Best Brandon Hassler Podcasts (2025)

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AI Education for Kids: Expert Guide for Teachers & Parents | Mike Todasco 29:02

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1h ago29:02

29:02

Send us a text The digital revolution in education is happening right now, and AI literacy has surged to become the #1 skill employers demand. With 70% of job skills projected to change by 2030, our conversation with Mike Todasco couldn't be more timely or crucial for parents and educators navigating this shifting landscape. Mike brings a rare dual…

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Handwriting Instruction: How it Boosts Literacy & Brain Development| Holly Britton 24:26

14d ago24:26

24:26

Send us a text Discover why handwriting instruction is disappearing from classrooms and how this impacts your child's literacy development. In this research-backed episode, handwriting specialist Holly Britton reveals the neuroscience behind why forming letters by hand activates crucial brain pathways that typing cannot replicate. What You'll Learn…

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A Gen Z Guide to Success: After College Insights| Annat Shrabstein 30:34

29d ago30:34

30:34

Send us a text The transition from college to adulthood has dramatically transformed over recent decades, with financial independence, full-time employment, and independent living occurring much later for today's graduates than their 1980s counterparts. Yet despite these shifting timelines, Sallie Mae's latest research reveals that higher education…

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Who’s Behind the Curriculum? Missing Voices in Academic Publishing|Dr. Cassidy Sugimoto 19:11

1M ago19:11

19:11

Send us a text Curriculum doesn’t start in the classroom—it starts in the knowledge system: the people, institutions, and practices that produce and disseminate research. Dr. Cassidy Sugimoto, a Tom and Marie Patton Professor and School Chair from the School of Public Policy at Georgia Tech, explains how publishing and citation practices flow into …

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Quality Child Care Creates the Foundation for Lifelong Learning 23:42

2M ago23:42

23:42

Send us a text Quality childcare creates the foundation for lifelong learning and development, but finding the right program often leaves parents confused, frustrated, and uncertain. What should you actually look for beyond a clean facility and friendly staff? How do you know if a program will nurture your child's development in ways that matter? I…

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Second Chances: How Prison Education Programs Are Reducing Violence and Rebuilding Lives 26:25

2M ago26:25

26:25

Send us a text Behind the concrete walls and steel bars of America's prisons, something remarkable is happening. Education—once considered an afterthought in correctional settings—is proving to be one of the most powerful tools for transformation, not just for individuals but for entire institutions. Our conversation with Joshua Gilliam, who brings…

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Jazzing Up Your Music Program: Reignite Teen Engagement With Unison-Based Content 28:14

3M ago28:14

28:14

Send us a text Secondary music classrooms are increasingly challenged by student disengagement—especially when traditional models fail to resonate with today’s learners. In this compelling episode, professional bassist and music educator Richard Frank introduces his Unison-Based Content (UBC) approach, a student-centered framework designed to revit…

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The Healing Power of Wild Mustangs: Biophilia & Equine Therapy with Erin Cain 24:37

3M ago24:37

24:37

Send us a text Discover the power of equine therapy through the eyes of specialist Erin Cain, founder of Grace Reins Equine Therapy in Colorado. When words fall short in traditional therapy settings, horses step in as powerful healers for children struggling with anxiety, trauma, and emotional regulation. The science behind this approach is fascina…

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Why Outdoor Play Is Essential for Kids' Growth | Susie Spikol on Nature, Learning & Imagination 29:42

4M ago29:42

29:42

Send us a text What if the solution to many childhood developmental challenges was literally right outside our windows? Naturalist and author Susie Spiegel reveals how unstructured nature play creates the perfect environment for children to develop crucial life skills that structured indoor activities simply can't replicate. Drawing from her book "…

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Peer Mentorship in Action: How a 9-Year-Old Podcaster Is Opening Doors to Literacy and Science 24:39

4M ago24:39

24:39

Send us a text "Books are the key to unlocking your soul's true potential." These aren't the words of a veteran educator or bestselling author – they come from nine-year-old Ishara, host of Ishara's Reading Podcast, literacy advocate, and aspiring astronaut who dreams of leading a mission to Mars. In this inspiring episode, Ishara is at her skating…

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Speech & Language Help for Kids: Expert SLP Tips for Parents and Teachers 29:15

