The Efficacious Educator Podcast

Student mental health needs have reached crisis levels — and traditional support systems aren't enough. In this episode, we explore how one Chicago community used community organizing to build a new System of Care that connects schools, families, and mental health services in powerful new ways. Jessica Biggs, educator, organizer, and newly elected member of the Chicago Board of Education, shares how her team leveraged community navigators, trust-building, and collaborative leadership to transform access to mental health supports for students and families.

What do you do when a school’s morning entry feels out of control? In this episode of The Efficacious Educator Podcast, Sarah speaks with Chris Conant, Jim Brasile, and Meg Shea from New Britain High School in Connecticut about how they tackled a chaotic start to the school day—and transformed it into an organized, welcoming experience for students and staff.

In this episode of The Efficacious Educator Podcast, I interview Demetrius Fuller, assistant principal at Sokolowski Elementary, about the transformative power of the HOMies (Habits of Mind). Demetrius shares how these eight creative characters empower students to embrace their potential, foster resilience, and build critical thinking skills, while also uniting educators around a shared language for growth. Discover how the HOMies have become a cornerstone of Sokolowski’s school culture, inspiring students and teachers alike to thrive as their whole selves.

Sean shares the story of effectively partnering with a co-located school to develop and implement a student developed and implemented peer mentorship program. "Kids are really good at it. They're really good at listening to each other and they're really good at hearing each other and knowing why that person is acting that way and [they're] just somebody that is there and say, hey, you're okay. I'm not gonna leave you, I'm here to support you."