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MAKING THE GRADE

S3 EP 37 | Season 3 Preview + Executive Function Updates: a Conversation with Hosts Georgia & Christine

Making the Grade Podcast is kicking off Season 3 with a heartfelt update from the hosts! In this special episode, they reflect on nearly 2 amazing years of podcasting, sharing a behind-the-scenes look at their process and celebrating the journey. Along the way, they share exciting personal and professional updates—Georgia is expecting a baby next month, and the Making the Grade team is growing in 2025.

The hosts also dive into the topic that’s been the key to their approach in their business: executive function (EF). From launching the podcast and running their business to supporting educators in classrooms, EF skills have been transformational in their personal and professional lives. With this in mind, they’re thrilled to announce their upcoming Executive Function Certification Course, designed to empower educators, counselors, and coaches to teach these game-changing skills and positively impact others.

As they focus on developing this new course, Georgia’s leave and restructuring the podcast to provide even more value, the hosts are taking a short hiatus. Tune in to this special update to hear their reflections, exciting news, and a sneak peek at what’s next. Thank you for being part of the journey!

Find out more about Making the Grade here

Learn more about Executive Function: https://makingthegradeproject.com/executive-function-for-educators/

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S2 EP 036 | Mental Health Support & Open Parachutes: a Conversation with Child & Adolescent Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Hayley Watson

In this next episode, a Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychologist shares how she has dedicated her career to supporting student mental health through innovative programs and resources. Hayleyâ s journey from globetrotting psychologist to mental health advocate and program developer is a testament to her passion for empowering both students and educators to thrive in challenging times.

Despite her expertise in clinical settings, Hayleyâ s love for working directly with schools inspired her to create impactful mental health initiatives across the US, Canada, and Australiaâ places sheâ s called home. Her mission is clear: to equip teachers with the tools they need to support their studentsâ mental well-being while prioritizing their own.

In this episode, Hayley discusses the growing need for mental health resources in schools, shares practical tips for fostering well-being in the classroom, and explores how educators can strike a balance between supporting students and practicing self-care. This conversation covers actionable strategies for managing stress, creating a supportive environment, and building resilience in todayâ s fast-paced educational landscape.

Tune in to discover how Hayleyâ s innovative approach is reshaping student mental health support worldwide and gain valuable insights for navigating the intersection of education and well-beingâ all while hearing a bit about her adventures on motorcycles, sailing, and life as a new mom!

Find out more about Dr. Hayley Watson here!

Dr. Hayley Watsonâ s links:

Website -https://openparachuteschools.com/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-hayley-watson-2b249a16/

TED Talk- https://www.ted.com/talks/dr_hayley_watson_youth_mental_health_is_not_as_complicated_as_we_make_it_out_to_be?subtitle=en

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S2 EP 035 | Educator Forever: a Conversation with Teacher Career Coach, Lily

In this next episode of Making the Grade, Georgia & Christine chat with Lily Jones, founder of Educator Forever. Lily, a former classroom teacher, created Educator Forever to empower educators to explore fulfilling careers outside the traditional classroom setting. With a passion for helping teachers redefine their careers, Lily has guided countless educators on a path to discovering flexible, impactful roles that leverage their skills and expertise.

As a passionate early childhood teacher, Lily truly loved teaching and found herself looking into opportunities beyond the classroom in the search of more time for herself. After 7 years of teaching, she realized her drive to support teachers in navigating new career paths and in finding purpose within a changing education landscape. Through Educator Forever, Lily offers career coaching, online courses, and job search resources to help teachers embrace flexible work that still contributes meaningfully to education.

Lily shares insights into the challenges teachers face today, explores her unique personality type and spoiler alert: Georgia and Christine are the same (only 1.5% of the population is also this type!) Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how to stay motivated in education, recognize signs of burnout, and explore new opportunities to build a sustainable and impactful career.

Tune in to discover how Lily’s work at Educator Forever is changing lives and redefining what it means to be an educator today!

Find out more about Lily here

Website: https://www.educatorforever.com

Podcast: https://www.educatorforever.com/podcast

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/educator-forever

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/educatorforever

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S2 EP 34 | Challenging the Status Quo of Leadership Practices: a Conversation with Principal & Podcast Host, Tyler Comeau

Have you ever felt disconnected from your day to day life: in the classroom, at home, or even just “off”? If you’ve wondered what could help you feel more aligned with your intrinsic energy, keep reading! On this next episode of Making the Grade podcast, Georgia & Christine chat with Canadian principal, Tyler, about how his how his journey into the education field led him to becoming a principal, obtaining a doctorate degree in educational leadership, and creating the Elemental Educator platform: a space dedicated to challenging the status quo of leadership practices.

Tyler is host of the Elemental Educator Podcast and Platform. A platform dedicated to challenging the status quo of leadership practices. Tyler has his masters in educational administration, and is on the brink of completing his doctorate in educational leadership. As a practicing school principal Tyler is here to bridge scholarly work with practical application when it comes to leadership standards.

This conversation covers it all: from Tyler turning the questions around on Georgia & Christine, to the connection of great leadership with the grounding of the earth’s elements. His dedication to the education field is so evident in how he encourages his staff & students alike to tap into their inner strengths as well as know their struggles to truly collaborate with their colleagues.

Tyler leads with a deep sense of understanding who you are in all areas: for his staff, students & all educators in the field. This episode brings up topics ranging from teaching in a rural 1 classroom school in Canada with no technology, how he found himself in the education field & you definitely don’t want to miss his most memorable class moment. Listen in for more!

Find out more about Tyler here

Website: https://linktr.ee/Elementaleducator

Book: Coming Soon!

