"The Bulldog Educator" with Kirsten Wilson and Matthew Caston

Kirsten Wilson and Matthew Caston

This is the musings, passions, and reflective learning of Matthew Caston and Dr. Kirsten Wilson with a focus on education. Tenacious in spirit and commitment to ensure all students have the access and opportunity to learn. We explore the compelling stories of our past and present to enrich the lives of our educators, scholars, and community. Join us in this adventure and make The Bulldog Educator your "best friend!"

  1. 6 days ago

    Episode 2 Season 10: Rethinking Education: From Reform to Transformation with Dr. Beverly Cross

    What if the challenge facing education isn't simply that we need to reform schools—but that we need to fundamentally transform the way we think about education, young people, and human potential? In this episode, we talk with Dr. Beverly Cross, the Lillian and Maury Morse Chair of Excellence in Urban Education at the University of Memphis. Dr. Cross brings decades of experience in teaching, state education, research, and urban education to a conversation that asks us to look more critically at the systems and assumptions that shape educational experiences. We explore: Why Dr. Cross was drawn to the question of education as a tool for equity What it means to develop critical analytical thinkers The difference between educational reform and transformation Dr. Cross's work developing a new undergraduate major in youth development The importance of rethinking how schools and communities see young people What happens to children's natural curiosity and creativity within traditional educational systems Why questions may be just as important—or more important—than answers Connections between educational systems, workplaces, leadership, and human potential Throughout the episode, we return to a bigger question: What might become possible if we stopped trying to fix people and started examining—and transforming—the systems around them? This is a conversation about education, but it's also a conversation about curiosity, leadership, equity, and what we believe people are capable of becoming. Dr. Cross can be reached at: BEcross@memphis.edu Matthew references Dr. Martin Haberman's essay: “Who Benefits from Failing Urban School Districts? An Essay on Equity and Justice for Diverse Children in Urban Poverty” 🎧 Listen to the full conversation to hear Dr. Cross unpack these ideas, share the experiences that shaped her work, and challenge some of the assumptions we take for granted about education. Listeners please share your thoughts and ideas with us on our social media accounts on  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  @thebulldogedu or on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thebulldogedu.bsky.social You can also find us via our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thebulldogedu.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ You can also follow Matthew on LInkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matthew Caston⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Matthewccaston⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and BlueSky ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@MattCaston.bsky.social⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Kirsten on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or X @teachkiwi, or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIN ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠as Kirsten Wilson or on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@teachkiwi.bsky.social Subscribe to The Bulldog Educator Podcast to continue listening on your favorite podcast platform.

    Episode 2 Season 10: Rethinking Education: From Reform to Transformation with Dr. Beverly Cross

  2. 8 Oct

    Episode 1 Season 10: Heart-Centered Connections with Dr. Niki Elliott

    In the Season 10 premiere, Dr. Kirsten Wilson and Matthew Caston talk with Dr. Niki Elliott about supporting neurodiverse and marginalized children by moving from behavioral control to nervous system regulation. Dr. Elliott explains co-regulation, in which an adult's settled nervous system helps a child return to a state of safety and stability. She introduces her new book, Heart Centered Connections, which offers seven essential skills for building inclusive environments. She argues that these skills belong in every space children occupy, not only special education classrooms. In this episode Co-regulation. Why the adult's regulated state is the starting point for supporting a dysregulated child.The SEEN Center. How this University of San Diego center builds inclusion capacity for everyone who supports neurodiverse people, including bus drivers, cafeteria workers, and custodial staff.From reactive to proactive design. Why institutions should design for inclusion from the outset rather than respond to crises and litigation after the fact.Measurable impact. Dr. Elliott describes one middle school that saw a 70% reduction in office referrals for defiance and disrespect after training.The seven pillars of Heart Centered Connections:Why self-awareness comes first. The adult's nervous system state directly shapes a child's capacity to co-regulate.A blended methodology. The framework draws on educational neuroscience, mind-body practices (yoga, breathwork, and mindfulness), and lived experience.The personal roots of the work. Dr. Elliott discusses how her own experience of life-shock trauma, and her family's experience as a parent of six, shaped her approach.Resources and connect Book- “Heart Centered Connections: Seven Essential Skills for Helping Neurodiverse and Marginalized Children Thrive”- https://www.porchlightbooks.com/products/heartcentered-connections-niki-elliott-9781774586822?_pos=1&_sid=d30ba7d58&_ss=r Information about Dr. Niki Elliott- https://www.sandiego.edu/soles/students-and-faculty/biography.php?profile_id=14702 University of San Diego- Center for Embodied Equity and Neurodiversity (CEEN)- https://www.sandiego.edu/soles/centers-and-institutes/center-embodied-equity-neurodiversity/ Practitioners Certificate Information: https://www.sandiego.edu/soles/academics/professional-development-and-certificates/heart-center-connections-conference.php Dr. Niki Elliot contact info: Instagram: @iam_drniki LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drnikielliott/ Listeners please share your thoughts and ideas with us on our social media accounts on  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  @thebulldogedu or on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thebulldogedu.bsky.social You can also find us via our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thebulldogedu.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ You can also follow Matthew on LInkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matthew Caston⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Matthewccaston⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and BlueSky ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@MattCaston.bsky.social⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Kirsten on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or X @teachkiwi, or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIN ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠as Kirsten Wilson or on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@teachkiwi.bsky.social Subscribe to The Bulldog Educator Podcast to continue listening on your favorite podcast platform.

