As we embark on this new year, I want you to think about what you really want. Then believe– KNOW– that this is possible. Before setting goals and making progress towards what we want to achieve, we need to really see the possibilities in front of us.

So often, we talk ourselves out of doing what we want to do. I talked myself out of building Educator Forever for years. People will think I’m trying to take teachers away from teaching, I thought. I have a young baby at home, I reasoned. I know nothing about building a business, I told myself.

But there will always be excuses. ALWAYS. And we can always move through them to do the things we want to do. So the first thing I want you to think about is: What do you really want to do?

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode117.

Dr. Bibi Pirayesh is a learning specialist and educational therapist who has been in private practice for over 15 years. works with children in grades one through 12, and covers a wide range of learning difficulties, including dyslexia, ADHD and spectrum disorders. While the emphasis of her work is on remediating learning disabilities in a one on one setting, she is also a sought after speaker and community advocate for children and families around learning rights.

In this episode, Dr. Pirayesh and I discuss the need for educators to resist oppressive systems and promote social justice, particularly in the context of disability. She also mentions her project, "Difference is Not Deficit," aimed at fostering community and radical love. Pirayesh also advises teachers to pursue educational therapy to enhance their teaching skills and better support students with learning disabilities.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode116.

Khiana Wheeler leveraged her 15-year career in banking to seamlessly transition into education, bringing strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills to her role as a middle school science teacher. Passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences, she pivoted to curriculum writing and instructional design, where she applies her unique blend of industry and teaching expertise to develop engaging, standards-aligned content.

In this episode Khiana and I discuss how she found joy in curriculum development, how her teaching experience has helped her career and the importance of freelancing. (Excuse us for some of the technical difficulties, we had Internet issues.)

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode115.

Cynthia Rapaido is a highly accomplished educator with over 30 years of experience in K-12 education. She’s spent time as a high school principal, assistant principal and teacher, and went on to do work many roles in higher education. With so much experience built up over the years, she recently put the lessons she learned into her book, “Step Up Your School Leadership Game.”

In our discussion, Cynthia emphasizes the importance of mentorship and networking in education. She also breaks down the strategies she’s developed, such as the Fruit Leadership Chart to foster better understanding and collaboration among teachers.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode114.

Dr Jewel White Williams has a doctorate in health sciences and certifications as a health education specialist, certified nursing assistant and EMT with over 22 years of experience as an English teacher and school administrator, Dr Jewel has a passion for both education and wellness. She blends her expertise in health sciences and education to empower communities fostering impactful wellness and self advocacy strategies.

In this episode, Dr. Jewel emphasizes the importance of self-care and wellness for educators, advocating for a three-pronged approach: foundational wellness, community engagement, and luxury care. In our discussion, she highlights the need for educators to prioritize their well-being and encourages them to explore new opportunities within the field.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode113.

As 2024 comes to a close it's a great time to reflect on what's this year been like for you. Often, as we head into the new year, we can get so forward thinking into the goals we hope to accomplish and the New Year's resolutions and all the things for the new year, but before we do that, let's think about this year. Let's really take a moment to reflect.

In this episode, I go through several thinking routines to help you look back on your year. Get a pen and paper, because you’re going to want to take notes! Also it will help in your reflection. Let’s make the most of this year before looking forward to 2025.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode112.

Kayla Coburn is a children's book author and the founder of Inclusion Starts Now. She has worked in education since 2010 and is now a parent of two kids figuring out strategies to raise inclusive kids. She works as an inclusion specialist to support families and schools on best inclusive practices.

In this episode, Kayla shared her educational background, her transition to teaching gymnastics and working in the deaf-blind field. Kayla emphasized the importance of leading by example, using inclusive language, and promoting diversity in children's environments.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode111.

Bobby Donohue is the founder of Planet Bonehead, an innovative educational platform that revolutionizes the way climate change is taught in schools. With over 15 years of experience in educational content development, Bobby is dedicated to providing teachers with the knowledge resources and support they need to effectively educate young learners about environmental issues. His work focuses on empowering educators to inspire the next generation to tackle climate challenges with optimism and empowerment and prepare today's kids for tomorrow's careers in green tech and steam fields.

In this episode, Bobby tells us how he came up with Planet Bonehead, why he’s so focused on climate change, and why you got to keep taking that shot.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode110.