Think Inclusive

Latest Episodes:

Understanding Bullying: A Personal Journey and Call for Change with Kayla Taylor Sep 21, 2023

Show notes

Kayla Taylor — Writer, researcher, advocate, and parent; author of Canaries Among Us, she blends lived experience with research to help families understand learning differences, bullying, and anxiety and to push schools toward more caring, inclusive cultures.

In this conversation, Kayla Taylor shares what she learned while raising a child navigating learning differences, bullying, and anxiety—and why telling these stories in real time (not decades later) helps families feel less alone. She breaks down what bullying really is, why power dynamics matter, and how schools and bystanders can respond in ways that actually reduce harm and build belonging.

Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/understanding-bullying-a-personal-journey-and-call-for-change-with-kayla-taylor/

Creating a Culture of Honor in Education: An Interview with Andratesha Fritzgerald Sep 14, 2023

Show notes

Andratesha Fritzgerald — Founder and lead consultant of Building Blocks of Brilliance; international speaker and author of Antiracism and Universal Design for Learning: Building Expressways to Success. Her work pushes schools to move from a culture of power to a culture of honor, combining UDL with anti-racism so every learner is seen, heard, and supported.

Tim Villegas interviews Andratesha Fritzgerald about building a culture of honor in schools—shifting power by co‑designing learning with students and pairing Universal Design for Learning (UDL) with anti-racist practice. They dig into how fear-based control harms learning, what “expert learners” look like at any age, and the difference between equality and equity. The episode was recorded June 30, 2023, the day of major Supreme Court rulings, which shaped parts of the conversation; the show closes with a “mystery question” and a Free Time chat with Carolyn Teigland on navigating DEI language in restrictive contexts.

Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/creating-a-culture-of-honor-in-education-an-interview-with-andratesha-fritzgerald/

The 5 Ps of Inclusive Education with Dr. Shelley Moore Sep 07, 2023

Show notes

Dr. Shelley Moore (she/her) — Educator, researcher, speaker, and storyteller based in Vancouver, BC. Shelley focuses on equity and inclusion for all learners; her work (including the bestselling One Without the Other) helps schools design learning that’s accessible from the start, not retrofitted later.

Season 11 kicks off with Dr. Shelley Moore breaking down the 5 Ps of Inclusive Education—Positive attitude, Placement, Peers, Purpose, and Plan for all—and how these pillars make secondary inclusion real, not just aspirational. She shares research, concrete school examples (including students with intellectual disabilities earning high‑school credit), and a PD approach that actually shifts practice.

We also hear about system barriers like LRE misinterpretations and overreliance on one‑to‑one adult support, along with why student voice and universally designed lessons matter for everyone.

Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/the-5-ps-of-inclusive-education-with-dr-shelley-moore/

Exploring the Potential and Ethical Implications of AI in Education Aug 31, 2023

Show notes

Michael Boll — technology coach and educator who helps teachers learn and use AI. He leads professional learning, focuses on practical classroom use (brainstorming, lesson ideas, tutoring support), and thinks a lot about how to guide—not block—AI in schools. Michael also shares how parenting a son with profound autism shapes his views on learning and support.

Tim and Michael unpack what AI can (and can’t) do in schools right now, cutting through hype and fear. They talk about everyday teacher uses (brainstorming, drafting, adapting lessons), the ethics of student use and citation, and the promise of AI tutors to personalize learning—especially for students with disabilities—if educators lead with clear structures and guardrails. The big message: learn the tools, expect some mess, and guide the narrative together.

Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/bonus-exploring-the-potential-and-ethical-implications-of-ai-in-education/

Building Inclusive Classroom Tools: A Conversation with Tany Holzworth Aug 24, 2023

Show notes

Tany Holzworth is a content designer for inclusive classroom tools at Microsoft. With a background in education and a passion for inclusion, Tany has worked to create tools and programs that support diverse learners and promote accessibility.

In this bonus episode of Think Inclusive, Tim Villegas talks with Tany Holzworth, Content Designer for Inclusive Classroom Tools at Microsoft. Tany shares her journey from working as a paraprofessional and building an inclusive volunteer program at Woodland Park Zoo to designing accessible tools for educators. The conversation explores practical strategies for fostering inclusion, lessons learned about mindset and accessibility, and highlights Microsoft tools like Immersive Reader and Reading Progress that support diverse learners.

Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/bonus-building-inclusive-classroom-tools-a-conversation-with-tany-holzworth/

Carolyn Teigland & Carol Quirk on Transforming Schools for Inclusion Jul 27, 2023

Show notes

Carolyn is the CEO of the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education (MCIE). She previously served as the Associate Superintendent for Cecil County Public Schools and has extensive experience in promoting inclusive education.

Carol is one of the founders and former CEO of MCIE, having transitioned to Director of Special Projects in 2023. She has worked closely with school districts in Maryland and other states to promote systems change and school transformation.

In this episode of Think Inclusive, Tim interviews Carolyn and Carol as they discuss the organization's history and its partnership with school districts since 1990. They highlight the importance of leadership in sustaining inclusive education and share success stories of students who have thrived in inclusive classrooms. The guests also discuss the challenges and trends in the educational landscape, including the focus on equity and the need for universal design for learning. They emphasize the need for comprehensive professional learning and job-embedded coaching to support educators in implementing inclusive practices. The episode concludes with a discussion on how families and educators can advocate for inclusive education and the future plans of MCIE.

Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/carolyn-teigland-and-carol-quirk-mcie-partners-with-school-districts-to-promote-inclusion-and-equity/

Using AI to Support Learners with Disabilities in the Classroom Jul 25, 2023

Show notes

DJ Nicholson is an experienced educator and advocate for inclusive education. She has a background in special education and has worked with students with disabilities for many years. DJ is passionate about finding innovative ways to support learners with disabilities and believes that technology, including AI, can play a crucial role in creating inclusive learning environments.

In this episode, DJ Nicholson and Tim Villegas discuss the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in supporting learners with disabilities. They explore the potential benefits of AI in leveling text and making reading more accessible for students with different reading abilities. They also discuss the challenges and opportunities of using AI in the classroom, as well as the importance of individualized learning and student choice. The conversation highlights the need for educators to embrace AI as a tool to enhance learning experiences and promote independence for students with disabilities.

Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/bonus-using-ai-to-support-learners-with-disabilities-in-the-classroom/

Breaking Barriers: Inclusive Education for Students with Down Syndrome Jul 20, 2023

Show notes

Luvy Jenkins is the Education Manager and Medical Outreach Manager at the Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas (DSACT). With a background in special education, Louie is passionate about promoting inclusion and providing resources and support to educators and families of children with Down syndrome.

Luvy Jenkins, Education Manager at the Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas (DSACT), discusses the importance of inclusion in education and the barriers that families face in achieving inclusive education for their children with Down syndrome. Luvy highlights the need for support and training for teachers, as well as the role of school administrators in promoting inclusion. She also shares her experience working at the RISE School, an inclusive preschool that values diversity and fosters social-emotional growth in all students.

Complete shows notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/luvy-jenkins-down-syndrome-association-of-central-texas-dsact/

#NothingSpecial: Why Inclusive Education Should Be the Norm Jul 13, 2023

Show notes

Oaklee Thiele is a young artist and disability advocate. She co-founded The My Dearest Friends Project with DisArt in March 2020 to create a public platform where disabled people could share their stories and experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lawrence Carter-Long is the Director of Communications for DisArt and has a background in disability advocacy. He joined the organization in 2022 and has been instrumental in expanding the reach and impact of The My Dearest Friends Project.

Oaklee and Lawrence discuss The My Dearest Friends Project and its connection to the Nothing Special campaign. The project was created to provide a platform for disabled people to share their stories and experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. The hashtag #NothingSpecial was developed to challenge the idea that inclusive education is something special and should be the norm. The project aims to collect stories from disabled students and educators to create a curriculum that promotes inclusive education. Oaklee shares her personal experience of facing ableism and inaccessibility at her college, highlighting the need for change in educational institutions. Lawrence emphasizes the importance of listening to disabled people and involving them in the decision-making process to create truly inclusive environments.

Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/oaklee-thiele-and-lawrence-carter-long-the-my-dearest-friends-project/

How Together Letters Helps You Stay Connected Without Social Media Jun 01, 2023

Show notes

Adam Walker and Sanjay Parekh are the co-founders of https://togetherletters.com, a platform designed to help people stay connected without relying on social media. Both are seasoned entrepreneurs and podcasters—Adam co-hosts Tech Talk Y’all, and Sanjay brings years of experience in tech and community building. Together, they’re passionate about creating tools that foster authentic, private connections.

In this bonus episode, Tim talks with Adam Walker and Sanjay Parekh about Together Letters—a simple, email-based way to keep groups connected without the noise of social media. They share why they built it, how it works, and why it’s a game-changer for educators, teams, and anyone craving authentic connection.

Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/bonus-together-letters/