#EduCrush Natalie Vardabasso

On her final episode of the #EduCrush podcast, Natalie reflects on her personal growth throughout the past four years of creating the show and shares insights into what's next.
Show Notes:
The greatest validation comes from within.  Creativity thrives on consistency. Equity without introspection is a trap.  You are the solution until you become the problem.  My voice is powerful.  → Subscribe to Unleash YES, Nat's new podcast with co-host Tom Schimmer.

This new podcast from Natalie Vardabasso with co-host Tom Schimmer will help you leave the politics of your job behind and experience the freedom of becoming your own boss. 
→Use this link to subscribe/follow on Apple, Spotify, or Google Podcasts!

On this episode Alex interviews passionate and innovative educator Andrew Rigby, on the numerous benefits of TTRPG’s for students in the classroom.
 

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 Continue the conversation with Alex on Twitter or Instagram
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Download Nat's six research-based ways to INSPIRE change in assessment and grading!
 

Though Starr is considered a leading voice in innovative assessment and grading practices, it didn’t start out that way. Once upon a time, she was a teacher in her classroom on the precipice of making a terrifying change. In this episode, Nat talks with Starr about how her personal growth journey triggered a change in her practices and eventually a major pivot in her career. Learn how Starr learned to let go of control and empower students so you can do the same.
Show Notes:
How doing personal, inner work sparks an openness to change and learning, like it did when Starr chose to transform her assessment and grading practices. The biggest misconception about assessment is not believing that kids are capable of being assessors on their own behalf; it’s vulnerable to release control. Cultivating respectful education by seeing people and moving together puts joy back in the job. When being an innovative teacher puts a target on your back. Leveraging our skills as teachers allows us to move beyond typical jobs in education to expand our impact. Surrendering to the energy of the universe to allow our path to unfold and find our people. 💬 Continue the conversation with Natalie on Twitter or Instagram
💬Continue the conversation with Starr on Twitter or Linkedin.  
 ✊ Join our Facebook group for community, connection and allies.
 
✨Download Nat's six research-based ways to INSPIRE change in assessment and grading!

 Continue the conversation with Natalie on Twitter or Instagram
 
 Continue the conversation with Alex on Twitter or Instagram
 
 
   Join our Facebook group for community, connection and allies.
 
Download Nat's six research-based ways to INSPIRE change in assessment and grading!
On this episode Alex discusses how the court of public opinion influences policy, ethics and our feelings about assessment.  


 

✊ Check out the website for the Empowerment Ecosystem Summit for the schedule, locations, and details on how to register!
Parent communication isn’t the sexiest part of our jobs, but that doesn’t make it any less critical. Natalie is joined by Crystal Frommert, author of “When Calling Parents isn’t your Calling,” to discuss strategies to proactively partner with parents and how to assert ourselves when communication crosses into disrespectful territory.
Show Notes:
Whenever possible, we should lean towards verbal rather than written, digital communication. Many of us are nervous about talking to parents because of bad past experiences and deep fears of being exposed as a fraud. Parent communication in education is NOT customer service; we are professionals, not “yes” people. Strategies for proactive parent communication are meet-the-teacher nights, information nights about special events, or spontaneous positive phone calls home. A great question to ask when talking to parents about something tough is, “What suggestions do you have for me to support your child through this?” As we build our expertise, we can avoid talking about grades with parents altogether by sharing evidence of learning directly. 💬 Continue the conversation with Natalie on Twitter or Instagram
 
💬 Continue the conversation with Crystal on Twitter, Instagram, or her website. 
 
 ✊ Join our Facebook group for community, connection and allies.