MAR 28

You Can Do This: Breaking Barriers to Belonging with Jenna Zemaitis

More and more Christian schools are realizing what’s possible when they step beyond fear and lean into inclusion. In this episode, Teacher Consultant Jenna Zemaitis shares the shift she’s seeing in schools—moving from "we don’t do that here" to "we can do this." Jenna also talks about practical strategies for building true belonging, the role of paraprofessionals in supporting (but not isolating) students, and how school communities can move past hesitation to create learning environments where every student is known, needed, and experiences belonging. If your school is wrestling with what it means to be a place of belonging for all students, this episode will encourage and equip you! Listen now and learn how you can do this. For more resources and to learn how All Belong partners with schools, visit allbelong.org. If this episode encouraged or equipped you, please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast. Your support helps us spread the message of belonging in Christ-centered education!

38 min

MAR 21

Collaboration, Peer-to-Peer Support, and Inclusive Education with Katie Kiser

In this episode of The All Belong Podcast, teacher consultant Katie Kiser shares her insights on building collaboration between schools and families, supporting students with autism, and creating peer-to-peer support systems in middle and high schools. Katie draws from her experiences as both an educator and consultant, offering practical strategies and real-life success stories that demonstrate the power of inclusion in Christ-centered schools. She reminds us that inclusive education is possible—and that taking small, intentional steps makes a lasting impact. Join us for an inspiring conversation about trusting God in the process, equipping teachers with the right tools, and creating spaces where every student belongs. For more resources and to learn how All Belong partners with schools, visit allbelong.org. If this episode encouraged or equipped you, please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast. Your support helps us spread the message of belonging in Christ-centered education!

34 min

MAR 14

Supporting Every Student: Understanding Behavior and Inclusive Teaching with Jeany Aupperlee

In this episode of The All Belong Podcast, teacher consultant Jeany Aupperlee shares her insights on understanding student behavior, using data to guide instruction, and fostering inclusive classrooms. Jeany reflects on her journey in inclusive education and how she helps schools navigate common challenges, from managing classroom behaviors to supporting students with different learning needs. She also highlights the importance of collaboration—reminding educators that they don’t have to do this work alone. Join us for a conversation filled with practical strategies, real classroom examples, and encouragement for educators and administrators committed to building communities of belonging. For more resources and to learn how All Belong partners with schools, visit allbelong.org. If this episode encouraged or equipped you, please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast. Your support helps us spread the message of belonging in Christ-centered education!

26 min

MAR 7

Fostering Social Inclusion: Building Authentic Relationships in the Classroom with Lisa Dekker

In this episode of The All Belong Podcast, teacher consultant Lisa Dekker shares her passion for social inclusion and how schools can intentionally foster authentic relationships among students. Lisa discusses the shifting needs she’s seeing in schools—moving from academic interventions to a greater focus on behavior and social connection—and how tools like Circle of Friends help create spaces where every student belongs. She also addresses common concerns about discussing disabilities in the classroom and offers practical strategies for building a culture of inclusion. Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or advocate, this episode will inspire you to think deeply about what it means to create belonging for all—because when social inclusion is done well, everyone benefits. Listen now and discover how to make belonging a reality in your school! For more resources and to learn how All Belong partners with schools, visit allbelong.org. If this episode encouraged or equipped you, please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast. Your support helps us spread the message of belonging in Christ-centered education!

31 min

FEB 28

Seeing, Thinking, and Doing: Practical Strategies for Inclusive Classrooms with Tyler Harms

In this episode of The All Belong Podcast—part of The Belonging Classroom Series—teacher consultant Tyler Harms shares his experiences working with schools to create spaces of true belonging. Tyler discusses practical strategies that help students with learning differences thrive, from memory-boosting classroom activities to schoolwide technology tools that level the playing field. He also walks through All Belong’s See, Think, Do approach, which helps educators move from observation to action in supporting students effectively. Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or passionate about inclusive education, this episode is packed with valuable insights and strategies to help all students succeed. For more resources and to learn how All Belong partners with schools, visit allbelong.org. If this episode encouraged or equipped you, please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast. Your support helps us spread the message of belonging in Christ-centered education!

22 min

FEB 21

Cultivating Belonging: Inclusive Education in Action with Liz Fox

Welcome to The All Belong Podcast! This season, we’re launching The Belonging Classroom Series, a special mini-series designed to equip and encourage educators in creating truly inclusive, Christ-centered classrooms. In this episode, host Janelle Sievert sits down with Liz Fox, a regional teacher consultant at All Belong, to explore what it truly means to create inclusive, Christ-centered classrooms. Liz shares her journey into inclusive education, insights from her work with member schools, and the key themes she sees emerging in inclusive learning communities. From practical strategies for collaboration to the importance of using language that fosters belonging, this conversation is full of wisdom and encouragement for educators seeking to ensure that every student is known, needed, and experiences true belonging. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Liz Fox’s personal journey and passion for inclusive educationCommon themes in inclusive schools and the mindset shift that makes a differenceThe power of collaboration in fostering belongingPractical tools and strategies for supporting students with learning differencesEncouragement for educators navigating the challenges of inclusionFor more resources and to learn how All Belong partners with schools, visit allbelong.org. If this episode encouraged or equipped you, please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast. Your support helps us spread the message of belonging in Christ-centered education!

23 min

05/31/2022

The Administrator’s Perspective with Rick Kempton, Head of School.

