30 episodes

Hosted by Dr. Lisa R. Hassler, an accomplished author and educator, The Brighter Side of Education podcast offers a welcoming space for teachers and parents to unite, driven by a commitment to spotlight individuals and their action-based efforts to bring about positive change in the field of education.  Its primary mission is to shed light on effective approaches that pave the way for a brighter future for our children. Grounded in research and driven by heartfelt dedication, Dr. Hassler, a mother of seven, acknowledges the diversity in educational needs among children while emphasizing our shared desire for their success beyond school. Join us to listen to uplifting stories from educational leaders nationwide—individuals just like you. The podcast's music is thoughtfully crafted by Brandon Picciolini, a talented musician from The Lonesome Family Band; you can explore more of his work on Instagram.

The Brighter Side of Education Dr. Lisa R. Hassler

    • Education
    • 5.0 • 14 Ratings

Hosted by Dr. Lisa R. Hassler, an accomplished author and educator, The Brighter Side of Education podcast offers a welcoming space for teachers and parents to unite, driven by a commitment to spotlight individuals and their action-based efforts to bring about positive change in the field of education.  Its primary mission is to shed light on effective approaches that pave the way for a brighter future for our children. Grounded in research and driven by heartfelt dedication, Dr. Hassler, a mother of seven, acknowledges the diversity in educational needs among children while emphasizing our shared desire for their success beyond school. Join us to listen to uplifting stories from educational leaders nationwide—individuals just like you. The podcast's music is thoughtfully crafted by Brandon Picciolini, a talented musician from The Lonesome Family Band; you can explore more of his work on Instagram.

    Transformative Tunes: Shaping Early Learning with Music Specialist Nicholaus Young

    Transformative Tunes: Shaping Early Learning with Music Specialist Nicholaus Young

    Ever wonder about the magic that happens when little toes tap and small voices hum along to catchy tunes? We guarantee you'll begin to see pre-school music and movement in a transformative light in our chat with specialist Nick Young, who's been instrumental in music curriculum design for early childhood classrooms. He shares his inspiring journey and speaks to the multitude of benefits such activities have on children's cognitive, emotional, and social development.

    Nick further explains the nuts and bolts of engaging preschoolers with music, demonstrating the power of body language, vocal inflection and the right choice of songs. Picture a classroom where children giggle and wiggle, mirroring directed and imaginative movement songs, learning and growing more than we ever realized. Add some instruments, rhythms, and a whole lot of play - and you've got the perfect recipe for a joyful, learning-rich environment. 

    But we don't stop at the 'how'. In the final chapter of our conversation, we urge schools and educators to heed this call to action - incorporate music and movement into the curriculum. It's not just fun and games - this impactful learning approach can enhance mathematical and reading proficiency, foster creativity and kick-start critical thinking. We invite you to join us in this mission to revolutionize education - because every child deserves the brighter side of learning. Tune in and subscribe to be a part of this positive movement!

    To access Nicholaus Young's work:
     preschool  music curriculum go to playmotionmusic.com.mobile preschool music program site go to youngmusiccompany.com.YouTube go to https://youtu.be/k69JAy0jjEc?si=Dbzk1a6jesG39xURschedule virtual classes call (562) 537-4187email contact@playmotionmusic.comSupport the showPlease subscribe and share this podcast with a friend to spread the good!
    If you find value to this podcast, consider becoming a supporter with a $3 subscription. Click on the link to join: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2048018/support

    To help this podcast reach others, rate and review on Apple Podcasts! Go to Library, choose The Brighter Side of Education, and scroll down to Reviews. It's just that easy. Thank you!

    Want to share a story? Email me at drlisarichardsonhassler@gmail.com.
    Visit my website for resources: http://www.drlisarhassler.com
    Join our podcast community on Facebook at The Brighter Side of Education Podcast Community

    The music in this podcast was written and performed by Brandon Picciolini of the Lonesome Family Band. Visit and follow him on Instagram.

    Books I've Authored:
    America's Embarrassing Reading Crisis: What we learned from COVID, A guide to help educational leaders, teachers, and parents change the game, is available on Amazon, Kindle, and Audible, and iTunes.
    My Weekly Writing Journal: 15 Week...

