We Not Me: Inclusion in Action

Dr. Nikki Harding

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Education
Updated Weekly

Imagine a rapid-fire, feel-good show where hallway high-fives, breakthrough IEP moments, and community-powered makeovers get the spotlight they deserve. That’s We Not Me—a snack-size video series (≈ 15 minutes) dedicated to the people redefining what “school” can feel like.

08/04/2025

We Not Me: Dr. Lewis Fogarty

Exciting news! 🌍 The "We Not Me: Inclusion in Action" podcast is officially global! In our latest episode, Dr. Nikki Harding sits down with Dr. Lewis Fogarty, founder of Edventurous Leadership and Director of Education at Brunel University, for an inspiring conversation that bridges continents. Tune in as we explore leadership, self-leadership, and creating positive impact in both Europe and Africa. Dr. Fogarty shares powerful insights from his work in early years education, his leadership journey across the UK, and his transformative charity projects in Uganda. Discover how inclusion, collaboration, and learning from diverse cultures are shaping the future of global leadership. Join us as we celebrate going international, helping leaders and change-makers build community, resilience, and authentic impact worldwide! 🌎✨ #InclusionInAction #GlobalLeadership #PodcastLaunch Dr. Fogarty can be found here: https://www.edventurousleadership.com/ For more information about his work in Uganda, click here: https://www.connectedintl.com/ For his LinkedIn profile, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lewis-fogarty-eyleader/
07/27/2025

We Not Me: Dr. Sonya Murray

What does it take to truly transform schools and empower every student to thrive? 🎓✨ In this inspiring podcast episode, Dr. Sonya Murray sits down with Dr. Harding for a dynamic conversation about the power of relationships, the dangers of low expectations, and why we must accelerate—not remediate—learning for all kids. Dr. Murray shares her personal journey from the classroom to educational consulting, reveals the “Five-Course Framework” for serving equity, and tells the moving story behind her signature color, yellow. 💛 Whether you’re an educator, parent, or advocate for change, this episode is packed with real talk, actionable strategies, and hope for a brighter future in education. Don’t miss out! #EducationMatters #WeNotMe #EquityInEducation #StudentSuccess #Podcast
07/21/2025

We Not Me: Tim Terrentine

Episode Title: Cultivating “Somebodiness” in School Leadership with Tim Terrentine Episode Overview: In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Nikki Harding sits down with Tim Terrentine, founder of Translators Consulting Group, to explore how school leaders can foster belonging, build high-trust teams, and tackle tough conversations head-on. Tim shares his journey from executive burnout to developing the “somebodiness” framework—helping educators recognize the unique genius in every individual and create systems that sustain meaningful change. 📋 Key Topics & Timestamps 00:00 – 03:00 Introduction & Tim’s personal journey from adoptee to leadership coach 03:00 – 07:00 Defining “Somebodiness”: Why every team member needs to feel valued 18:00 – 21:00 Urgency in Education vs. Business: Creating a sense of purpose and momentum 24:00 – 27:00 Navigating Taboo Conversations: Practical steps for leaders to go first and set the stage 44:00 – 46:00 Transforming Draining Meetings: One small change to honor people’s time and boost engagement 31:00 – 34:00 Avoiding Burnout: Aligning your purpose, relationships, and work to stay effective 🔑 Key Takeaways Lead with “Somebodiness.” Cultivate environments where everyone—from students to CFOs—knows they matter and can bring their full gifts to the table. Honor People’s Time. Challenge your most soul-draining meeting by adding recognition moments, clear agendas, or turning bullet points into thought-provoking questions. Go First on Tough Topics. Leaders must model vulnerability: send discussion prompts in advance, frame agendas as questions, and invite healthy conflict to spark growth. Balance Urgency & Intentionality. Embrace a culture of accountability—ask, “What matters most this semester?”—while slowing down enough to build sustainable systems. Align to Avoid Burnout. Ensure your personal values, relationships, and daily work wheel remain in alignment to keep serving effectively over the long haul. 🎧 Listen & Resources Stream or download Connect with Tim: Visit translatorscg.com or find him on YouTube and LinkedIn. “It’s not about fixing people; it’s about creating spaces where they already belong.” Ready to cultivate belonging and lead with purpose? ▶️ Listen now
07/14/2025

