Schoolutions: Teaching Strategies to Strengthen School Culture, Empower Educators, & Inspire Student Growth

Olivia Wahl

Do you need innovative strategies for better classroom management and boosting student engagement? This podcast is your go-to resource for coaches, teachers, administrators, and families seeking to create dynamic and effective learning environments. In each episode, you'll discover how to unite educators and caregivers to support students, tackle common classroom management challenges, and cultivate an atmosphere where every learner can thrive. With over 25 years of experience as a teacher and coach, host Olivia Wahl brings insights from more than 100 expert interviews, offering practical tips that bridge the gap between school and home. Tune in every Monday for actionable coaching and teaching strategies, along with inspirational stories that can transform your approach and make a real impact on the students and teachers you support. Start with one of our fan-favorite episodes today (S2 E1: We (still) Got This: What It Takes to Be Radically Pro-Kid with Cornelius Minor) and take the first step towards transforming your educational environment!

  1. 3H AGO

    Writing Starts in the Brain, Not on the Page

    Part One of my S5E24 ⁨@schoolutionspodcast⁩ ⁨conversation uncovers why underdeveloped executive functioning for kids can impact areas like working memory and response inhibition. Melanie Meehan and Maggie Beattie Roberts make foundational writing skills accessible by highlighting how understanding executive function deficits can completely change how we approach literacy education. We discuss how addressing these executive dysfunction challenges can support a child's development into a more confident writer. Discover why writing instruction can't wait any longer in literacy conversations. In this powerful episode, Maggie and Melanie reveal the foundational skills we've been overlooking in writing instruction and how understanding executive functions transforms everything—from that first capital letter to complex compositions. As a special education teacher turned writing coordinator and a national literacy consultant, Maggie and Melanie unpack their groundbreaking book Foundational Skills for Writing: A Brain-Based Guide to Strengthen Executive Functions, Language, and Other Cornerstones for Writing. Learn how eight regions of the brain coordinate when a child picks up a pencil, why handwriting is a gateway to literacy, and how the solar system writing model changes everything we thought we knew about teaching writing. Some episode mentions: ➡️Young-Suk Grace Kim➡️Steve Graham➡️The Writing Clinic ➡️Melanie's other books➡️Two Writing Teachers ➡️Maggie's books: DIY Literacy & Unboxing the CurriculumStay tuned for Part Two on Friday, where we dive into practical strategies you can use tomorrow! Chapters 0:00 - Introduction: The Hidden Challenge in Writing Instruction 1:00 - Meet Maggie Roberts and Melanie Meehan 2:00 - Foundational Skills for Writing: The Book Overview 3:00 - Research That Changed Everything 5:00 - The Origin Story: A Conference Napkin Conversation 7:00 - The Solar System Writing Model Explained 10:00 - Brain at Work: Understanding the Writing Brain 13:00 - Executive Functions: The Stage Hands of Writing 16:00 - Handwriting as a Gateway to Literacy 19:00 - The Writing Clinic: Supporting All Writers 20:00 - Lightning Round: Myths, Truths, and Strategies 24:00 - Coming Up in Part Two Join our community of educators committed to cultivating student success, inspired teaching, and creating inclusive classrooms with a pro-kid mindset focused on the whole child.  🎧 New episodes every Monday & Friday with bite-sized Wednesday reel bonus content. 📧 Connect: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com 🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl Don't forget to🔔SUBSCRIBE for more teaching tips, and 💬SHARE with fellow educators!  #schoolutions #forevergettingbetter #WritingInstruction #LiteracyDevelopment #FoundationalSkills  When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.

