KINL Podcast Network

Did you know that April is the Month of the Young Child? In this episode, we speak with Kristin Parisi about authentic assessment, inclusion, play, and behavior supports for young learners. We discuss observation-based assessment, the importance of play, best practices in co-teaching and inclusive education, and how to support social-emotional development in young children.

Is there anything better than the first breath of spring air? In Episode 45, the Lit Gals are heading outdoors! Join Anna, Morgan, and Martie for "Books That Breathe Fresh Air" as they explore the transformative power of nature in literature. From the rustle of leaves to the vastness of the sky, the Lit Gals are sharing titles for all ages where the natural world takes center stage. Whether you’re looking for a book to read under a tree or a story that brings the outside in, this episode is a breath of fresh air for your TBR pile. The Lit Gals are proud to be part of the Keep Indiana Learning network and are excited to also be airing on the KINL Podcast network this season! Picture Books Hot Dog (Doug Salati) Home Is Where the Birds Sing (Cynthia Rylant & Katie Harnett) This Is the Tree We Planted (Kate McMullan and Alison Friend) Under the Lilacs (E.B. Goodale) What's New Daniel? (Micha Archer) Middle Grade Books All Thirteen (Christina Soontornvat) Enemies in the Orchard (Dana VanderLugt) Paradise on Fire (Jewell Parker Rhodes) Two Degrees (Alan Gratz) Adult Books Conform (Ariel Sullivan) Counterweights (Shannan Martin) Gone Before Goodbye (Reese Witherspoon & Harlan Coben) Leave No Trace (A. J. Landau) The Most Fun We Ever Had (Claire Lombardo)

We’re trying a new podcast series called: Stories from the Field. This is where we highlight the work we are encountering in the field and share what we’re noticing, the conversations we can’t stop thinking about, and what it’s all teaching us about the teaching and learning of math - and of course, other things. In this episode, Ryan Flessner and I reflect on a quick story about how our daughter knew 3.01 was divisible by 7, and why it's important to give kids time to tinker with numbers. Next, I share the story about Super Smash Bros guy and my three encounters with him during this school year. I LOVE both of these stories and what we can learn from them. Enjoy the listen!

Innovation Coaches Dianna Knox and Melissa Walley explore blended learning as a strategic blend of digital and in-person instruction. They emphasize designing with purpose (using frameworks like SAMR, Bloom’s Taxonomy, and UDL) to increase engagement, student voice, and meaningful learning. They discuss the role of feedback, reflection, and choice in blended learning. Listen in to gain practical ways to address common challenges, and learn how educators can start small, increase confidence, and continually refine their practice.

I sat down with a panel of teachers doing the work of building their thinking classrooms, some for several years now. Listen and gain some valuable insights into the day-to-day workings of a thinking classroom.

Counselors are curious and we want to support our students and families in making informed decisions as we navigate the new Indiana diploma and assist our students in planning for their futures! Episode Resources: Clarification: As referenced in the podcast, IUB enrolls more Indiana residents in a beginner cohort than any other university. Redesigning the Indiana Diploma Indiana Pre-Admissions & Resident Admissions Indiana University Resident Admissions Program

During this episode two school social work leaders discuss the power of school social work. They will discuss the role of the school social worker, why it varies from district to district and how districts and school social workers can elevate the role. Moderator Names & Titles: Alma Dabrowski, Social Worker for Special Populations/Homeless Liaison, Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation Crystal Haslett, Coordinator of Student Support Services - MSD of Washington Township Moderator Bio: Crystal Haslett started her career in the MSD of Washington Township as a home school advisor, serving in the role of school social worker at multiple schools within the district. Many years later, Crystal served as the school social worker at North Central High School, when the district successfully passed a referendum that allowed the district to hire a school social worker for each school. Crystal served as a school social worker at the high school for 4 years before transitioning to the role of Coordinator of Student Support Services. In this current role, Crystal has oversight of the district school social workers, serves as the Mckinney-Vento homeless education liaison and district foster care point of contact. Crystal enjoys supporting school social workers in their work and educating others about the role of school social workers. Moderator Bio: Alma Dabrowski has been with the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation (EVSC) for over 18 years. She began her work as the district social worker for special populations, focusing on serving the ever-growing immigrant population. For the last 10 years, Alma has also served as the McKinney-Vento Homeless Liaison and as a support for the EVSC district social workers. Alma enjoys being a support to her colleagues and promoting the crucial role social workers play in the success of our students. Episode Resources Visit the SSWAA website to request resources to celebrate school social workers in your community: https://www.sswaa.org/school-social-work-week during National School Social Work week March 1-7 this year. This social media banner can be shared to raise awareness and celebrate school social workers. School Social Work National Practice Model School Social Work Standards Role of School Social Worker March 1-7 is National School Social Work Week March is Social Work Month

