Celebrating 150 Episodes of Taking the Helm Podcast: A Milestone Moment with Erin Plumb
As we mark a major milestone in the journey of Taking the Helm, I’m filled with gratitude and excitement! Our 150th episode is here, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to celebrate this achievement with none other than Erin Plumb, a recognized leader in assistive technology, accessibility, and inclusion. Erin’s insights on the role of technology in supporting learners both inside and outside the classroom provide an inspiring and timely conversation that speaks to the heart of what this podcast is all about: empowering children and youth to thrive.
Reflecting on the Journey: 150 Conversations of Impact
Reaching 150 episodes wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible guests who have joined me on this journey. From educators and mental health experts to innovators and advocates, each guest has shared their wisdom, stories, and strategies to help shape a better future for our children and young people. Every episode has been a building block in the mission to promote proactive strategies for emotional well-being, resilience, and the importance of mental health and inclusion.
I’m truly grateful to each person who has taken the time to share their expertise and experience on Taking the Helm. Your voices have inspired, challenged, and motivated our listeners—parents, educators, and anyone committed to the well-being of children and youth. Together, we’ve worked toward a shared vision: empowering those who nurture the next generation, whether in classrooms or homes, with the tools to guide them toward success and emotional resilience.
As we mark a major milestone in the journey of Taking the Helm, I’m filled with gratitude and excitement! Our 150th episode is here, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to celebrate this achievement with none other than Erin Plumb, a recognized leader in assistive technology, accessibility, and inclusion. Erin’s insights on the role of technology in supporting learners both inside and outside the classroom provide an inspiring and timely conversation that speaks to the heart of what this podcast is all about: empowering children and youth to thrive.
Reflecting on the Journey: 150 Conversations of Impact
Reaching 150 episodes wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible guests who have joined me on this journey. From educators, parents, and mental health experts to innovators and advocates, each guest has shared their wisdom, stories, and strategies to help shape a better future for our children and young people. By helping all of us see things from a different perspective, we each are learning new strategies and finding resources so we can be well ourselves and model for our children and students. Every episode has been a building block in the mission to promote proactive strategies for emotional well-being, resilience, and the importance of mental health and inclusion.
I’m truly grateful to each person who has taken the time to share their expertise and experience on Taking the Helm. Your voices have inspired, challenged, and motivated our listeners—parents, educators, and anyone committed to the well-being of children and youth. Together, we’ve worked toward a shared vision: empowering those who nurture the next generation, whether in classrooms or homes, with the tools to guide them toward success and emotional resilience.
Don’t Miss Our 150th Episode
This milestone episode with Erin Plumb is not just a celebration of the past but a nod to the future of education, accessibility, and inclusion. As an expert in assistive technology, Erin has spent over 20 years helping to remove barriers for students with diverse learning needs. Her work is shaping the future of how we approach digital equity, inclusivity, and the powerful role technology plays in fostering educational opportunities for all learners.
In this episode, Erin dives deep into:
💥 What assistive technology is and why it’s critical in today’s digital world.
💥 How assistive tech supports students in areas like reading, writing, math, and STEM programs.
💥 The pros and cons of using technology in the classroom, with insights on how it can help educators and students with special needs.
💥 Apps and tools that can make learning more accessible for all.
💥 How to embrace AI safely in schools and the exciting potential of future developments in assistive technology.
💥 Guidelines to help parents choose the correct and secure apps for their children that meet their developmental and cognitive needs.
This conversation is essential for educators, parents, and anyone involved in the education space. Erin’s insights will empower you with knowledge on how to better support learners, especially those with special needs, using the latest technology.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Guests and Listeners
As we reflect on the 150 episodes of Taking the Helm, I want to take a moment to thank all of our guests. Your voices have been a beacon of inspiration, and your willingness to share your knowledge has made this podcast a truly valuable resource for parents, teachers, and anyone working to improve the lives of children and youth. Together, we’ve created a space for meaningful conversations that spark change.
To our loyal listeners: thank you for being part of this journey. Your support and engagement keep this podcast going, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to connect with you. I hope you continue to find value in every episode, and I encourage you to share these conversations with your networks—because when we share knowledge, we empower change.
A Special Thank You to Kathryn Collins
I’d also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Kathryn Collins, who has been graciously guest-hosting the podcast and this milestone episode. Kathryn’s passion for inclusive education and her thoughtful approach to every conversation made this episode even more special. Having Kathryn as a collaborator on Taking the Helm has been such a joy, and I’m incredibly grateful for her contributions and insight.
Join Us for Our 150th Celebration
If you haven’t tuned in yet, now is the perfect time! Listen to our 150th episode with Erin Plumb on your favourite podcast app on March 12th.
