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/

The podcast conversation between Toby Karten and guests Suzanne Gregoire, Director, VP-Global Children’s Art Programme, Faculty member of the Kaufman Music Center in New York City, Makbule Kalyon, Project Director for I Am Here/Ben Buradayim, and Sebnem Cirit, International Communications Director for I Am Here, centers on inclusive education practices and the global perspectives needed to support all learners effectively. Key themes include the importance of embracing student diversity, fostering collaboration among educators, and designing instruction that meets varied learning needs. Additionally, the conversation highlights the power of empathy, flexibility, and shared responsibility in creating inclusive learning environments that honor every student’s potential.

For more information:

Global Children’s Art Programme

https://glocap.org/

https://www.instagram.com/glocaporg/?igsh=ZGViZndrbXo0djJn&utm_source=qr#

GloCAP 2024 Recap video

Section on Türkiye I Am Here!/ Ben Buradayim! begins at 2:40:

https://youtu.be/Bbq4wBUz56w?feature=shared

#TobyKarten #Karten’sInclusionConversations #KIC #Inclusion #SuzanneGregoire #GloCAP #MakbuleKalyon #IAmHere #SebnemCirit #EquityInEducation #UDL #EducationForAll #GlobalEd #CulturallyResponsiveTeaching #InclusiveSchools #EmpoweredEducators #TeacherTalk #EdChat #SpecialEducation #LearningForAll #CollaborationInEducation #KICPodcast #TeachIncludeInspire #VoicesForInclusion #GlobalInclusionVoices #InclusionMattersPodcast

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

Toby’s conversation with authors Geri Parscale and Darcy Kraus revolves around the importance of establishing trauma response systems in schools, as detailed in the book Navigating the Unexpected: A School Leader’s Guide for Trauma Response Teams. It explores themes like the prevalence of student trauma, the need for proactive and equitable approaches to addressing it, and the significance of prepared frameworks, such as the Dynamic Problem-Solving Team (DPST) and the Foursquare Focus template. The discussion emphasizes sustainability, communication, and collective efficacy among educators while addressing the physical, emotional, and social needs of students experiencing trauma. Drawing from personal experiences, the authors advocate for schools to anticipate challenges and support students, staff, and families with research-based, adaptable tools and systems.

Navigating the Unexpected Book: https://www.solutiontree.com/navigating-the-unexpected.html

#TobyKarten #Karten’sInclusionConversations #KIC #Inclusion #GeriParscale #Darcy Kraus #TraumaInformedEducation #NavigatingTheUnexpected #TraumaResponseTeams #StudentSupport #EducationLeadership #EquityInEducation #ProactiveEducation #ResilientSchools #PreparedNotPanicked #FoursquareFocus #DynamicProblemSolving #TeachersSupportingTeachers #EducationMatters #FutureOfEducation #EdLeaders #EducationInnovation

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

Toby’s conversation centers around Ashley Birchall’s journey as an educator, highlighting her experiences in inclusive classrooms, her time away from teaching to raise her children, and her return to the field through specialized training. Ashley discusses her work as an inclusion collaborative teacher in New York City, the multifaceted roles educators often juggle, and her decision to become a certified Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner. Themes include the evolving identity of educators, inclusive education practices, the intersection of personal and professional growth, and the importance of specialized training in supporting diverse learners.

References:

Orton–Gillingham

https://www.readingrockets.org/topics/dyslexia/articles/orton-gillingham-what-you-need-know

Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner:

https://www.wilsonlanguage.com/professional-learning/wilson-professional-credentials/

Teachers’ perceptions of their experience with inclusive education practices in Saudi Arabia

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0891422223001622

Understanding Special Education Beyond the Jargon (Quick Reference Guide)

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

“True inclusion means fostering student independence, not dependence on adults.”

— Freeman-Green et al., 2023

“Exposure to Disability Studies in teacher education significantly increased positive attitudes toward inclusion.”
— Drelick, Freedman, McCann & Morettini, 2023

“Co-teaching can enhance inclusion when there’s parity, planning, and purpose.”
— Iacono et al., 2023

#TobyKarten #Karten’sInclusionConversations #KIC #Inclusion #AshleyBirchall #DyslexiaAwareness #AutismAcceptance #InclusiveEducation #SpecialEducation #Neurodiversity #TeacherLife #EdChat #LiteracyMatters #WilsonReading #DyslexiaSupport #AutismInclusion #EducatorJourney #WomenInEducation #LearningDifferences #EducationPodcast

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

In this conversation, Toby and Angie explore themes of personal and professional growth, focusing on the importance of embracing authenticity, leveraging strengths, and fostering connections in educational environments. Guest Angie Freese discusses her book Meant for More, emphasizing creating inclusive spaces where individuals feel valued and capable. Key topics include system improvement, leadership, intentional design in schools, and nurturing resilience among educators and students. The conversation also highlights empathy, reflection, and self-care as essential practices for revitalizing teaching and learning. The hummingbird symbolizes these ideals, representing adaptability, strength, and inspiration in Freese's work and life.

Check out Angie's book:
Meant for More https://www.solutiontree.com/meant-for-more.html

#TobyKarten #Karten’sInclusionConversations #KIC #Inclusion #AngieFreese #MeantForMore #EducationLeadership #StrengthsBasedEducation #InclusiveClassrooms #TeacherWellbeing #NurturingResilience #AuthenticLeadership #FosteringConnection #EducationalEquity #GraceInEducation #RedesignEducation #StrengthsCoach #HummingbirdSymbolism #GrowthInEducation #DignityInClassrooms

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

Donna Ross and Toby discuss co-teaching strategies, professional development, and supportive coaching that encourages teachers to grow without judgment. They highlight the need for personalized approaches, focusing on student strengths rather than disabilities, and promoting a culture of collaboration among educators. Additionally, the conversation touches on the importance of resourcefulness and adaptation in teaching, particularly during times of change, and the ongoing effort to meet diverse learner needs through strategies like differentiation and Universal Design for Learning.

Understood – https://www.understood.org

Child Mind Institute – https://childmind.org

The IRIS Center – https://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu

#TobyKarten #DonnaRoss #Karten’sInclusionConversations #KIC #Inclusion #CoTeaching #TeacherCollaboration #StrengthBasedLearning #ProfessionalDevelopment #DifferentiatedInstruction #UDL #SpecialEducation #TeacherSupport #StudentSuccess #EducationInnovation #InclusiveClassrooms.

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