5M ago29:15

29:15

Send us a text Dinalynn Rosenbush, certified speech-language pathologist and host of the Language of Play podcast, shares research-backed approaches for supporting children's communication skills through play when speech therapy services are delayed or unavailable. • Nearly 8% of children ages 3-17 have communication disorders with speech problems …

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Gen Z College & Career Readiness | Helping Students Plan Their Future with Loper 29:42

5M ago29:42

29:42

Send us a text Post-secondary planning doesn't need to be overwhelming for students, parents, or educators. Sam Bernstein shares how his app Loper is transforming this crucial process into a personalized, engaging experience that meets Gen Z where they are. • Only 74% of Gen Z teens plan to attend college, down from previous generations • Students …

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Screen-Free Learning That Works: Why Teachers & Parents Love the "Who Smarted" Podcast 22:07

6M ago22:07

22:07

Send us a text Worried about too much screen time for your kids or students? Discover how the Who Smarted podcast is helping parents and teachers bring back curiosity, focus, and fun — without a screen in sight. In this episode, Jerry Kolber, co-founder of Atomic Entertainment and creator of Who Smarted, shares how his wildly popular educational po…

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Making Teaching Sustainable in a Blended, Self-Paced Learning Environment: The Modern Classrooms Project 24:56

6M ago24:56

24:56

Send us a text Robert Barnett, co-founder of the Modern Classrooms Project, explains how their innovative teaching model helps teachers effectively reach students with diverse learning needs through blended, self-paced, mastery-based learning. Traditional teaching methods struggling with different learning paces, gaps in knowledge, and absent stude…

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406,000 Teacher Vacancies: The Solution Schools Are Using to Keep Classrooms Staffed 24:30

7M ago24:30

24:30

Send us a text The education landscape is in turmoil as schools cope with a teacher shortage that leaves over 400,000 positions unfilled. This episode tackles the pressing issue head-on, exploring how innovative education leaders are transforming staffing challenges into pathways for continuity and excellence in learning. We welcome Nicola Soares, …

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Empowering Young Women Through Financial Literacy with Her Wealth Founder James Comblo 28:23

7M ago28:23

28:23

Send us a text Are you aware of the gender gap in financial literacy? In this episode, James Comblo shares the impact of programs like Her Wealth, designed to empower girls aged 16-28 with the tools for financial independence. Through candid discussions, relatable anecdotes, and actionable strategies, we explore how parents and educators can foster…

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School-Based Mental Health Initiatives with Counseling in Schools' Kevin DaHill-Fuchel 36:14

7M ago36:14

36:14

Send us a text Can better mental health support in schools transform student success? Join us as we explore this critical question with Kevin DaHill-Fuchel, Executive Director of Counseling in Schools (CIS). With him, we uncover the profound impact of integrating mental health professionals into school environments, a strategy that has notably boos…

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Data Driven Solutions for Chronic Absenteeism with Innovator Chris Hull 38:55

8M ago38:55

38:55

Send us a text What if a simple tool could improve the way we address chronic absenteeism in schools? Join me, Dr. Lisa Hassler, as I explore this provocative question with Chris Hull, the visionary founder of Otus. In this episode, we uncover how integrating various data points into a single platform can empower educators to swiftly identify at-ri…

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Students Overcome Math Anxiety with Mathematician Dr. Aditya Nagrath 23:02

8M ago23:02

23:02

Send us a text The episode explores the science and psychology of math anxiety and features innovative educational approaches aimed at transforming math teaching. With a PhD in Mathematics & Computer Sciences, Dr. Aditya Nagrath shares insights on early intervention, preventive strategies to improve students' confidence, and the importance of viewi…

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Joyful Learning: Practical Strategies for Navigating Holiday Havoc with Drs Hassler 21:53

10M ago21:53

21:53

Send us a text Ever wonder how teachers and parents can navigate the festive frenzy of December without losing their minds? Join me and my husband, Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., as we unlock the secrets to maintaining sanity and maximizing learning during one of the busiest times of the year. We promise you'll walk away with practical strategies like plan…

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The Golden Age of Nonfiction: Gateway to Literacy with Imagination Soup's Melissa Taylor 28:24