In this episode, Innovation Coaches Amy Stevens, Dianna Knox, and Brenny Kummer explore Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as a proactive framework for supporting the diverse needs of today’s classrooms. UDL is not about creating multiple versions of a lesson or simply differentiating, but about intentionally designing learning experiences that offer flexible options for engagement (why), representation (what), and action/expression (how). Listen and learn how to get started with UDL, such as adding small choices, recognizing what you already do well, and using AI as a thought partner, to help begin implementing UDL in manageable, meaningful ways.

What makes a book a "read-aloud" winner? In this episode, "The Magic of Reading Aloud," Anna, Morgan, and Martie explore the special connection built through shared stories. As we look ahead to World Read Aloud Day (2/4/26) and Read Across America (3/2/26), the Lit Gals are sharing their absolute favorite titles - the ones that have sparked the best discussions and the biggest smiles. Don’t miss this collection of proven hits that will help you celebrate reading in your home or classroom! Books Shared: Young Reader - "Please Don't Read This Book!" (D. Kizis) "What Should Danny Do?" (A. Levy & G. Levy) "What Do You Do with an Idea" (Kobi Yamada) Middle Grade - "Clean Getaway" (N. Stone) "Code of Honor" (A. Gratz) "From the Desk of Zoe Washington" (J. Marks) "Front Desk" (K. Yang) "Ghost Boys" (J. Parker Rhodes) "The Scammer" (T. Jackson) "Tripping Over the Lunch Lady and Other School Stories" (edited by N. Mercado) Adult - "The Last Letter" (R. Yarros) "Tisha: The Wonderful True Love Story of a Young Teacher in the Alaskan Wilderness" (R. Specht) "Who Fears Death" (N. Okorafor) The Lit Gals are proud to be part of the Keep Indiana Learning network and are excited to also be airing on the KINL Podcast network this season!

Supporting students in using AI for deeper learningIn Episode 3, KINL Innovation Coaches Stevie and Karisa explore what it really means to use AI as a student learning co-pilot. Together, they unpack common concerns around cheating and academic integrity and offer a perspective on how AI can support student thinking, creativity, and voice. Through real classroom stories and practical examples, this episode highlights why teaching students how AI works and how to use it responsibly matters now more than ever, especially when it comes to equity and access. Whether you’re just beginning to explore AI or looking for thoughtful ways to integrate it into teaching and learning, this episode offers a down-to-earth conversation about guiding students confidently into the future.

