Sharon Dunlevy is an educational advocate for children in foster care. It is her mission to bring the educational needs of children in foster care to the attention of those who can change policies and practices that would give more children in foster care the ability to succeed educationally, the foundation for their ability to succeed after leaving care.

Her primary work includes training foster parents on the educational laws that affect children in foster care and how to use those laws to ensure these children graduate successfully. But Sharon is not just a trainer, she is also a speaker and influencer. She has recently participated in two speaking competitions with the intent of bringing attention to those needs, winning fan favorite in the second competition.

Takeaways:

• The current foster care system inadequately supports half a million children, impacting their educational outcomes.
• Foster children often face significant challenges in graduating from high school or obtaining diplomas by age 18.
• Educational advocacy for foster children is crucial to breaking the cycle of trauma and lack of support.
• Understanding the laws surrounding education for foster children is imperative for foster parents to effectively advocate for their needs.
• The trauma experienced by foster children can severely hinder their self-esteem and ability to trust adults.
• Programs like the Family First Prevention Services Act provide essential resources to support youth transitioning out of foster care.

Website

www.sharondunlevy.com

Social Media Information

www.linkedin.com/in/sharondunlevy

Show Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)

https://nape.org.uk/

Discover more about Education on Fire

🔥 https://www.educationonfire.com/

🔥 Support the show with a One-Off Tip

https://educationonfire.com/support

🔥 Ecamm Free Trial – How I record and produce this show.

https://educationonfire.com/ecamm

🔥 Captivate.FM – My podcast host

https://educationonfire.com/captivate

🔥 Descript – My Editing Tool

https://educationonfire.com/descript

🔥 London School of Public Relations – https://educationonfire.com/lspr

A comprehensive 1-day CPD-accredited certificated Podcasting course.

Some of the above are affiliate links, I may receive a small commission if you purchase via these but there is no cost increase to you. These links help support the channel so any clicks are greatly appreciated.

What is Neuroplasticity?

Neuroscientists used to think that our brain was fixed and unchangeable from birth. It was believed that our intellectual capacity was fixed – the brain with which we were born, was the brain we had for life.  

We now know that the brain is a highly active and malleable organ across a person’s lifespan. This powerful capacity for change is called neuroplasticity. 

Arrowsmith was born from Barbara Arrowsmith-Young’s own painful struggle with her learning disorder and the journey she went through to not only overcome it, but to begin helping others strengthen their brain and change their educational and professional lives.

Debbie Gilmore is the Executive Director of Arrowsmith. She is passionate about education. During her 40+ year career as an educator, she has worked as a teacher, literacy advisor, assistant principal, principal and as Head of Diverse Learning Needs at the Sydney Catholic Schools, Sydney, Australia.

Now in Canada, as Executive Director of Arrowsmith, she works with educators around the world to bring about educational change. Her experience has helped her understand the need to ‘unlock’ the potential of all students through the power of neuroplasticity, cognitive enhancement and systemic change.

Debbie holds a Masters of Education and various Graduate Certificates in Education in a range of areas of diverse learning.

Takeaways:

• The principles of neuroplasticity are essential for facilitating meaningful change within the brain.
• Engaging in positive cognitive activities enhances the brain’s capacity to adapt and grow.
• In today’s AI-driven world, strong cognitive functions are vital for discerning information accuracy.
• Neuroplasticity provides a hopeful avenue for individuals with learning difficulties to overcome challenges.

Website

www.arrowsmith.ca

Social Media Information

https://www.linkedin.com/company/arrowsmith-program/

https://www.instagram.com/thearrowsmithprogram/

https://www.youtube.com/@ArrowsmithProgram/

Show Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)

https://nape.org.uk/

Discover more about Education on Fire

🔥 https://www.educationonfire.com/

🔥 Support the show with a One-Off Tip

https://educationonfire.com/support

🔥 Ecamm Free Trial – How I record and produce this show.

https://educationonfire.com/ecamm

🔥 Captivate.FM – My podcast host

https://educationonfire.com/captivate

🔥 Descript – My Editing Tool

https://educationonfire.com/descript

🔥 London School of Public Relations – https://educationonfire.com/lspr

A comprehensive 1-day CPD-accredited certificated Podcasting course.

Some of the above are affiliate links, I may receive a small commission if you purchase via these but there is no cost increase to you. These links help support the channel so any clicks are greatly appreciated.

The discourse surrounding the transformative potential of education is vividly illustrated through the explorations presented in the recent series of Education on Fire. Each episode immerses the listener in the innovative methodologies employed by a myriad of educators who ardently advocate for systemic change as well as individual empowerment.

The concept of backward design, championed by Dr. James Mannion, is a focal point in this series, wherein educators are encouraged to define desired outcomes prior to identifying effective methodologies to achieve such goals. This paradigm shift not only challenges the conventional notions of educational reform but also underscores the necessity for a holistic understanding of the root causes of disparities within the educational system. Furthermore, the series highlights the significance of self-regulated learning, empowering students to take ownership of their educational journeys.

Overall, the episodes serve as a clarion call for educators and stakeholders to engage in thoughtful reflection and action towards creating a more equitable educational landscape.Takeaways:

• The Education on Fire podcast emphasizes the importance of rethinking traditional educational systems to better serve diverse student needs.
• Dr. James Mannion advocates for a backward design approach, focusing on defining desired outcomes before implementing educational strategies.
• Self-regulated learning empowers students to take ownership of their educational journey, enhancing their engagement and motivation.
• The approach taken by Oxford Business College illustrates how supportive environments can significantly impact non-traditional learners’ success.
• JPA’s focus on creating safe spaces for children addresses the need for nurturing environments that foster mental health and well-being.
• The integration of technology in education serves to enhance learning experiences, making education more interactive and engaging for students.

