The Innovative Schools Podcast features conversations with authors, consultants, thought leaders and practicing educators working to improve K-12 schools throughout North America. These conversations include discussions on student mental and behavioral health, classroom behavior, school climate & culture, innovative teaching methods, student safety and more. Each episode provides an opportunity for administrators, teachers, counselors, social workers and others to learn about new insights and strategies for reaching and teaching students.

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#1

S1:E1 - Creating a Space for Learning w/ Joseph Cope

Episode Summary: Welcome to the first episode of the Innovative Schools podcast! In this episode, host Jordan sits down with Joseph Cope, a Responsibility Centered Discipline (RCD) master trainer, to discuss the challenges and rewards of working in Title 1 schools. They explore classroom management, self-control, and how educators can create a space for every student to succeed—even those who present challenges.Joseph shares his journey from elementary to middle school education, his experiences in Title 1 schools, and the lessons he learned along the way. He provides insight into how teachers can foster intrinsic motivation, set boundaries while maintaining student dignity, and manage their own emotional well-being to prevent burnout.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The reality of working in Title 1 schools and the unique challenges students face.Why traditional classroom management strategies may not always work—and what to do instead.How to create a space for students to choose self-regulation and self-control.The importance of maintaining student dignity while addressing behavioral issues.Strategies to prevent teacher burnout and sustain a fulfilling teaching career.Key Quotes:“Great teachers can create a space for students to choose to change behavior for themselves.”“Self-control is like a muscle—you have to use it for it to grow.”“Sometimes, we have to save ourselves from ourselves by protecting our heart with a level of skill.”Resources & Links:Learn more about Responsibility Centered Discipline: https://www.givemfive.com/Interested in bringing Joseph to your school for professional development? https://www.givemfive.com/contact/Thank you for joining us for this episode! We look forward to continuing this conversation and learning together in future episodes of the Innovative Schools podcast.

Bonus - What Every Educator Needs to Know About the Brain

What Every Educator Needs to Know about the Brain   This week we are joined by Jessica Sinarksi, LPCMH, an author and thought leader in neuro-science who specializes in training educators about the brain and how to teach students of all ages how the brain works, and why it matters!   In this episode, Jessica explains how the brain functions and how to teach students to recognize when they are operating out of “downstairs brain.” Jessica also shares strategies educators can use to teach students to calm themselves in stressful situations and how to navigate difficult moments with others so that they can ultimately succeed in the classroom and in life.  Resources Mentioned in this Episode   https://bravebrains.com/resources/ (Free!)   https://www.rileythebrave.org

Bonus - Becoming the Educator They Need with Robert Jackson

In this episode, we speak with author Robert Jackson and discuss his Gold Excel award-winning book, Becoming the Educator They Need: Strategies, Mindsets, and Beliefs for Supporting Male Black and Latino Students and preview his upcoming Pre-Conference Session for the August Innovative Schools Virtual Summit titled Salvaging Our Sons: Helping Educators Reach, Teach and Empower Young Men.   Robert will present both a Pre-Conference Session and Keynote during the August Innovative Schools Virtual Summit August 5-8. Learn more at www.InnovativeSchoolsSummit.com/Virtual  

Bonus - Top 3 Strategies for Engaging Students in an Online Classroom

With a majority of the nation’s schools being closed, teachers are facing a litany of challenges -- ranging from keeping students engaged in an online classroom, to monitoring student progress in a virtual setting, to handling the fact that not all students have the same access to technology. To learn more about how to overcome these challenges, I am joined by Dr. Marquita Blades. Dr. Blades is an award-winning educator, an international speaker, and an author. She is also the host of the Dr. Marquita Blades Show – an internet-based broadcast dedicated to discussing current trends and issues in education.