Also, feel free to explore all 150 episodes on my website, where you can search by guest name or topic to find episodes that resonate with you. And, of course, don’t forget to subscribe on your favorite podcast app so you never miss a show.
Thank you again to every guest, every listener, and every person who has helped shape the Taking the Helm podcast. Here’s to the next 150 episodes of growth, learning, and empowering the leaders of tomorrow.
STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH: FROM REACTION TO PREVENTION
Introduction
In today’s fast-paced educational settings, educators face a growing challenge that goes beyond mere academics: the mental and emotional well-being of their students. Classrooms are becoming microcosms of the larger world, reflecting increased anxiety, stress, and isolation among students. As a lifelong educator with experience from Kindergarten through post-secondary, and entrepreneur whose focus is on emotional health for children and youth, I have witnessed firsthand the urgent need for proactive strategies in emotional education. The children's book series, "The Power of Thought," is designed to address these very challenges, providing educators and students alike with the tools they need to manage emotions effectively.
The Struggles in the Classroom
Educators are increasingly observing students who either react explosively to stress or withdraw entirely, demonstrating behaviors that disrupt their learning and social interactions. But why do these emotional outbursts or retreats happen?
Introduction
In today’s fast-paced educational settings, educators face a growing challenge that goes beyond mere academics: the mental and emotional well-being of their students. Classrooms are becoming microcosms of the larger world, reflecting increased anxiety, stress, and isolation among students. As a lifelong educator with experience from kindergarten through post-secondary, and entrepreneur whose focus is on emotional health for children and youth, I have witnessed firsthand the urgent need for proactive strategies in emotional education. The children's book series, "The Power of Thought," is designed to address these very challenges, providing educators and students alike with the tools they need to manage emotions effectively.
The Struggles in the Classroom
Educators are increasingly observing students who either react explosively to stress or withdraw entirely, demonstrating behaviors that disrupt their learning and social interactions. But why do these emotional outbursts or retreats happen?
Overwhelming Stress and Pressure: Students today face immense pressure to perform academically and socially, which can lead to stress overload. This is often compounded by a lack of adequate coping mechanisms.
Lack of Emotional Vocabulary: Many students struggle because they do not have the language to express what they are feeling. Without the words to describe their emotions, these feelings can manifest as behavioral issues.
Their Toolbox is Empty: When students can identify and understand the reason for their feelings, they need to know what to about it. There are many proven strategies they have not learned and practiced, giving them coping mechanisms.
Isolation and Loneliness: In an age where digital interactions often replace face-to-face connections, feelings of isolation are prevalent. This can be particularly acute in environments where students feel they do not belong or are not understood.
Are Educators Equipped with Proactive Emotional Resources?
Despite the availability of educational resources aimed at emotional regulation, many educators have not integrated these tools into their daily teaching practices. The reasons vary, including:
Curriculum Constraints: Teachers often face strict curriculum guidelines that prioritize academic results over emotional learning, or the curriculum they are bound to does not include well-being at all.
Training and Support: Implementing programs on emotional well-being requires proper training and ongoing support, which may not always be readily available.
Lack of Awareness: Some educators may not be fully aware of the resources available or understand how they can be woven into the curriculum.
The Role of "The Power of Thought" in Transforming Well-Being
Books are not only used in primary classrooms to ignite a love of reading but also for educational purposes. "The Power of Thought" series has been developed in consultation with educators, parents and clinicians. It offers a proactive approach for children to learn about emotional regulation from a young age. Each book takes readers into a situation they can relate to, where characters glow in the colour of their feelings. A proven strategy that students can use for life is then taught in a fun way. Here’s how this resource can make a difference:
Supports Educators: It equips teachers with ready-to-use materials that can be easily integrated into their teaching schedule, helping them address emotional learning without overwhelming their existing workload. Staff and students have a tool box of strategies to use throughout the year.
Empowers Students: Armed with better emotional coping strategies, students can handle stress more effectively, leading to improved academic performance and healthier social interactions.
Creates Inclusive Environments: By teaching all children about emotional regulation, the series promotes an inclusive environment where every student feels valued and understood.
Builds Emotional Intelligence: The series provides children with relatable stories and practical tools that help them identify and manage their emotions, fostering emotional intelligence that is critical in today’s world.
Invitation to Explore Further
Educators who are keen to see a transformation in their classrooms where students are equipped not just academically but also emotionally are invited to explore how "The Power of Thought" can be part of their teaching toolkit. Educational guides, think-tank pages and puppets accompany the books.
Together, we can equip our future generations with the resilience and emotional acuity needed to thrive in a complex world.
A version of this blog is posted on VoiceAmerica Blog.