    25 min

  2. 3D AGO · BONUS

    Family Life Outside of School for Children with Disabilities

    Welcome back to Part Two of my S5E23 @schoolutionspodcast conversation with Stacey Shubitz. We discuss the importance of looking beyond just IEP goals and accommodations in special education. Stacey emphasizes considering child development and the need for downtime, joy, and culturally relevant books. Caregivers can use these parenting tips to provide emotional support and foster inclusive education for children with disabilities outside of school hours. Stacey reveals the surprising advice a speech pathologist gave her: "Take care of your marriage," tucked between recommendations for two-word sentences was perhaps the most important guidance she'd receive. She shares what happens when caregivers don't take care of themselves (shorter fuses, emotional overwhelm, everything feeling like a catastrophe) and the permission we all need to hear: it's okay to skip therapy homework sometimes. This isn't about surviving—it's about thriving. About curating joy intentionally. About finding children's books that help siblings develop empathy. About protecting your relationships while advocating for your child. Key Topics Covered: - The 130 hours: structuring life beyond school walls - Permission to take "speech therapy vacations" and why downtime matters - Curating joy vs. relentless therapy schedules - Children's books as windows, mirrors, and doors for disability understanding - Supporting siblings through literature and conversation - Caregiver self-care isn't optional—it's essential - Nurturing couple relationships while parenting children with disabilities - What happens when we don't take care of ourselves - Creating safe spaces for family dialogue about disability - The whole child approach to family life 💫Check out Part One if you missed it on Monday! 🔗 Get Stacey's book: Make the School System Work for Your Child With Disabilities at  (PROMO CODE EMJAN1533 for 15% off (expires 2/21/26) Chapters 0:00 Introduction: The 130 Hours Nobody Talks About 1:00 Beyond IEPs: Life Outside School Walls 2:00 Welcome Back: Part 2 with Stacey Shubitz 3:00 Why Include Life Beyond School? 4:00 Permission to Take Speech Therapy Vacations 5:00 Curating Joy Intentionally 5:30 The Importance of Downtime and Rest 6:00 When Your Child Says "I Can't Practice Today" 7:00 Vision Therapy Without Homework: A Game Changer 8:00 Modeling Healthy Rest Habits 8:30 Connection Through Reading Together 9:00 Children's Books That Nurture Empathy 10:00 Windows, Mirrors, and Doors in Disability Literature 11:00 Books for Siblings: Building Understanding 12:00 Creating Safe Spaces for Family Dialogue 13:00 What Happens When Caregivers Don't Self-Care 14:00 The Marriage Advice That Changed Everything 15:00 Finding Your Anchor: Partners and Support Systems 16:00 Vulnerability, Mentorship, and Gratitude 17:00 Resources and Book Recommendations 18:00 Promo Code for Stacey's Book 18:30 Next Week: Foundational Writing Skills Research 19:00 Closing: You're Doing Better Than You Think Next Week: Melanie Meehan and Maggie Beattie Roberts are joining me to reveal groundbreaking research behind their new book on foundational writing skills. We're unpacking how understanding the brain's role in writing—from handwriting to executive function—can transform how we teach every child to become a confident, capabl When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.

