39 episodes

Hosted by Dr. Lisa R. Hassler, an 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 • 15 Ratings

Hosted by Dr. Lisa R. Hassler, an 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 Essence of Montessori Classrooms with Educator Michaela Kucera

    The Essence of Montessori Classrooms with Educator Michaela Kucera

    Discover the transformative power of Montessori and project-based learning as we journey with Michaela Cucera, a veteran Montessori educator from the Roots Nature and Leadership Academy, through the captivating terrain of individualized education. Prepare to be inspired as we unravel the secrets behind sensory-rich classrooms and mixed-age learning environments that do more than just educate—they ignite a natural propensity for leadership and instill a lifelong zest for discovery among students. Michaela brings to the table a treasure trove of insights from her experience with these progressive educational models, illustrating how they encourage children to blossom into self-reliant learners and innovative thinkers.

    Our conversation then shifts to the nuanced art of assessing educational growth beyond the confines of traditional standardized testing. Embrace the Montessori philosophy where personal achievements are celebrated over percentile ranks, and where learning is a journey, not a race to the highest score. The episode sheds light on the crafted surroundings that support self-discipline, foster normalization, and promote practical life skills pivotal for the holistic development of young minds. By integrating these rich Montessori principles into your educational practice, whether you're an educator or a parent, you'll be equipped to not only enrich the learning experiences of children but also to nurture a generation that approaches life with curiosity, confidence, and an enduring passion for learning.
    Support the show
    Please 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 lisa@drlisarhassler.com.
    Visit my website for resources: http://www.drlisarhassler.com

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

    My publications:
    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 Weeks of Writing for Primary Grades on Amazon.
    World of Words: A Middle School Writing Notebook Using the Writing Process on Amazon....

    • 26 min
    Crafting Bright Futures: Author Autumn McKay on Enriching Early Learning Experiences

    Crafting Bright Futures: Author Autumn McKay on Enriching Early Learning Experiences

    Realize the full potential of your child's early education journey with guidance from Autumn McKay, a former teacher turned author whose passion for hands-on learning shines through every page of her work. Autumn details how parents can support their child's academic journey by creating intentional learning experiences at home.  Even the simplest activities, from baking to outdoor exploration, can make a tremendous impact on cognitive development and create cherished memories. As Autumn shares her expertise, gleaned from her Ultimate Preschool Activity Guide and her engaging reading and math series, you’ll discover a world where learning is not just educational but fun for the family.

    Embrace a life where screen time takes a backseat to sensory-rich experiences that lay the foundation for a lifetime of learning. In our conversation, we emphasize the importance of balancing technology with sensory activities that bolster math and reading skills in an interactive manner. This episode gives practical tips for integrating these activities into your daily routine, ensuring that your child's education is as joyful as it is effective. So come along, and let's celebrate every small victory on the path to nurturing a brighter, more enlightened generation.

    To learn more about Autumn McKay and her workbooks, go to bestmomideas.com. Autumn's free gift for listeners: http://bestmomideas.com/podcast-free-mom-saver-bundle.
    Support the show
    Please 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 lisa@drlisarhassler.com.
    Visit my website for resources: http://www.drlisarhassler.com

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

    My publications:
    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 Weeks of Writing for Primary Grades on Amazon.
    World of Words: A Middle School Writing Notebook Using the Writing Process on Amazon....

    • 17 min
    Nature's Classroom: Justine Wilson on the Wonders of Forest School Education

    Nature's Classroom: Justine Wilson on the Wonders of Forest School Education

    Embark on an educational adventure where the whispers of the forest merge with the laughter of learning. Justine Wilson, the innovative mind behind Curious and Kind Education, welcomes us into a world where classrooms have no walls, and the sky's the limit for curiosity. She's not your average educator; her story of transitioning from traditional schooling to the untamed embrace of nature's arms is not just inspiring – it's a blueprint for rekindling the innate joy of learning in children. With Denmark and Sweden as beacons, we discuss how forest schools are reshaping the educational landscape, nurturing well-being, and fostering a community where every student flourishes.

