Educate Me Well

Tonya
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Education
  • Updated Semimonthly

Welcome to Educate Me Well, the podcast that brings faith and education together. Twice a month, I'll share practical tips, heartfelt stories, and expert interviews to help you shine in the classroom and beyond. From helpful teaching strategies and classroom devotionals to conversations with fellow educators and faith leaders, we'll explore how our faith encourages us in educating children well. Whether you're a classroom teacher, a homeschooling parent, or simply someone passionate about personal growth, you'll find encouragement, actionable ideas, and a warm community here.

  1. 4d ago

    Technology Works Best When It Supports Real Teaching

    Send us Fan Mail Classroom tech can either sharpen your teaching or slowly swallow it. I’m making the case for a simpler, smarter approach: use technology as a tool that supports what you already do well, not as a replacement for real instruction, relationships, and hands-on learning. I start with a practical framework for choosing classroom apps without getting overwhelmed. We name the problem first, then check whether an app fits your school ecosystem, and test the student experience by actually completing an assignment yourself. I also dig into two areas that matter more than most people realize: accessibility features that remove barriers for learners, and student privacy checks that protect kids before you ever invite a class into a platform. Finally, I talk about piloting tools before paying for premium plans, so you keep only what saves time or improves learning outcomes. Then I share a curated list of teacher-approved educational apps and how they fit into teacher-led learning: Canva for Education for classroom visuals and student work, Kahoot for engaging review, Seesaw for elementary portfolios and family updates, ClassDojo for parent communication, and Khan Academy’s Khanmigo for Teachers as an AI-supported assistant for lesson planning, differentiation, rubrics, and assessments. I also recommend strong learning apps for kids by age, including Khan Academy Kids, ScratchJr, Epic, Prodigy Math, PhotoMath, Scratch, National Geographic Kids, Duolingo, and Quizlet. If you want classroom technology tips you can actually use tomorrow, subscribe, share this with a teacher friend, and leave a review so more educators can find the show. Resources: 10 Best Apps for Teachers and Educators in 2026 - https://www.graduationsource.com/blog/best-apps-for-teachers-and-educators 30+ Best Educational Apps for Kids by Age Group (2026) - https://timily.app/guides/educational-apps-kids Contact Educate Me Well Email Tonya at admin@educatemewell.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/educatemewell/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/educatemewellX: https://x.com/EducateMeWellLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/educate-me-wellWe are just getting started! Check back for more info as we go along on our social sites.  Thanks for listening and keep making a difference in the lives of children!

    Technology Works Best When It Supports Real Teaching

  2. Sep 17

    Episode Break

    Send us Fan Mail I’m sharing a quick update and choosing to delay the next release so the upcoming tech reviews are researched and useful. I also offer a prayerful word of encouragement for teachers, parents, administrators, and students as the school year continues.  • brief check-in and why there is no full episode this week  • preview of upcoming tech reviews focused on apps and classroom tools  • behind-the-scenes note on research time and aiming for quality  • prayer and encouragement for every school environment  • how to send questions and ideas for future topics  If you have ideas for future episodes or questions you'd like me to explore, you can reach me anytime at admin at educatemewell.com.  And be sure to check out our social media pages for great resources. You can find those on each podcast episode page.  Contact Educate Me Well Email Tonya at admin@educatemewell.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/educatemewell/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/educatemewellX: https://x.com/EducateMeWellLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/educate-me-wellWe are just getting started! Check back for more info as we go along on our social sites.  Thanks for listening and keep making a difference in the lives of children!