Today’s guest is Deborah Peart Crayton. My apologies in advance (again!), but this is a longer episode because again, we are talking about things that are just so important for educators to know and every minute is well worth it! Deborah is a teacher, author, PhD candidate, and overall incredible contributor to the world of mathematics education. Her new book, Readers Read, Writers Write, Mathers Math is another MUST READ. In fact, Keep Indiana Learning and Mt. Holyoke’s Math Leadership program is co-hosting a book study starting on January 26. You can sign up at the link in the show notes - and join us for any and all of the sessions. If you can’t join us, the book study recordings will live on Keep Indiana Learning’s YouTube page. We want to support you in your learning on how to create an incredible culture of mathematics in your schools and classrooms! This is my third episode around math identity, culture, and why math anxiety is a real thing in our classrooms. I cannot stress how important this part of math teaching is and Deborah, and her book, are crucial resources for our mathematics classrooms. My favorite quote from this episode is, "They’re capable if they're invested and they’re invested if they’re curious and interested.” So have a listen and find out HOW we can create invested, curious, and interested mathers in our classrooms! Places to find Deborah: ⁠www.mathersgonnamath.com⁠ ⁠Readers Read, Writers Write, Mathers Math!⁠ ⁠Mather Merch!⁠ ⁠Sign up for our Book Study!⁠ ⁠⁠ Deborah Peart Crayton is the founder and Queen Mather of My Mathematical Mind. She started the #MatherMovement to disrupt the idea that math is optional. Deborah is a sought-after keynote speaker and dynamic elementary education consultant. With over 30 years in the field of education, Deborah speaks on a variety of topics related to math identity, elementary math content and instructional practices, and literacy connections to mathematics. She has shared her message at the local, regional, and national levels at state, district, and community events, and educational conferences. Deborah is an expert at creating invitational and nurturing environments to cultivate positive mathematical identities, and has served in that capacity as a mentor and coach for elementary educators for over 20 years. She has had success with adapting instruction while maintaining grade-level expectations and possesses a deep knowledge of instructional practices and frameworks to engage all learners, including Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI), Math Recovery, the Orton-Gillingham Approach, and Mathematical Language Routines (MLR). Deborah holds a bachelor’s degree in speech communications and early childhood education, a master’s degree in educational studies with a concentration in literacy, graduate endorsements in elementary mathematics and teacher development, and is pursuing a doctorate degree in education program development and innovation. Her research interests are focused on the connections between math anxiety and math teaching efficacy and effective practices for developing high-quality professional learning. Deborah has dedicated her career and doctoral studies to supporting educators with innovative teaching strategies that allow students to see themselves as assets to the learning community and curious problem-solvers. Deborah believes that all children deserve high-quality instruction and the opportunity to become competent readers, writers, and mathers.

Dr. Chase Huotari, Superintendent of Franklin Township, is a leader in the intentional integration of AI into K-12 education. He focuses on building a responsible framework that empowers teachers and prepares students for a technology-driven future.

In Episode 2, the KINL Innovation Coaches return to break down what the Science of Reading and writing look like in real Indiana classrooms, focusing on practical instructional moves that help students strengthen phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing. Innovation Coaches Jonathan, Nicole, and Sara share examples from their districts, highlight simple ways technology can enhance (not replace) high-quality literacy instruction, and share classroom-ready tools. If you're looking for clear, doable guidance for turning research into everyday reading and writing instruction, this episode provides a thoughtful, down-to-earth conversation rooted in real classroom practice. Resources

Today’s guest is Liesl McConchie. This is a little bit longer of an episode for two reasons. One, I couldn’t stop asking questions and making connections to my own evolution of teaching math and two, Liesl is simply amazing. She is a teacher, author, mom, international speaker, and who we should all be reading and listening to if we are thinking we need to transform the way we think about the teaching and learning of mathematics. If you need to, listen in sections, because this entire interview is well worth your time. If you are looking for people to learn from regarding brain research and mathematics, Liesl is who you should be learning from. While you may hear from people in the world who believe math is just about right answers and all you need to do is follow directions to find those right answers, Liesl will help you understand why math identity matters. If you find yourself questioning why one quote she says that really stands out is, “A student's emotional relationship with math is foundational to their cognitive relationship with math. You just can’t argue with that, folks. So sit back and relax. But maybe put your finger on the rewind button, because I promise, there are going to be things you hear that you want to make sure you heard just right. Places to find Liesl: https://lieslmcconchie.com/ Building a Positive Math Identity: A Brain Science Approach Brain-Based Learning: Teaching the Way Students Really Learn

How do you bring the truth to life? Join Lit Gals Anna and Martie for Episode 40 of Season 5 as they explore the transformative power of Narrative Non-Fiction! This genre blends factual accuracy with the storytelling techniques of fiction, making real-life events, history, and science truly irresistible. Whether you teach elementary schoolers or you're an adult reader looking for your next captivating read, Anna and Martie will help you understand what defines this powerful genre and share ideas for books that will leave readers—of any age—informed and inspired. The Lit Gals are proud to be part of the Keep Indiana Learning network and are excited to also be airing on the KINL Podcast network this season! Books Shared: Picture Books: "Frieda" (Jonah Winter) "March On" (Christine King Farris) "Sitting Bull" (SD Nelson) Middle Grade & YA: "Chasing Lincoln's Killer" (James Swanson) "The Port Chicago 50" (Steve Sheinkin) "Impossible Escape" (Steve Sheinkin) "All Thirteen" (Christina Soontornvat) Adult Titles: "Everything Is Tuberculosis" (John Green) "Hidden Potential" (Adam Grant) "Be Ready When the Luck Happens" (Ina Garten) "A Fever in the Heartland" (Timothy Egan) "News of the World" (Paulette Jiles) "The Academy" (Elin Hilderbrand & Shelby Cunningham)