10M ago28:24

28:24

Send us a text Open the gates to the golden age of nonfiction literature with Dr. Lisa Hassler and Melissa Taylor, founder of Imagination Soup, as they unravel the often-overlooked power of nonfiction books in education. Did you know that 84% of first graders show a preference for nonfiction, yet these books are not as prevalent as they should be i…

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Stories as Tools for Anxiety Management with Former Sesame Street Director, Dr. Anna Housley-Juster 32:46

11M ago32:46

32:46

Send us a text What if the key to managing childhood anxiety lies in the stories we tell? Discover how storytelling can transform anxiety from a daunting monster into a friendly guide, as Dr. Anna Housley-Juster, a licensed mental health clinician and author of "How to Train Your Amygdala," joins us. With a blend of empathy and humor, Anna shares h…

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Music Education & Mental Well-Being: Making Better Humans with Music Workshop's Dr. Giuliana Conti 28:08

11M ago28:08

28:08

Send us a text Unlock the powerful role of music in transforming education with insights from Dr. Lisa Hassler and guest, Dr. Giuliana Conti, Director of Education and Equity at Music Workshop. Prepare to discover how music education can boost adolescents' mental well-being, with research backing its impact on neural connectivity and emotional heal…

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Special Episode When Disaster Strikes: How Schools Build Resilience and Community Strength with Educators Mary Guarino and Beth Donofrio 27:49

12M ago27:49

27:49

Send us a text What if schools could transform chaos into community strength during a natural distaster? Join me, Dr. Lisa Hassler, as we promise a deep dive into the critical topic of hurricane preparedness in American schools. In this episode, seasoned educators Mary Guarino and Beth Donofrio, share their poignant experiences in preparing and dea…

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Going Beyond Numbers to Create a Math Symphony with MoMath's Cindy Lawrence 38:27

12M ago38:27

38:27

Send us a text What if mathematics could be as captivating and enjoyable as a symphony concert? In our latest episode, we promise you'll discover innovative ways to make math not only accessible but genuinely fun for everyone. Join me, Dr. Lisa Hassler, alongside Cindy Lawrence, the inspiring Executive Director and CEO of the National Museum of Mat…

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Equity-Centered Teaching: A Path to Educational Justice with Director Dr. Emily Affolter 32:58

1y ago32:58

32:58

Send us a text What if we could transform education to truly empower every student, regardless of their background? Join me, Dr. Lisa Hassler, and our inspiring guest, Dr. Emily Affolter, as we uncover the potential of building just and inclusive educational environments. Drawing from Paulo Freire's "Pedagogy of the Oppressed" and Jean Anyon's "Soc…

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Dual Language Programs: Cultural Identity and Equity with Ensemble Learning's Katherine Hamilton 30:34

1y ago30:34

30:34

Send us a text Dual language programs are growing as the value of linguistic diversity is seen as a strength to be leveraged, not a challenge to be overcome. Peek into the inner workings of the dual language program with Katherine Hamilton, the Senior Vice President of Programs at Ensemble Learning. Discover how these programs not only boost academ…

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Childhood Trauma: Need to Know Strategies with Clinical Psychologist Dr. Robyn Koslowitz 39:00

1y ago39:00

39:00

Send us a text "Our traumas can either be our greatest problem or our greatest superpower," (Dr. Robyn Koslowitz). Which do you believe it is? Reflect on childhood trauma with Dr. Koslowitz, a nationally recognized clinical psychologist, who dives deep into her personal journey and professional insights to help us understand how trauma can be hidde…

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Social-Emotional Learning: Promoting Student Well-being with Scholar Dr. Maggie Broderick 27:30

1y ago27:30

27:30

Send us a text How can understanding and integrating Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) impact the way we educate and nurture young minds? Join us as we explore SEL with Dr. Maggie Broderick, Associate Professor in the Teacher Education Department of National University’s Sanford College of Education, where she serves as a Dissertation Chair and Facul…

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Teacher Crisis: Addressing Commodification and Mental Health with Leadership Consultant Dr. Roger Gerard 30:00

1y ago30:00

30:00

Send us a text Ever wondered how the commodification of education affects our teachers' mental health and the quality of education? Join us as we explore this pressing issue with renowned healthcare executive and leadership consultant, Dr. Roger Gerard. Together, we unpack the alarming rise in teacher burnout and anxiety, exacerbated by the pandemi…

