Edu-Kate

Kate Kowalski

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Education
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Kate, a seasoned classroom teacher, brings you honest, research-backed conversations about early childhood and the schooling system we all navigate. Each week she sits down with leading educators, researchers, policy experts, and advocates to unpack what’s working, what’s broken, and what actually helps kids thrive. Real talk. Real solutions. Real education. New episodes every week.

16h ago

Helping Kids Learn to Read with K.C. Hansen

In this episode, Kate is joined by K.C. Hansen, a reading interventionist based in Seattle. They discuss what is important when trying to support kids learning to read. K.C. shares Lyon's research behind the science of reading and provides practical tips and advice in teaching and assessing how kids read. K.C also highlights common misconceptions amongst parents and educators and points out red flags to look out for in struggling readers. Contact K.C: Instagram: @msdothansen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/k-c-hansen-a26380213/ ⁠Reid Lyon 10 Maxims⁠:https://readinguniverse.org/article/explore-teaching-topics/big-picture/ten-maxims-what-weve-learned-so-far-about-how-children-learn-to-read-2026
Aug 12

Designing Intentional Classrooms with Carla Dabau Padrosa

As teachers head back to school and begin preparing their classrooms for a new group of learners, international educator and learning environment designer Carla Dabau Padrosa joins the Edu-Kate Podcast to explore how we can design classrooms with greater intention. Drawing on many years of teaching experience across Spain, the Netherlands, the U.S. and Switzerland, Carla shares practical ideas for creating calm, flexible and inspiring learning spaces that support inquiry, collaboration and creativity—while considering the well-being of both students and the teachers who spend their days in them. If you are a teacher looking for tips and tricks to better utilize your learning space, then this is the episode for you! Connect with Carla: https://www.instagram.com/carladabaup https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-dabau-padrosa-986137b2/ Order a copy of Designing Intentional Classrooms: https://www.pearsoncanadaschool.com/pd/products/designing-intentional-classrooms.html
Aug 5

What is the Perfect School?

In this solo episode, Kate explores the question of what is the perfect school? It is clear that this evokes more questions than answers, but it will definitely get you thinking about what it could look like for you and also remind you of why we need things to change. She looks at it from both perspectives of a mother and teacher. Listen in and join the conversation.
Jul 28

Rethinking Inclusion: Building Schools Where Every Child Belongs with Professor Sigamoney Manicka Naicker

What does true inclusion really look like—and how do we build schools where every child genuinely belongs? In this episode of Edu-Kate, Kate is joined by Professor Sigamoney Manicka Naicker, an internationally respected educator, researcher, and advocate for inclusive education. For decades, Professor Naicker has worked to improve educational opportunities for children around the world. He has advised governments, collaborated with UNESCO and UNICEF, and played a significant role in shaping inclusive education policy in South Africa following the end of apartheid. His work continues to influence how schools and education systems think about equity, belonging, and the rights of every learner. Together, Kate and Professor Naicker explore what authentic inclusion looks like beyond policy documents and classroom labels. They discuss why inclusion benefits every child—not just those with identified learning needs—and share practical ways teachers and school leaders can create classrooms where every learner feels valued, respected, and able to thrive. The conversation also explores Professor Naicker's thought-provoking new book, Education Systems in the 21st Century Are Engines of Inequality: From a Pedagogy of Convenience to a Pedagogy of Resilience. In it, he argues that many education systems have become centred on bureaucracy, standardisation, and efficiency—a "Pedagogy of Convenience"—rather than the diverse needs of children. He challenges educators and policymakers to embrace a "Pedagogy of Resilience," where schools are designed to adapt to children's realities, promote belonging, and create equitable opportunities for every learner. Whether you're a classroom teacher, school leader, parent, or anyone passionate about education, this episode will encourage you to rethink what inclusion really means and inspire you to imagine schools where every child has the opportunity to succeed. Connect with Professor Naicker: LinkedIn - https://za.linkedin.com/in/sigamoney-manicka-naicker-0027113
Jul 22

