Alexander Kopelman is a writer, social entrepreneur, advocate, and coach who has devoted 40 years to advancing social justice and personal empowerment. His lifelong interest in identity, self-determination, and the power of narrative has fueled his commitment to supporting young people in overcoming the limiting effects of outmoded societal stereotypes on individual development. As founding President and CEO of Children’s Arts Guild, Kopelman helped create and grow a nonprofit organization that supports children in exploring and developing their authentic selves. Prior to founding Children’s Arts Guild, Kopelman served as Director of Marketing for Girls Inc., the premier girls’ empowerment organization in the US and Canada, for over 12 years. Kopelman has authored and co-authored 10 books, including For Real: Helping Children Remain Their Authentic Selves in a Limiting World [Page Two, June 9, 2026]. He lives in New York City with his wife, daughter, and very small dog.

The book, book, For Real: Helping Children Remain Their Authentic Selves in a Limiting World, comes out on June 9, 2026, and is available for preorder now at forrealbook.org.

Childrensartsguild.org

Dr. Jackie W. Kyger, has been developing and teaching online courses for more than twenty years. He has held positions within Higher Education as a faculty member, a Faculty Subject Mater Expert (FSME), a Curriculum Manager, a director of programs, and as an Associate Dean of Information Systems and Technology.This session revisits the term Artificial Intelligence (AI) and introduces the following new terms as we explore approaching AI Inclusion as a philosophy of education:

Artificial Intelligence Inclusion (AII): A framework or pathway.

Artificial Intelligence Inclusion–Philosophy (AII-P): A philosophy of education.

Artificial Intelligence Inclusion–Innovator (AIII): A professional certification.

This session talks about current literature, professional guidance, and best practices to develop a structured framework that provides actionable recommendations for faculty who want to become AIII faculty.

Carla Ward is an educator, speaker, and host of The Everything ECE Podcast. With over 20 years of experience in early childhood education, she empowers educators to teach with intention, curiosity, and confidence. As the founder of The ECE Latte Lounge, Carla is dedicated to helping educators reconnect with their purpose and elevate the profession through reflective, play-based practice and authentic connection.

In this episode, we explore how well-meaning praise can unintentionally create dependency and limit children’s intrinsic motivation. Carla unpacks the difference between praise and encouragement, how to shift our language to build genuine confidence, and why fostering self-reflection matters more than constant approval. Walk away with practical ways to help children feel proud of who they are, not just what they do.

As the demand for skilled trades grows, Metabo HPT is challenging how we prepare students for the future. This episode, featuring Bill Wyman, Chief Marketing Officer of KOKI Group, explores the skilled labor gap, the role of hands-on education, and why shop class matters more than ever—plus the story behind the Bring Back Shop Class campaign and the students proving what’s possible when learning goes beyond the classroom.

In Bill’s words:

“Metabo HPT supports and celebrates our great tradespeople and their craftsmanship. For too long, college has been framed as the primary route to a successful career. ‘Bring Back Shop Class’ highlights the need for students to have a real-world path to build their future in the trades. Through our partnership with the Shop Class Foundation, we’re helping make that opportunity a reality for the next generation of builders.”

States have passed the science of reading laws. Teachers have completed training. So why aren't literacy scores improving? The answer lies in a growing gap between policy and classroom practice that few are talking about openly.

In this episode, Juliette Reid, Director of Market Research at Reading Horizons, shares insights from tracking literacy legislation and district trends across all 50 states. Drawing on nearly a decade as a classroom teacher, literacy interventionist, and instructional coach, Juliette explains why many well-intentioned reforms are falling short. She discusses the looming upper grades crisis (those pandemic-impacted students are now in middle school), why "product stacking" is undermining progress, and what parents should know as districts face shrinking budgets and growing pressure to show results.

Whether you're a parent wondering why things haven't improved despite all the headlines about reading reform, or you simply want to understand what's really happening in literacy education, this episode offers a clear-eyed look at where we are and where we're headed.

Reading scores are falling, and parents are drowning in conflicting advice about how to help their struggling readers. But here's the empowering truth most families don't hear: you can meaningfully support your child's reading journey without spending a single dollar—even if you struggle with reading yourself.

In this episode, Stacy Hurst, Chief Academic Advisor at Reading Horizons and Assistant Professor of Elementary Education at Southern Utah University, shares five zero-cost strategies that work for every family, regardless of income or education level. From building vocabulary through everyday conversation to knowing when to trust your instincts about reading difficulties, Stacy cuts through the noise with practical, research-backed advice that busy parents can implement today.

Whether you're worried about your child's progress or just want to reinforce what they're learning at school, this episode offers reassurance and actionable steps. Because strong readers are built little by little—and parents have more power than they think.

Sitting still isn’t the secret to learning—movement is! In this episode, author and educator Stefanie Hohl reveals how getting kids moving helps them read, focus, and thrive. Discover how even simple motions can boost memory, attention, and literacy skills. Whether you’re a parent or teacher, you’ll walk away with fun, simple ways to get kids moving while they learn at home or school.

Willie Spears, critically acclaimed author, highly sought-after speaker, and educator, explores the critical importance of mental health for teachers, addressing the unique stressors and emotional demands of the profession. Listeners will gain insights into recognizing signs of burnout, managing workplace stress, and cultivating resilience. Practical tools and evidence-based strategies will be shared to promote self-care, foster a supportive school environment, and enhance overall well-being.