Today’s guest is Vanessa Vakharia - also known as The Math Guru. She is the author of the book (and narrator of the audio book) Math Therapy, the host of the Math Therapy Podcast and overall badass advocate of building positive math identities in our students, the schools in which they learn, and society in general. Something about Vanessa is that she is fiercely committed to what she is doing - even when it seems like people will do anything to try to bring her down or prove her wrong. Asked once why a pretty girl like her was teaching math, she clapped back by receiving a Masters Degree in Math Education and Feminist Theory writing a thesis called “Imagining a World Where Paris Hilton Loves Math.” The world where people believing they aren’t math people, it is acceptable to hate math and numbers, or folks write movies where the pretty cheerleader is making over the nerdy math girl is an unacceptable world and Vanessa is here to combat that - no matter what. I am enormously grateful to Vanessa for the work she is doing in our schools. I am enormously grateful for the conversation and the opportunity to think about her work and how it applies to so many things in our lives (we talk about this in the episode!). So sit back, relax, and put your finger on the rewind button. I promise there are nuggets in here you’re going to want to listen to more than once! Places to find Vanessa: Instagram: @themathguru www.⁠maththerapy.com⁠ ⁠www.maththerapypodcast.com⁠ ⁠Math Therapy - the book

The Teaching Forward podcast kicks off with a practical, no-fluff tour of artificial intelligence (AI) in K-12 education: tools and tips that give teachers time back without replacing what matters most. Keep Indiana Learning Innovation Coaches Karisa Schwanekamp and Tim Arnold share classroom-tested stories, UDL-aligned planning, faster feedback loops for students, and smarter family communication - plus clear guidance for safety and ethics. Think of AI as a thought partner, not an answer machine. Start small, collaborate, and move teaching into the future! Click below for a list of resources and more details about this episode. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1h0WAXrCyF1KRRxIE-1sj8srRSyot0bfC/view?usp=sharing

In this episode, Dr. Whitney Newton and Nadia Nibbs from TNTP explore the power of consistency in schools—how reliable routines, expectations, and supports help students thrive. Drawing on TNTP’s Opportunity Makers research, they share stories from schools that have built strong, consistent cultures and discuss practical strategies for educators and leaders. Listeners will hear actionable insights and real-world examples for building environments where every student knows what to expect and can succeed. Check out the full research paper: https://tntp.org/opportunity-makers

Ready to level up your reading life? Join Anna, Morgan, and Martie for episode 39 of Season 5 as they dive into a topic near and dear to their hearts: the immense importance and wonderful impact of book clubs! Tune in to hear why starting or joining a book club can be the best next step for your reading journey... regardless of your age. The Lit Gals are proud to be part of the Keep Indiana Learning network and are excited to also be airing on the KINL Podcast network this season! Books Shared: For Young Readers Dolly Parton's Imagination Library "The Little Engine That Could" (Watty Piper) "Shake Dem Halloween Bones" () For Middle Schoolers: Fire Keeper's Daughter (A. Boulley) "Refugee" (A. Gratz) "Lions of Little Rock" (K. Levine) "Proud" (I. Muhammad) "Life in Motion" (M. Copeland) For Adults: "The Woman They Could Not Silence" (K. Moore) "Listening to the Law" (A.Coney Barrett) "We Are All Guilty Here" (Karin Slaughter) "Witchcraft for Wayward Girls" (Grady Hendrix) "Jump and Find Joy" (Hoda Kotb) "Atmosphere" (Taylor Jenkins Reid) "The Briar Club" (Kate Quinn) "The Blonde Who Came in from the Cold" (Ally Carter)

We're re-releasing this episode with some added audio from our interview with 94 yr. old former camper, Harrison Harker and his wife Natalie, also a former camper. The impact Camp Whitley has had on the community is immeasurable, and all because a teacher saw a need and tried to help. Teachers rule!