Love Is a Classroom: Stories of Inclusion

Andrew D.L. Goff
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Love Is a Classroom: Stories of Inclusion is a podcast that aims to serve as a bridge for a more inclusive world. Through storytelling and conversation, each series illuminates the collective experience of individuals who strive to break down barriers and foster a more inclusive world for children with disabilities or who are neurodivergent. Together we explore and discover practical ways we can all contribute to building a society where everyone belongs.

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  1. EPISODE 1

    The Walkers

    Love is a Classroom: Stories of Inclusion - Episode 1: The Journey of Navee Walker In the first episode of the second series of 'Love is a Classroom: Stories of Inclusion,' Brooke Walker shares her experiences creating an inclusive environment for her deaf daughter, Navee Walker. Brooke discusses the challenges and successes of integrating Navee into both a private deaf school and a public school system, highlighting the importance of community support, specialized education, and advocating for the needs of children with disabilities. This episode sets the stage for a deeper understanding of inclusive education, the significance of the Teacher of the Deaf (TOD), and parental perseverance.   Questions to contemplate while you listen:   1) How does listening to Brooke change or challenge your perspectives around family partnerships when working with family members of children with an identified disability? 2) What part of this episode struck you as a significant point about creating inclusive classroom for children and their families?   If you're interested in embedding this episode into a training or course, go to https://loveisaclassroom.com/instructor-trainer-resources/ for a free guide.   00:00 Introduction to Navee's Journey 00:19 Welcome to Love is a Classroom 00:51 Meet the Team Behind Navee's Inclusion 01:18 Brooke Walker's Family and Navee's Adoption 02:09 Challenges and Triumphs in Communication 04:15 Navee's School Experience and Community Support 07:48 Transition to Public School 12:09 The Importance of a Teacher of the Deaf (TOD) 15:53 Advocating for Navee's Educational Rights 26:23 Reflections and Advice for Other Families 28:19 Conclusion and Future Episodes   If you have a story you want to share, go to Loveisaclassroom.com/contact Learn more about the Walkers at https://www.facebook.com/share/YR77JYxWauTB3WqY/ https://www.tiktok.com/@naveesworld?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc   Cover art by Josie Filippelli https://www.linkedin.com/in/josie-filippelli/

    30 min

  2. EPISODE 2

    Navee's Kindergarten Teach

    Embracing Inclusion: A Teacher's Journey with a Deaf Student In this episode of 'Love is a Classroom: Stories of Inclusion,' host Ms. Onofre, a seasoned kindergarten teacher, shares her candid experiences with including Navee Walker, a deaf student, into her classroom. Through heartfelt stories and practical insights, she discusses the challenges and triumphs of creating an inclusive environment, advocating for necessary support, and the profound impact of inclusion on both students and teachers. The episode highlights the importance of mindset, collaboration, and love in fostering a truly inclusive educational experience. 00:00 Introduction to Inclusion 01:07 Meet Ms. Onofre 01:46 The Decision to Include Navee 02:55 Preparing the Classroom 07:01 Understanding Inclusion 12:29 Support and Advocacy 17:21 Welcoming Navee 26:49 Creating Connections 28:55 Reflections on Inclusion 31:52 Conclusion and Next Steps   For more information on the heartset, mindset, and skillset go to https://www.inclusiveschooling.com/   If you have a story you want to share, go to Loveisaclassroom.com/contact   Cover art by Josie Filippelli https://www.linkedin.com/in/josie-filippelli/

    33 min

  3. EPISODE 3

    Navee's First Grade Teacher

    The Transformative Power of Inclusion: Navee's First Grade Teacher In this episode of 'Love is a Classroom: Stories of Inclusion', Christy Anderson, a seasoned teacher with a background in Deaf Education, shares her experiences of creating an inclusive first-grade classroom. Highlighting the impact of her student Navee, who is deaf, Christy recounts how inclusion enriched the learning environment for all students. Through stories of shared learning and mutual support, Christy demonstrates the importance of inclusive education, the challenges posed by standardized tests for Deaf students, and the benefits of collaborative teaching. The episode emphasizes the potential of every child and the need for educators' dedication to fostering inclusive, high-quality learning experiences. 00:00 Introduction and Impact of the Year 00:22 Welcome to Love is a Classroom 00:44 Recap of Previous Episodes 01:23 Introducing Christy Anderson 02:23 Navee's Inclusion Journey 05:00 Impact on Other Students 09:07 Challenges and Concerns 11:24 Solutions and Future Vision 18:59 Advice for Teachers 24:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   If you have a story you want to share, go to Loveisaclassroom.com/contact   Cover art by Josie Filippelli https://www.linkedin.com/in/josie-filippelli/