Links referenced in this episode:

• educationonfire.com

NB: This episode has been generated using AI https://notebooklm.google/

This is my 2nd AI generated podcast. I wanted to explore how it would create a insightful round up of my recent shows since November 2024. The show notes above are also AI generated using the tool within my hosting company Captivate. https://educationonfire.com/captivate

It is pretty accurate however Shelby Kretz’s organisation is called Little Justice Leaders which is misquoted in the podcast. I gave the AI the information from my website for episodes 418 – 434.

If you want to easily find details of all the shows covered please visit https://www.educationonfire.com/start-here/

Tim Newman explores how communication is an essential pillar for success and the challenges that students face in developing vital skills, particularly in the context of contemporary educational environments.

Tim expresses a pressing concern regarding the shortcomings of the current educational system, particularly its fixation on grades over genuine learning. He underscores the importance of fostering self-esteem and encouraging students to engage actively in their educational journeys, thereby empowering them to advocate for their own learning.

With over two decades of experience as a college professor, communication coach, and podcast host, Tim has dedicated his career to helping people find their voice and use it powerfully. Whether you’re speaking to a packed room, hosting a podcast, or pitching your next big idea, my goal is simple: to help you become a communicator who captivates, inspires, and makes an impact.

He has also developed The Formula for Public Speaking, a proven, step-by-step course that transforms nervous speakers into confident presenters. This program equips you with the skills to speak with clarity, conviction, and purpose, whether you’re on stage or online.

Takeaways:

• Effective communication is essential for achieving success in both personal and professional realms.
• The current education system often prioritizes grades over genuine learning and understanding.
• Fostering self-esteem and open communication is crucial for empowering students in their educational journey.
• Students should take responsibility for their education by engaging with their teachers and advocating for their needs.
• Educators must adapt to the changing needs of students to prepare them for the modern workplace.
• Resilience and empowerment are key components in helping students navigate challenges and advocate for themselves.

Website

www.timnewmanspeaks.com

Social Media Information

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/timnewman

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/TimNewmanSpeakingWithConfidence

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/timnewmanspeaks/

YouTube – www.youtube.com/@TimNewmanSpeaks

Show Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)

https://nape.org.uk/

Discover more about Education on Fire

🔥 https://www.educationonfire.com/

🔥 Support the show with a One-Off Tip

https://educationonfire.com/support

🔥 Ecamm Free Trial – How I record and produce this show.

https://educationonfire.com/ecamm

🔥 Captivate.FM – My podcast host

https://educationonfire.com/captivate

🔥 Descript – My Editing Tool

https://educationonfire.com/descript

🔥 London School of Public Relations – https://educationonfire.com/lspr

A comprehensive 1-day CPD-accredited certificated Podcasting course.

Some of the above are affiliate links, I may receive a small commission if you purchase via these but there is no cost increase to you. These links help support the channel so any clicks are greatly appreciated.

Dr. James Mannion is a distinguished authority on educational reform. He explains the concept of “backward design,” a strategic approach to implementing school improvement by beginning with clear objectives and working backward to identify solutions for current challenges.

Dr. Mannion shares insights from his recent publication, “Making Change Stick,” where he emphasizes the necessity of engaging educators at all levels in the change process, thereby fostering a collaborative environment that enhances student outcomes. We explore the transformative impact of project-based learning and self-regulated learning on students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, demonstrating how innovative educational practices can yield significant improvements.

Takeaways:

• The transformative impact of learner effectiveness on student outcomes cannot be overstated, particularly for those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Implementing a backward design strategy is crucial in addressing current educational challenges and achieving meaningful change.
• The involvement of diverse voices in the decision-making process enhances the effectiveness of school improvement initiatives.
• Recognizing failure as an opportunity for growth is essential in fostering resilience among both educators and students.
• Cultural shifts within educational institutions require sustained efforts over a period of two to three years to be effective.
• Engaging students in arts and creativity leads to more profound learning experiences and enhances the overall educational environment.

Dr James Mannion is a keynote speaker, teacher trainer, researcher, consultant and author with a passion for educational and political reform. He is the co-founder and Director of Rethinking Education, a teacher training organisation specialising in implementation and improvement science, self-regulated learning and practitioner inquiry. A former teacher of 12 years, James has an MA in person-centred education from the University of Sussex and a PhD in self-regulated learning from the University of Cambridge. He is also the host of the popular Rethinking Education podcast.

Website

www.drjamesmannion.com

www.makingchangestick.co

Social Media Information

RethinkingJames – X, Bsky, Threads,

drjamesmannion IG

Show Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)

https://nape.org.uk/

Discover more about Education on Fire

🔥 https://www.educationonfire.com/

🔥 Support the show with a One-Off Tip

https://educationonfire.com/support

🔥 Ecamm Free Trial – How I record and produce this show.

https://educationonfire.com/ecamm

🔥 Captivate.FM – My podcast host

https://educationonfire.com/captivate

🔥 Descript – My Editing Tool

https://educationonfire.com/descript

🔥 London School of Public Relations – https://educationonfire.com/lspr

A comprehensive 1-day CPD-accredited certificated Podcasting course.

Some of the above are affiliate links, I may receive a small commission if you purchase via these but there is no cost increase to you. These links help support the channel so any clicks are greatly appreciated.