The show to help you get the tools to write a better story with your life.
Episodes
Wednesday Dec 29, 2021
Wednesday Dec 29, 2021
Katrina Waidelich (she/her) has worked in education for 14 years as a teacher, curriculum designer, and trainer. Katrina has dedicated her career to developing authentic, relationship based experiences in conjunction with high academic standards. She centers her classroom on empathy and understanding, challenging students and educators to be open to hearing new stories, and sharing their own. Katrina supports educators in the integration of technology, development of student centered practices, integration of social-emotional learning, and cross-curricular planning. Katrina serves as an education ally to marginalized populations by serving on her district’s Equity and Inclusion Committee, adopting restorative justice practices, and amplifying historically underrepresented voices in curriculum. In her free time, Katrina spends time cultivating her relationships with nature, her family, and her community.
There are a series of questions that are crucial for every young person to answer in order for them to be fully prepared to make the best decisions for their future- but they rarely get the chance to even think about them. One of the most frequent questions we ask kids is about their professional goals- what do you want to be when you grow up. It's an interesting question, for sure, but rarely is it actually helpful. Typically, it just creates anxiety and more confusion- not clarity and confidence like we hope. So what's a better way to help them? We put together a free mini-course for students called When you Get Older. It's a few simple reflection exercises that guides them to consider Who they want to be someday, not just what they want to do for work. It's a much, much more helpful starting point, and a conversation that can be started in the course but continue for years to come. It's super simple to get started-- and free, did I mention that? Just click the link in the bio, share it with your kid, and we'll take it from there. https://www.theyouschool.com/offers/qs8oqgf4
Monday Jun 07, 2021
Monday Jun 07, 2021
For more than the past year, we've told kids that being close to each other is dangerous- literally.
Now, it's time to start reintegrating back to school, sports, and other activities, but it's not as smooth or as seamless as you might think.
There's a lot going on.
On top of that, kids today are growing up in a world of ubiquitous cellphone usage and screens- face to face socialization has been on a decline for years.
There's a lot for concern.
The primary way teenagers grow is through healthy peer relationships. They learn about themselves and how the world works and what's most important in life as they journey together, shoulder to shoulder, face to face.
But when a lot of kids are carrying heightened anxiety about being together, and fewer kids in general have adept social skills, it's time to rethink how we support kids in building relationships.
So welcome to our limited podcast series on Social Reintegration, where we interview educators and practitioners to discover best practices and common sense tools for anyone who has a kid in their life.
Welcome to the YouSchool.
Who Is Joe Erpelding?
"A Learner Just Like You
I’m a family man who learned about learning by being curios. Growing up in a large family (one of 10 kids - yep you read correctly) with brothers and sisters who finished college in two years, a Navy Officer, Engineers, full ride scholarships, and valedictorians, I had to fight to find my own way. I recall a family conversation where family friends were wondering if I was going to go to college. I realized at that moment that I am motivated by challenge. You can imagine, I was not much into doing "school" or being schooled in the typical manner. School for me was impersonal, routine and disconnected from reality. I would run home after school and spend hours in my backyard canyon creating forts, designing go karts and taking things apart. Learning . . . I would come to realize - It's Personal!
Being part of ten different educational spaces - with rolls from Instructional Assistant to Campus Principal - I have developed a deep passion for changing the way we "Do School" and ultimately Learning.
Like you, I have seen school and the world of education reform defined in numerous ways over the years - from 1:1 technology - PBL - The four C's - College and Career Readiness. They all have their shelf life as the pendulum swings. I wondered - there must be a different story?
With over two decades of real-life, in-the-trenches learning experience, my view is radically different. Transformation is about people and not about programs, fads or experts. State Departments, Districts and Schools buy programs because you can't buy culture. Transformation happens in learning organizations that fail forward, are audacious, and provide proof. It's how we should live our lives."
Learn more about Joe at Erpelding.info or Learningitspersonal.com
There are a series of questions that are crucial for every young person to answer in order for them to be fully prepared to make the best decisions for their future- but they rarely get the chance to even think about them. One of the most frequent questions we ask kids is about their professional goals- what do you want to be when you grow up. It's an interesting question, for sure, but rarely is it actually helpful. Typically, it just creates anxiety and more confusion- not clarity and confidence like we hope. So what's a better way to help them?