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Agile Classrooms: Student-Centered Learning with The Agile Mind's Jessica Cavallaro 33:13

1y ago33:13

33:13

Send us a text Want to change your approach to teaching? Join us with Jessica Cavallaro, co-founder of The Agile Mind, as she uncovers the transformative power of Agile methodologies in the classroom. Discover how Jessica embraced Agile principles, reshaping her educational environment into a vibrant space of collaboration and student-driven proble…

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Social Learning: Peer Instruction and Assessment Insights with Harvard's Dr. Eric Mazur 32:38

1+ y ago32:38

32:38

Send us a text Can questioning transform teaching more effectively than lecturing? Join us on The Brighter Side of Education as we welcome Dr. Eric Mazur, the Balkanski Professor of Physics and Applied Physics at Harvard University, to discuss social learning and assessment. Dr. Mazur is the innovator of Peer Instruction and Perusall. His motivatio…

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ChatGPT: A Guide for Teachers with AI Consultant Jessica Lyons 23:01

1+ y ago23:01

23:01

Send us a text Discover how AI can transform your classroom with insights from EdTech AI consultant Jessica Lyons. Learn how ChatGPT can simplify lesson planning and administrative tasks, drastically cutting down the time educators spend on preparation. Jessica shares her compelling journey from teacher to AI advocate, revealing how ChatGPT’s conve…

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Sound-Based Teaching with Jazz Musician Hayes Greenfield 37:21

1+ y ago37:21

37:21

Send us a text Tap into the symphony of learning with us as we explore sound-based teaching techniques in the classroom. Author, Hayes Greenfield, brings over three decades of experience to the table as a jazz musician and film composer, sharing the magic of his Creative Sound Play learning system and offering a glimpse into his upcoming book, Crea…

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Guiding Children to Financial Fluency with Financial Advisor-Author Anthony Delauney 38:25

1+ y ago38:25

38:25

Send us a text Unlock the secrets to teaching your children the priceless skill of financial literacy, as we welcome Anthony Delauney to share his expertise and heartwarming journey as a Family Financial Planner and author of Owning the Dash children's book series. This episode is packed with engaging stories and practical advice that will change t…

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Empathy and Education: Hidden Barriers in Generational Poverty with Food Bank CEO Michael Coleman 41:27

1+ y ago41:27

41:27

Send us a text Discover the untold challenges of generational poverty and how it shapes the educational journey of countless children. I'm Dr. Lisa Hassler, and in a heartfelt conversation with Michael Coleman, CEO of Heart of Alabama Food Bank, we peel back the layers of societal norms and hidden barriers that dictate the success or failure of our…

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The Essence of Montessori Classrooms with Educator Michaela Kucera 27:46

1+ y ago27:46

27:46

Send us a text Discover the transformative power of Montessori and project-based learning as we journey with Michaela Kucera, a veteran Montessori educator from the Roots Nature and Leadership Academy, through the captivating terrain of individualized education. Prepare to be inspired as we unravel the secrets behind sensory-rich classrooms and mix…

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Crafting Bright Futures: Author Autumn McKay on Enriching Early Learning Experiences 18:18

1+ y ago18:18

18:18

Send us a text Realize the full potential of your child's early education journey with guidance from Autumn McKay, a former teacher turned author whose passion for hands-on learning shines through every page of her work. Autumn details how parents can support their child's academic journey by creating intentional learning experiences at home. Even …

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Nature's Classroom: Justine Wilson on the Wonders of Forest School Education 27:17

1+ y ago27:17

27:17

Send us a text Embark on an educational adventure where the whispers of the forest merge with the laughter of learning. Justine Wilson, the innovative mind behind Curious and Kind Education, welcomes us into a world where classrooms have no walls, and the sky's the limit for curiosity. She's not your average educator; her story of transitioning fro…

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AI and the Future of Personalized Education with Edupreneur Amanda Bickerstaff 26:18

1+ y ago26:18

26:18

Send us a text Explore the educational revolution where AI becomes the teacher's ally, not the adversary. Unlock the promise of a tailored learning journey as we unpack the integration of artificial intelligence into the classroom setting. With insights from the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Educator Confidence Report and the expert knowledge of Amanda…

