inclusive education

Think Inclusive Podcast Cover Art

Advocating for Full Inclusion: Every Student Deserves Belonging with Sandra McElwee ~ 1329

Podcast Episodes / By /

In this episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas engages in a compelling conversation with Sandra McElwee, a pioneering advocate for inclusive education. As the mother of Sean, famously known from the TV show “Born This Way,” Sandra shares her journey of challenging educational norms to ensure her son had an inclusive education from the 1990s onwards. This episode explores the transformative power of inclusion in schools and the uphill battle families often face within the educational system.

Advocating for Full Inclusion: Every Student Deserves Belonging with Sandra McElwee ~ 1329 Read More »

Think Inclusive Podcast Cover Art

Building Inclusive Schools: From Belief to Practice with Michelle Gardner ~ 1328

Podcast Episodes / By /

In this insightful episode of “Think Inclusive,” Tim Villegas hosts Michelle Gardner, interim CEO of All In for Inclusive Education, to discuss the intricacies of systemic change towards inclusive education. Tim and Michelle delve into how schools and districts can transform inclusive education from a mere belief to a practice embraced in every classroom. They explore core themes of systems change, capacity building, and mindset shift in educational environments, spotlighting the journey from exclusionary practices to inclusive excellence.

Building Inclusive Schools: From Belief to Practice with Michelle Gardner ~ 1328 Read More »

Graphic image with photos of teachers working together in classrooms and text: When Schools Commit to Co-Teaching and Planning Inside W-L High School's Inclusive Practices Journey

When Schools Commit to Co-Teaching and Planning: Inside W-L High School’s Inclusive Practices Journey

Blog Articles, Newsletter / By /

The educators in District 109 are committed to including students with disabilities in general education. The district, located in Deerfield, IL, and serving students across four elementary schools and two middle schools, has been working to build the capacity to co-plan specially designed instruction (SDI) effectively.

When Schools Commit to Co-Teaching and Planning: Inside W-L High School’s Inclusive Practices Journey Read More »

Think Inclusive Podcast Cover Art

Building Inclusive Schools Through Community and Universal Design with Andratesha Fritzgerald ~ 1324

Podcast Episodes / By /

In this episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas engages in an enlightening conversation with Andratesha Fritzgerald about cultivating inclusion within schools and communities. Andratesha shares her insights on how educators can maintain hope and purpose amidst the challenges of pursuing equity, citing the pressing need to blend humanity and systemic changes into educational practices. Reflecting on her own work, she explains the benefits of involving diverse voices in crafting inclusive educational policies and emphasizes the significance of storytelling in building understanding and connection among students and educators.

Building Inclusive Schools Through Community and Universal Design with Andratesha Fritzgerald ~ 1324 Read More »

Think Inclusive Podcast Cover Art

Inclusive Education in Faith-Based Schools: Practical Strategies for Supporting All Learners ~ 1323

Podcast Episodes / By /

In this episode, the conversation focuses on what it really means for faith-based schools to say yes to inclusion. Colleen McCoy-Cejka and Crystal Brooks talk about how inclusion is often misunderstood and how definitions of inclusion can unintentionally lead to separation instead of belonging.

Inclusive Education in Faith-Based Schools: Practical Strategies for Supporting All Learners ~ 1323 Read More »

District 109’s Approach to Inclusive Instructional Planning

Blog Articles, Newsletter / By /

The educators in District 109 are committed to including students with disabilities in general education. The district, located in Deerfield, IL, and serving students across four elementary schools and two middle schools, has been working to build the capacity to co-plan specially designed instruction (SDI) effectively.

District 109’s Approach to Inclusive Instructional Planning Read More »

Think Inclusive Podcast Cover Art

Inclusive Systems Change in Secondary Schools with Dr. Jennifer Spencer-Iiams ~ 1322

Podcast Episodes / By /

In this episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas engages with Dr. Jennifer Spencer-Iiams in an insightful discussion about the journey towards authentic inclusion in school systems. As a leading advocate for inclusive education, Dr. Spencer-Iiams dismantles the myth that inclusion is a “one size fits all” approach. Instead, she underscores the necessity for schools to anticipate variability in classrooms and promote collaboration among educators to cater to diverse educational needs.

Inclusive Systems Change in Secondary Schools with Dr. Jennifer Spencer-Iiams ~ 1322 Read More »

Think Inclusive Podcast Cover Art

Decolonizing Education: What It Means for K-12 Teachers and Students ~ 1321

Podcast Episodes / By /

In this episode, Tim Villegas talks with Emily Affolter about what it really means to teach in ways that honor students as whole people, especially during a time when equity work is being questioned and challenged. The conversation moves between big-picture ideas—like power, history, and schooling—and the everyday decisions educators make in classrooms and systems.

Decolonizing Education: What It Means for K-12 Teachers and Students ~ 1321 Read More »

Think Inclusive Podcast Cover Art

DEI in Schools: Why Belonging Matters More Than Access with Margo Gross ~ 1320

Podcast Episodes / By /

In this episode, Tim talks with educator and speaker Margo Gross about staying grounded in your values during a time when DEI, inclusive education, and equity efforts are often misunderstood or pushed aside. Margo shares deeply personal stories about identity, hair, culture, and the emotional journey of finding and creating belonging.

DEI in Schools: Why Belonging Matters More Than Access with Margo Gross ~ 1320 Read More »

Think Inclusive Cover Art

Blue Engine on Scaling Inclusion: Silos, Safety, and Systems Change ~ 1317

Podcast Episodes / By /

In this episode, Tim talks with Matt Guerrero and Tiffany Galloway about how Blue Engine has evolved from classroom‑level co‑teaching support to helping entire school systems build the structures, mindsets, and capacity needed for inclusive education. They discuss the surprising differences—and similarities—across districts around the country, the challenges of scaling inclusive practices beyond a single classroom, and the importance of unified vision, shared language, and proactive design.

Blue Engine on Scaling Inclusion: Silos, Safety, and Systems Change ~ 1317 Read More »

What can we help you find?

Scroll to Top