    Join us as we reveal how forest schools are harmonizing the spontaneity of emergent curriculum with agile learning methods. Imagine a school that sits among the trees, guiding young minds to self-direct their explorations from crafting papyrus paper to river walks. Justine provides insights into the practicalities of navigating Florida's balmy climate while maintaining comfort and safety for eager explorers. This episode is a testament to the magic that ensues when children are given the freedom to learn through play and the trust to lead their own educational journey.

    Our conversation culminates with a celebration of the transformative power of forest education. We discuss the unique aspects of a forest school day, from the freedom found in an 'anarchy zone' of creative play to the tranquility of circle time beneath the open sky. We delve into why this model is a sanctuary for the neurodivergent and those with a strong sense of self, reducing disciplinary issues and fostering autonomy. Join us in thanking Justine Wilson for her pioneering spirit and consider how you can contribute to the narrative of empowering education through collaboration and community. Share your uplifting stories, and let's together sow the seeds for a future where education is as natural as the world around us.

    To learn more about Curious and Kind Education, go to www.curiousandkind.org.
    Support the show
    Please 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 lisa@drlisarhassler.com.
    Visit my website for resources: http://www.drlisarhassler.com

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

    My publications:
    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 Weeks of Writing for Primary Grades on Amazon.
    World of Words: A Middle School Writing Notebook Using the Writing Process on Amazon....

    • 26 min
    AI and the Future of Personalized Education with Edupreneur Amanda Bickerstaff

    AI and the Future of Personalized Education with Edupreneur Amanda Bickerstaff

    Explore the educational revolution where AI becomes the teacher's ally, not the adversary. Unlock the promise of a tailored learning journey as we unpack the integration of artificial intelligence into the classroom setting. With insights from the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Educator Confidence Report and the expert knowledge of Amanda Bickerstaff, a former high school biology teacher turned ed-tech CEO, our conversation navigates the landscape of technology-enhanced education, from the practical reduction of teacher workloads to the pioneering role of generative AI tools like ChatGPT.

    Discover how AI shatters myths of omnipotence, serving instead as a powerful computational partner that thrives on precision and rich data sets. We scrutinize the role of AI in fostering academic integrity and debate its impact on the timeless issue of dishonesty in education. Delving deeper, the episode underscores the transformative potential of AI for students with disabilities, offering personalized support that transcends traditional learning barriers. By emphasizing the significance of AI literacy training, we advocate for a balanced approach to technology, ensuring it strengthens rather than replaces student creativity and intellect.

    Join us as we illuminate the ways in which AI technologies are revolutionizing support for disabled students, providing barrier-free communication and the freedom to manage their educational endeavors. We celebrate the triumphs within our educational systems by inviting listeners to share their own success stories, fostering a communal spirit of innovation and inclusivity. This isn't just a glimpse into the future of education—it's an invitation to participate in shaping it. Your stories, insights, and experiences are the keystones to this growing educational edifice, and together, we write the next chapter.

    To learn more about AI for Education, go to https://www.aiforeducation.io/.
    Support the show
    Please 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 lisa@drlisarhassler.com.
    Visit my website for resources: http://www.drlisarhassler.com

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

    My publications:
    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 Weeks of Writing for Primary Grades on Amazon.
    World of Words: A Middle School Writing Notebook Using the Writing Process on Amazon....

    • 25 min
    Unlocking Literacy: Guiding Non-Readers to Success with Dr. Joseph Lockavitch

    Unlocking Literacy: Guiding Non-Readers to Success with Dr. Joseph Lockavitch

    Imagine a classroom where every child reads confidently, their eyes alight with understanding. Today literacy sage, Dr. Joseph Lockavitch, unveils the blueprint to literacy success for non-readers. We tackle the daunting educational crisis head-on, discussing Dr. Lockavitch's revolutionary Failure-Free Reading Program, dissecting the unique challenges non-readers face. From the '30% factor' to the critical role of reading with comprehension and expression, we'll equip you with the knowledge to identify and support diverse learners in transcending their reading barriers.