    20 min

  3. 5D AGO · BONUS

    The Truth About School Evaluations Parents Need to Hear

    Discover a powerful perspective shift on educational evaluations that eliminates stigma and empowers families. In this transformative reel clip, Stacey Shubitz shares how one parent reframed the evaluation process as "finding the key to unlock the brain" – a beautiful metaphor that changes everything about how we approach student struggles and student success. If your child is experiencing low engagement, classroom behavior challenges, or attention in class difficulties, this video offers hope and clarity. Educational evaluations aren't about labels – they're about understanding the whole child and creating pathways to thriving students through culturally responsive teaching, inclusive classrooms, and effective teaching strategies. Perfect for teachers, education coaches, school administrators, parents, homeschoolers, teacher mentors, instructional leaders, and school counselors seeking to build a pro-kid mindset and strengthen the home-school connection. What You'll Learn: • How to eliminate evaluation stigma for families and students • A powerful way to explain evaluations that empowers children • Why seeking help through evaluation supports student engagement and student motivation • Building equity in education through understanding and support • Strengthening parent communication and family partnerships • Creating inclusive teaching environments that celebrate every learner This approach supports classroom belonging, student participation, and education transformation by shifting from shame to solution-focused support. Whether you're involved in instructional coaching, teacher support, professional development, or parent involvement, this message reinforces that evaluations create easier pathways for learning and living. For: New teachers, mentor teachers, instructional leaders, school leadership teams, and caregivers seeking innovative teaching strategies and caregiver support. Building school culture that prioritizes the whole child, teacher impact, and inspired teaching starts with changing the conversation around support and evaluation. 🚀📚 Watch Part One (https://youtu.be/VP81-Crxvwc) & Part Two (https://youtu.be/xen2OnJjiRM) of our ⁨@schoolutionspodcast S5E23 interview. Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction: A Parent's Powerful Perspective 0:15 - The "Key to Unlock the Brain" Metaphor 0:35 - Breaking Down the Evaluation Stigma 0:50 - Evaluation as Help, Not a Label 1:10 - Making School and Home Easier for Children 1:25 - Final Thoughts: Empowering Families Through Understanding 📧 Connect: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com  🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl Don't forget to 🔔SUBSCRIBE for more teaching tips, and 💬SHARE with fellow educators! https://www.youtube.com/@schoolutionspodcast/ #EducationalEvaluation #StudentSuccess #ProKidMindset #InclusiveEducation #ParentSupport #TeacherSupport #WholeChild #EquityInEducation #ThrivingStudents #SchoolCulture #InstructionalCoaching #FamilyPartnerships #CulturallyResponsiveTeaching #EmpoweredEducators #EducationTransformation #TeacherImpact #StudentEngagement #InclusiveClassrooms #AntiBiasTeaching #professionaldevelopment #schoolutions #schoolutionsteachingstrategies #schoolutionspodcast #forevergettingbetter When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.

    1 min

  4. FEB 2

    Make the School System Work for Your Child with Disabilities

    Part One of my S5E23 @schoolutionspodcast conversation, literacy specialist and parent Stacey Shubitz shares her dual perspective on navigating special education. If you've ever felt lost in IEP meetings or unsure how to advocate for your child, this episode is your roadmap. Stacey, author of Make the School System Work for Your Child With Disabilities, reveals why leading with your child's strengths—not deficits—changes everything. She breaks down the difference between IEPs and 504 plans, shares the exact phrases to use when schools push back on accommodations, and explains why evaluations are actually keys to unlocking easier learning paths for your child. Whether you're a teacher wanting to better support families, a parent feeling overwhelmed by the system, or an administrator seeking to improve parent communication and family partnerships, you'll walk away with practical strategies you can use tomorrow. Key Topics Covered: - Special education vs. general education: understanding the difference - IEPs vs. 504 plans explained clearly - Leading with strengths in the evaluation process - Effective teaching strategies for inclusive classrooms - Parent involvement and home-school connection best practices - Professional development for supporting students with disabilities - Culturally responsive teaching and equity in education - Student engagement and classroom belonging for all learners - Teacher support and instructional coaching insights - Self-care for caregivers navigating the special education system Get in touch with Stacey:   Blog Podcast SubstackInstagram LinkedIn 🔗 Get Stacey's book: PROMO CODE EMJAN1533 for 15% off ***promotion expires February 21, 2026 Some Episode Mentions: ➡️Emily Ladau  ➡️Own Voices Movement  Chapters 0:00 Introduction: Navigating Special Education with Confidence 1:00 Meet Stacey Shubitz: Educator and Parent Perspective 3:00 The Book That Changes Everything 4:00 Learning from Own Voices in Disability 6:00 Two Hats: Educator and Parent 7:00 Special Education vs. General Education Explained 9:00 IEPs vs. 504 Plans: The Difference That Matters 10:00 Reframing Evaluations: Unlocking Your Child's Brain 12:00 Leading with Strengths, Not Deficits 14:00 Navigating Communication Breakdowns 16:00 Your Go-To Resource Guide 17:00 Lightning Round: IEP Meeting Essentials 17:15 When to Request IEP Revisions 17:45 The One Document to Keep on Your Phone 18:15 Phrases for Advocating for Accommodations 18:45 Biggest Myth About Special Education 19:15 Self-Care for Parents: The Power of Meditation 20:00 Coming Up in Part 2: Life Beyond School 🎧 New episodes every Monday & Friday with bite-sized Wednesday reel bonus content. 📧 Connect: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com 🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.