    Episode Break

  3. Sep 3

    ADHD And ADD In School

    Send us Fan Mail Blurting out answers, melting down during transitions, losing homework, or looking “lazy” can all be signs of something deeper than simple misbehavior. We talk candidly about ADHD and ADD in school and what these diagnoses can look like day to day, including impulsivity, hyperactivity, inattentiveness, disorganization, slow cognitive processing, and the social missteps that sometimes happen when kids haven’t picked up unspoken rules on their own. We also dig into what research and practice suggest about possible causes, from genetics and neurological factors to prenatal exposure and other risks that families hear about. Then we shift into what actually helps: treatment options like medication (decided by parents and physicians, with teacher observation playing a key role), counseling and therapy, and the power of parent education and support groups. If you’re navigating an IEP or 504 plan, we explain why accommodations and modifications aren’t “special treatment” but the tools a student needs to access learning with dignity. From classroom management to home routines, we focus on practical strategies that reduce chaos and increase confidence. We cover consistent expectations and consequences, teaching executive functioning skills through routines, and making transitions safer with signals, warnings, movement breaks, and praise. We also tackle homework and study skills, including how to structure time, break tasks down, and use simple methods like reciting aloud and the five Ws and H to strengthen recall. We wrap with resources for teachers and parents, plus a reminder that these students are often funny, bright, and worth the effort it takes to understand them. If this helps you, subscribe, share with a teacher or parent, and leave a review so more families can find it. Resources: Teaching the Tiger A Handbook for Individuals Involved in the Education of Students with Attention Deficit Disorders, Tourette Syndrome or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Dornbush, Marilyn P., Ph.D., Pruitt, Sheryl K.: 9781878267344: Amazon.com: Books  How To Reach And Teach Children With Add/adhd: Practical Techniques, Strategies, And Interventions: Rief, Sandra F.: 9780787972950: Amazon.com: Books Executive Skills in Children and Adolescents: A Practical Guide to Assessment and Intervention (The Guilford Practical Intervention in the Schools Series): 9781462535316: Medicine & Health Science Books @ Amazon.com Practical Ideas That Really Work for Students with ADHD (Grades 5-12): Practical Ideas That Really Work for Stu: 9781416400608: Amazon.com: Books Contact Educate Me Well Email Tonya at admin@educatemewell.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/educatemewell/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/educatemewellX: https://x.com/EducateMeWellLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/educate-me-wellWe are just getting started! Check back for more info as we go along on our social sites.  Thanks for listening and keep making a difference in the lives of children!

    ADHD And ADD In School

  4. Aug 20

    Finding Balance With Technology In K-12 Classrooms

    Send us Fan Mail Screens are everywhere in school now, and a lot of us can feel the tension: technology can support learning, but too much of it can quietly weaken attention, writing skills, and even a child’s ability to stick with hard work. We dig into what’s changed in K-12 education since the pandemic, why device use has become the default in many classrooms, and why families and teachers are asking for a reset, especially in pre-K through second grade. We walk through the research-backed concerns educators keep naming: fragmented focus from constant digital multitasking, reduced executive functioning and self-regulation, weaker handwriting and slower reading fluency, and less face-to-face talk that kids need for language development. We also talk about the real-world pushback showing up in districts that are scaling back devices in early grades, limiting screen time, and restricting apps like YouTube on school devices. Lunch and recess come up too, because play and movement are not optional extras; they are part of healthy development. AI in education adds a whole new layer. We share why the speed of AI adoption is outpacing training and policy, and what that can mean for critical thinking and even cheating accusations. You’ll leave with a practical, grounded picture of balanced technology use: clear limits at school and home, tech used for creation rather than passive consumption, teacher-led instruction first, and digital tools used sparingly and on purpose for review and reinforcement. Subscribe, share this with a parent or educator who’s wrestling with screen time, and leave a review with your best idea for a healthier tech balance. Resources: As Classrooms Go Digital, Are Educators Ready? | RAND - https://www.rand.org/pubs/commentary/2026/03/as-classrooms-go-digital-are-educators-ready.html Concerns over classroom screen time emerge in new national study by professors at Auburn's College of Education and Christopher Newport University - https://wire.auburn.edu/content/education/2026/06/031342-marshall-study-classroom-screen-time.php Have We Gone Too Far with Technology in Schools? | RealClearEducation - https://www.realcleareducation.com/articles/2026/06/02/have_we_gone_too_far_with_technology_in_schools_1186332.html America’s schools face a reckoning on digital devices | AP News - https://apnews.com/article/school-screen-time-technology-edtech-07958fb159c7cfbceb7bfdb37b2bb726 Schools Brace for Growing Backlash to Classroom Screen Time - https://www.edweek.org/technology/schools-brace-for-growing-backlash-to-classroom-screen-time/2026/08 Digital Device Usage and Childhood Cognitive Development: Exploring Effects on Cognitive Abilities - PMC - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11592547/ ‘Our children are less cognitively capable,’ says neuroscientist who wants to cut screen use in schools | Schools | The Guardian - https://www.theguardian.com/education/2026/aug/16/neuroscientist-screen-use-schools-educational-technology-jared-cooney-horvath ED676272.pdf - https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED676272.pdf A Review of the Negative Effects of Digital Technology on Cognition - https://arxiv.org/html/2603.10025v1 Impact of Screen Time on Development of Children - PMC - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12563978/#abstract1 2-Screen-Times-Impact-on-Learning.pdf - https://fairplayforkids.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2-Screen-Times-Impact-on-Learning.pdf Contact Educate Me Well Email Tonya at admin@educatemewell.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/educatemewell/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/educatemewellX: https://x.com/EducateMeWellLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/educate-me-wellWe are just getting started! Check back for more info as we go along on our social sites.  Thanks for listening and keep making a difference in the lives of children!

