Struggle for Change
By Completely Fresh Productions
Hosts: Traci Bonde, Valerie Sun, Emily Hendricks
Mental Health, Learning, Growing, Teaching, Wellness.
Are you an edu-professional or student that is struggling? We would love to hear your story.
Website: struggleforchange.com
Email: struggleforchangepodcast@gmail.com.
Twitter: @strug4change
Instagram: @struggleforchangepodcast
Facebook: @struggleforchangepodcast
Produced/Edited by: Completely Fresh Productions (www.completelyfresh.com)
Struggle for ChangeMar 31, 2023
Episode 34: Prepping for an "A.I. Future" with Author Priten Shah
Join us as we discuss AI's impact on education access and how it may or may not meet the needs of our most vulnerable citizens.
Are you an education professional or a student struggling? Email us at struggleforchangepodcast@gmail.com. We would love to hear your story.
Visit our website: struggleforchange.com.
Find us on Instagram: @struggleforchangepodcast.
Find us on Facebook: @struggleforchangepodcast.
Episode 33: A New Take on Wellness with Laura
Emily and Valerie talk with Laura, a HS English teacher at Sonoma Academy, around unique approaches to instilling mindfulness in students and embedding wellness in the day-to-day school schedule. We also ponder about trapped bats in houses and Taylor Swift electives.
Episode 32: High Fives and Student Wellness with Chris
Chris, the creator of High Five Movement joins us in a conversation to talk about his wellness practices for himself and the implementation of wellness/positive practices in the classroom. He shares the importance of fueling our bodies with nutritious food to have energy to do the necessary things as it can greatly impact our mental and emotional wellness. Lastly, the positive connections we make with our students, helping them turn negative into positive thoughts, and letting them know that we're there for them are all things we can keep doing. Give your students a high five to improve the mood!
Check out High Five Movement to "build resilience, manage stress and anxiety, and develop positive relationships with peers and teachers".
Chris' Favorites
Podcasts:
Dr Sanjay Gupta Chasing Life
Huberman Lab
Joe Rogan (I’m an alien believer)
Books:
The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor
Negotiating for Dummies (Life is a negotiation)
Episode 31: PTSD and Transparency with Diane
Here is a throwback to March of 2020, when Traci sat down with Diane Main in a heart-felt interview addressing her personal struggles with mental health as an education professional.
Note: This version has been re-mixed and re-mastered!
Help us keep creating by donating to our podcast. 50% of donations go toward the Dean Ledford Foundation.
Are you someone with a story about a struggle related to education?
Submit an interview interest form here or email us at struggleforchangepodcast@gmail.com. We would love to hear your story.
Visit our website: struggleforchange.com.
Find us on Instagram/Threads: @struggleforchangepodcast.
Find us on Facebook: @struggleforchangepodcast.
Pocket Change: Banned Books
It’s not just authors feeling the pressure of book-banning movements. Through this current uptick in school and public library censorship, students are missing opportunities to hone their critical thinking skills as readers and teachers facing barriers to providing a well-rounded curriculum for students.
In honor of Banned Books Week 2023, Emily shares some tidbits around the history of book censorship and today's impact on authors and readers alike!
Episode Resources and Further Reading/Viewing:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDppHAzyFew
- https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/06/world/asia/india-textbooks-changes.html
- https://ca.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/the-firey-history-of-banned-books-video/its-lit-season-2/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpKqRC-9Avc&t=883s
- https://guides.library.harvard.edu/c.php?g=1269000&p=9306840
- https://pen.org/report/banned-usa-growing-movement-to-censor-books-in-schools/
- https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/as-book-bans-escalate-heres-what-you-need-to-know/2022/09
- https://ed.stanford.edu/news/stanford-lecturer-explores-rise-book-bans-nazi-book-burnings-school-board-races
- https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/12/books/book-bans-libraries.html
- https://news.northeastern.edu/2022/08/24/banned-books-in-us-schools/
- https://www.freedomtoread.ca/resources/bannings-and-burnings-in-history/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&app=desktop&v=h28316trOYU
Are you someone with a story about a struggle related to education?