    22 min

  5. FEB 1

    These Educators Are Changing How We Support ALL Learners This February

    This February, join @schoolutionspodcast as it highlights educators and researchers advancing child support.  🎯 What You'll Learn: • How to navigate IEPs, 504s, and disability services with confidence • The shocking research behind foundational writing skills that transforms student success • A neurodivergent educator's journey supporting thriving students in inclusive classrooms • The alarming trend: NYC pediatricians diagnosing kindergartners with play-deprivation-induced anxiety and depression • A bold 6-point proposal to save early childhood education in public schools Featured Experts: 💫Stacey Shubitz bridges the home-school connection for families navigating special education.  💫Melanie Meehan and Maggie Beattie Roberts share critical research on instructional strategies for foundational writing skills.  💫Dr. Courtney Bishop reveals her path as a neurodivergent mom and educator championing equity in education.  💫Dr. Beverly Falk and Dr. Nancy Cardwell from City College expose an education crisis and present their solution to NYC leadership. Whether you're focused on classroom belonging, student motivation, culturally responsive teaching, or education transformation, these conversations offer effective teaching strategies for the whole child. Perfect for teachers, education coaches, school administrators, parents, homeschoolers, teacher mentors, instructional leaders, and school counselors committed to inspired teaching and empowered educators. 🔔 Subscribe for education strategies that prioritize pro-kid mindset, inclusive teaching, and student participation! https://www.youtube.com/@schoolutionspodcast/ CHAPTERS: 0:00 Introduction: February's Education Revolution 0:15 Stacey Shubitz: Bridging Home & School for IEPs and 504s 0:30 Melanie Meehan & Maggie Beattie Roberts: Foundational Writing Research 0:45 Dr. Courtney Bishop: Neurodivergent Mom & Educator's Journey 1:00 Dr. Beverly Falk & Dr. Nancy Cardwell: NYC's Play Deprivation Crisis 1:30 The 6-Point Proposal to Save Early Childhood Education 1:50 Join the Conversations This February CONNECT & SUBSCRIBE: 👍 Like if you're ready for education transformation 💬 Comment: Which guest are you most excited to hear? 🔔 Subscribe for weekly teaching tips and instructional strategies 📱 Share Wednesday reels with your teaching team Join me in creating thriving students through classroom belonging, student engagement, and inspired teaching. Let's make 2026 a year of teacher impact and school change! #EducationPodcast #SpecialEducation #IEP #StudentEngagement #InclusiveTeaching #EquityInEducation #TeacherCoaching #ProfessionalDevelopment #SchoolLeadership #ParentInvolvement #CulturallyResponsiveTeaching #WholeChild #EarlyChildhoodEducation #PlayBasedLearning #NeurodivergentStudents #TeachingStrategies #EducationReform #TeacherSupport #InstructionalCoaching #FamilyPartnerships #ProKidMindset #EmpoweredEducators #InspiredTeaching #EducationTransformation #ThrivingStudents #ClassroomBelonging #StudentSuccess #SchoolCulture #InstructionalLeadership #HomeSchoolConnection When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.

