Championing Inclusive Education with Dr. Rachael Zeleny
May 15, 2023
Get ready to be inspired by our conversation with Dr. Rachael Zeleny, a passionate educator and dedicated mother who's running for the school board of directors in Southern York County, Pennsylvania. Despite having ADHD, Rachel's determination to succeed and her unique learning strategies have led her to earn impressive degrees and awards. Today, she's on a mission to challenge the outdated narrative that the "smart kid" is the one who can sit still and focus, as she advocates for students with diverse learning styles.
Together, we dive into the issues surrounding standardized testing and its impact on students who learn differently. We also discuss the importance of investing in additional support staff in the classroom to create a more effective learning environment. Hear how Dr. Z's experiences in Baltimore shaped her views on education and the power of connecting with students on a personal level.
Lastly, we explore the need for a diverse teaching pool to ensure all students have adult role models they can identify with, as well as the importance of social-emotional learning and fostering empathy in the classroom. Tune in for Rachael's final thoughts and advice for those heading into the primary election on Tuesday. Don't miss this engaging and informative episode that's sure to leave you thinking!
Learn more about Dr. Zeleny and her campaign: https://www.zelenycampaign.com
Connect with Dr. Zeleny on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachaelzelenyforsycsdschoolboard
Drop us a line! [email protected]
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(0:00:00) - Education, Learning Styles, and Degrees
Dr Rachael Zeleny is a wife, mother, teacher, and artist running for school board, with ADHD and impressive degrees, challenging the "smart kid" narrative and dedicating herself to helping students succeed.
(0:08:50) - Issues With Standardized Testing and Learning
Standardized testing has become an efficacy problem, causing anxiety and limiting writing skills development, highlighting the need for alternative assessment methods.
(0:16:23) - Teaching Empathy Through Bite-Sized Assignments
I discuss shorter texts, engaging teenagers in reading, empathy in the workplace, and how the pandemic has impacted teaching.
(0:23:31) - Investing in School Support Staff
Investing in additional support staff in the classroom impacts teacher-student ratio, relationships, discipline, engagement, and authority figures.
(0:37:11) - Student Engagement and Political Cross Filing
We discuss Baltimore's impact on education, the importance of a diverse student body, and investing in support staff during the pandemic.
(0:44:45) - School Board Elections and Affiliations
We discuss cross-filing candidacy, impartiality, and the impact of a murder trial on my campaign.
(0:52:55) - Investing in Education for Future Teachers
We focus on career advancement, creating childcare opportunities, cross-age tutoring, and supporting mental health.
(0:58:42) - Teacher Retention and Social Emotional Learning
We discussed diverse teaching, social-emotional learning, rhetoric, and the primary election.
Dr Rachael Zeleny is a wife, mother, teacher, and artist running for school board, with ADHD and impressive degrees, challenging the "smart kid" narrative and dedicating herself to helping students succeed.
(0:08:50) - Issues With Standardized Testing and Learning
Standardized testing has become an efficacy problem, causing anxiety and limiting writing skills development, highlighting the need for alternative assessment methods.
(0:16:23) - Teaching Empathy Through Bite-Sized Assignments
I discuss shorter texts, engaging teenagers in reading, empathy in the workplace, and how the pandemic has impacted teaching.
(0:23:31) - Investing in School Support Staff
Investing in additional support staff in the classroom impacts teacher-student ratio, relationships, discipline, engagement, and authority figures.
(0:37:11) - Student Engagement and Political Cross Filing
We discuss Baltimore's impact on education, the importance of a diverse student body, and investing in support staff during the pandemic.
(0:44:45) - School Board Elections and Affiliations
We discuss cross-filing candidacy, impartiality, and the impact of a murder trial on my campaign.
(0:52:55) - Investing in Education for Future Teachers
We focus on career advancement, creating childcare opportunities, cross-age tutoring, and supporting mental health.
(0:58:42) - Teacher Retention and Social Emotional Learning
We discussed diverse teaching, social-emotional learning, rhetoric, and the primary election.