In case you missed last week's episode: Are teachers the secret to inclusive systems change?
A New Jersey school increased LRE from 50% to 60% in one year through a teacher-led effort. Real change starts on the front lines.
Watch: https://go.mcie.org/1328
Graphic quote with MCIE logo and text: Inclusion is everyone's responsibility. Colleen McCoy-Cejka Co-founder of Inclusion Solutions
Colleen McCoy-Cejka reminds us that building inclusive schools is work we all share.
Listen to her episode on inclusive education in faith-based schools at https://go.mcie.org/1323 or wherever you get your podcasts.
#InclusionMonday #MotivationMonday
Are teachers the key to inclusive change? Last spring, NJ saw LRE jump from 50% to 60%, led by teachers! It's proof: real change starts on the front lines. How is your team championing inclusion? 💪 Watch the episode here: https://youtu.be/czJ8MeS41Us
Images of teachers working with each other during professional development and text: When Schools Commit to Co-Teaching and Planning. Inside W-L High School's Inclusive Practices Journey.
Ever wondered what happens when teachers get autonomy, time to collaborate, and coaching support? At W-L High School, Arlington, VA, co-planning & co-teaching are thriving! Teachers choose feedback, guided by indicators, not rules. This is systems change in action! 🌟 https://go.mcie.org/W-L-High
Ever thought about how schools can truly embrace disability justice? 🎓💬 Check out this convo between Tim Villegas and Dom Kelly on Think Inclusive! Dom shares insights on moving past compliance to create spaces where every student's voice matters.
Listen here 🎧
Did you catch this episode? Jennifer Gonzalez gets real about teaching through turbulent times, putting safety first, building real (not performative) inclusion, and finding allies when the news feels heavy. Listen here:
Teal graphic with images of educators from District 109 in Deerfield, IL working together holding pieces of paper. Colorful icon around image. Text: An Approach to Inclusive Instructional Planning
How do you move from believing in inclusion to building the systems that make it happen? District 109 worked with MCIE to deepen their approach to specially designed instruction and collaborative planning. See what changed: https://go.mcie.org/D109
Quote graphic with MCIE logo and text: UDL is about building learner agency. Helping students understand how they learn, their goals, their preferences. UDL is incredibly rigorous because it requires thinking about representation, engagement, bias, identity, collaboration, and belonging all at once. Megan Ohlssen Executive Director, Anti-AbleistED
Get your week started with a reminder of why UDL is so rigorous and so impactful for students. Listen now: 🎧 https://go.mcie.org/1326
Praise for Tim's inclusive work and commitment to equity — Dr. Priya Lalvani, Professor of Disability Studies. Text reads: Thank you for thinking inclusive, being inclusive, and fighting the good fight! Tim—you rock! It was a pleasure chatting with you on the podcast; your insights are spot on, and your commitment to inclusivity and equity is so needed!
Starting the week with gratitude for everyone fighting the good fight. Your work matters more than you know. https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/
Audrey and Jeremy, co-hosts of The Audrey and Jeremy Show, share their journey as advocates and podcasters fighting for disability rights and inclusion. Their message is clear: everyone deserves to belong. Listen here:
podcast covert art: beyond welcome: what real belonging looks like in schools with Megan Ohlssen
Equity mindedness isn't just identifying the problem — it's asking: what is MY role in perpetuating it? Such a fantastic conversation with Megan Ohlssen (from Anti Ableist ED) about belonging.
