"The Bulldog Educator" with Kirsten Wilson and Matthew Caston

Join co-hosts Matthew Caston and Kirsten WIlson as they chat with Autumn Ackerson, an edTech Consultant with Classroom Partners, and discuss the many hats educators wear, the sense of overwhelm that goes with implementing curriculum, instruction, and other responsibilities, and how we can better support classroom educators both with their many hats and their well-being.

Join Kirsten and Matt as they have a great conversation with Dr. Jennifer Clifden about the well-being of teachers and care-takers, how burn out happens, and the two questions to ask yourself often to get your joy back and bring you out of burnout.

Connect with Dr. Jennifer Clifden through:

In this episode Matt and Kirsten record together in person at the CALS (Central Arkansas Library System) Downtown Little Rock Library and recap Season 3 and our new adventure as co-hosts and bringing content to our listeners. Find out the sound that Season 3 was brought to you by (a little Sesame Street throwback), and our ask for guests in the upcoming Season 4.

In this episode The Bulldog Educator co-hosts, Matt and Kirsten, talk with guest Crystal Green-Braswell, educator, author, and wellness coach. She shares her experience, wisdom, and proven methods for wellness practices and how this works in the world of education.

Here are some of the resources discussed in the podcast:

In this episode, Matthew takes The Bulldog Educator on the road to Savannah, Georgia where he chats with Kristin Poitras, former classroom teacher, now Director of Museum Programming and Operations at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) Museum of Art. She shares with us some of the experiences, how art elevates our awareness of the world around us, and how art, history, and education can be integrated and also be a place of relaxation.

Co-hosts Matt and Kirsten reflect over their travels in the first half of Season 3, how they are working on the practice of rest and rejuvenation, and what they are looking forward to both with the podcast and in the upcoming weeks.

In this episode of The Bulldog Educator, Kirsten talks with Carrie Rogers-Whitehead, author and founder of Digital ResponsAbility. She shares ideas and practical advice for managing screen time without robbing everyone of rest and rejuvenation, and shares some ways she guards her own rest and relaxation.

Matt and Kirsten chat with UofA College of Education and Health Professions PhD Candidate, Krystle Merry. They dive into the challenges of being a doctoral student while managing all of the other responsibilities in life.

In this episode, co-host Kirsten Wilson, while attending Arkansas ASCD "Whole Child Summit" in Northwest Arkansas chats with licensed social worker, Kelly Krout. Kelly, a mental health professional and community outreach specialist for Arisa Health, shares with listeners approaches for families ways to embrace the opportunity to rest, relax, and rejuvenate during the summer. She also shares how she finds ways to rest and relax.

In this episode The Bulldog Educator Podcast goes on the road with co-host Matthew Caston. At the Office of Innovation in Education- Innovation Rally, Matthew talks with Carissa Solomon, educator with Embark Education from Denver, Colorado. They talk about the innovative approach that Embark takes with a micro-middle school, how to integrate practices of yoga into every aspect of learning with students to support emotional regulation, and how Carissa recharges after the demands of teaching and parenting.

In this episode we launch Season 3, introduce that this will be a co-hosted podcast and introduce the host joining Kirsten Wilson, Matthew Caston. Matthew will share with listeners a little bit about himself, his connection to education, and his recent journey with rest and renewal, which is also the theme for Season 3. The episode will end with a new segment “Living in Beta Mode” where co-hosts share a “life-hack”, a great social media educational influencer to follow, a book they recently read, or a podcast to listen to.

This is the sixth and final episode of a  special series where the Bulldog Educator host, Kirsten Wilson, reflects on the past 5 episodes and how it has impacted her learning. Throughout the episode, there is her personal reflection of the series and excerpts of recordings from previous episodes in this series.

Resources referenced in the episode:

Definition of a Marginalized person:

This is the fifth episode of a 6 episode series where the Bulldog Educator host, Kirsten Wilson, chats with guest, Dr. Evette Allen-Moore about the questions she has been contemplating, how higher education PLC spaces ensure and create inclusive cultures that amplify the voices of BIPOC students and teachers. Through the episode we also explore what other aspects need to be present in a PLC and what we need to keep mindful of when considering representation and student voice. The concept of representation and the importance of perspective and personal experience bring to the table also are a theme throughout the episode. The discussion explores how PLCs can amplify the voices of the marginalized, the concept of the Inclusive Excellence Framework, and what may need to change or be customized regarding the questions asked in a PLC and who is present in a PLC to ensure all voices are represented and heard.

Resources referenced in the episode:

4 Essential Questions for the PLC:

This is the fourth episode of a 6 episode series where the Bulldog Educator host, Kirsten Wilson, chats with guest, Jasmine Wilson about the questions she has been contemplating, how a non-traditional student, former Higher Education employee, former Corporate Business Person and Dean of Students shows up in PLC spaces representing BIPOC students and supports teachers. Through the episode we also explore what other aspects need to be present in a PLC and what we need to keep mindful of when considering representation and student voice. The concept of representation and the importance of perspective and personal experience bring to the table also are a theme throughout the episode. The discussion explores how PLCs have benefited or not benefited Jasmine, her voice, and the voice of teachers and students, and what may need to change or be customized regarding the questions asked in a PLC and who is present in a PLC to ensure all voices are represented and heard.