    Finding Balance With Technology In K-12 Classrooms

  5. Aug 6

    Back-To-School Reset

    Send us Fan Mail The back-to-school rush can feel like a countdown to chaos, but it doesn’t have to. We’re sharing a calm, practical plan you can use to get your child ready for a strong first week, with steps that support learning, health, and peace at home. If you’ve ever realized the night before school that you forgot a form, a routine, or a key conversation, this guide is for you. We start with the essentials: well-child exams, vision and hearing checks, dental cleanings, and how to think through immunizations and school requirements based on your family’s choices. We also talk about planning ahead for medical needs like allergies, asthma, diabetes, ADHD, autism, and other disabilities, including why a simple care plan and early communication with the school can prevent stressful surprises. From there, we reset sleep schedules and daily routines so mornings stop being a fight and kids actually have the energy to focus. Then we get practical about nutrition and hydration, lunch planning, and the small details that matter, like choosing containers your child can open independently. We cover school safety and preparedness too: emergency contacts, medication instructions, transportation rules, bike helmets, drop-off zones, and after-school arrangements. Finally, we address emotional readiness, transitions to new campuses, the reality of summer slide, and how reading helps kids shift back into learning mode. We close with spiritual preparation, prayer, and encouragement to help kids walk into school ready to be a light through their actions. Listen, share this with a parent who needs a reset, and subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next. If this helped you, leave a review and tell us which part of back-to-school prep you want to simplify this year. Resources: Back-to-school essentials for parents - Mayo Clinic Health System - https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/back-to-school-essentials-for-parents 8 Tips for a Healthy Back-To-School - DAP Health - https://daphealth.org/8-tips-for-a-healthy-back-to-school/ 9 Ways To Prepare Kids for School - https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-prepare-kids-for-school Back to School Guide for Parents 2026: Routines, Checklists & Expert Tips - Protect Families - Protect Choices - https://www.protectfamiliesprotectchoices.org/back-to-school-guide-parents-2026/ Back-to-School Checklist Every Parent Needs - https://kidsbewell.com/articles/back-to-school-checklist/ The 5 Secrets to Mastering Back-to-School Parenting | Psychology Today - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-parenting-playbook/202508/the-5-secrets-to-mastering-back-to-school-parenting?msockid=39de109d12436cf13966065813bf6df6 From backpacks to bus stops: Back-to-school checklist for parents! - Education.com Blog - https://blog.education.com/2024/08/08/from-backpacks-to-bus-stops-back-to-school-checklist-for-parents/ The Parents Blueprint for Back to School - https://www.parents.com/the-parents-blueprint-for-back-to-school-11776273 Contact Educate Me Well Email Tonya at admin@educatemewell.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/educatemewell/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/educatemewellX: https://x.com/EducateMeWellLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/educate-me-wellWe are just getting started! Check back for more info as we go along on our social sites.  Thanks for listening and keep making a difference in the lives of children!

