In this episode of Karten’s Inclusion Conversations, host Toby Karten sits down with sixth-grade math teacher, PTA president, and parent advocate Chrissy Williams from Fort Smith, Arkansas. Chrissy shares her inspiring journey into education later in life and discusses how authentic relationships, empathy, and real-world connections help students thrive in inclusive classrooms. Together, Toby and Chrissy explore the power of “reach before you teach,” practical ways to make math meaningful through real-world application, and why inclusive strategies benefit every learner in a diverse classroom. Chrissy also reflects on her experiences as the parent of a child with autism, offering powerful insights about patience, understanding neurodiversity, and encouraging open conversations about differences. The episode highlights how educators and families can work together to build compassionate learning environments where students not only grow academically, but also develop the life skills and confidence needed to succeed beyond the classroom.

Bastian Bunny (Book) by Chrissie Williams

https://www.amazon.com/Bastian-Bunny-Chrissie-Williams/dp/1095078895

#TobyKarten #Karten’sInclusionConversations #KIC #Inclusion #ChrissieWilliams #InclusiveEducation #ReachBeforeYouTeach #Neurodiversity #AutismAwareness #TeacherLife #RealWorldLearning #MiddleSchoolTeachers #SpecialEducation #TeacherPodcast #EducationMatters #InclusionMatters #TeachWithHeart #StudentRelationships #DifferentiatedInstruction #NeurodiversityAcceptance #EducationLeadership #TeacherVoices #LifeSkillsLearning #EmpathyInEducation

For more information please visit https://inclusionworkshops.com/

Toby’s conversation centers on the power and purpose of effective co-teaching, highlighting how Amber Benson and Ruby Voss—an experienced math team from Southwest Virginia—have built a nearly decade-long partnership grounded in continuous growth, complementary strengths, and shared leadership. They describe co-teaching as an evolving craft, emphasizing that great educators “teach each year” rather than repeating the same year 30 times. The duo reflects on their active involvement in professional communities such as the Association for Middle Level Education and the Excellence in Co-Teaching Initiative, underscoring their belief that presenting and learning go hand in hand. They discuss how their distinct roles—curriculum development aligned with the Virginia Department of Education Standards of Learning and innovative instructional strategies with specially designed instruction—create a balanced, student-centered classroom.

I'm Determined - The home of the Determined team, who develop resources and professional learning around inclusive instruction and co-teaching practices.

Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE) – Referenced in relation to professional involvement, conference presentations, and ongoing growth in middle-level education.

Excellence in Co-Teaching Initiative – Mentioned in connection with their work and collaboration around effective co-teaching practices.

Virginia Department of Education – Referenced regarding curriculum alignment and the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs).

Captivate: Engaging and Empowering Students in a World of Digital Distractions

by Dr. Marc Isseks

#TobyKarten #Karten’sInclusionConversations #KIC #Inclusion #AmberBenson #RubyRoss #Benson&Ross #CoTeaching #TeachingEachYear #EducatorGrowth #TeacherCollaboration #InclusiveClassrooms #ProfessionalLearning #MiddleSchoolMatters #TeacherLeadership #InstructionalInnovation #StudentCenteredLearning #EducationPodcast #TeacherDevelopment #CollaborationInAction #StandardsBasedTeaching #GrowthMindsetInEducation

For more information please visit https://inclusionworkshops.com/

Toby’s conversation with Carlos Romo and Dave Barriere centers on the power of collaboration, relationships, and adaptability in co-teaching. Carlos and Dave reflect on how professional development gave them the foundation to succeed as co-teachers, showing how strategies they once doubted could energize and engage high school students. They emphasize the importance of building trust, setting common goals, and modeling teamwork for students, which not only strengthens instruction but also provides positive role models.

Featured resources:

Understanding Special Education Beyond the Jargon (Quick Reference Guide)

https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Special-Education-Beyond-Reference/dp/1416633715

#TobyKarten #Karten’sInclusionConversations #KIC #Inclusion #CarlosRomo #DabeBarriere #CoTeaching #CollaborationInEducation #InclusionMatters #StudentSuccess #TeachingStrategies #ScaffoldingForAll #AlternativeEducation #APTeaching #EducatorCollaboration #PowerOfTwo #HistoryTeachers #TeacherGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment #BuildingRelationships #TeachingAcrossTheSpectrum

For more information please visit https://inclusionworkshops.com/