Resources referenced in order presented:

4 Essential Questions for the PLC:

This is the third episode of a 6 episode series where the Bulldog Educator host, Kirsten Wilson, chats with guest, Aida Kuettle about the questions she has been contemplating, how an ELL learner herself, non-traditional student, and ESOL Coordinator shows up in PLC spaces representing ESOL students and supports teachers. Through the episode we also explore what other aspects need to be present in a PLC and what we need to keep mindful of when considering the ESOL students. The concept of representation and the importance of perspective and personal experience bring to the table also are a theme throughout the episode. The discussion explores how PLCs have benefited or not benefited both Aida, her voice, and the voice of the ESOL students, and what may need to change regarding the questions asked in a PLC.

Resources referenced in order presented:

4 Essential Questions for the PLC:

This is the second episode of a 6 episode series where the Bulldog Educator host, Kirsten Wilson, chats with guest, Matthew Caston about the questions she has been contemplating, how a student-centered focus in PLCs differs from the traditional framework, and explores what other aspects need to be present in a PLC such storytelling and sharing a narrative. The concept of affinity groups, fugitive pedagogy, and expanding the definition of data all can have a transformative impact. The discussion explores how PLCs have benefited or not benefited them, their voice, and the voice of their students.

Resources referenced in order presented:

4 Essential Questions for the PLC:

This is the beginning of a 6 episode series where the Bulldog Educator host, Kirsten Wilson, shares the questions she has been contemplating, defines what the term marginalized means, and explores and shares her own experiences with PLCs. In this series she will interview experts in the field of education, both K-12 and Higher Ed, and how PLCs have benefited or not benefited them, their voice, and the voice of their students.

Resources referenced in order presented:

In this episode, podcast host Kirsten Wilson, shares with listeners about her plans, personal events, and hopes for what will be next for The Bulldog Educator.

You can subscribe on your favorite podcast platform or podcatcher and get all the podcasts from "The Bulldog Educator."

In Season 2: Episode 9: We’ve Been Doing it all Wrong: Why Mind Brain Education is more important than Pedagogy, TBE host, Kirsten Wilson, explores Mind, Brain, Education Science and the impact on Educators and Students regarding a radical shift in Professional Learning and Educator Support through the lens of Digital Learning.

Below are research articles and resources mentioned in the episode:

Hobbiss, M. H., Massonnié, J., Tokuhama‐Espinosa, T., Gittner, A., Sousa Lemos, M. A., Tovazzi, A., Hindley, C., Baker, S., Sumeracki, M. A., Wassenaar, T., & Gous, I. (2019). “unified”: Bridging the researcher–practitioner divide in mind, Brain, and Education. Mind, Brain, and Education, 13(4), 298–312. https://doi.org/10.1111/mbe.12223

Oliveira, S., Roberto, M. S., Veiga-Simão, A. M., & Marques-Pinto, A. (2021). A meta-analysis of the impact of social and emotional learning interventions on teachers’ burnout symptoms. Educational Psychology Review, 33(4), 1779–1808. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-021-09612-x

Willis, A. S., & Nagel, M. C. (2014). The role that teachers play in overcoming the effects of stress and trauma on children’s Social Psychological Development: Evidence from Northern Uganda. Social Psychology of Education, 18(1), 37–54. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11218-014-9282-6

In this episode, Kirsten Wilson, the Bulldog Educator Podcast host, discusses the current "great resignation" and "transitioning teachers." She shares her thoughts on the matter and what she thinks may be a possible small solution. 

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In this episode, The Bulldog Educator, Kirsten Wilson, reminisce about the end of things like the iPod, videos on MTV, and other things. How the end of things makes space for new things. Listen to this brief and reflective chat about loss and hope. 

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In this episode podcast host, Kirsten Wilson, shares as part of Teacher Appreciation Week 2022, how her colleague, friend, and mentor, Chris McCain has impacted and influenced her life as an educator. 

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In this episode podcast host, Kirsten Wilson, shares how a recent trip to see her daughter had her seeing accessibility in airports and the presentation of a dialect coach through the lens of Universal Design and Universal Design for Learning. See how space, bathroom stalls, and land acknowledgements all address accessibility and how it created an opportunity of reflection in her practice as an educator.

You can subscribe on your favorite podcast platform or podcatcher and get all the podcasts from "The Bulldog Educator."

In this episode, The Bulldog Educator host, Kirsten Wilson, shares her own personal experience and story related to the #loveteaching week. We would love to know your #loveteaching story, too. Please connect with us by tagging The Bulldog Educator. 

You can subscribe on your favorite podcast platform or podcatcher and get all the podcasts from "The Bulldog Educator."