    • 41 min
    Drawing Thought: A Discussion on Art and Cognition with Artist Dr. Andrea Kantrowitz

    Drawing Thought: A Discussion on Art and Cognition with Artist Dr. Andrea Kantrowitz

    Ever thought about the profound role art plays in education? Get ready to be enlightened as we join Dr. Andrea Kantrowitz, an artist, researcher, and educator, in an enriching conversation on the impact of art on cognition. Taking us through her significant research findings, we delve into the surprising correlation between an integrated art curriculum and elevated mathematical skills among students from Bronx and Harlem. Dr Kantrowitz masterfully sheds light on the power of art in fostering spatial reasoning, an essential skillset for excelling in STEM fields.

    We also turn our attention to the intriguing journey of drawing and how it can help us experience the world in a more profound, mindful way. Dr Kantrowitz presents insightful excerpts from her book, Drawing Thought, equipping us with exciting activities to amplify cognition and mindfulness. The conversation then shifts to how arts education can pave the way for equal opportunities in society by nurturing creativity.

    If you've got a unique experience about arts education in schools, we're all ears! Find out how you can contribute to this vital dialogue and make a difference by joining our podcast community on Facebook at The Brighter Side of Education Podcast Community.

    The call to action is to emphasize arts education and the creative mind as key components to equalize opportunities in society.

    To learn more about Andrea's work, go to www.andreakantrowitz.com.
    Support the showPlease subscribe and share this podcast with a friend to spread the good!
    If you find value to this podcast, consider becoming a supporter with a $3 subscription. Click on the link to join: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2048018/support

    To help this podcast reach others, rate and review on Apple Podcasts! Go to Library, choose The Brighter Side of Education, and scroll down to Reviews. It's just that easy. Thank you!

    Want to share a story? Email me at drlisarichardsonhassler@gmail.com.
    Visit my website for resources: http://www.drlisarhassler.com
    Join our podcast community on Facebook at The Brighter Side of Education Podcast Community

    The music in this podcast was written and performed by Brandon Picciolini of the Lonesome Family Band. Visit and follow him on Instagram.

    Books I've Authored:
    America's Embarrassing Reading Crisis: What we learned from COVID, A guide to help educational leaders, teachers, and parents change the game, is available on Amazon, Kindle, and Audible, and iTunes.
    My Weekly Writing Journal: 15 Week...

    • 26 min
    Stage and Classroom: The Interplay of Theater and Education with Actor Brad Wages

    Stage and Classroom: The Interplay of Theater and Education with Actor Brad Wages

    Looking to create a lasting impact on your students? Tune in as we turn the spotlight on the power of theater education. We're joined by Brad Wages, actor and seasoned theater education maestro from Venice Theater's Education and Community Engagement Department. We dive deep into a discussion about his journey in the world of theater and how he uses his expertise to transform students' lives and learning experiences.

    Get ready to expand your teaching toolbox as we explore the magic of theater skills and education. From simple theater games that ignite group dynamics and creative energy to academic advantages such as improved information retention and social skills development, we cover it all. Hear firsthand stories about students and the transformative power of theater education. It's not just about acting; it's about growing, discovering potential, and creating meaningful connections that go beyond the classroom walls.

    But the work doesn't stop in the classroom. We also delve into the crucial role of theater education advocacy. We share ways you can support arts initiatives and share success stories that highlight the good in education. Learn how you can be a part of this mission to bring about positive change in education. So join us, learn, be inspired, and take a front-row seat as we shine a spotlight on the brighter side of education.

    To connect with Brad Wages or Venice Theatre and learn more about their student programs, go to https://venicetheatre.org.
    Support the showPlease subscribe and share this podcast with a friend to spread the good!
    If you find value to this podcast, consider becoming a supporter with a $3 subscription. Click on the link to join: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2048018/support

    To help this podcast reach others, rate and review on Apple Podcasts! Go to Library, choose The Brighter Side of Education, and scroll down to Reviews. It's just that easy. Thank you!

    Want to share a story? Email me at drlisarichardsonhassler@gmail.com.
    Visit my website for resources: http://www.drlisarhassler.com
    Join our podcast community on Facebook at The Brighter Side of Education Podcast Community

    The music in this podcast was written and performed by Brandon Picciolini of the Lonesome Family Band. Visit and follow him on Instagram.

    Books I've Authored:
    America's Embarrassing Reading Crisis: What we learned from COVID, A guide to help educational leaders, teachers, and parents change the game, is available on Amazon, Kindle, and Audible, and iTunes.
    My Weekly Writing Journal: 15 Week...