    Episode 1 Season 10: Heart-Centered Connections with Dr. Niki Elliott

  3. 7 May

    Episode 8 Season 9: Inclusive Digital Citizenship with Kirsten Wilson & Carrie Rogers

    In this episode of The Bulldog Educator Podcast, co-host Matthew Caston sits down with Carrie Rogers and Kirsten Wilson (normally one of the co-hosts, but in this episode is a guest) to explore their upcoming book, "Inclusive Digital Citizenship." This conversation challenges the way we think about digital citizenship, moving beyond internet safety lessons and screen-time debates to ask a deeper question: How do we create digital spaces where every learner can belong, engage, and thrive? Together, the authors unpack the realities of the digital divide, the growing importance of digital literacy across generations, and why access alone is not enough. They explore how schools, families, libraries, and communities can intentionally design learning experiences that prioritize human connection while preparing learners for increasingly digital worlds. Listeners will also get an inside look at the structure of the book itself — designed as both a practical implementation guide and a big-picture framework — allowing educators, leaders, and families to engage with the content in ways that meet their immediate needs. From growth mindset and cross-generational learning to the “connection matrix” framework and the difference between knowledge and wisdom in digital spaces, this episode offers an honest and hopeful conversation about what inclusive digital citizenship can look like in today’s world. Whether you are an educator, school leader, parent, librarian, or community advocate, this episode will leave you thinking differently about technology, opportunity, and what it truly means to prepare learners for the future. For more information on how to obtain the book "Inclusive Digital Citizenship: Ideas and Implementation" To connect with Carrie Rogers: Website: Digital Responsibility- https://respons-ability.net/ LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerswhitehead/ Other books by author Carrie Rogers: https://respons-ability.net/books-on-digital-citizenship/ To connect with Dr. Kirsten Wilson: Website: The Bulldog Educator, LLC. - https://thebulldogedu.org/ LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirsten-s-wilson/ Listeners please share your thoughts and ideas with us on our social media accounts on  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  @thebulldogedu or on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thebulldogedu.bsky.social You can also find us via our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thebulldogedu.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ You can also follow Matthew on LInkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matthew Caston⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Matthewccaston⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and BlueSky ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@MattCaston.bsky.social⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Kirsten on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or X @teachkiwi, or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIN ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠as Kirsten Wilson or on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@teachkiwi.bsky.social Subscribe to The Bulldog Educator Podcast to continue listening on your favorite podcast platform.