Submit an interview interest form here or email us at struggleforchangepodcast@gmail.com. We would love to hear your story.
Visit our website: struggleforchange.com.
Find us on Instagram: @struggleforchangepodcast.
Find us on Facebook: @struggleforchangepodcast.
Episode 30: Normalizing Mental Health in Education with Tory
Join us as for a meaningful conversation around normalizing mental health management as an education professional. Tory shares with us his own raw and honest approach to managing mental health, and how it has made him a stronger educator and more-grounded human.
We hope you find some strategies that you can apply tomorrow.
Are you someone with a story about a struggle related to education?
Submit an interview interest form here or email us at struggleforchangepodcast@gmail.com. We would love to hear your story.
Visit our website: struggleforchange.com.
Find us on Instagram: @struggleforchangepodcast.
Find us on Facebook: @struggleforchangepodcast.
Episode 29: Transforming Teaching from the Library with Mary
Join us for a conversation with school media specialist and librarian Mary, who left the elementary classroom to better support teachers in a changing tech landscape. After 20 years or so in the elementary classroom, Mary took advantage of an opportunity to transition to the school Media Center as a librarian, where she supports teachers with innovative, (mostly) tech-centered and relevant approaches to lesson design.
According to Traci, this is a must-listen episode.
Dean Ledford Memorial Foundation Website
Connect with Mary Ledford: on LinkedIn and "X" (we miss Twitter)
Are you someone with a story about a struggle related to education?
Submit an interview interest form here or email us at struggleforchangepodcast@gmail.com. We would love to hear your story.
Visit our website: struggleforchange.com.
Find us on Instagram: @struggleforchangepodcast.
Find us on Facebook: @struggleforchangepodcast.
Episode 28: The Productive Struggle with Ashley
A conversation with Ashley, a public middle school teacher, doing her best to meet students where they are, both emotionally and academically. She struggled last year with her 8th-grade students not meeting the academic standards to proficiently "graduate."
Most importantly, we talk about the awesome ways in which she HAS achieved success in helping students do their best and be their best. We also discuss the opportunity for schools to better support the mental health of teachers so they can be their best for students.
Are you someone with a story about a struggle related to education?
Submit an interview interest form here or email us at struggleforchangepodcast@gmail.com. We would love to hear your story.
Visit our website: struggleforchange.com.
Find us on Instagram: @struggleforchangepodcast.
Find us on Facebook: @struggleforchangepodcast.
Episode 27: What's in Your Wellness Room?
Emily Hendricks (@eh48), Traci Bonde (@tr_bo), and Valerie Sun (@mllevalsunshine) transport you to a Zen space known more commonly as a wellness room that was piloted at #FallCUE and brought fully to life at #SpringCUE with the support of Axiom. The space appealed to all senses with activities, décor, and furniture intentionally placed. While that space described was at a conference, the hosts discussed the reality of wellness rooms on school campuses. What’s the school culture around the use of the wellness rooms? What kind of guidelines or culture will there need to be for this new space? Don’t forget the funding necessary. Join us, lean in, take a deep breath, and give yourself a bit of rest.
Are you someone with a story about a struggle related to education?
Submit an interview interest form here or email us at struggleforchangepodcast@gmail.com. We would love to hear your story.
Visit our website: struggleforchange.com.
Find us on Instagram: @struggleforchangepodcast.
Find us on Facebook: @struggleforchangepodcast.
