Whole Brain, Whole Child at Ulster BOCES

Dr. Jillaine Berardi
  • 2.0 (1)
  • Education

Join host Dr. Jillaine Berardi, Assistant Superintendent for Learning & Design at the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning (CITL) at Ulster BOCES, for this podcast series featuring the dynamic Whole Brain, Whole Child  learning framework. At Ulster BOCES CITL, learning is personal, purposeful, and powered by design. Each episode features conversations with educators, school leaders, students, and change-makers who are experiencing this comprehensive approach to teaching and learning—where cognitive, emotional, and social growth are all essential parts of the experience. Together, guests explore how and why schools should build learning experiences and environments that nurture the whole child, activate the whole brain, and prepare learners for a complex and ever-changing world through Equity-Centered Practices, Relationship-Based Learning, and Trauma-Informed Education, an approach that helps meet students' unique needs and empowers them to drive their own learning. Whether you're a teacher, related service provider, administrator, parent, or student, this podcast offers insight, inspiration, and practical ideas to help you rethink what's possible in education.

Episodes

  1. May 27

    Reimagining School Through Student Voice

    In this episode of Whole Brain Whole Child, Dr. Jillaine Berardi, Assistant Superintendent for Learning & Design at the Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning (CITL) holds space for voices from CITL at Mount Marion Middle School for a powerful, student-centered conversation about learning, belonging, and the systems that shape their experiences. Joined by Assistant Principal Shelbi Hamilton, middle school students Kestrel and Isaac share their perspectives with honesty and courage, offering insights into what helps them feel supported, what challenges them, and what they envision for the future of education. Their reflections highlight the importance of connection, identity, and creating spaces where every learner is seen, heard, and valued. At Ulster BOCES, we believe in elevating student voice as a cornerstone of deeper learning. This conversation reflects our North Star Educational Commitments: fostering inclusive environments, nurturing the whole child, and designing learning experiences that empower students to think critically, advocate for themselves, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. This episode invites educators, families, and community members to listen closely, because when students speak, we learn. 🔹 What does it mean to truly support the whole child? 🔹 How can schools better respond to student needs and strengths? 🔹 What happens when we center student voice in educational design? Join us as we explore these questions and continue the journey toward more responsive, human-centered education. Episode Details: 00:00 – Introduction: Whole Brain Whole Child Podcast Dr. Jillaine Berardi opens the conversation, setting the stage for a student-centered discussion on learning, belonging, and the future of education. 00:48 – Meet the Students: Kestrel & Isaac Share Their Stories Kestrel and Isaac introduce themselves, sharing early insights into their experiences and what matters most to them as learners. 03:07 – Student Experiences: What School Feels Like Students reflect on their educational journeys, highlighting the supports, challenges, and moments that have shaped their growth. 07:36 – Belonging, Identity & Inclusive School Communities A powerful conversation about inclusivity, representation, and the importance of feeling seen, valued, and supported in school. 08:43 – What Students Want: Designing the Ideal School Day Kestrel reimagines the school day—emphasizing choice, creativity, outdoor time, and more personalized learning experiences.  17:43 – Rethinking School: Equity, Testing & Student Voice A critical look at grading, testing, and equity—through the lens of student experience and the need for more responsive systems. 24:03 – Future of Education: Creativity, Labs & Real-World Learning Students envision hands-on learning environments, innovation labs, and opportunities to create, build, and explore real-world applications. 34:00 – Student Voice in Action: Curiosity, Projects & Innovation Student-driven learning comes to life through projects, field trips, and inquiry-based experiences grounded in curiosity. 44:12 – Skills for Life: What Students Really Need to Succeed The episode closes with reflections on essential life skills—highlighting creativity, critical thinking, and real-world readiness.