  4. 16 Apr

    Episode 7 Season 9: Beyond Data: Rehumanizing Schools Through Brain Science

    In this episode of The Bulldog Educator, Dr. Lisa Riegel joins the conversation to explore how brain science and academic optimism can rehumanize education from the inside out. Drawing on her research at the principal level, Dr. Riegel unpacks the distinct leadership factors that drive school effectiveness—building management and instructional supervision—and explains how her NeuroWell framework helps schools create environments that are safe, supportive, and proactive. Through practical strategies like learning sprints, authentic celebrations, and intentional routines that build resilience, she illustrates how leadership sets the tone for lasting change. The conversation also dives into the power of trust—sharing real examples from urban and Appalachian communities that demonstrate how meaningful family engagement, cultural understanding, and community partnership transform schools into interconnected ecosystems where students, families, and educators thrive together. Books: Neurowell Aspirations for Operations: A Leader’s Guide for Making Transformation Stick Connect with Dr. Lisa Riegel: https://www.epinstitute.net/ email: ​lisariegel@epinstitute.net LinkedIN Listeners please share your thoughts and ideas with us on our social media accounts on  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  @thebulldogedu or on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thebulldogedu.bsky.social You can also find us via our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thebulldogedu.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ You can also follow Matthew on LInkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠Matthew Caston⁠⁠⁠⁠, Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Matthewccaston⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and BlueSky ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@MattCaston.bsky.social⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Kirsten on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or X @teachkiwi, or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIN ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠as Kirsten Wilson or on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@teachkiwi.bsky.social Subscribe to The Bulldog Educator Podcast to continue listening on your favorite podcast platform.

  5. 2 Apr

    Episode 6 Season 9: Reimagining Preschool Staffing with Paul Buckley, Co-Founder of Ratio Staffing

    What if staffing in early childhood education was built on community instead of commission? In this episode of The Bulldog Educator Podcast, Kirsten Wilson and Matt Caston sit down with Paul Buckley, co-founder of Ratio Staffing, a platform designed exclusively to connect preschools with substitute teachers, enrichment educators, and speech pathologists. Paul shares his journey from preschool teacher to biotech leader—and how witnessing predatory substitute agency practices inspired him to build something better. Ratio Staffing operates on a simple pay-as-you-go model, eliminating the noise and high fees of traditional job sites while prioritizing meaningful, community-centered connections. Together, the conversation explores: The historical context of education systems and how it shapes today’s practices The value of diverse lived experiences in learning and leadership Why AI-driven resume screening often misses strong qualitative educators How empowering teachers with agency reduces stress—and benefits children The importance of listening deeply to schools before building solutions Currently serving California, Texas, Rhode Island, and Toronto, Ratio Staffing is expanding across the U.S. and Canada with a mission to better support preschool communities. If you care about early childhood education, ethical hiring practices, and building systems that truly serve educators and children, this conversation is for you. 🎧 Listen now and join us as we rethink what workforce support can look like in preschool education. Listeners please share your thoughts and ideas with us on our social media accounts on  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  @thebulldogedu or on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thebulldogedu.bsky.social You can also find us via our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thebulldogedu.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ You can also follow Matthew on LInkedIn ⁠⁠⁠Matthew Caston⁠⁠⁠, Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Matthewccaston⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and BlueSky ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@MattCaston.bsky.social⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Kirsten on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or X @teachkiwi, or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIN ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠as Kirsten Wilson or on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@teachkiwi.bsky.social Subscribe to The Bulldog Educator Podcast to continue listening on your favorite podcast platform.

  6. 19 Mar

    Episode 5 Season 9: Chris Hull- How "Otus" is Connecting the Dots in Student Data

    In this episode of The Bulldog Educator, Kirsten Wilson sits down with Chris Hull, co-founder of Otus, to explore how technology can help educators truly understand and support every student. Drawing from his experience as a former teacher, coach, and father of four, Chris shares the story behind Otus — a platform designed to bring together assessment data, attendance, observations, and educator insights into one cohesive system. Instead of forcing teachers to sift through disconnected data points, Otus uses AI to help educators ask questions in everyday language and uncover meaningful patterns that inform instruction. Kirsten and Chris discuss: The challenge of managing fragmented student data How AI can reduce bias and improve decision-making Supporting both struggling and excelling students Strengthening educator-family communication Keeping relationships at the center of learning At its core, this conversation is about balance — using technology strategically so educators can spend less time managing systems and more time building connections. If you’re interested in MTSS, data-informed instruction, AI in education, or tools that help schools see the “whole child,” this episode offers practical insight and thoughtful reflection. 🎧 Tune in to discover how data, when used wisely, can deepen—not replace—the human side of teaching. To connect with Chris or Otus: chris@otus.com www.otus.com Listeners please share your thoughts and ideas with us on our social media accounts on  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  @thebulldogedu or on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thebulldogedu.bsky.social You can also find us via our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thebulldogedu.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ You can also follow Matthew on LInkedIn ⁠⁠⁠Matthew Caston⁠⁠⁠, Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Matthewccaston⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and BlueSky ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@MattCaston.bsky.social⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Kirsten on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or X @teachkiwi, or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIN ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠as Kirsten Wilson or on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@teachkiwi.bsky.social Subscribe to The Bulldog Educator Podcast to continue listening on your favorite podcast platform.