Podcast: https://elementaleducator.podbean.com/

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S2 EP 33 | Balance Your Teacher Life: a Conversation with Author & Teacher Coach, Grace Stevens

Making the Grade Podcast is kicking off the school year with a well-timed conversation with author, Grace Stevens. After 20 years as an elementary school teacher, Grace realized that she needed to take an active role in her mindset, habits & approach to continue to enjoy teaching. Grace combines her signature mantra, "Your energy teaches more than your lesson plans," with two decades of study in behavioral therapy, positive psychology, and NLP to create science-based habits for overwhelmed educators. She is the author of the best-selling Positive Mindset Habits for Teachers and host of the Balance Your Teacher Life podcast.

Grace has a unique story in that she started working in a corporate role & transitioned into teaching. Since retirement, she has written a book, â Positive Mindset Habits for Teachers: 10 Steps to Reduce Stress, Increase Student Engagement and Reignite Your Passion for Teachingâ and now works with teachers as a coach who specializes in creating sustainable practices for overwhelmed teachers in her coaching program. She dives into science-based habits for overwhelmed educators & the principles of happiness.

From pickleball to accent misunderstandings with her students, Grace is as self-effacing as she is (fun fact: she has studied in 4 universities in 3 different countries!). Sandy is truly practicing what she preaches with pivoting in her career & the amazing advice she has for educators. This episode covers teacher self-care, periodic check-ins & reflecting on your practice. You donâ t want to miss Graceâ s wisdom & reminder why â your energy teaches more than your lesson plantsâ !

Find out more about Grace here

Website: https://www.gracestevens.com/

Book: Positive Mindset Habits for Teachers

Teach Better Podcast: https://www.teachbetterpodcastnetwork.com/

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S2 EP 032 | Failure Free Reading: A Conversation with Author & Reading Researcher, Dr. Joe Lockavitch

On the 32nd episode of Making the Grade Podcast, Georgia and Christine connect with Dr. Joe Lockavitch, a former classroom teacher, school psychologist, university professor, special education director, and applied reading researcher who is the author and developer of The Failure Free Reading Program. Failure Free Reading is a nationally recognized, proven non-phonic first reading intervention that accelerates the vocabulary, comprehension, expressive fluency, and confidence of chronically struggling students who defy traditional reading interventions.

Dr. Joeâ s story highlights the viewpoints of a lifelong educator: his curiosity, advocacy & belief in access for children & families began when he first started teaching in MA. He has some great wisdom from his teacher years & funny stories from his classroom days (he started his 1st classroom without a door!). He highlights some of the reasons why he developed a reading program including seeing many students (including one of his own grandchildren) struggle with typical phonics instruction. He lives by the motto, â If you can change the approach, you can change the outcomeâ , and this is evident in his approach & work!

This episode is chock full of interesting data on reading: fluency data, a unique approach to reading instruction & how this reading approach is helping students all over the country today. Dr. Joeâ s idea of making the world better is by ensuring that all students can read. Tune in if you want to hear more about an interesting fluency program!

Find out more about Dr. Joe here!

Dr. Joe Lockavitchâ s links:

Website: www.failurefreereadingonline.com

Instagram: failurefreereading

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FailureFreeReading

X: https://x.com/FFRHome

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S2 EP 031 | Slow Living & Productivity: a conversation with Productivity Coach & Consultant, Dr. Kate Henry

In Episode 31 of Making the Grade, Georgia & Christine chat with Dr. Kate Henry, a former academic turned independent scholar and productivity coach. A local colleague of Christineâ s, Kate shares her account of shifting her career goals once completing her PhD & adjusting to living with chronic illness. She explores how the philosophy of slow living changed her life, highlighting its core values and practices that contrast sharply with our modern fast-paced lifestyles.

Dr. Henry discusses the numerous benefits of slow living, including improved physical and mental health, better boundaries around work, & space for rest. She debunks the myth that slow living hinders productivity, sharing practical strategies to integrate mindfulness and intentionality into daily routines, recognize invisible labor, and set boundaries around availability.

Kate also provides insights into her practices, such as structuring her day with designated tasks, time blocking, and current self-care routines (everyone shares their love for books!). She offers realistic steps for slowly starting new projects. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in adopting sustainable well-being practices and enhancing productivity through the principles of slow living. Tune in to hear Georgia and Christine reflecting on how they plan to implement Dr. Henry's advice to set slow productivity goals and hold each other accountable.

This episode is the perfect content for your summer road trip - listen & explore how slowing down can lead to a more fulfilling and productive life!

Find out more about Dr. Kate Henry

Dr. Kate Henryâ s links:

IG: thetendingyear

Website: https://katehenry.com/

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S2 EP 030 | Student Advocacy & Activism: a Conversation with Advocate & Consultant, Kristen Flannery

For the 30th episode, a local MA teacher shares how she successfully fulfilled her dream of becoming a business owner. Kristen, a fellow MA teacher, transitioned from special education teacher to building an advocacy and consulting company focusing on student well-being. An avid activist for students with disabilities and education reform, Kristen has worked mostly with middle and high school students since 2012.

Kristen discusses how COVID impacted education and what led her to pursue consulting advocacy for students and families. This passion ultimately inspired her to launch “L&F Educational Associates,” where she works with districts & families for a top-down & bottom-up approach.

After 13 years in the field, Kristen has seen a lot and discusses the importance of doing what’s best for kids, even if it’s challenging. As she says, “One misstep can change the trajectory of a child’s life”. This episode covers student equity & well-being, the lack of transparency in education & the importance of amplifying student & family voices in the community.

You’ll want to listen to discover how Kristen is making a difference in the education community, bringing about positive change & how the “lightbulb” moments keep her going!

Find out more about Kristen here!

Kristen’s links:

Website -https://www.lfeducational.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lfeducational?mibextid=LQQJ4d

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@kristenflannery?_t=8n58rdg3YB4&_r=1

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