Hello everyone! I am so excited for you to hear this episode. Not just because it's a great talk (and a deep one), but because it is a timely discussion about civil discourse, in a world where we can't (with good conscience) even allow kids to watch a presidential debate. But if we want the future to be better, we must not just teach students how to understand each other (especially when they disagree), but also MODEL what that looks like. To do that, I have brought on William Reusch, a history teacher and podcast host in LA. This episode addresses big idea, and is sure to make you think. I don't know if we have ever done an episode quite like this one, but I think you will enjoy it! If you want more 'big topic' podcasts, check out episodes: #176 #174 #70 #81     This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their new book Connecting with Students Online by Jennifer Serravallo. This book’s been getting a lot of buzz because finally someone is getting down to the nitty gritty details of effective online teaching during an unprecedented crisis. Jen Serravallo keeps the focus on what teachers do best: build relationships with students that drive learning and progress. And she shows how to do it remotely. She offers 55 streamlined instructional strategies we can use right away. Everything from conferring to small groups to communicating with a child’s parents or caregivers. Like everything Jen writes, Connecting with Students Online is accessible and respectful of teacher’s time. It’s filled with ready-to-use suggestions, and you don’t need a school technologist to implement them. You’ll find something here to help everyone in your classroom grow, even if you can’t be with them in person. Best of all, Jen will donate a portion of the proceeds from this book to organizations that help children directly impacted by COVID-19.  If you don’t have Jennifer Serravallo’s Connecting with Students Online, head over to Heinemann.com to read a sample chapter and find out what you’re missing. Or order yourself a copy.  You’ll help yourself, your kids, and children struggling because of this this pandemic.