🎧 Full episode: go.mcie.org/1326
How do we design schools where everyone truly belongs? Cathi Davis, principal of Ruby Bridges Elementary, challenges us to rethink power dynamics that determine who gets to belong and how to design for authentic belonging. Find the episode here:
Feeling low? Tune into the Think Inclusive podcast for a dose of hope and community. Discover what listeners love at mcie.org/think-inclusive. Big thanks to Kristin for empowering inclusive educators! #InclusiveEducation
Did you catch last week's episode? Colleen McCoy-Cejka and Crystal Brooks discuss how inclusion starts with strong Tier 1 instruction and why misunderstanding inclusion can lead to separation instead of belonging. Watch and listen here: https://go.mcie.org/1323
Image Quote: "I have been fortunate enough to be on two episodes and always looks forward to chatting with Tim. It feels like we are long-lost friends reunited over social justice! It always feels good to be reminded that we are not doing this work alone." - Dr. Shelley Moore, inclusive education researcher, teacher, consultant, and storyteller
When you listen to Think Inclusive, you're part of a community championing inclusion. Dr. Shelley Moore on what keeps her coming back to these conversations. Watch or listen at mcie.org/think-inclusive, on YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Just stop it. Stop saying the R-word. It's not edgy. It's not funny. It's dehumanizing.
For Read Across America Day, here's a clip from Tim's conversation with Sharon Draper about the nuances of creating characters like Melody from her 'Out of My Mind' book series. Listen to the full episode: https://go.mcie.org/1125
Rigor isn't the enemy of inclusion! Dive deep into how student-centered, engaging classrooms balance both. Tune in with Colleen McCoy-Cejka & Crystal Brooks as they tackle school challenges. Listen now: https://go.mcie.org/1323 #EducationMatters
Is inclusion misunderstood? 🤔 Dive into our latest episode with Colleen McCoy-Cejka and Crystal Brooks as they unpack how definitions may divide us instead of bringing us together. #InclusionMatters Listen here: https://go.mcie.org/1323
Quote image: "It's just an example of the power that educators have to fundamentally alter a child's life trajectory. Not just their educational journey, but their life trajectory, whether or not they will be able to leave high school and be a contributing member of society."
"Educators [can] fundamentally alter a child's life trajectory. Not just their educational journey, but their life trajectory, whether or not they will be able to leave high school and be a contributing member of society."
Learn more: https://go.mcie.org/CT01
How can we better support sexual health education for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities? Project SHINE's Connie Senior and Breon Williams share insights on this Think Inclusive episode:
Inclusion goes beyond just placing students with disabilities in gen ed classrooms. It means transforming how we teach. Discover what true inclusive education looks like in secondary schools with Dr. Jennifer Spencer-Iiams. 🏫✨ Listen here: https://go.mcie.org/1322
Did you catch this episode last week? Dr. Emily Affolter reminds us: culturally responsive teaching isn't about perfection—it's about progress. Focus on where you can start today. Small steps matter. Listen here: https://go.mcie.org/1321
"Parents don’t want it to be a fight. They experience it as battle fatigue. They are tired, they are exhausted, they’ve had to take time off work." Dr. Priya Lalvani discusses the battle fatigue families experience during the fight for inclusive education:
It's always an insightful conversation when Dr. Shelley Moore stops by. On the pod, she and Tim Villegas discuss how educators can embrace inclusivity and teamwork in schools. Listen here:
Erik Carter warns belonging is at risk of becoming an empty buzzword. He outlines ten research-based dimensions that go beyond inclusion—being invited, welcomed, known, accepted, and loved. Listen here:
Dr. Andrew Goff stopped by to discuss why classrooms should be places of love and growth for all children. Sharing examples from his years in education, he explores the challenges and triumphs of creating a nurturing learning environment. Listen here: https://go.mcie.org/1119
Ever felt like some spaces in your work are 'off-limits'? 🤔 It's time to challenge those boundaries. Every system is connected, and stepping into new realms can lead to growth and change. Listen to our conversation with Dr. Emily Affolter here: https://go.mcie.org/1321
Culturally responsive teaching isn’t about perfection—it's about progress. Focus on where you can start today. Small steps matter. What's one thing you're improving? Listen to the full conversation with Dr. Emily Affolter here: https://go.mcie.org/1321
Fellow podcasters Audrey and Jeremy join Tim Villegas to discuss their journey as advocates, podcasters, and friends. Their message is clear: everyone deserves to belong and be valued. Hear their story: https://go.mcie.org/1311