Defending Play with Amy Reyes-Hauff

In today’s episode I’m joined by early childhood education leader, speaker and author Amy Reyes-Hauff. We explore why it is vital that educators defend the value of play for our students. We discuss why nature matters, how technology is shaping childhood, and what educators and parents can do to help children thrive. Amy Reyes-Hauff is an early childhood education leader, speaker, and author with more than 26 years of experience supporting children, educators, and schools. She currently serves as the State Early Learning and Literacy Specialist for the Wyoming Department of Education, where her work focuses on early literacy, outdoor learning, child development, and digital wellness. Amy is the creator of the Get Wild Wyoming initiative, which has brought outdoor learning experiences to more than 300 classrooms and over 6,000 children across the state. She is also the author of Why Did They Do That?, a brain-based guide to understanding young children's behaviour. Connect with Amy Reyes-Hauff LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amy-reyes-hauff-a1b15844 Why Did They Do That? It's Not a Behavior Problem. It's a Biological One: A Brain-Based Guide to the 3–5 Year Old Mind Publication date: 2025 Summary: Explains preschool children's behaviour through neuroscience rather than discipline. It covers topics such as impulse control, emotional regulation, executive functioning, sensory needs, and why many challenging behaviours are developmentally typical rather than deliberate misbehaviour.
Jul 7

The Power of Risky Play with Dr. Mariana Brussoni

This episode is a rebroadcast. Today’s special guest is Dr Mariana Brussoni. She is a developmental psychologist and injury prevention researcher passionate about bringing risky play back to children's lives. Her research sits at the intersection between child development, injury prevention, and outdoor play. We discuss her new book Embracing Risky Play at School (co-written by Dr. Megan Zeni). Mariana points out how today’s children are missing out on a vital developmental need and how educators need to allow the space, time and freedom for the phenomenon of risky play to occur. Instead of keeping children “as safe as possible” we should aim to keep them “as safe as necessary." Resources & Links • Explore Dr. Mariana Brussoni's free Outdoor Play & Learning resources for elementary educators: teacher.outsideplay.org • Visit the Outside Play Lab for research, practical tools, and additional resources: outsideplay.org • Book Recommendation: Embracing Risky Play at School – Practical, research-based guidance for K–8 educators on supporting outdoor learning and creating opportunities for risky play. • Follow the Outside Play Lab on social media: Instagram: @outsideplayubc Facebook: @outsideplayubc X: @outsideplayubc Bluesky: @outsideplayubc
Jun 30

Getting Assessment Right with Trevor MacKenzie

Today’s guest is Trevor MacKenzie—an educator, author, keynote speaker, and inquiry consultant who partners with schools around the world. He is passionate about student agency, authentic assessment, and helping educators create inquiry-driven classrooms where curiosity and deep learning thrive. In this episode, we discuss what meaningful, authentic assessment looks like in the PYP and how educators can use assessment to enhance student learning. Trevor shares what it means to "do less better," what effective feedback looks like, and why developing a culture of curiosity is essential—not only for students but also for educators. There is so much packed into this conversation, so tune in! Books by Trevor MacKenzie: Dive into Inquiry: Amplify Learning and Empower Student Voice (2016) Inquiry Mindset: Nurturing the Dreams, Wonders, and Curiosities of Our Youngest Learners (2019) (with Rebecca Bathurst-Hunt) The Inquiry Teacher: Lessons and Strategies for Cultivating Curiosity (2022) Amplify Student Voice: Developing Agency Through the Cycle of Inquiry (2024) (with Rebecca Bathurst-Hunt) Learn more about Trevor MacKenzie: Website: https://www.trevormackenzie.com Instagram: @trev_mackenzie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-mackenzie-37103b261/ X: @trev_mackenzie
Jun 24

How to Recognize and Prevent Bullying: Expert Advice from Steve Andrews

In this episode of the Edu-Kate Podcast, I’m joined by Steve Andrews, who leads anti-bullying workshops in schools and works closely with children, educators, and families to create safer and more supportive learning environments. Steve shares practical insights into what bullying really is, how to recognise the signs, and the best ways to respond. We also discuss how to equip children with the confidence, resilience, and strategies they need to navigate bullying if they experience it themselves, along with the important role that parents and schools play in supporting young people. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or anyone who works with children, this episode offers valuable advice and practical takeaways to help create environments where every child can feel safe, supported, and empowered. Contact Steve @ Bully_back_off@yahoo.com 604-307-9146 LinkedIn - Steve Andrews Bullying Prevention

Trailer

Introduction

Introduction to Edu-Kate

Kate, a seasoned classroom teacher, brings you honest, research-backed conversations about early childhood and the schooling system we all navigate. Each week she sits down with leading educators, researchers, policy experts, and advocates to unpack what’s working, what’s broken, and what actually helps kids thrive. Real talk. Real solutions. Real education. New episodes every week.

Creator

Kate Kowalski
Years Active

2026
Episodes

32
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Kate Kowalski
Show Website

Edu-Kate