    1 min

  6. JAN 30 · BONUS

    Why ALL Kindergarteners NEED a Writers Playshop

    Welcome back to Part Two of my S5E22  @schoolutionspodcast conversation with Katie Keier. This episode builds on the foundation from Part One, exploring Katie's unique classroom strategies. We dive into her innovative teaching techniques, including why she creates classrooms that foster belonging and student engagement through choice, materials, and the honoring of every child's story. Katie shares powerful examples of student participation and student motivation, including kindergartners who became environmental advocates and petitioned their school to go plastic-free. Key Topics: • Teaching with integrity vs. teaching with fidelity • Equity in education and inclusive teaching practices • Student engagement through play-based learning and active learning • Culturally responsive teaching that honors family partnerships • Professional development for teachers navigating scripted curricula • Instructional strategies that support the whole child • Parent communication and home-school connection • Documentation and assessment in inclusive classrooms • Student success through student-centered learning • Teacher coaching and mentor teachers supporting new teachers 💫Check out Part One  Researchers & Educators Mentioned: ➡️Vivian Gussin Paley ➡️Katie Kelly (author of From Empathy to Action) Books & Publications: ➡️Kitchen Dance by Maurie Manning (Katie's go-to picture book for modeling) Pedagogical Approaches & Organizations: ➡️Reggio Emilia Approach ➡️The Hundred Languages in Ministories (Reggio Emilia concept) ➡️Kennedy Center's CETA (Changing Education Through the Arts) Program CHAPTERS 0:00 - Welcome to Part 2  1:00 - Play, Equity, and Access in Writers Playshop  3:00 - Honoring Every Child's Story  5:00 - What to Watch and Listen For  7:00 - Documentation Without Losing Presence  9:00 - Navigating Required Curricula  11:00 - Fidelity vs. Integrity ⭐  13:00 - Celebrating Children's Work  15:00 - Arts Integration and the Hundred Languages  17:00 - Building Beloved Community Through Story  18:00 - Kindergartners as Environmental Advocates  21:00 - Must-Read Picture Book: Kitchen Dance  23:00 - The Bear Story (Katie's Running Journey)  25:00 - Children Are Our Hope  26:00 - Closing Reflections 🎧 New episodes every Monday & Friday with bite-sized Wednesday reel bonus content. 📧 Connect: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com 🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl Next Week: I'm sitting down with Stacey Shubitz to talk about her groundbreaking new book for families navigating IEPs, 504 plans, and disability services. When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.

    30 min

  7. JAN 28 · BONUS

    Standards Alone Won't Inspire Young Writers

    Are standards enough to inspire real writers? In this powerful reel, Katie Keier shares why teaching writing standards in isolation isn't creating confident, motivated writers in our classrooms. Learn about the "iceberg method" - where standards are just the tip, and meaningful purpose sits beneath the surface. The truth: Kids can learn to spell "cat" and blend sounds, but without an authentic audience, purpose, and opportunities for student participation, they'll never see themselves as real writers. This video explores how classroom structures like Writers Playshop transform low engagement into active learning by giving students meaningful reasons to write and share their work. Perfect for teachers, education coaches, school administrators, instructional leaders, and parents looking to improve student engagement, student motivation, and student success through effective teaching strategies. 🔑 Key Topics Covered: • Why teaching standards in isolation fails student engagement • The iceberg approach to writing instruction • How purpose and audience inspire students to become writers • Creating classroom belonging through meaningful writing opportunities • Practical instructional strategies for innovative teaching • Building student participation and attention in class Whether you're focused on lesson planning, teacher coaching, instructional leadership, or supporting thriving students with a pro-kid mindset and whole child approach, this video offers education transformation insights you can implement immediately. 💡 Transform your approach to writing instruction and create empowered educators who inspire teaching that drives real student success and teacher impact. 🚀📚 Watch Part One & Part Two of our ⁨@schoolutionspodcast⁩ S5E22 interview. Chapters: 0:00 - The Standards Question 0:15 - The Iceberg Method Explained 0:35 - Teaching Standards in Isolation 0:50 - Why Purpose Matters for Young Writers 1:10 - Creating Meaningful Writing Opportunities When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey. 📧 Connect: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com 🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl Don't forget to  🔔SUBSCRIBE for more teaching tips, and 💬SHARE with fellow educators!  #StudentEngagement #TeachingStrategies #WritingInstruction #EffectiveTeaching #StudentMotivation #ClassroomBelonging #ActiveLearning #InstructionalCoaching #TeacherSupport #EducationLeadership #InnovativeTeaching #InclusiveTeaching #ProKidMindset #WholeChild #StudentSuccess #TeacherImpact #EducationTransformation #InspiredTeaching #ThrivingStudents #EmpoweredEducators #LessonPlanning #SchoolLeadership #ProfessionalDevelopment #CulturallyResponsiveTeaching #EquityInEducation #NewTeachers #MentorTeachers #SchoolImprovement #TeachingTips #WritersWorkshop When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.

