to hear:

• How to distinguish kindness from empathy in clear and observable terms,

• Where empathy connects to other outcomes, and

• How schools and families can support children in developing empathy.

About Kristin Vaassen Kristin Vaassen founded Two by Two Character Development in 2005 after more than 30 years as an educator, combining her passion for teaching with her commitment to helping people, animals, and the environment. Today, alongside a dedicated team, she leads the organization's mission of inspiring kindness and strong character in thousands of children and families across the country.

About Icle Freeland Icle Freeland is the Director of Outreach & Partnerships at Two by Two Character Development, where he helps schools create hands-on opportunities for students to build empathy, kindness, responsibility, and positive relationships. A former elementary teacher, Icle has worked in character education across K-12 and higher education and is passionate about equipping educators with practical strategies that help students thrive.

To learn more about Two by Two Character Development, visit their website at https://twobytwoeducation.org/.

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Join Dr. Nicole Alioto LIVE!

Did the topic from today’s show resonate with you? Chances are, your strategic plan aims to impact hard-to-measure outcomes like belonging, trust, or engagement too. But what exactly do they mean in your district—and how will you know whether or not they actually improve?

Join Dr. Nicole Alioto live for a free deep dive as she takes one common strategic priority from vague idea to measurable outcome. You can find the link for the next Can You Measure That? Live Strategic Plan Deep Dive here.

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If you can define it, you can measure it. If you can measure it, you can achieve it!

Subscribe to You Can Measure Anything® - The Podcast so you don't miss an episode!

Trust me. Two words that are sure to destroy school culture.

How can you build a culture of trust when there have been so many challenges? Did you inherit a culture of mistrust? Are there emerging concerns that you want to work through to avoid an impact on morale? Join Dr. Nicole Alioto as she sits down with Dr. Jen Schwanke, author, speaker, and educator to talk about this important topic. How do you identify the trust killers so you can make a measurable impact on them?

Listen to this episode to hear:

• what it means to be trustworthy vs. trust willing,
• how to identify trust killers in your schools, and
• how to self-assess trust pillars in your leadership practices.

If your district or team is looking to grow a culture of trust, this conversation is for you!

About Dr. Jen Schwanke Dr. Jen Schwanke is a longtime educator, teaching and leading at all levels. She is the author of several ASCD books, including Trusted: Trust Pillars, Trust Killers and the Secret to Successful Schools. A frequent contributor to multiple educational publishers, Dr. Schwanke consults with districts and school leaders in the areas of school climate, personnel, and instructional leadership. She is a frequent presenter at national organizations including ASCD + ISTE, NASSP, and NAESP. An instructor in educational administration at The Ohio State University, Dr. Schwanke currently serves as a Superintendent in Ohio. She also co-hosts the podcast, Principal Matters.

Visit https://jenschwanke.com/ to subscribe to her "Principal Problems" newsletter and learn more about her exciting work!

Connect with Dr. Jen on LinkedIn here.

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Join Dr. Nicole Alioto LIVE!

Did the topic from today’s show resonate with you? Chances are, your strategic plan aims to impact hard-to-measure outcomes like belonging, trust, or engagement too. But what exactly do they mean in your district—and how will you know whether or not they actually improve?

Join Dr. Nicole Alioto live for a free deep dive as she takes one common strategic priority from vague idea to measurable outcome. You can find the link for the next Can You Measure That? Live Strategic Plan Deep Dive here.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Follow You Can Measure Anything!® on Spotify and never miss a new episode.

If you can define it, you can measure it. If you can measure it, you can achieve it!

Subscribe to You Can Measure Anything® - The Podcast so you don't miss an episode!

In schools and workplaces across the US, there is a growing recognition of the need for "soft skills." While the name for these critical skills often changes, what they represent does not - key elements for a successful career. Join Dr. Alioto and her guest, Yadi Caro, and they discuss the framework from Yadi Caro's new book, "Hardcore Soft Skills: A Guide to Work with Humans."

Listen to this episode to hear:

• the 5Cs of hardcore soft skills,
• how teams and schools can measure and improve them, and
• why context is important.

If your district or team is looking to improve people/power/human/hardcore soft skills, this conversation is for you!

For more about the NY Inspires Portrait of a Graduate, visit https://www.nysed.gov/grad-measures/new-york-state-portrait-graduate.

About Yadi Caro Yadi Caro is the founder of Hardcore Soft Skills, a company focused on educating teams and individuals on critical skills to prepare for the future of work. She is a Harvard-educated Organizational Psychology practitioner who has been working with teams of developers and engineers for over 15 years within US military organizations, launching high performing teams and helping organizations to break silos, improve collaboration and innovate. She is the author of Hardcore Soft Skills: A Guide to Work with Humans, host of the Hardcore Soft Skills podcast (listeners in 60+ countries), keynote speaker and team coach. Yadi holds a Master’s in Communications (Florida International University), and a Bachelors in Philosophy (University of Puerto Rico). Her certifications include Organizational Behavior (Harvard), Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Agile Coach, Lean Six Sigma, and Business Analytics (MIT). She is also a trained ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) Coach.

Visit the Hardcore Soft Skills website at https://www.hardcoresoftskills.com/.

Connect with Yadi Caro on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/yadiraycaro/.

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Join Dr. Nicole Alioto LIVE!

Did the topic from today’s show resonate with you? Chances are, your strategic plan aims to impact hard-to-measure outcomes like belonging, trust, or engagement too. But what exactly do they mean in your district—and how will you know whether or not they actually improve?

Join Dr. Nicole Alioto live for a free deep dive as she takes one common strategic priority from vague idea to measurable outcome. You can find the link for the next Can You Measure That? Live Strategic Plan Deep Dive here.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Follow You Can Measure Anything!® on Spotify and never miss a new episode.

If you can define it, you can measure it. If you can measure it, you can achieve it!

Subscribe to You Can Measure Anything® - The Podcast so you don't miss an episode!