In this episode of the All Belong Podcast, Elizabeth Lucas Dombrowski interviews Rick Kempton, who is the Head of School at Annapolis Area Christian in the DC Metro area, digging a little deeper into his chapter of Leading Insights: Special Education and Inclusion. Rick has served Annapolis Area Christian for 10 years, and prior to serving there, he worked in both public and Christian education in Southern California for over two decades. He has also been a long-time board member of the Association for Christian Schools International and was president of the board for two terms. This episode is our final episode of this season, and we have enjoyed diving into the book ACSI published, Leading Insights: Special Education and Inclusion with you. We will take a summer break and be back for Season 2 of the All Belong Podcast in August! For more resources and to learn how All Belong partners with schools, visit allbelong.org. If this episode encouraged or equipped you, please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast. Your support helps us spread the message of belonging in Christ-centered education!

28 min

04/29/2022

The Parent Perspective with Dr. Matthew H. Lee

In this episode of The All Belong Podcast, we talk with Dr. Matthew H. Lee, who is the Director of Research for the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). Dr. Lee is another co-author of Leading Insights: Special Education and Inclusion, published by ACSI, and one chapter he wrote is entitled “The Parent Perspective.” His authentic, faith-filled story and his remarkable expertise brought us another thought-provoking, challenging, and encouraging conversation. Read more of Dr. Lee’s work, including Research in Brief he mentions in this episode at ACSI Thought Leadership. For more resources and to learn how All Belong partners with schools, visit allbelong.org. If this episode encouraged or equipped you, please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast. Your support helps us spread the message of belonging in Christ-centered education!

36 min

03/31/2022

The Inclusion Journey: From Program to Identity, with Dr. Kate Strater and Elizabeth Lucas Dombrowski

In this episode of The All Belong Podcast, we dive into the research and practice portions of Leading Insights: Special Education and Inclusion, that support the work of inclusive and special education in Christian schools. Dr. Kate Strater, researcher and assistant professor of special education at Calvin University, and Elizabeth Lucas Dombrowski, executive director of All Belong, discuss what it means to make inclusive education an identity marker of a Christian school, instead of only a program. For more resources and to learn how All Belong partners with schools, visit allbelong.org. If this episode encouraged or equipped you, please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast. Your support helps us spread the message of belonging in Christ-centered education!

24 min

02/28/2022

Dr. Thomas Boehm on "Leading Insights" and a Theological Case for Inclusive Education

In this episode of The All Belong Podcast, we begin to explore the first part of Leading Insights: Special Education and Inclusion: the theology, philosophy, and research that supports the work of inclusive and special education in Christian schools. Elizabeth Lucas Dombrowski, executive director of All Belong, and Samantha Gossard Dykstra, All Belong’s communications project manager, host guest, Dr. Thomas Boehm -- another contributing author of Leading Insights: Special Education and Inclusion. Dr. Boehm is a professor at Wheaton College and founded the Wheaton Center for Faith and Disability. Listen to his inspiring and encouraging wisdom and his story of faith and inclusion in this episode. Leading Insights: Special Education and Inclusion is a publication of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). For more resources and to learn how All Belong partners with schools, visit allbelong.org. If this episode encouraged or equipped you, please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast. Your support helps us spread the message of belonging in Christ-centered education!

38 min

01/31/2022

Dr. Lynn Swaner discusses the new book "Leading Insights: Special Education and Inclusion"

On this episode of The All Belong Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Lynn Swaner, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). In this conversation with Elizabeth Lucas Dombrowski, executive director at All Belong Center for Inclusive Education, Dr. Swaner shares how the book Leading Insights: Special Education and Inclusion came to be, and her hopes for the book's impact and the future of special and inclusive education in Christian schools across the world. Click here to purchase Leading Insights: Special Education and Inclusion. For more resources and to learn how All Belong partners with schools, visit allbelong.org. If this episode encouraged or equipped you, please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast. Your support helps us spread the message of belonging in Christ-centered education!

32 min

01/17/2022

Welcome to the All Belong Podcast - Season 1, Episode 0

On the first episode of the All Belong Podcast, join All Belong's Matt Cooke and Samantha Gossard Dykstra as they provide an introduction to the All Belong Podcast, laying out a roadmap to season 1. Make sure to subscribe to season 1 as we interview the authors of the recently published book Leading Insights: Special Education and Inclusion. This book, published by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), explores the history of special education and inclusion in Christian schools, makes a Biblical case for these services at Christian schools, and provides examples and ideas for success. Elizabeth Lucas Dombrowski, All Belong's Executive Director and one of the books authors, will host this podcast, along with Cooke and Gossard-Dykstra. Join them as they engage with other contributors, exploring what they learned in the creation of this book and how they see this work shaping inclusive and special education moving forward. This podcast is perfect for teachers, parents, administrators, or for those who simply care deeply about Christian education. For more resources and to learn how All Belong partners with schools, visit allbelong.org. If this episode encouraged or equipped you, please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast. Your support helps us spread the message of belonging in Christ-centered education!

7 min

The All Belong Podcast

Episodes

You Can Do This: Breaking Barriers to Belonging with Jenna Zemaitis

Collaboration, Peer-to-Peer Support, and Inclusive Education with Katie Kiser

Supporting Every Student: Understanding Behavior and Inclusive Teaching with Jeany Aupperlee

Fostering Social Inclusion: Building Authentic Relationships in the Classroom with Lisa Dekker

Seeing, Thinking, and Doing: Practical Strategies for Inclusive Classrooms with Tyler Harms

Cultivating Belonging: Inclusive Education in Action with Liz Fox

The Administrator’s Perspective with Rick Kempton, Head of School.

The Parent Perspective with Dr. Matthew H. Lee

The Inclusion Journey: From Program to Identity, with Dr. Kate Strater and Elizabeth Lucas Dombrowski

Dr. Thomas Boehm on "Leading Insights" and a Theological Case for Inclusive Education

Dr. Lynn Swaner discusses the new book "Leading Insights: Special Education and Inclusion"

Welcome to the All Belong Podcast - Season 1, Episode 0

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