📝 Episode Description: In this crucial episode, host Mike P. and co-host Caitlin Darling welcome Dr. Cathy White, a specialist in trauma-informed practices and suicide prevention, to discuss the vital importance of addressing these issues in educational settings. The conversation delves into recognizing signs of trauma and distress, implementing preventative measures, and effectively responding to crises. Dr. White shares valuable insights on fostering resilience and safety among both students and staff.

💬 Quotes from the Episode:

• "For young children and for adolescents, the brain is this beautiful, malleable, plastic thing."
• "COVID was hands down a collective trauma, more for some than for others."
• "Teachers generally have a rule of thumb. Seven to ten times, I need to say this, seven to ten times in the classroom... for students to remember what we talked about."
• "Unfortunately, trauma has always been a factor in education, but it's definitely gotten worse in recent times."
• "It's okay to ask, 'Are you feeling suicidal right now?'"
• "You have to put your own oxygen mask on first before you can help others."

📌 Key Insights:

• The Prevalence of Trauma:

• • Trauma has always been present in schools due to factors like poverty, abuse, and family issues.

  • COVID-19 exacerbated trauma through social isolation and potential home instability.

  • Current societal issues, including environmental concerns and political anxieties, contribute to student stress.

• Trauma in International Schools:

• • Despite perceptions of privilege, students in international schools can experience trauma (e.g., generational trauma, neglect, lack of parental support).

  • Money does not eliminate mental health challenges or family dysfunction.

• Impact of Isolation:

• • Isolation is a significant risk factor, increasing anxiety and stress when students lack supportive relationships.

• Relationship Building:

• • Strong relationships are protective factors against trauma and suicide.

  • Relationship mapping helps identify students who lack connections with adults in school.

  • Small, consistent conversations between teachers and students are powerful tools for building connections.

• Responding to Suicidal Behavior:

• • It's okay to directly ask students about suicidal feelings.

  • Validate students' feelings and provide a safe space for them to talk.

  • Connect students with trained professionals (school counselors, gatekeepers, or community mental health resources).

• Supporting Educators:

• • Educator well-being is crucial for a healthy school system.

  • Self-care is essential for teachers to manage stress and avoid burnout.

  • Administrators should support teacher well-being through communication and offering relief.

• Compassion Fatigue:

• • The concept of compassion fatigue is introduced, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a sustainable emotional workload.

🛑 Conclusion: This episode highlights the critical need for schools to address trauma and suicide prevention proactively. Dr. White's expertise provides educators and administrators with practical strategies for building supportive relationships, responding to crises, and prioritizing their own well-being. By fostering a culture of care and connection, schools can create safer and more resilient environments for students and staff.

More Resources

• Head over iss.edu to check out ISS website for events and more.

• Sign up for Moreland University to elevate your career as an educator at www.moreland.edu

• Join the community of professional educators considering the role of inclusion in the classroom culture at seniainternational.org

• Check out inspire citizens who inspire schools to live their mission of global citizenship at inspirecitizens.org

📝 Episode Description: Join Mike P., Dana Watts, Katlyn Darling, and Celiah Bunsie as they delve into a crucial conversation with Tricia Friedman about adapting LGBTQ+ support within international school communities. Tricia shares insights on creating inclusive environments, building trust, and fostering genuine conversations. This episode explores the importance of intersectionality, challenging norms, and promoting curiosity and understanding.

💬 Quotes from the Episode:

• "We are also talking about all students. Right? We recognize that identity is fluid and flexible." 🌈
• "Community can be like, I have a small group. I have a small circle, and that is my community." 🤝
• "How do you approach a conversation that feels hard in your personal life, because I have yet to meet somebody who has not had a difficult family dinner or a difficult coffee with a friend?" ☕️
• "What can I do to like? Queer as a verb, disrupt that notion of good listener?" 👂
• "Are you bridge building or moat building. And how do you know?" 🌉

📌 Key Insights:

• Identity is fluid, and inclusion benefits everyone, not just the LGBTQ+ community.
• Building trust is essential for genuine conversations and creating safe spaces.
• Understanding and respecting local cultural norms is crucial in international settings.
• Leaders play a vital role in fostering inclusive school cultures through vulnerability and active listening.
• The importance of critical introspection and how to continue to grow.
• The idea of conversations being a dance, not a line dance.
• The importance of understanding technology and how it changes relationships.
• Everything is connected and should not be siloed.

🛑 Conclusion: This episode provides valuable insights for educators and leaders seeking to create inclusive and supportive environments for LGBTQ+ students and staff in international school communities. Tricia Friedman's expertise and thoughtful perspectives offer practical strategies for fostering understanding, building trust, and promoting genuine conversations. Don't forget to connect with Tricia on LinkedIn and explore the resources mentioned in the episode. Like, subscribe, and share this episode to help spread awareness and support for LGBTQ+ inclusion in education! 🚀📚✨

More Resources

• Head over iss.edu to check out ISS website for events and more.

• Sign up for Moreland University to elevate your career as an educator at www.moreland.edu

• Join the community of professional educators considering the role of inclusion in the classroom culture at seniainternational.org

• Check out inspire citizens who inspire schools to live their mission of global citizenship at inspirecitizens.org

📝 Episode Description: Mike P., Dana, Katlyn, and Celiah dive into the transformative topic of AI in elementary education with guest Jason Prohaska. Explore how AI is revolutionizing education, strategies for thoughtful integration, and addressing ethical and safety implications. Discover practical ways AI can support educators and enhance learning experiences in the K-12 setting.

💬 Quotes from the Episode:

• "It really is a unicorn in education, in my opinion, because it's going to change so much in so many ways." 🦄
• "What does this mean for us in terms of our ethical use of it? And ethics includes, you know, the the other AI academic integrity." ⚖️
• "When teachers see the potential that they can offload some of the cognitive load that they go through every day... there's more buy-in." 🧠
• "Do the best you can until you know better. When you know better, do better." ✨

📌 Key Insights:

• AI has the potential to revolutionize education, similar to the impact of the internet. 🌐
• Ethical considerations and data protection are paramount when integrating AI in schools. 🛡️
• AI can help teachers offload administrative tasks, allowing them to focus on relationships and meaningful instruction. 🧑‍🏫
• Playing with AI and exploring its capabilities can lead to innovative teaching and learning strategies. 🎮
• Leadership, strategic planning, and professional development are crucial for successful AI integration in schools. 🏫
• Critical thinking and lateral reading skills are essential for students to navigate information in the age of AI. 🧐

🛑 Conclusion: This episode explores the dynamic intersection of AI and elementary education, offering valuable insights for educators looking to harness its potential. From ethical implementation to practical classroom applications, the discussion emphasizes the importance of thoughtful integration and ongoing exploration. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with your fellow educators! 🚀📚✨

More Resources

• Head over iss.edu to check out ISS website for events and more.

• Sign up for Moreland University to elevate your career as an educator at www.moreland.edu

• Join the community of professional educators considering the role of inclusion in the classroom culture at seniainternational.org

• Check out inspire citizens who inspire schools to live their mission of global citizenship at inspirecitizens.org