Dr. Lisa R. Hassler

In some schools, students can’t take a class… because there’s no teacher available.

That was something Maurice O’Shannassy shared in this conversation—and it really stuck with me.

Students ready to take higher-level math, but no teacher to teach it.
And it’s not just one place—it’s happening in different parts of the world.

It makes you pause and think:
How often does access to learning depend on what a school is able to staff?

This isn’t about a lack of effort. Teachers and schools are doing a lot with what they have.
But it may point to something bigger—how learning is organized.

Sharing a short clip from the conversation here 👇

It started with rubber bands, popsicle sticks, and a small group of kids.

And then… everything clicked.

In this clip, Rick Hartman shares the moment he realized how powerful toybuilding could be for learning. Watching students build, experiment, and light up with understanding changed everything.

Sometimes the simplest materials lead to the biggest breakthroughs.

🎧 Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/pLDhr-K-uqc

Grammar helps writers shape meaning, clarity, and voice.

In this short clip from my conversation with literacy expert Patty McGee, she shares a beautiful way to think about grammar instruction:

“Grammar is style. Grammar is making meaning on the page.”

When students explore how sentences work and experiment with language, grammar becomes a natural part of writing.

Watch this short clip from our conversation on The Brighter Side of Education.

Full episode here: https://youtu.be/RdGagImmJEg

Focus isn’t just about trying harder.

In this short clip, Dominic Fedele explains why repetition matters — and how the brain strengthens through structured practice over time.

If students seem mentally tired or distracted more quickly than before, it may not be motivation. It may be a skill that needs development.

We talk more about this in the full episode:
Rebuilding Student Focus: Neuroscience-Informed Cognitive Training

Watch here: https://youtu.be/vHMoBQhupkY

We often hear that screens are the problem.

But what if screens could actually help strengthen focus?

In this short clip, we talk about how game-like brain training uses technology in a different way — structured, intentional, and designed to build attention skills.

It’s an interesting shift in perspective.

Watch the full episode here:
Rebuilding Student Focus: Neuroscience-Informed Cognitive Training
https://youtu.be/vHMoBQhupkY

STEM is in every field.

From agriculture to architecture, media to manufacturing—STEM isn’t confined to a lab. It powers the industries students will lead tomorrow.

When we connect learning to real careers, students don’t just study STEM… they see where they belong in it.

Full episode with Dr. Jennifer Berry: https://youtu.be/Mu9MWRcW-qw?si=RSUIDEcdEKF9ylJt

STEM identity starts with belonging.

When students believe their ideas matter—and that they can master real challenges—they begin to see themselves as problem solvers.

STEM isn’t just about skills.
It’s about confidence, purpose, and persistence.

AI can process information—but it can’t replace human connection.

In this moment from the episode, Dr. Jennifer Berry reminds us that while artificial intelligence will continue to shape the future of work and learning, the skills that matter most remain deeply human: connection, collaboration, discernment, and empathy.

STEM education isn’t just about keeping up with technology—it’s about preparing students to lead it, ethically and thoughtfully, while staying grounded in relationships and purpose.

💡 The future isn’t humans or AI.
It’s humans who know how to think, connect, and collaborate—using AI wisely.

Full Episode: https://youtu.be/Mu9MWRcW-qw?si=RSUIDEcdEKF9ylJt

Innovation doesn’t require a blank slate.

Most educators work within constraints — schedules, grading systems, transcripts, expectations.

In my recent conversation with Camp, we explored what it looks like to innovate within those constraints rather than waiting for perfect conditions.

-Competency-based learning.
-Human-centered design.
-Clear AI guardrails.

The shift isn’t radical. It’s intentional.

Full episode link: https://youtu.be/8oLNI9xF4cA?si=NdYMV73KSLdRv16e

Happiness isn’t just a feeling — it’s a skill that can be taught, practiced, and strengthened.

In this episode of The Brighter Side of Education, I sit down with Carol McCloud, founder of Bucket Fillers Academy, Inc., to explore how intentional kindness helps children build empathy, resilience, and emotional regulation.

When schools use shared language around kindness, they don’t just improve behavior —
they transform school culture.

✨ Small acts.
✨ Daily habits.
✨ Lasting impact.

Full Interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/puMv_vbDk4w