    • 37 min
    Charting the Course: Looking Ahead to a Brighter Season 2

    Charting the Course: Looking Ahead to a Brighter Season 2

    Season 1 of The Brighter Side of Education was a remarkable journey! Together, we laughed, we learned, and we sparked conversation on how to transform classrooms, one discussion at a time. We've heard about the challenges educators, parents, and students face, and the innovative solutions that various communities have implemented. It's been a fantastic ride, but it's time we take a short break to ensure the content we bring to you in Season 2 is even more captivating.

    Do you wonder how we're planning to elevate Season 2? Curiosity is the fuel for discovery—and there's much to discover in our upcoming season. By subscribing to The Brighter Side of Education on your chosen podcast platform, you'll be among the first to embark on this new journey with us. Follow us on social media at drlisarichardsonhassler for teasers, updates, and exclusive content. Don't hesitate to share your thoughts or suggestions with me at drlisarichardsonhassler@gmail.com. Your support and feedback are the driving force behind our remarkable journey. So, stay tuned, and together let's illuminate the path to our children's success in Season 2.
    Support the showPlease subscribe and share this podcast with a friend to spread the good!
    If you find value to this podcast, consider becoming a supporter with a $3 subscription. Click on the link to join: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2048018/support

    To help this podcast reach others, rate and review on Apple Podcasts! Go to Library, choose The Brighter Side of Education, and scroll down to Reviews. It's just that easy. Thank you!

    Want to share a story? Email me at drlisarichardsonhassler@gmail.com.
    Visit my website for resources: http://www.drlisarhassler.com
    Join our podcast community on Facebook at The Brighter Side of Education Podcast Community

    The music in this podcast was written and performed by Brandon Picciolini of the Lonesome Family Band. Visit and follow him on Instagram.

    Books I've Authored:
    America's Embarrassing Reading Crisis: What we learned from COVID, A guide to help educational leaders, teachers, and parents change the game, is available on Amazon, Kindle, and Audible, and iTunes.
    My Weekly Writing Journal: 15 Week...

    • 3 min
    Education Illuminated: Reflecting on a Year of Bright Ideas and Emerging Trends with Drs Hassler

    Education Illuminated: Reflecting on a Year of Bright Ideas and Emerging Trends with Drs Hassler

    In today's episode, we have a special guest joining me as co-host - my husband, Dr. Gregg Hassler, Jr. He's not only a dentist but also a former school board president and, as he always likes to say, my biggest advocate.
    We are thrilled to celebrate The Brighter Side of Education's one-year anniversary! A big thank you goes out to all our listeners and guests who have made this first year truly incredible. When we started this journey, we didn't quite know what to expect, but we've learned and grown tremendously along the way and couldn't be prouder of the results.
    One of the significant challenges in education today is the struggle many students face with reading and writing. To address this, I took it upon myself to create a workbook-style writing journal based on the successful classroom writing structure I used in my own teaching experience. It's called "My Writing Journal: 15 Weeks of Writing for Primary Grades," and I'm thrilled with how it turned out! This journal is designed to seamlessly complement any Language Arts program for students in first through third grades and is already being used in several classrooms. You can find it on Amazon!
    Over the past year, I've had the privilege to attend and present at three national education conferences, which we'll delve into in this episode. Many of the speakers I met at these conferences have graced our podcast, sharing their valuable knowledge and insights. During these conferences, several emerging trends in education became apparent, and we'll discuss the top nine of them: AI, microlearning/nano-learning, online learning (including blended, hyflex, and extended reality), Masterclass/Maestro platforms, independent startups offering homeschool options, vocational and technical courses in high schools, a renewed focus on soft skills, alternative assessments, and how various states are tackling teacher shortages.
    Our call to action for you, our listeners, is simple: keep learning, stay involved, and support education in your community. Together, we can make a positive impact on the future of education. Thank you for being part of our journey!







     
    Support the showPlease subscribe and share this podcast with a friend to spread the good!
    If you find value to this podcast, consider becoming a supporter with a $3 subscription. Click on the link to join: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2048018/support

    To help this podcast reach others, rate and review on Apple Podcasts! Go to Library, choose The Brighter Side of Education, and scroll down to Reviews. It's just that easy. Thank you!

    Want to share a story? Email me at drlisarichardsonhassler@gmail.com.
    Visit my website for resources: http://www.drlisarhassler.com
    Join our podcast community on Facebook at The Brighter Side of Education Podcast Community

    The music in this podcast was written and performed by Brandon Picciolini of the Lonesome Family Band. Visit and follow him on Instagram.

