
Back to School: Connecting to What Matters Most
From CA Today by CA Today
September 1, 2025 · 33 min · Season 6 · Episode 1
About this episode
This episode provides practical advice and inspiration for educators starting the school year.
Welcome back to CA Today, your go-to podcast for educators in the Cattaraugus-Allegany region! In this special back-to-school edition, hosts Lindsay Simpson and Kelli Forster share practical advice, uplifting messages, and real-world wisdom to help educators start the school year strong. This episode features: Short clips from teachers across New York State offering advice to new and veteran educators Highlights from Gerry Brooks, principal, author, and social media personality known for promoting positive school climate and culture Insights from Joy Kelly, co-author of Handle With Care and keynote speaker at CABOCES All Staff Day Whether you're a first-year teacher or a seasoned administrator, this episode is packed with strategies and inspiration to help you build relationships, foster a positive school culture, and take care of yourself and your students. Thank you to today's hosts! Lindsay Simpson - Curriculum Coordinator/Professional Development Kelli Forster - Community Schools Coordinator Resources From Today's Episode Handle with Care : Managing Difficult Situations in Schools with Dignity and Respect by Joy Kelly, Jimmy Casas The Teacher Clarity Playbook SEL…
People in this episode
Hosts: Lindsay Simpson, Kelli Forster
Topics covered
- back to school
- educator advice
- positive school culture
- teacher support
- professional development
Keywords
- education
- teachers
- school culture
- professional development
- Cattaraugus-Allegany
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: CABOCES
Books & works: Handle with Care: Managing Difficult Situations in Schools with Dignity and Respect, The Teacher Clarity Playbook, SEL Playbook, John Hattie's Visual Learning Matrix of High Impact Strategies
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