In this episode, Kirsten Wilson, the Bulldog Educator, shares about a sense of belonging both for yourself and your role within an organization to create a culture of belonging. 

Resources from podcast mentioned or utilized:

This bonus episode is a honest and vulnerable reflection on the experience that The Bulldog Educator podcast host, Kirsten Wilson, had with building an online course. She shares how trying to build a Genius Hour course for grades 3-5 presented its own set of challenges, but what it taught her in the way of a new perspective and how it better equipped her to help others stepping into the realm of digital learning in regard to online course building. 

In this episode, The Bulldog Educator, Kirsten Wilson, addresses the "dress professionally" statement that so many educators are delivered at the beginning of each school year. In the second year of educators teaching in a pandemic, and being professionals, should the "dress professionally talk" even have a place in the culture of a campus, district, or educational organization. 

This wraps up Season 1 and our exploration of the UDL Framework. In this episode, Kirsten shares the important components, strategies, and approaches to support students becoming autonomous, expert learners. 

We will be back with Season 2 soon where we will have guest speakers, bite-sized episodes for easy quick listening, and relevant just-in-time content.

In this episode, The Bulldog Educator podcast host, Kirsten Wilson, interviews her own daughter, Emmarie Wilson, a senior in high school. They primarily discuss the impact of feedback on her as a learner and the types of feedback that have helped her the most. We also dive into why feedback can make a learner desire to take a class they may not be "good" at, as well as why online learning has been beneficial to her as a learner with dyslexia. This is an episode you don't want to miss as Emmarie shares some great insight that all teachers (online or in person) can take away something for enhancing their methods of feedback.

Join us soon for another look at the UDL framework and discuss the final tier of the guideline infographic, where we discuss "Internalize" and examine how self-regulation, comprehension, and executive functions work to progress leaners to expert learners.

In this episode of The Bulldog Educator podcast, host Kirsten Wilson, focuses on the "middle" of the UDL Framework that addresses "BUILD" she highlights what happens across the middle part of the framework in regard to multiple means of engagement, representation, and action/expression.

In this episode of The Bulldog Educator podcast, host Kirsten Wilson, interviews colleague and rubric expert, Rainbow Bagsby on the characteristics of a quality rubric and how it supports various aspects of UDL principles.

In this episode, The Educator Bulldog podcast host, Kirsten Wilson, shares her 20 reflections from the 2020 year. In this episode she shares her own thoughts, transformation of ideas she had over the 2020 year through the pandemic, her heart for youth, and finally her #oneword for 2021. She shares, unashamed her learning... some may be considered controversial, and her belief that over everything we need to love one another. She also hopes that listeners will continue to connect with her through her podcast. To continue to listen to other podcasts by The Bulldog Educator, be sure to subscribe to your preferred podcast platform. 

Host note: This particular episode is dedicated to all the lives that have been lost. This episode was recorded on the night of the shooting of Jacob Blake.

In this episode The Bulldog Educator host, Kirsten Wilson, hands over the mic to fellow educator, civic leader, and friend, Jasmine Wilson. Jasmine facilitates a discussion with three young people who share their heart, their fears, and their wisdom. We hope that listeners hear the heart of these youth, their passion, their hope, and their want for a better world.

In this episode guest, Karen Norton- Recruitment and Retention Specialist at Arch Ford ESC, shares with podcast host, Kirsten Wilson, ideas, suggestions, and advice for first-year educators as they begin their career in education. In the conversation, it is discussed the unique start to this year in the midst of a pandemic, along with additional advice for veteran educators and administrators.

In this episode The Bulldog Educator Podcast host, Kirsten Wilson, shares her heart's work regarding an Online Learning Instructional Model incorporating several aspects including the triangle of learning between the teacher, curriculum, and student. The lesson line for determining how instruction should be both delivered and received, and the importance of alignment, evaluation of the instruction, and a guaranteed viable curriculum. 

In this episode, The Bulldog Educator Podcast host, Kirsten Wilson, shares about the need for space to pivot in our present circumstances.

You can find this podcast and previous episodes on multiple podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, and Pocketcast.

In this episode "The Bulldog Educator" host, Kirsten Wilson, shares her journey of discovering the benefits of sketchnoting. She also shares with listeners the primary influencers on her for sketchnoting, including author of "The Pencil Made Me Do It: A Guide to Sketchnoting" Carrie Baughcum (@HeckAwesome on Twitter). Learn about her learning mascots, the #DoodleandChat community, and the seven things she has come to learn about sketchnoting.

In this episode, The Bulldog Educator Podcast host, Kirsten Wilson, shares her personal journey with self-care, her own misunderstandings about what self-care is, and what ways she is taking self-care seriously through consistency, joy, permission slips, leaning in/getting curious, and goals with grace.

Resources mentioned in the podcast are:

Get to know the host of The Bulldog Educator, Kirsten Wilson, as she shares some of the influencers that have shaped her as an educator and her passion as a learner over the years. She will share known social media education influencers, authors, podcasters, and individuals who have had a profound impact on her.