We put together a free mini-course for students called When you Get Older. It's a few simple reflection exercises that guides them to consider Who they want to be someday, not just what they want to do for work. It's a much, much more helpful starting point, and a conversation that can be started in the course but continue for years to come.
It's super simple to get started-- and free, did I mention that? Just click the link in the bio, share it with your kid, and we'll take it from there.
https://www.theyouschool.com/offers/qs8oqgf4
Tuesday Jun 01, 2021
Tuesday Jun 01, 2021
Travis Sevilla is an artist and educator working for Canyon Crest Academy. Travis began teaching in San Diego at High Tech High North County as a multimedia/STEAM teacher. He moved to San Diego with his wife and two sons from Los Angeles for the opportunity to enjoy all that San Diego has to offer in the outdoors and to have an opportunity to work in a project-based learning environment with HTHNC. He has now made the move to Canyon Crest Academy in an effort to integrate some of the project-based and real-world learning into the dynamic environment CCA has to offer. In addition to CCA, Travis works with new teachers through San Diego State University and Guest Lectures at Universities on occasion. An avid Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu enthusiast, surfer, rock climber, and cyclist, Travis has a passion for learning from all of his endeavors. He is a dedicated teacher who works to bring real-world projects to his students that incorporate the arts and design thinking. He believes strongly in bringing out students' power of creative and critical thinking as solutions to complex real-world problems.
For more than the past year, we've told kids that being close to each other is dangerous- literally.
Now, it's time to start reintegrating back to school, sports, and other activities, but it's not as smooth or as seamless as you might think.
There's a lot going on.
On top of that, kids today are growing up in a world of ubiquitous cellphone usage and screens- face to face socialization has been on a decline for years.
There's a lot for concern.
The primary way teenagers grow is through healthy peer relationships. They learn about themselves and how the world works and what's most important in life as they journey together, shoulder to shoulder, face to face.
But when a lot of kids are carrying heightened anxiety about being together, and fewer kids in general have adept social skills, it's time to rethink how we support kids in building relationships.
So welcome to our limited podcast series on Social Reintegration, where we interview educators and practitioners to discover best practices and common sense tools for anyone who has a kid in their life.
Welcome to the YouSchool.
Also, we have a simple, interactive mini-course you can share with your kids, no matter how old they are. Oh, and, it's free. Click here to get started.
Monday May 24, 2021
Monday May 24, 2021
For more than the past year, we've told kids that being close to each other is dangerous- literally. Now, it's time to start reintegrating back to school, sports, and other activities, but it's not as smooth or as seamless as you might think.
There's a lot going on.
On top of that, kids today are growing up in a world of ubiquitous cellphone usage and screens- face to face socialization has been on a decline for years. There's a lot for concern. The primary way teenagers grow is through healthy peer relationships. They learn about themselves and how the world works and what's most important in life as they journey together, shoulder to shoulder, face to face. But when a lot of kids are carrying heightened anxiety about being together, and fewer kids in general have adept social skills, it's time to rethink how we support kids in building relationships. So welcome to our limited podcast series on Social Reintegration, where we interview educators and practitioners to discover best practices and common sense tools for anyone who has a kid in their life.
Welcome to the YouSchool.
ABOUT JERRY I am an education leader who has skills in consensus building, management, building and sustaining a positive culture, promotion of the organization's mission, decision making, helping others be their personal best, leading by example, strong interpersonal skills, relentlessly positive, presenting to groups of all sizes, work ethic, communication (e.g. written, speaking, presenting, social media) and professionalism. I am interested in providing students the chance to maximize their potential in all areas and prepare them for college and career through leadership opportunities, personalized learning, rigorous academics & project-based learning assignments that have real-life application. I’m passionate about helping students know that we care about them, about personalizing education in a way that is meaningful, & providing voice, choice & skills that prepare students for successful & fulfilling lives. There are a series of questions that are crucial for every young person to answer in order for them to be fully prepared to make the best decisions for their future- but they rarely get the chance to even think about them. One of the most frequent questions we ask kids is about their professional goals- what do you want to be when you grow up. It's an interesting question, for sure, but rarely is it actually helpful. Typically, it just creates anxiety and more confusion- not clarity and confidence like we hope. So what's a better way to help them? We put together a free mini-course for students called When you Get Older. It's a few simple reflection exercises that guides them to consider Who they want to be someday, not just what they want to do for work. It's a much, much more helpful starting point, and a conversation that can be started in the course but continue for years to come. It's super simple to get started-- and free, did I mention that?