Pocket Change: Wellness Rooms
Here’s the first episode of pocket change, where the discussion is short and sweet, for those with less time to listen. Valerie (@MlleValSunshine) shared the awesomeness of the wellness room at the #SpringCUE Conference in Palm Springs with Emily (@eh48) who wasn’t able to attend this year. They share this innovative model and the need for a wellness room at conferences where attendees can have a space to rest in a mentally and physically draining setting. Together, they dream of having this kind of space on school campuses where students can have the chance to relax. Do you have a wellness room on your school campus or workspace? Let us know!
Are you someone with a story about a struggle related to education?
Submit an interview interest form here or email us at struggleforchangepodcast@gmail.com. We would love to hear your story.
Visit our website: struggleforchange.com.
Find us on Instagram: @struggleforchangepodcast.
Find us on Facebook: @struggleforchangepodcast.
Episode 25: The Stigma of Alternative Education
Emily (@eh48) in California, chats with Brianna in Michigan, who has been passionate about music and was on track to earn her undergraduate degree in music with an interest in becoming a teacher. In her second year of college, her classes were moved online due to COVID safety and restrictions. She pivoted to another passion - cosmetology. Tune in as she shares the stigma of alternative education and the joy she has every day in her profession.
Are you someone with a story about a struggle related to education?
Submit an interview interest form here or email us at struggleforchangepodcast@gmail.com. We would love to hear your story.
Visit our website: struggleforchange.com.
Find us on Instagram: @struggleforchangepodcast.
Find us on Facebook: @struggleforchangepodcast.
Episode 24: Is Online Learning for Me? with Vivaan and Noah
Emily (@eh48) talks with two of her former students, Vivaan and Noah, who are currently both Sophomores in a fully-online high school (Stanford OHS). They discuss some of the pros and cons of online learning, why they decided this school was a good fit and the challenges they face balancing education with other important aspects of life.
Additional Resources:
- https://wehavekids.com/education/connections-academy
- https://www.hillbrook.org/
- https://www.usnews.com/education/k12/articles/what-families-should-know-about-k-12-online-schools:
- Ongoing concerns about COVID-19.
- School safety concerns, including students who have experienced bullying.
- Students who are working at a different grade level than their peers.
- Students whose learning needs are not being met at their school.
- Students who are also parents or caregivers.
- Medically compromised or vulnerable students.
- Families looking for flexibility in their learning schedules.
- Families living abroad.
- Caregivers seeking an increased role in their child’s education.
Pros and Cons of Online School By Linda Lee Baird|March 22, 2022, at 3:58 p.m.
How do you know if online school is right for your child? Experts say some of the reasons families have selected online learning include:
Are you someone with a story about a struggle related to education?
Submit an interview interest form here or email us at struggleforchangepodcast@gmail.com. We would love to hear your story.
Visit our website: struggleforchange.com.
Find us on Instagram: @struggleforchangepodcast.
Find us on Facebook: @struggleforchangepodcast.
Episode 23: Struggling to Thrive as an Education Leader with Joe Ayala
In this episode, Traci Bonde (@tr_bo) starts a conversation with Joe Ayala (@joeayala) in regards to his 2022 CITE Conference session about resilient leaders. He shares his process to prepare for the session, the reasons for demonstrating his vulnerability, and the practices he continues with to ensure his mental health. Tune in to find ways to self regulate and to stay grounded.
Are you someone with a story about a struggle related to education?
Submit an interview interest form here or email us at struggleforchangepodcast@gmail.com. We would love to hear your story.
Visit our website: struggleforchange.com.
Find us on Instagram: @struggleforchangepodcast.
Find us on Facebook: @struggleforchangepodcast.
Episode 22: Small Changes Make a Huge Difference
Traci Bonde (@tr_bo) kicks off this episode by sharing her professional background and the realization that she needed to create boundaries in order to maintain balance. She shares the small changes she has made and the ways she protects her time and productivity. Emily Hendricks (@eh48) shares the self-care steps she has taken to recharge from different work environments. Valerie Sun (@mllevalsunshine) reflects on the demands of teaching and educators wanting to do it all to be the best teacher at a high physical, emotional, and mental cost. They recognize that good mental health doesn't require big vacations or frequent getaways. Daily, small changes in our habits can provide high dividends in happiness and better social, emotional, mental, and physical health.