    25 min

  4. EPISODE 4

    More Than an Interpreter

    More Than an Interpreter In fourth episode of the second series of 'Love is a Classroom: Stories of Inclusion,' the focus is on Wendy Bowman, a sign language interpreter with over 30 years of experience. In the episode, she shares her perspective on Deaf culture, education, and the essential role of interpreters. Wendy discusses the challenges and successes of the inclusion of deaf children in general education settings, emphasizing the need for the right resources and support. She also highlights the impact of inclusion on both deaf and hearing students, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual understanding. The episode concludes with a reflection on the broader implications for the education system and a call to action for better support and advocacy for children with disabilities. 00:00 Introduction to Inclusive Education 00:33 Navee's Journey and the Power of Inclusion 01:25 Exploring Deaf Culture and Education with Wendy Bowman 02:49 Challenges and Triumphs in Deaf Education 04:10 The Importance of Early Language Development 08:20 Navigating Public and Deaf School Systems 19:11 Building Relationships and Inclusion in the Classroom 26:57 Concluding Thoughts and Future Considerations   Wendy Bowman: Wendybowman18@gmail.com If you have a story you want to share, go to Loveisaclassroom.com/contact   Cover art by Josie Filippelli https://www.linkedin.com/in/josie-filippelli/

    29 min

  5. EPISODE 5

    Navigating Deaf Culture

    This episode of 'Love is a Classroom: Stories of Inclusion' delves into the life of Navee, a 7-year-old deaf child, and her experiences in an inclusive setting. The show features insightful discussions with Wendy and Brooke about the cultural challenges of being a hearing family with a deaf child. They emphasize the distinct differences between English and American Sign Language (ASL), the importance of appropriate communication, and the need for unconditional inclusion. The episode also touches on the significance of creating accessible social experiences and the impact of cultural exposure on Navee's language development. Listen to Navee and her siblings, Holland and Carson, as they share their unique perspectives and experiences. The episode concludes by discussing the broader implications of inclusive education and the necessity of tailored support for deaf children.   Watch the video recording of the episode at https://youtu.be/AtHGg3lvbyg   00:00 Introduction and Misconceptions About Sign Language 00:43 Welcome to Love is a Classroom 01:27 Challenges of Podcasting with a Deaf Child 01:46 Cultural Experiences of a Hearing Family with a Deaf Child 02:26 Interpreting and Communication Tips 03:22 Personal Stories and Experiences 07:49 Inclusion and Communication in Daily Life 10:30 Navee's Summer Camp and Family Friends 13:30 Welcoming Navee, Holland, and Carson 18:08 Navee's Interests and Activities 20:36 Conclusion and Reflections on Inclusion   Contact me on social media or through my website for more information on my work: loveisaclassroom.com Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show. It helps other listeners find this show. Follow me on YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, or Instagram

    22 min

  6. EPISODE 6

    Inclusion and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

    In this focused episode of 'Love is a Classroom: Stories of Inclusion,' Vicky Brett and Amanda Selogie, special education attorneys and founders of the Inclusive Education Project, join me to discuss events in Series 2 and the importance of inclusive education for children with disabilities. We talk about Brooke's circumstances with Navee. My guests address the legal obligations under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) of 2004, the challenges families face in securing appropriate support, and the powerful role teachers and parents play in advocating for inclusive environments. The episode highlights a real-world events, practical solutions, collaboration, and the societal impact of true inclusion in schools.   00:00 Introduction to Inclusion and Legal Rights 00:48 Meet the Experts: Vicky and Amanda 01:47 Challenges in Inclusive Education 02:28 Legal Framework and Parental Advocacy 03:00 Personal Journeys into Special Education Law 06:34 Navigating the IDEA and Legal Obligations 11:01 Funding and Resource Allocation Issues 14:19 Empowering Parents and Teachers 21:29 Rethinking Educational Models 31:19 Final Thoughts and Contact Information   Contact Inclusive Education Project: https://www.inclusiveeducationproject.org/ admin@IEPCalifornia.Org Listen to the Inclusive Education Project podcast on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.   Contact me on YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, or Instagram or email me at loveisaclassroom.com for more information on my work. Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show. It helps other listeners find this show.

    34 min

  7. SEASON 2 TRAILER

    Series Two Trailer

    In the second series of Love Is a Classroom: Stories of Inclusion listeners will meet Brooke Walker, Wendy Bowman, Ms. Onofre, Ms. Anderson, and others. Together they tell the story of a team coming together to create classrooms inclusive to all children, especially Navee Walker - a deaf child not introduced to language until she was adopted at 4 1/2. But high-quality meaningful inclusion requires appropriate, individualized supports. As Navee goes into second grade, the availability of supports is in question. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

    2 min
See All Season 2 (7)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Love Is a Classroom: Stories of Inclusion is a podcast that aims to serve as a bridge for a more inclusive world. Through storytelling and conversation, each series illuminates the collective experience of individuals who strive to break down barriers and foster a more inclusive world for children with disabilities or who are neurodivergent. Together we explore and discover practical ways we can all contribute to building a society where everyone belongs.

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