Welcome to the Modern Classrooms Project Podcast. Each week we bring you discussions with educators on how they use blended, self-paced, and mastery-based learning to better serve their learners. In this episode, Toni Rose Deanon is joined by school counselor, Pauline Salgado, and college counselor Livia Matteucci, to share the lessons from their experiences with other educators.

They emphasize the importance of nurturing holistic student well-being while guiding them towards a successful educational path and career choices.

Here are three key takeaways from this podcast episode:

• Recognizing Students as Individuals: The counselors emphasize the need to see students as unique individuals, acknowledging their struggles and the real challenges they face in and out of the classroom. Pauline emphasizes the significance of nurturing students' mental health, stating, "I don't think I'll ever push away the importance of mental health... that should be the foundation." This underlines the value of a comprehensive approach to teaching, especially one that ackowledges social-emotional health and well-being.

• Collaboration and Support: The counselors highlight the power of collaboration among educators, counselors, and caregivers. Livia shares her joy in seeing students excited to explore new opportunities and pathways, achieved through a combined effort of teachers, caregivers, and counselors. Effective support systems, including accommodation for students' mental health needs, are vital in fostering an environment where every student can thrive.

• Normalizing Uncertainty: Encouraging students to embrace uncertainty and be open to exploring various career paths and majors is a central theme. Livia's advice for students is to remain flexible, as most people change their majors at least once in college. Pauline echoes this sentiment by acknowledging the complexity of students' lives and the need for teachers to consider individual needs and make necessary accommodations. These insights provide valuable guidance for students and educators navigating the challenges of educational and career decisions.

As Pauline aptly says, "your kids need you," reminding educators to prioritize students' well-being. Ultimately, this podcast underscores the pivotal role that educators and counselors play in shaping students' futures and well-being.

Discussion questions for PLC and PD: 

• How can educators better collaborate with school counselors to create a supportive and holistic environment for students, especially when it comes to addressing their mental health and well-being?

• How can schools and educators prioritize the normalization of uncertainty in students' educational and career journeys, and what strategies can be employed to help students feel comfortable exploring various paths?

• In what ways can educators work to foster an inclusive approach to education, taking into account individual student needs, and how can this approach be integrated into the classroom setting?

Our Host

Toni Rose taught MS English for 10 years and will forever identify as a teacher. Toni Rose strives to be the teacher that she never had growing up, so she focuses on anti-bias, anti-racist work and wants to create a brave space for everyone around her. As a queer Filipinx, she understands just how important it is to be represented, be valued, and belong. She especially loves being a thought partner for and celebrating teachers.

Our Guests: Pauline Salgado, Livia Matteucci

• Learn more about Pauline’s work with ACRS

• Connect with Livia on LinkedIn

If you like what you hear in this episode, share it with a friend or subscribe to get updates when new podcasts are published.