    Books I've Authored:
    America's Embarrassing Reading Crisis: What we learned from COVID, A guide to help educational leaders, teachers, and parents change the game, is available on Amazon, Kindle, and Audible, and iTunes.
    My Weekly Writing Journal: 15 Week...

    • 27 min
    Why Distance Education Needs Digital Communities with Visionary Katy Kappler

    Why Distance Education Needs Digital Communities with Visionary Katy Kappler

    In this episode, I focus on digital communities with Katy Kappler. Why do we need them and how can it increase student completion rates in distance education?
    The potential of technology in education is so great that there is a steady increase in the number of online courses available in higher education every year. Distance education is an effective tool with the capability to enhance learning experiences with the added benefit of flexibility. 
    However, completion rates for online courses are surprisingly low. 40-80% of online learners just give up. How could such an effective education model fail to go the distance to completion and why do college students drop them? Data suggests that motivation, technical issues, and lack of support are the three major reasons.
    Dr. Hughes M. Brown, et al., identified these concerns in his 2015 study with first semester college students taking distance learning classes. His recommendation was that more needs to be done by institutions to change the "lone wolf" preconception and avoid the "goulash approach" to supporting distance learners. He went on to state that lives of distance learners are not black and white, but rather "complex shades of grey and this needs to be taken in to account when designing appropriate learning experiences and supports to ensure student success."
    Katy offers insights into how digital communities can be used to create student-centered environments, improve student outcomes, and increase a sense of belonging for online students. She was named one of 144 women CEOs and founders of Leading Global EdTech Startups in March. Katy is the CEO and Co-founder of InScribe, an innovative digital community platform, slated to be one of the world's most promising ed tech startups. To learn more, go to www.inscribeapp.com.

    The call to action is that distance education is not a "lone wolf" experience. Digital communities create a greater sense of belonging and improve student success. Use them if you have them, get them if you don't. It may be the difference between completing that online course and not.
    Support the showPlease subscribe and share this podcast with a friend to spread the good!
    If you find value to this podcast, consider becoming a supporter with a $3 subscription. Click on the link to join: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2048018/support

    To help this podcast reach others, rate and review on Apple Podcasts! Go to Library, choose The Brighter Side of Education, and scroll down to Reviews. It's just that easy. Thank you!

    Want to share a story? Email me at drlisarichardsonhassler@gmail.com.
    Visit my website for resources: http://www.drlisarhassler.com
    Join our podcast community on Facebook at The Brighter Side of Education Podcast Community

    The music in this podcast was written and performed by Brandon Picciolini of the Lonesome Family Band. Visit and follow him on Instagram.

    Books I've Authored:
    America's Embarrassing Reading Crisis: What we learned from COVID, A guide to help educational leaders, teachers, and parents change the game, is available on Amazon, Kindle, and Audible, and iTunes.
    My Weekly Writing Journal: 15 Week...

    • 24 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
14 Ratings

14 Ratings

B. Donofrio, Lang Arts teacher ,

So glad I found this podcast!

As a veteran teacher, I know how easy it is to feel weighed down by the demands of the day. I remember hearing a speaker at an education conference say that 95% of our brain focuses on the five per cent of our day that went wrong. That means we give hardly any thought to the 95% that went right. Dr. Hassler’s podcast breaks through that wall and shines a light on what is working in education. After listening to her show, I have learned something new and feel optimistic for the next day and beyond.

CPopham ,

Showcasing what works for students

This podcast is born out of a love for student’s education and an intense curiosity of teaching methods. As a parent, I have found Dr. Lisa’s conversations with her guests to be uplifting, hopeful and inspiring. We often hear so much about what is wrong with our schools today. This podcast shines a light on what is right with our teachers and their methods and seeks to share what’s working. Every episode I find myself thinking, “I have never thought of that! That’s amazing!” Thank you Dr. Lisa for creating a space that showcases the people who share in your passion for education.

Acestar175 ,

Empowering and Insightful

First, let me start by saying I am a mother of three (one child with auditory processing and adhd) as well as a middle school teacher in my local school. I have enjoyed listening to each episode more than once! These informative podcasts have empowered me to be a better parent and teacher. The guest speakers are phenomenal and have provided me with valuable information for my classroom and my own children. I highly recommend you take the time TODAY to listen to ALL of Dr. Lisa Hassler’s podcasts.

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