Educating All Learners Alliance

When Lived Experience Leads: Rethinking Schools Through a Disability Lens

In this episode, Aurora Dreger speaks with Stephanie Atenco-Torres, a Latina activist, journalist, teacher in training, and disability advocate, about her experiences as a Latina student navigating the education system with an invisible disability. Stephanie reflects on the power of sharing lived experience and how speaking up can create change for students who are left unseen by their school leaders and teachers. This conversation is an important reminder that personal stories can influence systems, and that your voice may be the one someone else needs to hear. After listening, be sure to read Stephanie’s article on Tr!ll.

Access the full podcast transcript at https://tinyurl.com/whenlivedexperienceleads 

Designing for Difference: Multilingual Learners, Students with Disabilities, and Inclusive Design

Multilingual learners (MLLs) are an essential part of today’s classrooms, not an exception. In this episode, Aurora Dreger speaks with Dr. Molly Faulkner-Bond of WestEd about why education systems must be designed with MLLs in mind from the start. They explore asset-based language, the connection between MLL and disability advocacy, and how centering students with the most complex learning profiles leads to better assessment and instruction for all students.

Access the full podcast transcript at bit.ly/5MinsWithWestEd 

Transforming STEM Education: 5 Minutes with Mindset Math

In this episode, Aurora Dreger speaks with Annie Shan, Samantha Senajon, and Sanvi Nethikunta, the high school leaders behind Mindset Math. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to ensuring K-12 students in underserved communities have access to high-quality STEM education. Additionally, Mindset Math focuses on creating accessible learning pathways for every student. They discuss their work on various initiatives, specifically an AI-powered learning platform developed in collaboration with learning scientists to support students with disabilities such as dyscalculia, autism, and ADHD.

Access the full podcast transcript at bit.ly/5MinsWithMindsetMath

Lessons on Driving Change: A Deep Dive with DC Special Education Cooperative

Tune in to this exciting conversation with Meagan Alderton from the DC Special Education Cooperative to hear how they are creating systems where students with disabilities thrive. Meagan shares powerful strategies from successful DC schools, explaining why the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework is "just how you do school." Listen in for essential leadership advice that can help drive genuine change in your school.

 

Access the full podcast transcript at https://bit.ly/5MinsWithDCCoop

Empowering Teachers to Build Leaders: 5 Mins with IMSE Foundation and Dyslexic Edge

In this episode, EALA sits down with Krista Gauthier, Founder and President of Dyslexic Edge and Executive Director of IMSE Foundation, to explore practical pathways for supporting students who learn differently. Krista shares how these two powerful organizations are collaborating to give educators the tools needed to reach every learner through effective, evidence-based methods. To learn more check out IMSEfoundation.org and SDsquared.org.

Access the full podcast transcript at https://bit.ly/5MinsWithIMSE

 

Needs to Strengths: Outcomes for Students Who Learn Differently at Learner-Centered Schools

In this final episode of our special four-part series with Education Reimagined, we're sharing powerful, on-the-ground outcomes for youth who learn differently at learner-centered sites. EALA's Aurora Dreger is joined by Lindsy Ogawa from Education Reimagined and founding principal Susan Hart from LaFayette Big Picture School. They discuss how a focus on healing, authentic connection, and student interest is transforming student success—shifting a learner's experience from overwhelmed to confident, and ultimately turning self-advocacy into leadership for themselves and their peers

 

Access the full transcript: bit.ly/EALAxER_EP4

AI Literacy for Leaders: 5 Minutes with Amplify & Elevate Innovation

In this episode, we connect with Brett Roer, CEO and Founder of Amplify & Elevate Innovation to discuss how districts can build AI literacy through effective professional development for their principals and teachers.

Listen in for practical strategies to help prepare your school community to harness the power of AI to create more flexible learning environments for students with disabilities and learning differences.

 

Access the full transcript: bit.ly/5MW_Amplify_Elevate

Needs to Strengths: Learner-Centered Practices for Students with Disabilities

In this installment of our four-part series with Education Reimagined, we're diving into the concrete practices that define a truly learner-centered site. EALA’s Aurora Dreger is joined by Lindsy Ogawa from Education Reimagined and Lela Bell Wesley from Big Thought to discuss how schools are designing meaningful, imaginative learning that empowers youth with disabilities and learning differences. Tune in to explore the challenges, breakthroughs, and bold ideas that are making learner-centered education a reality for every child.

 

Access the full transcript: bit.ly/EALAxER_EP3

20 Years of Impact: How AIM's Founders Built a Movement on the Science of Reading

Join EALA for a special deep dive celebrating 20 years of the AIM Institute for Learning and Research as well as AIM Academy. Co-founders Pat Roberts and Nancy Blair reflect on their journey, from pioneering the Science of Reading to building a movement that translates research into actionable practice for students with learning differences and for all struggling readers and writers. Discover how a commitment to evidence-based methods can drive systemic change in education.

 

Access the full transcript: bit.ly/Deep_Dive_AIM

Designing with Community in Mind: Expert Insights for Applicants & Innovators

In this episode, EALA talks to Torrye Parker, a passionate advocate and educator, for a look into how community-based support can be transformative for students with disabilities. Listen in as they discuss the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the field, as seen in the hundreds of applications submitted to the EALA New Champions fund. Tune in for expert advice on building sustainable, community-driven programs and the balance between big ideas and real-world execution.

 

Access the transcript: bit.ly/design-community-in-mind