We Not Me: Reed Hepler

Boost your classroom’s AI intelligence and digital literacy! In this episode of the We Not Me Inclusion and Action Podcast, Dr. Nikki Harding interviews Reed Hepler—an AI-focused instructional designer and digital initiatives librarian—about leveraging Boodle Box AI and Mike Caulfield’s SIFT toolbox to teach information literacy, combat disinformation, and build inclusive, accessible learning experiences. Tune in for actionable strategies on integrating AI into project-based learning, safeguarding FERPA compliance, and empowering students to critically evaluate online content. Here are all the links mentioned in the episode: SIFT Toolbox:Caulfield's Original: https://checkplease.neocities.org/My BoodleBox: https://box.boodle.ai/a/@SensemakingwithSIFTToolboxAll podcast listeners can get a free month of BoodleBox by using code: ONEMONTHRCHSIFT Method: https://pressbooks.pub/introtocollegeresearch/chapter/the-sift-method/UEN Book Chapter: https://uen.pressbooks.pub/teachingandgenerativeai/chapter/navigating-benefits-and-concerns-when-discussing-genai-tools-with-faculty-and-staff/Intro to AI and Ethics in Higher Ed: https://edtechbooks.org/introduction_to_ai_and_ethics_in_higher_educationRelevant COLLABORAITION posts: Most recent Copyright article which links to the first one too: https://reedhepler.substack.com/p/ai-and-copyright-a-new-type-of-userMis-, Dis-, Mal-information: https://reedhepler.substack.com/p/identifying-mis-dis-and-malinformation Insta-Research: https://reedhepler.substack.com/p/the-perils-of-insta-researchAI and Elections (Counterfeit): https://reedhepler.substack.com/p/the-phantasm-of-ai-and-electionsGenOER, GenAI, GenLearning (project-based): https://reedhepler.substack.com/p/generative-oer-generative-learningThank you again for having me!
06/30/2025

We Not Me: Jason Crippen

In this inspiring episode of We Not Me: Inclusion in Action, Dr. Nikki Harding sits down with Jason Crippen—transition coordinator at Goddard Public Schools and founder of What’s Next, a disability employment service making a real difference in the Wichita area. With over 20 years of experience in special education, Jason shares how he's bridging the gap between school and work by helping young adults with disabilities find meaningful, competitive employment. Together, they unpack: Why inclusive hiring isn’t harder—it’s just different How Jason builds relationships with businesses to create sustainable, supported job placements The systemic challenges—and creative solutions—surrounding postsecondary transition What schools and districts can do better to support students with disabilities into adulthood Real stories of transformation that highlight dignity, persistence, and possibility If you're a school administrator, special education teacher, or advocate for disability inclusion, this episode is full of practical insights and heartfelt moments. 🔗 Learn more about Jason’s work on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089917969813 📞 Want to bring inclusive employment support to your district? Contact us to start the conversation.
06/23/2025

We Not Me: TJ Hoffman (Sibme)

### 🎙️ *We Not Me: Inclusion in Action* — Episode Highlight **Unlocking Belonging and Retention Through Reflective Practice: A Conversation with Sibme CEO, TJ Hoffman** In this powerful episode, Dr. Nikki Harding sits down with TJ Hoffman, founder and CEO of **Sibme**, to explore how intentional, AI-supported instructional coaching is transforming professional learning—and redefining what it means to truly support educators. From humble beginnings in Houston classrooms to a nationwide platform, Sibme was built on one foundational belief: *Teachers thrive when they feel supported, seen, and empowered to grow.* TJ and Nikki unpack: * The origin story of Sibme and how it bridges gaps in teacher mentoring and support * How AI is used as an **intelligence accelerator**, not a replacement, giving educators rapid, bias-aware insights into their practice * Why **video-based reflection** increases teacher retention and decreases behavioral disruptions * The safeguards in place for **FERPA-compliant**, equity-focused implementation * What school districts gain: lower turnover, stronger culture, and higher student achievement What makes this partnership truly impactful is the fusion of Sibme’s powerful platform with Dr. Nikki Harding’s deep expertise in instructional leadership, special education, and school improvement. With 20+ years in the field, Nikki brings hands-on experience as a teacher, director, and systems-level change agent—ensuring that the technology is paired with real-world strategy, inclusive coaching, and meaningful results. As Nikki puts it: *“We expect teachers to personalize learning for every student—why wouldn’t we personalize their learning too?”* 💡 **Call to Action:** If you're a school or district leader looking to strengthen teacher retention, improve classroom practice, and build a true culture of belonging, we’d love to talk. 💬 **Connect with Dr. Nikki Harding to learn how the Inclusive Leadership Lab and Sibme partnership can help your team thrive:** 📧 [nikki@inclusiveleadershiplab.org](mailto:nikki@inclusiveleadershiplab.org) 🌐 [inclusiveleadershiplab.org](https://inclusiveleadershiplab.org)
06/16/2025