Just click the link below, share it with your kid, and we'll take it from there. https://www.theyouschool.com/offers/qs8oqgf4
Monday May 17, 2021
Monday May 17, 2021
For more than the past year, we've told kids that being close to each other is dangerous- literally. Now, it's time to start reintegrating back to school, sports, and other activities, but it's not as smooth or as seamless as you might think. There's a lot going on.
On top of that, kids today are growing up in a world of ubiquitous cellphone usage and screens- face to face socialization has been on a decline for years. There's a lot for concern. The primary way teenagers grow is through healthy peer relationships. They learn about themselves and how the world works and what's most important in life as they journey together, shoulder to shoulder, face to face. But when a lot of kids are carrying heightened anxiety about being together, and fewer kids in general have adept social skills, it's time to rethink how we support kids in building relationships. So welcome to our limited podcast series on Social Reintegration, where we interview educators and practitioners to discover best practices and common sense tools for anyone who has a kid in their life.
Welcome to the YouSchool.
ABOUT ALANI STAPLES
Currently serving as Director of Student Support at Lakeway Christian Schools in East Tennessee, Alani Staples has worked in youth services for 17 years. During this time, she has served in several capacities, including Outreach Program Director, Clinical Supervisor, and School Counseling Director. With an undergraduate degree from University of Richmond and Master of Education in School Counseling from Liberty University, Alani is passionate about empowering students and supporting families. Alani’s professional experience has allowed her to celebrate the joy of witnessing youth discover their full potential, specifically as it relates to academic success, overcoming hardships, developing healthy relational skills, and achieving their post-secondary goals. A native of Roanoke, VA, Alani and her husband Curtis, enjoy mentoring youth by supporting them to passionately pursue their interests and becoming impactful leaders with meaningful lives. Her love for giving back to the community has afforded her the opportunity to work with multiple school districts and faith-based organizations as a youth advocate, spokesperson, and founder of youth performing art programs throughout southwest Virginia. There are a series of questions that are crucial for every young person to answer in order for them to be fully prepared to make the best decisions for their future- but they rarely get the chance to even think about them.
A FREE RESOURCE
One of the most frequent questions we ask kids is about their professional goals- what do you want to be when you grow up. It's an interesting question, for sure, but rarely is it actually helpful.
Typically, it just creates anxiety and more confusion- not clarity and confidence like we hope. So what's a better way to help them? We put together a free mini-course for students called When you Get Older. It's a few simple reflection exercises that guides them to consider Who they want to be someday, not just what they want to do for work. It's a much, much more helpful starting point, and a conversation that can be started in the course but continue for years to come. It's super simple to get started-- and free, did I mention that? Just click this link, share it with your kid, and we'll take it from there.
MORE RESOURCES
Here are some additional resources that could be helpful for families and educators:
Emotion Sensation Feeling Wheel https://lindsaybraman.com/emotion-sensation-feeling-wheel/
Emotional Development Guide for Kids https://www.onoursleeves.org/mental-wellness-tools-guides/emotional-development
Tuesday Mar 24, 2020
Tuesday Mar 24, 2020
Recently (before the shutdown), Scott Schimmel and Brad Lichtman from the YouSchool's School Impact Team had the opportunity to sit down with Brett Killeen, a gifted leader and Principal at Canyon Crest Academy High School in Carmel Valley, San Diego. This conversation is gold if you're a school leader or a leader in training and care about designing a culture for student wellness.