    1 min

  8. JAN 26

    Stories Live Everywhere: The Writers Playshop Approach

    Part One of my S5E22  @schoolutionspodcast conversation, Katie Keier shares how her Writers Playshop is changing kindergarten writing through play. Learn about effective teaching strategies and how to create a dynamic classroom environment where children thrive. In this episode, 33-year veteran teacher Katie Keier shares how a five-year-old revolutionized her entire approach to teaching writing. Discover why she refuses to spell words for children, how materials serve as story catalysts, and why black pens matter more than you think. Researchers & Educators: ➡️Katie Wood Ray ➡️Donald Graves ➡️Lucy Calkins ➡️Nancy Atwell ➡️Matt Glover ➡️Loris Malaguzzi ➡️Vivian Gussin Paley ➡️Susan Harris MacKay and teachers at OPAL School ➡️Carl Anderson Books & Publications: ➡️Catching Readers Before They Fall ➡️Catching Readers Blog ➡️Writers Playshop: Joyful Play in Kindergarten Pedagogical Approaches: ➡️Reggio Emilia Approach ➡️The Hundred Languages in Ministories (Reggio Emilia concept) ➡️OPAL School Story Workshops CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - Introduction: Welcome to Solutions Teaching Strategies  1:00 - Katie's Background & the Birth of Writer's Play Shop  3:00 - Meet Katie Keier: 33 Years of Teaching Excellence  4:00 - Research Foundations: Standing on Giants' Shoulders  6:00 - From Writers Workshop to Writers Playshop  7:00 - Stories Live Everywhere: First Day of Kindergarten  9:00 - Materials as Story Catalysts: Invitations to Create  11:00 - Structure & Time: How Writer's Play Shop Works Daily  13:00 - The Teacher's Role: Curious Audience & Support  14:00 - Joy & Infinite Possibilities in Kindergarten  15:00 - Why Katie Never Spells Words for Children  17:00 - Ownership & Agency: Children Reading Their Own Work  18:00 - Representational Drawing & Multilingual Learners  19:00 - Lightning Round: Misconceptions About Kindergarten Writers  20:00 - Essential Materials: Black Pens, Blank Books, Loose Parts  21:00 - Meeting Standards Through Meaningful Writing  23:00 - Building Confidence: From Kindergarten to High School  24:00 - Closing & Preview of Part Two 🎧 New episodes every Monday & Friday with bite-sized Wednesday reel bonus content. 📧 Connect: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com 🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.

    26 min
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Do you need innovative strategies for better classroom management and boosting student engagement? This podcast is your go-to resource for coaches, teachers, administrators, and families seeking to create dynamic and effective learning environments. In each episode, you'll discover how to unite educators and caregivers to support students, tackle common classroom management challenges, and cultivate an atmosphere where every learner can thrive. With over 25 years of experience as a teacher and coach, host Olivia Wahl brings insights from more than 100 expert interviews, offering practical tips that bridge the gap between school and home. Tune in every Monday for actionable coaching and teaching strategies, along with inspirational stories that can transform your approach and make a real impact on the students and teachers you support. Start with one of our fan-favorite episodes today (S2 E1: We (still) Got This: What It Takes to Be Radically Pro-Kid with Cornelius Minor) and take the first step towards transforming your educational environment!

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