Are you someone with a story about a struggle related to education?
Submit an interview interest form here or email us at struggleforchangepodcast@gmail.com. We would love to hear your story.
Visit our website: struggleforchange.com.
Find us on Instagram: @struggleforchangepodcast.
Find us on Facebook: @struggleforchangepodcast.
Episode 21: The Challenge of Transition
Emily Hendricks (@eh48) begins this episode with a reflection on the difficulties of making a transition and listening to her gut when it comes to making changes. Traci Bonde (@tr_bo) compares transitory steps to the stages of grief. Valerie Sun (@mllevalsunshine) points out that everything we do is hard when it is not part of our regular routine. Join us in this discussion about making changes in our lives, if there is a possibility for systemic change in education, and how we can all be better “listeners of our gut.”
Are you an education professional or a student that is struggling? Email us at struggleforchangepodcast@gmail.com. We would love to hear your story.
Visit our website: struggleforchange.com.
Find us on Twitter: @strug4change.
Find us on Instagram: @struggleforchangepodcast.
Find us on Facebook: @struggleforchangepodcast.
Episode 20: Whiplash from COVID
We’re 3 years into the progression of COVID where some of us feel like it’s a thing of the past and others are still diligently masked and taking precautions. Traci Bonde (@tr_bo), Emily Hendricks (@eh48), and Valerie Sun (@mllevalsunshine) explore the effects of our post-COVID collective “whiplash” that we witness in our classrooms and workplaces, setting boundaries for our own benefit, and the fact that there is no “normal” for us to return to in this post-shutdown time.
Are you someone with a story about a struggle related to education?
Submit an interview interest form here or email us at struggleforchangepodcast@gmail.com. We would love to hear your story.
Visit our website: struggleforchange.com.
Find us on Instagram: @struggleforchangepodcast.
Find us on Facebook: @struggleforchangepodcast.
Episode 19: We’re Still Here and We’re Still Struggling
Traci Bonde (@tr_bo), Emily Hendricks (@eh48), and Valerie Sun (@mllevalsunshine) come back together for Season 3, after several months of podcast hiatus, to share the news: We’re still here and we’re still struggling. This short and sweet episode shares thoughts for future episodes.
Are you an education professional or a student that is struggling? Email us at struggleforchangepodcast@gmail.com. We would love to hear your story.
Visit our website: struggleforchange.com.
Find us on Twitter: @strug4change.
Find us on Instagram: @struggleforchangepodcast.
Find us on Facebook: @struggleforchangepodcast.
Episode 18: Passion, Joy and De-Centralized Learning with Danielle Bardellini
Danielle Rose Bardellini (daniellebardellini.com) talks with Emily Hendricks (@eh48) about her latest entrepreneurial endeavor, fireflyschools.com, and how bringing your own passions and creativity as an educator into the classroom is an important part of a joyful learning experience. She also unveils to us the concept of decentralized learning and her philosophy behind “Firefly Schools” and how you can get involved in the future. For more information about "Firefly Schools," visit www.fireflyschools.com.
Are you someone with a story about a struggle related to education?
Submit an interview interest form here or email us at struggleforchangepodcast@gmail.com. We would love to hear your story.
Visit our website: struggleforchange.com.
Find us on Instagram: @struggleforchangepodcast.
Find us on Facebook: @struggleforchangepodcast.
Episode 17: How Are You Doing Now?: Reconnecting with Jen Young
Valerie (@mllevalsunshine) speaks with Jen Young (@msyoung428) about the positive things that have come out because of COVID and distance learning. In a previous episode, she gave us a run-down of her struggle with managing mental health issues while teaching. This is a follow-up episode to see how things are going! She talks about making connections with her students from last year and this year through Lunch Bunch meetings and the support she has received from her district for her mental health. She also explains her new-found confidence in fighting the challenges of being a person of color in public education by taking on leadership roles within her school, district, and teacher union.