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Unlocking Literacy: Guiding Non-Readers to Success with Dr. Joseph Lockavitch 39:57

1+ y ago39:57

39:57

Send us a text Imagine a classroom where every child reads confidently, their eyes alight with understanding. Today literacy sage, Dr. Joseph Lockavitch, unveils the blueprint to literacy success for non-readers. We tackle the daunting educational crisis head-on, discussing Dr. Lockavitch's revolutionary Failure-Free Reading Program, dissecting the…

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The Poet's Heart: Sarika Singh on the Power of Poetry in Education 29:12

1+ y ago29:12

29:12

Send us a text Have you ever felt a poem tug at your heartstrings, or stumbled upon lines of verse that perfectly captured your emotions? Today's podcast is a treasure for anyone who’s ever been moved by the power of poetry. We’re joined by the poet Sarika Singh, whose insights into the transformative impact of poetry on education are nothing short…

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Healing Classrooms: Embracing Trauma-Informed Yoga in Education with Yoga Guide Kim Louria 28:08

1+ y ago28:08

28:08

Send us a text Discover how the gentle art of trauma-informed yoga can impact our approach to mental health and education. Join me and my inspiring guest, Kim Louria, from Roots, Nature and Leadership Academy, as we unpack the profound effects this practice can have on alleviating the impact of trauma on learning. You'll hear heartfelt stories and …

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Creative Roots: Weaving Together Art, Nature, and Education with Researcher and Art Teacher Jenna Saulo 20:49

1+ y ago20:49

20:49

Send us a text Unlock the secrets of fostering a deep, enduring connection between children and the environment through the power of art and nature. Join me, Dr. Lisa Richardson-Hassler, as I talk with Jenna Saulo, researcher and art educator from Roots Nature and Leadership Academy. Together, we explore the integration of natural elements into art…

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In Step with Success: The Impact of Dance in Education with Professor of Dance Dr. Stephanie Milling 28:46

2y ago28:46

28:46

Send us a text Step into the world of dance with professor of dance and head of dance education at the University of South Carolina, Dr. Stephanie Milling, and uncover the magnificent role it plays in education. Can you imagine how dance can lead to higher test scores, pro-social behavior, and increased school and community engagement? This episode…

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Transformative Tunes: Shaping Early Learning with Music Specialist Nicholaus Young 42:15

2y ago42:15

42:15

Send us a text Ever wonder about the magic that happens when little toes tap and small voices hum along to catchy tunes? We guarantee you'll begin to see pre-school music and movement in a transformative light in our chat with specialist Nick Young, who's been instrumental in music curriculum design for early childhood classrooms. He shares his ins…

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Drawing Thought: A Discussion on Art and Cognition with Artist Dr. Andrea Kantrowitz 27:46

2y ago27:46

27:46

Send us a text Ever thought about the profound role art plays in education? Get ready to be enlightened as we join Dr. Andrea Kantrowitz, an artist, researcher, and educator, in an enriching conversation on the impact of art on cognition. Taking us through her significant research findings, we delve into the surprising correlation between an integr…

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Stage and Classroom: The Interplay of Theater and Education with Actor Brad Wages 38:15

2y ago38:15

38:15

Send us a text Looking to create a lasting impact on your students? Tune in as we turn the spotlight on the power of theater education. We're joined by Brad Wages, actor and seasoned theater education maestro from Venice Theater's Education and Community Engagement Department. We dive deep into a discussion about his journey in the world of theater…

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Charting the Course: Looking Ahead to a Brighter Season 2 3:19

2y ago3:19

3:19

Send us a text Season 1 of The Brighter Side of Education was a remarkable journey! Together, we laughed, we learned, and we sparked conversation on how to transform classrooms, one discussion at a time. We've heard about the challenges educators, parents, and students face, and the innovative solutions that various communities have implemented. It…

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Education Illuminated: Reflecting on a Year of Bright Ideas and Emerging Trends with Drs Hassler 27:34

2y ago27:34

27:34

Send us a text In today's episode, we have a special guest joining me as co-host - my husband, Dr. Gregg Hassler, Jr. He's not only a dentist but also a former school board president and, as he always likes to say, my biggest advocate. We are thrilled to celebrate The Brighter Side of Education's one-year anniversary! A big thank you goes out to al…