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/