    As we journey through the transformative power of literacy, Dr. Lockavitch shares his beacon of hope for at-risk children. Hear how a ninth-grader from the Bronx, once lost in the shadows of illiteracy, found his way to the light through tailored intervention strategies, a rich vocabulary, and the essential background knowledge that turns words into worlds. This chapter is a treasure trove of insights for anyone invested in seeing students not just read but relate to the text, unlocking academic and lifelong success.

    But the inspiration doesn't end there. We celebrate the incredible strides made by middle schoolers from low-income families, thanks to a vocabulary improvement program that dared them to reach beyond their grasp. With practical advice on how parents can become language teachers and navigators through the common roadblocks of reading comprehension, this episode is a testament to the untapped potential in every child. Join Dr. Lockavitch and me as we share these success stories, shining a light on the bright side of education where every non-reader can find their voice and every child can embrace the joy of reading.

    To learn more about Dr. Joe Lockavitch and The Failure Free Reading Program, go to FailureFreeOnline.com.
    Support the show
    Please 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 lisa@drlisarhassler.com.
    Visit my website for resources: http://www.drlisarhassler.com

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

    My publications:
    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 Weeks of Writing for Primary Grades on Amazon.
    World of Words: A Middle School Writing Notebook Using the Writing Process on Amazon....

    • 39 min
    The Poet's Heart: Sarika Singh on the Power of Poetry in Education

    The Poet's Heart: Sarika Singh on the Power of Poetry in Education

    Have you ever felt a poem tug at your heartstrings, or stumbled upon lines of verse that perfectly captured your emotions? Today's podcast is a treasure for anyone who’s ever been moved by the power of poetry. We’re joined by the poet Sarika Singh, whose insights into the transformative impact of poetry on education are nothing short of inspirational. Together, we explore the emotional journey of poetic expression and its ability to connect us to our shared humanity.

    Poetry is often seen as an enigma, a puzzle that only a selected few can unlock. But as Sarika and I unravel the myths surrounding this timeless art form, we discover that the poet within us is just waiting to be set free. In this heartfelt exchange, we talk about the universal appeal of poetry and the importance of creating spaces where everyone can enjoy the liberating power of poetic creation. Our discussion navigates the strategies to foster personal expression and connect with contemporary works, ensuring that poetry can be more than an academic exercise — it can be a source of pure joy and unity.

    The episode culminates with powerful accounts of writing’s extraordinary influence on young lives. We share the stories of two students whose experiences with writing reveal its capacity to be a coping mechanism and a pathway to self-discovery.

    To learn more about Sarika Singh, go to sarikasingh.in and listen to her podcast series, "Communicate 101: Speaking Writing Tips."
    The Haze
    I tried so hard to wipe it clean
    To bring the window back its sheen,
    I rubbed hard, it stayed undone
    Alas, it still looked a hazy sun.


    I wet my cloth to clean this time
    Imagining now all would be fine,
    I wiped again with all my might
    My glass was fuzzy though sun was bright.


    The haze kept growing further some more
    My pulse was fast, my hands were sore,
    The view distorted more than before
    I ogled frozen at the smoggy outdoor.


    Suddenly I felt my cheeks were wet
    Glass was clearing, miasma leaving, you bet;
    My tears fell, my glass did clear
    What blurred my vision wa
    Support the show
    Please 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 lisa@drlisarhassler.com.
    Visit my website for resources: http://www.drlisarhassler.com

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

    My publications:
    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 Weeks of Writing for Primary Grades on Amazon.
    World of Words: A Middle School Writing Notebook Using the Writing Process on Amazon....

    • 28 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
15 Ratings

15 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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