Are you someone with a story about a struggle related to education?
Submit an interview interest form here or email us at struggleforchangepodcast@gmail.com. We would love to hear your story.
Visit our website: struggleforchange.com.
Find us on Instagram: @struggleforchangepodcast.
Find us on Facebook: @struggleforchangepodcast.
Episode 16: Embracing Hybrid Teaching with Danny Hauger
In this episode, Traci has an unscripted conversation with Danny Hauger (@DannyHauger). Danny is host of the podcast "Inspiring Teachers Show" (@ShowTeachers), as well as a broadcast professional and high school educator. He talks about about how he found ways to be super positive when we entered the shutdown in March of 2020. He shares his approach to trying to make his course a safe & fun destination through the spring and for the 2021 school year.
Are you someone with a story about a struggle related to education?
Submit an interview interest form here or email us at struggleforchangepodcast@gmail.com. We would love to hear your story.
Visit our website: struggleforchange.com.
Find us on Instagram: @struggleforchangepodcast.
Find us on Facebook: @struggleforchangepodcast.
Episode 15: A Candid Discussion: What Does Hybrid Look Like and Feel Like?
Episode 14: So How Do I Teach Again? Struggling through Crisis
Episode 13: Flexible Teaching with Susan Fitzpatrick
Episode 12: Finding Myself as a Person of Color in Education with Jen Young
Follow Jen Young on Twitter and Instagram: @msyoung428
Visit our website and call our "hotline" if you have a struggle that you would like us to address: bit.ly/Struggle4Change
Episode 11: Social Justice Work in the Classroom with Sarah Hollingsworth and Clara Ngo
Check out these referenced sources:
“Showing Up for Racial Justice”
Mike Fishback
“The Big 8” of Identity
Kimberly Krenshaw: Intersectionality
People of Color Conference
Zinn Education Project
Polyanna Org
SEED
Episode 10: Creating a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Framework in Schools with Gulliver LaValle
For further resources and educational opportunities, check out comprehensive Gully's list of resources in supporting social justice and DEI work: bit.ly/2AB0OaO.
Episode 9: The Power of Names and Identity with Rebekah Remkiewicz
Follow Rebekah’s blog at www.eduawesomeadventure.com, listen to the podcast she hosts with her children, The EdTechFamily Podcast, and on Twitter (@RemScience).
Episode 8: Setting Students (and Yourself) up for Success with Dr. Eddie Gonzalez
Follow the happenings of Dr. Eddie Gonzalez at www.eddiesclass.com or on Twitter at @DrEddiesClass.
Episode 7: Self Care for My Staff (Part 2) with Doreen Bonde
@doreenbonde: Doreen
@tr_bo: Traci
Episode 6: Self Care for My Staff (Part 1) with Doreen Bonde
@doreenbonde: Doreen
@tr_bo: Traci
Episode 5: Being Open about Mental Health (Part 2) with Diane Main
Diane's blog: about.me/dowbiggin
Twitter: @dowbiggin
Episode 4: Being Open about Mental Health (Part 1) with Diane Main
Traci Bonde (@tr_bo) interviews Diane, shedding light on the importance of being open about mental health, defining labels and the courage it takes to do so in an educational setting. Diane's blog: about.me/dowbiggin Twitter: @dowbiggin
Episode 3: How Should My Child Be Educated? with Hannah Cousino
Twitter: @eh48
Instagram: @soundteaching
Episode 2: Life at an Independent School with Greg Stamos
Greg has awesome photos: 500px.com/gregstamos
Twitter: @eh48
Instagram: @sounteaching
Episode 1: Big Shifts Can Be Tough with Kim Voge
Check out Kim's blog at bit.ly/techsassy.