Fostering Social Inclusion: Building Authentic Relationships in the Classroom with Lisa Dekker

In this episode of The All Belong Podcast, teacher consultant Lisa Dekker shares her passion for social inclusion and how schools can intentionally foster authentic relationships among students.

Lisa discusses the shifting needs she’s seeing in schools—moving from academic interventions to a greater focus on behavior and social connection—and how tools like Circle of Friends help create spaces where every student belongs. She also addresses common concerns about discussing disabilities in the classroom and offers practical strategies for building a culture of inclusion.

Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or advocate, this episode will inspire you to think deeply about what it means to create belonging for all—because when social inclusion is done well, everyone benefits.

Listen now and discover how to make belonging a reality in your school!

For more resources and to learn how All Belong partners with schools, visit allbelong.org.

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