    Back-To-School Reset

  6. Jul 23

    Strong Principal Teacher Relationships Start With Consistency

    Send us Fan Mail We talk through what it takes to build strong, healthy relationships between principals and teachers, grounded in consistency, trust, and everyday follow-through. We share practical habits that protect teacher dignity, improve communication, and create a school culture where students and staff can thrive.  • praying through leadership decisions and relationships  • being visible in classrooms and common areas beyond evaluations  • learning names routines and what matters to staff  • communicating priorities with a clear why and stable messaging  • leading with fairness transparency and consistent policies  • creating structured ways for teachers to be heard and closing the loop  • supporting instruction with resources coverage and fewer barriers  • giving private coaching feedback that starts with strengths  • recognizing progress and building a culture of specific praise  • protecting teacher time streamlining initiatives and purposeful meetings  • teachers aligning on expectations asking early and offering solutions  • maintaining professionalism avoiding gossip and reducing surprises  If you have ideas for future episodes or questions you'd like me to explore, you can reach me anytime at admin@educatemewell.com. And be sure to check out our social media pages for great resources.  Resources: How to Improve Employee Engagement in the Workplace - https://www.gallup.com/workplace/285674/improve-employee-engagement-workplace.aspx?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=o_social&utm_term=gallup&utm_campaign=li-wk-evergreen_071426 First, Engage the Teachers: A Principal’s Role in Cultivating Staff Motivation - https://www.ascd.org/el/articles/first-engage-the-teachers-a-principals-role-in-cultivating-staff-motivation How Can a Principal Support Teachers? 12 Strategies That Actually Work - https://betterleadersbetterschools.com/how-can-a-principal-support-teachers/#FAQ Fostering Collaborative Relationships among Educational Stakeholders • Teachers Institute - https://teachers.institute/organisational-behaviour/collaborative-relationships-educational-stakeholders/ Building Relationships at School as a Principal | Edutopia - https://www.edutopia.org/article/building-relationships-at-school-as-a-principal Contact Educate Me Well Email Tonya at admin@educatemewell.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/educatemewell/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/educatemewellX: https://x.com/EducateMeWellLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/educate-me-wellWe are just getting started! Check back for more info as we go along on our social sites.  Thanks for listening and keep making a difference in the lives of children!

    Strong Principal Teacher Relationships Start With Consistency

  7. Jul 9

    Raising Hope-Filled Kids in a Fear-Filled World

    Send us Fan Mail Your child can be doing “fine” on paper and still feel crushed on the inside. Today I’m naming what so many families and teachers are seeing up close: rising academic pressure, constant testing, fear of failure, and the social comparison that follows kids from the classroom to their phones. When stress becomes chronic, it doesn’t just create bad days, it starts shaping identity. Kids begin to believe they’re only as valuable as their grades, speed, or success, and that belief can feed anxiety, burnout, conflict, and withdrawal. I also want to offer a different lens, one rooted in faith, peace, and God’s presence. Hope is not pretending everything is easy. Hope is confidence in God’s character, even when expectations feel heavy. We talk about how scripture reframes pressure, why mistakes must be safe in our homes and classrooms, and how children learn courage by watching calm, steady adults. I share specific passages that anchor kids when fear gets loud and remind them they are loved beyond performance. Then we get practical with four pillars for raising hope-filled kids: faith practices that anchor the heart, emotional skills grounded in biblical truth, a family culture that creates peace through routines and tech boundaries, and community connection through church, mentors, and service. You’ll also hear two real-life examples, a mom’s simple nightly courage routine with her anxious 10-year-old and a teacher’s “morning thanks” gratitude practice that changes a classroom atmosphere, plus how to adapt gratitude in public school settings. If this resonates, subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next, share it with a parent or teacher who needs encouragement, and leave a quick review to help more families find Educate Me Well. Resources: The influence of academic pressure on adolescents’ problem behavior: Chain mediating effects of self-control, parent–child conflict, and subjective well-being - PMC - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9534181/ Understanding the Impact of Academic Pressure on Student Mental Health - https://scholarworks.calstate.edu/downloads/rj430c89c https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10174035/1/1-s2.0-S0165032723008510-main.pdf Contact Educate Me Well Email Tonya at admin@educatemewell.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/educatemewell/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/educatemewellX: https://x.com/EducateMeWellLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/educate-me-wellWe are just getting started! Check back for more info as we go along on our social sites.  Thanks for listening and keep making a difference in the lives of children!