  7. 5 Mar

    Episode 4 Season 9: Educated Out: The Hidden Cost of Elite College for Rural Students

    What does it really cost rural students to attend elite colleges? In this episode, Kirsten and Matt talk with Dr. Mara Tieken, professor of education and author of Educated Out, about the hidden challenges rural, first-generation students face after admission. From financial strain and social isolation to “conditional belonging” and the pull between opportunity and home, Dr. Tieken unpacks the emotional and structural barriers that shape rural students’ college journeys. This conversation challenges the idea that access equals equity—and asks what must change so rural students can thrive without being educated out of their communities. Connect with Dr. Mara Tieken: mtieken@bates.edu Book: Educated Out: How Rural Students Navigate Elite Colleges—And What It Costs Them Listeners please share your thoughts and ideas with us on our social media accounts on  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  @thebulldogedu or on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thebulldogedu.bsky.social You can also find us via our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thebulldogedu.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ You can also follow Matthew on LInkedIn ⁠⁠Matthew Caston⁠⁠, Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Matthewccaston⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and BlueSky ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@MattCaston.bsky.social⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Kirsten on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or X @teachkiwi, or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIN ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠as Kirsten Wilson or on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@teachkiwi.bsky.social Subscribe to The Bulldog Educator Podcast to continue listening on your favorite podcast platform.

  8. 19 Feb

    Episode 3 Season 9: Rethinking Observation: Building Trust That Transforms Teaching

    What if classroom observation didn’t feel like evaluation… but like support? In this episode of The Bulldog Educator Podcast, Kirsten and Matthew sit down with educator, coach, and author Craig Randall to explore a powerful shift in how we approach teacher observation. Drawing from his experience teaching and leading across Asia, the Middle East, South America, and the U.S., Craig shares how frustration with traditional, compliance-driven evaluation systems led him to develop a Trust-Based Observation Framework—an approach grounded in relationships, strengths, and servant leadership. Instead of asking, “What’s wrong?” Craig asks, “What do you need?” Together, the trio unpacks: Why traditional observation models often undermine teacher growth How relational trust directly impacts academic improvement What it looks like for leaders to practice servant leadership in real classrooms The cultural shift required to move from grading pedagogy to empowering people How trust-based practices improve teacher retention and morale This conversation is both practical and deeply human. If you’re a school leader looking to cultivate authentic trust, a teacher craving meaningful feedback, or an educator who believes relationships are the foundation of learning—this episode will challenge and inspire you. Because at the heart of great schools isn’t a rubric. It’s trust. Contact our Guest: Email: Craig@trustbased.com Website: trustbased.com LinkedIN Facebook Instagram @trustbasedcraig Book- Trust Based Observations Listeners please share your thoughts and ideas with us on our social media accounts on  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  @thebulldogedu or on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thebulldogedu.bsky.social You can also find us via our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thebulldogedu.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ You can also follow Matthew on LInkedIn ⁠Matthew Caston⁠, Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Matthewccaston⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and BlueSky ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@MattCaston.bsky.social⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Kirsten on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or X @teachkiwi, or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIN ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠as Kirsten Wilson or on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@teachkiwi.bsky.social Subscribe to The Bulldog Educator Podcast to continue listening on your favorite podcast platform.

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This is the musings, passions, and reflective learning of Matthew Caston and Dr. Kirsten Wilson with a focus on education. Tenacious in spirit and commitment to ensure all students have the access and opportunity to learn. We explore the compelling stories of our past and present to enrich the lives of our educators, scholars, and community. Join us in this adventure and make The Bulldog Educator your "best friend!"

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