    48 min

  2. 06/26/2025

    Listening to Learn: Centering Student Voice within the Whole Brain, Whole Child Framework

    Join Dr. Jillaine Berardi, Assistant Superintendent for Learning & Design at the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning (CITL) at Ulster BOCES, as she chats with three engaged students from CITL at Port Ewen - Ian, Sean, and Adam - about their educational experience, which is guided by the Ulster BOCES Whole Brain, Whole Child philosophy. These students share their unique perspectives on what makes their school community so special, from the supportive staff and small class sizes to the exciting project-based learning opportunities. Learn how they're using their creativity and interests to shape their education and plan for the future. With ideas like redesigning classroom spaces, creating school sports teams, and expanding hands-on learning, these students paint a vivid picture of their ideal school experience. Listeners will also get a strong sense of the sense of community and support the students feel at Ulster BOCES, with teachers and staff who deeply care about their well-being and success. They share insightful ideas for creating more opportunities for interaction and collaboration across the different student communities within Ulster BOCES CITL programs and talk about their project-based learning experience and how they would like to see more specialized learning paths and opportunities for hands-on skill development. This conversation is sure to inspire listeners to think deeply about how the school experience can be shaped by listening to student voices and showcases the thoughtful, passionate ideas of Ulster BOCES students.  Tune in today at https://youtu.be/kLb_pCkcgVA or on all major podcast platforms.

    58 min

  3. 06/25/2025

    Reimagining Special Education through Deeper Learning and the Whole Brain, Whole Child Model

    Welcome to the first episode of the Whole Brain, Whole Child podcast — an inspiring series from Ulster BOCES spotlighting transformative practices that are reshaping education for neurodiverse students who need a different way of learning.  In Episode 1, our host, Dr. Jill Berardi, Assistant Superintendent of Learning & Design, and her guests Principal Christina Rutella, Social Worker Eric Cruz, and Teacher Rosie Pagana introduce listeners to a groundbreaking initiative at the Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning (CITL) that is reframing how all work together to support every aspect of a student’s development — academically, socially, emotionally, and physically.  Gone are the days of working in silos. At CITL, the entire educational community — from teachers, related services providers, and social workers, to support staff and instructional assistants — co-design to create learning experiences collaboratively. Principles from neuroscience, child development, and educational psychology are integrated to create a learning environment that nurtures all aspects of every child's growth— with their whole brain and whole self at the center. Classrooms look and feel different here. Students are encouraged to move, find their passion, co-regulate, and contribute to decisions about their learning. From choosing how they engage to influencing the layout of their environment, student voice is deeply embedded in the daily routine. And a stable of caring educational professionals are available to support them at every step of their learning journey. Listeners will get a glimpse of the successful approach for integrating occupational therapists, physical therapists, social worker services, and other related services directly into classroom activities. They'll also learn about project-based learning initiatives like the Level Up Cafe and workplace learning challenges that are igniting student creativity and engagement at the high school site. These ventures foster a strong sense of belonging and allow students to develop meaningful life and job skills within a supportive environment. Tune in to Whole Brain, Whole Child at Ulster BOCES to hear how the faculty and staff at the Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning are leading with heart, science, and collaboration to serve students in a truly transformative way.  Available now at https://youtu.be/CKgKE6FyYFA and all major podcast platforms.

    1h 1m
  • 3 Episodes

About

Join host Dr. Jillaine Berardi, Assistant Superintendent for Learning & Design at the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning (CITL) at Ulster BOCES, for this podcast series featuring the dynamic Whole Brain, Whole Child  learning framework. At Ulster BOCES CITL, learning is personal, purposeful, and powered by design. Each episode features conversations with educators, school leaders, students, and change-makers who are experiencing this comprehensive approach to teaching and learning—where cognitive, emotional, and social growth are all essential parts of the experience. Together, guests explore how and why schools should build learning experiences and environments that nurture the whole child, activate the whole brain, and prepare learners for a complex and ever-changing world through Equity-Centered Practices, Relationship-Based Learning, and Trauma-Informed Education, an approach that helps meet students' unique needs and empowers them to drive their own learning. Whether you're a teacher, related service provider, administrator, parent, or student, this podcast offers insight, inspiration, and practical ideas to help you rethink what's possible in education.

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