    Raising Hope-Filled Kids in a Fear-Filled World

  8. Jun 25

    Who Guards Disability Rights When Agencies Shift

    Send us Fan Mail IDEA is older than the U.S. Department of Education, and that single timeline detail can quiet a lot of fear. I walk through why that matters for families navigating special education and for educators doing the daily work of serving students with disabilities. IDEA started in 1975 (originally as the Education for All Handicapped Children Act) and the Department of Education didn’t begin until 1980, which means the law’s protections are not tied to one department, one administration, or one political moment. Those rights are anchored in federal law, including early intervention supports, special education services, and the promise of a free appropriate public education. Then I break down four newly announced federal partnerships designed to reduce bureaucracy and strengthen services. Two agreements with the Department of Health and Human Services focus on better alignment for special education and rehabilitative services, including early childhood supports and transition-to-employment programs. Two agreements with the Department of Justice focus on tighter civil rights enforcement and stronger student privacy guidance, which matters even more as AI in schools expands the amount of student data being collected and shared. The through line is reassurance: these partnerships do not rewrite IDEA, and they do not erase the roles of key offices that protect students’ rights. Finally, I unpack a major legal development driving headlines right now: a DOJ Office of Legal Counsel memo that reinterprets disability rights law related to community-based services and institutionalization. We talk about what Olmstead v. L.C. has meant for decades, why advocates are alarmed by the memo’s stance, and what families and educators can do next to stay informed and engaged. If this helped, subscribe, share the episode with someone who needs it, and leave a review so more families can find clear guidance. Resources: Secretary McMahon's Letter to Parents of Individuals with Disabilities | U.S. Department of Education - https://www.ed.gov/about/news/speech/secretary-mcmahons-letter-parents-of-individuals-disabilities U.S. Department of Education Announces Additional Partnerships to Strengthen Coordination for Individuals with Disabilities Programs, Bolster Civil Rights Enforcement | U.S. Department of Education - https://www.ed.gov/about/news/press-release/us-department-of-education-announces-additional-partnerships-strengthen-coordination-individuals-disabilities-programs-bolster-civil-rights 2026-06-18-integration-mandate.pdf | United States Department of Justice - https://www.justice.gov/olc/media/1446701 Contact Educate Me Well Email Tonya at admin@educatemewell.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/educatemewell/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/educatemewellX: https://x.com/EducateMeWellLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/educate-me-wellWe are just getting started! Check back for more info as we go along on our social sites.  Thanks for listening and keep making a difference in the lives of children!

    Who Guards Disability Rights When Agencies Shift
See All (21)

Trailer

About

Welcome to Educate Me Well, the podcast that brings faith and education together. Twice a month, I'll share practical tips, heartfelt stories, and expert interviews to help you shine in the classroom and beyond. From helpful teaching strategies and classroom devotionals to conversations with fellow educators and faith leaders, we'll explore how our faith encourages us in educating children well. Whether you're a classroom teacher, a homeschooling parent, or simply someone passionate about personal growth, you'll find encouragement, actionable ideas, and a warm community here.

Information

  • Creator
    Tonya
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Educate Me Well
  • Show Website
    Educate Me Well