Highlights from the conversation:
- 5:00 How a Principal secures buy-in for a vision and how to deploy 'reverent power'
- 8:45 Why reflection is so important for effective leadership
- 11:30 How vulnerability is a strength
- 17:10 Why the continuous feedback loop is so important
- 29:01 Celebration as a key tool for motivation
- 32:30 How to hire well for culture alignment
Tuesday Mar 24, 2020
Tuesday Mar 24, 2020
WHAT IF ALL TEACHERS WERE EMPOWERED & EQUIPPED TO MAKE A MEANINGFUL IMPACT FOR EVERY STUDENT?
Teachers are responsible for SO much. They’re overworked and underpaid. Whether a 2nd-grade teacher with a full room of littles, or a high school biology teacher with five sections- it can be an overwhelming load. But they also have tremendous opportunity to shape the lives of so many students.
No matter the reason why a teacher went into the business, we believe every teacher has an opportunity and a responsibility to make a personal impact on every student. Sure, no one can reach them all, and there will be some students who are easy to connect with and others who, well…
But regardless, we don’t think it has to be too complicated. Caring for kids in relevant, meaningful ways can and should happen every day, in every class, by every teacher.
Listen to this short episode, share it with a colleague, and sign up for our [free] email course on For the Sake of Kids today.
Learn more about our Professional Development live or digital workshops.
To access our Story Library, go here
Wednesday Mar 11, 2020
Wednesday Mar 11, 2020
WHAT IF ALL TEACHERS WERE EMPOWERED & EQUIPPED TO MAKE A MEANINGFUL IMPACT FOR EVERY STUDENT?
Teachers are responsible for SO much. They’re overworked and underpaid. Whether a 2nd-grade teacher with a full room of littles, or a high school biology teacher with five sections- it can be an overwhelming load. But they also have tremendous opportunity to shape the lives of so many students.
No matter the reason why a teacher went into the business, we believe every teacher has an opportunity and a responsibility to make a personal impact on every student. Sure, no one can reach them all, and there will be some students who are easy to connect with and others who, well…
But regardless, we don’t think it has to be too complicated. Caring for kids in relevant, meaningful ways can and should happen every day, in every class, by every teacher.
Listen to this short episode, share it with a colleague, and sign up for our [free] email course on For the Sake of Kids today.
Learn more about our Professional Development live or digital workshops.
Tuesday Mar 03, 2020
Tuesday Mar 03, 2020
WHAT IF ALL TEACHERS WERE EMPOWERED & EQUIPPED TO MAKE A MEANINGFUL IMPACT FOR EVERY STUDENT?
Teachers are responsible for SO much. They’re overworked and underpaid. Whether a 2nd-grade teacher with a full room of littles, or a high school biology teacher with five sections- it can be an overwhelming load. But they also have tremendous opportunity to shape the lives of so many students.
No matter the reason why a teacher went into the business, we believe every teacher has an opportunity and a responsibility to make a personal impact on every student. Sure, no one can reach them all, and there will be some students who are easy to connect with and others who, well…
But regardless, we don’t think it has to be too complicated. Caring for kids in relevant, meaningful ways can and should happen every day, in every class, by every teacher.
Listen to this short episode, share it with a colleague, and sign up for our [free] email course on For the Sake of Kids today.
Learn more about our Professional Development live or digital workshops.
To access our Story Library, go here
Tuesday Feb 25, 2020
Tuesday Feb 25, 2020
WHAT IF ALL TEACHERS WERE EMPOWERED & EQUIPPED TO MAKE A MEANINGFUL IMPACT FOR EVERY STUDENT?
Teachers are responsible for SO much. They’re overworked and underpaid. Whether a 2nd-grade teacher with a full room of littles, or a high school biology teacher with five sections- it can be an overwhelming load. But they also have tremendous opportunity to shape the lives of so many students.
No matter the reason why a teacher went into the business, we believe every teacher has an opportunity and a responsibility to make a personal impact on every student. Sure, no one can reach them all, and there will be some students who are easy to connect with and others who, well…
But regardless, we don’t think it has to be too complicated. Caring for kids in relevant, meaningful ways can and should happen every day, in every class, by every teacher.
Listen to this short episode, share it with a colleague, and sign up for our [free] email course on For the Sake of Kids today.
Learn more about our Professional Development live or digital workshops.