We Not Me: Brenna Dooley

New Episode – “Staff-First Leadership that Supercharges Learning” Middle school principal Brenna Dooley joins host Dr. Nikki Harding to unpack the Inclusive leadership moves that transform teacher morale and student outcomes at Jeff West Middle School. In this fast-paced chat, you’ll hear how Dooley: Creates psychological safety by mastering the simple—and powerful—act of getting every name right. Uses staff appreciation rituals (“Whoop Wagon” shout-outs, handwritten notes) to ignite teacher engagement and instructional innovation. Models high-impact instructional practices firsthand—subbing in classrooms, co-teaching, and proving that leaders can still “walk the walk.” Balances accountability and support when rolling out school-wide initiatives, turning initial resistance into advocacy. Links teacher recognition to measurable gains in student engagement, classroom management, and academic growth—showing why appreciation is a strategic lever, not fluff. If you’re searching for fresh insights on teacher retention, school culture, and inclusive instructional leadership, this episode is a must-listen. 🔗 Tune in now—and nominate an inspiring educator to be our next guest: inclusiveleadershiplab.org/wenotme Keywords: inclusive leadership, staff appreciation, psychological safety in schools, high-impact instructional practices, teacher retention strategies, middle school principal, school culture, instructional coaching
06/09/2025

We Not Me: Principal Parry

In this powerful episode, Dr. Nikki Harding sits down with South Dakota principal, educator, and TEDx speaker Lisa Parry to unpack what true inclusion means in schools—and why it starts with stories, not just strategies. Lisa shares how growing up around vulnerable populations shaped her inclusive leadership style, and why embracing each person’s individual story—students and staff—is the first step toward building belonging. 💬 In this episode, you’ll hear about: Why inclusion is more than a program—it's a mindset rooted in empathy and connection How shifting from "they" to "we" transforms school culture The leadership lesson Lisa learned from a fearful 6-year-old and how it changed her forever How teacher retention is tied to daily, not one-off, moments of support Why consequences and compassion can coexist—and must ✨ Whether you're a teacher, administrator, or system leader, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to lead with humanity, listen with curiosity, and include with intention. 🔗 Connect with Lisa Parry: Website: PrincipalParry.com LinkedIn: Lisa Parry Watch her TEDx Talk: Enjoying the Uptime (linked via her website)
06/02/2025

We Not Me: Dr. Natasha Veale

Transformational Leadership in Special Education: Insights from Dr. Natasha Veal In this episode of 'We, not Me,' we welcome Dr. Natasha Veal, author of 'How to Retain Special Education Teachers,' to discuss her extensive research and insights into teacher retention in special education. Dr. Veal shares her background as a former special education teacher and her current roles as the Dean and Special Education Program Coordinator at Greensboro College. She explores common misconceptions about why special education teachers leave the field, emphasizing the importance of emotional support and the disconnect between school administrators and special educators. Dr. Veal introduces her conceptual framework, Transforming Special Education Leadership (T-Cell), and provides practical advice for building inclusive, supportive environments in schools. Tune in to discover actionable strategies for improving special education teacher retention and fostering transformational leadership. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:37 Dr. Natasha Veal's Background 01:41 Challenges in Special Education Teacher Retention 04:18 Transformational Leadership Framework 07:42 Emotional Support for Teachers 09:41 Practical Advice for School Leaders 13:29 Final Thoughts and Book Information For a 25% discount on the book, use code MEP25 on the link --> https://myersedpress.presswarehouse.com/browse/book/9781975507077/How-to-Retain-Special-Education-Teachers
05/20/2025

We Not Me: Bryan Wilson

Join us for this inspiring episode of We Not Me: Inclusion in Action featuring Bryan Wilson, a dedicated Kansas special education leader committed to improving employment outcomes for students with disabilities. Bryan shares his journey and passion for creating meaningful, competitive, and integrated job opportunities. Listen now to gain practical, actionable strategies your organization can implement to enhance inclusion and employment success. Keywords: Special Education, Employment for Students with Disabilities, Disability Employment, Inclusion in Action, Bryan Wilson, Competitive Integrated Employment, Kansas Education Listen now to drive real change in your community! If you know of someone doing amazing work in education, nominate them here: https://www.inclusiveleadershiplab.org/wenotme

10 Episodes

Imagine a rapid-fire, feel-good show where hallway high-fives, breakthrough IEP moments, and community-powered makeovers get the spotlight they deserve. That’s We Not Me—a snack-size video series (≈ 15 minutes) dedicated to the people redefining what “school” can feel like.

Creator

Dr. Nikki Harding
Years Active

2025
Episodes

10
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 2025 Inclusive Leadership Lab, LLC
Show Website

We Not Me: Inclusion in Action