In this episode, we delve into the concept of being "qualified" in the workplace, examining who gets labeled as such, who doesn't, and the underlying reasons. We explore "competency checking"—the practice of scrutinizing individuals' abilities—and how it disproportionately affects underrepresented groups, often going unnoticed or unchallenged. Our discussion aims to redefine qualifications in a fair, equitable, and actionable manner. Our guest, Shari Dunn , is an accomplished journalist, former attorney, news anchor, CEO, university professor, and sought-after speaker. She has been recognized as Executive of the Year and a Woman of Influence, with her work appearing in Fortune Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Ad Age, and more. Her new book, Qualified: How Competency Checking and Race Collide at Work , unpacks what it truly means to be deserving and capable—and why systemic barriers, not personal deficits, are often the real problem. Her insights challenge the narratives that hold so many of us back and offer practical solutions for building a more equitable future. Together, we can build workplaces and communities that don’t just reflect the world we live in, but the one we want to create. A world where being qualified is about recognizing the talent and potential that’s been overlooked for far too long. It’s not just about getting a seat at the table—it’s about building an entirely new table, one designed with space for all of us. Connect with Our Guest Shari Dunn Website& Book - Qualified: https://thesharidunn.com LI: https://www.linkedin.com/today/author/sharidunn TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesharidunn Related Podcast Episodes: How To Build Emotionally Mature Leaders with Dr. Christie Smith | 272 Holding It Together: Women As America's Safety Net with Jessica Calarco | 215 How To Defy Expectations with Dr. Sunita Sah | 271 Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! 🔗 Subscribe & Review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music…
Illinois STAR NET provides a variety of opportunities for personal and professional growth for those who touch the lives of young children, ages birth through eight, with an emphasis on children with special needs. STAR NET supports family-centered, researched and effective practices in early childhood education and care.In this podcast series, produced by STAR NET Regions I&III, we provide various informational episodes focused on our workshops, current topics, and other concepts focused on working with young children with special needs.
Illinois STAR NET provides a variety of opportunities for personal and professional growth for those who touch the lives of young children, ages birth through eight, with an emphasis on children with special needs. STAR NET supports family-centered, researched and effective practices in early childhood education and care.In this podcast series, produced by STAR NET Regions I&III, we provide various informational episodes focused on our workshops, current topics, and other concepts focused on working with young children with special needs.
Lindsay and Dr. Kimberly Coy discussed the inspiration and importance of Dr. Coy's new book, "Mia with Dyslexia", which aims to provide a realistic portrayal of dyslexia and promote inclusivity in classrooms. They also discussed the challenges faced by individuals with dyslexia and other disabilities, the importance of learning in different ways, and the significance of children experiencing a range of emotions. The conversation ended with the announcement of the upcoming release of Kimberly's book, "Andy with Autism".…
Join us as we meet with Kylie (OT), Alisha (PT), and Sidney (SLP) to discuss navigating different therapeutic solutions for helping children be successful in day-to-day life and in academic settings! This conversation dives through differences parents might see in school therapies versus outpatient therapies and gives concrete examples parents and educators can use to embed individualized supports for children in day to day routines. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/index.html…
In this episode, we are joined by Stephanie Mader, an Early Childhood Special Education teacher in Rock Island’s School District 41 who works as an itinerant teacher with the local Head Start program. She shares how she builds relationships and collaborates with the Head Start Teachers as well as how the Head Start teachers support her work with the children in their classrooms.…
In this episode, we are joined by Jen Mohr a PFA teacher from Rock Island School District 41. Today we are going to talk about Jen’s experience in creating an interactive and engaging writing center in her preschool classroom.
In this episode, we talk with Dr. Kasandra Posey from FAIR Consultancy LLC, about what families should know about the IEP process. She shares tips about what families should do, what to look out for, and how to work with the school district as they navigate the process. Resources: The Parent Guide-English The Parent Guide Spanish Procedural Safeguards-English Procedural Safeguards- Spanish Forms in Other Languages ISBE Special Education Website…
In this podcast with the president of Hadley's Haven, Lenore Ashby, we walk through the journey of what it takes to build an inclusive playground in your community. From advocating for true accessibility over just meeting ADA compliance to setting up a 501c3 and navigating grants with a local township and fundraising, Lenore shares the importance of this work and the struggles she faced along the way. She harnessed the strength inside her to create a space where all children can play together to honor her late daughter's legacy. Lenore persisted when the process was overwhelming, but now children from all over the country come to play at Hadley's Haven - where play can happen without limits! Resources https://www.hadleyshaven.org/home https://www.facebook.com/p/Hadleys-Haven-100067528213970 https://unlimitedplay.org/ https://www.facebook.com/UnlimitedPlayPlaygrounds…
In this episode, veteran teachers Sherial McKinney and Marc Baxter share some insights into preparing for a new school year. Our discussion covers the weeks leading up to the start of school, preparing the classroom, and getting to know the children and families. Click here for a list of resources you might use for the start of the school year!…
In this episode, we talk with Heather Nolan from the Urbana Early Childhood School about teaming and collaboration. Heather takes a unique view on this process, including everyone in the process, making sure that all voices are heard, and having all classroom members, teachers, and paraeducators, take turns in the leader role, classroom support role, and the one-on-one support role in the classroom. Heather also talks about how to get started with this type of teaming and collaboration.…
In this podcast, we discuss the use of visuals with the whole class in addition to using them as individual supports. Jaz discusses several strategies she uses and the benefits she sees as she provides these supports for everyone. Jaz even shared some examples of the visuals she created, click on the link below to view them. Resource Jasmine Norris' Classroom Visuals…
In this episode, we talk with Kelly Russell from the CU Early Prevention Initiative Program in Champaign County. We discuss the importance of Early Intervention, the transition process from Early Intervention to Early Childhood Special Education, extended services, and resources for families. Resources Children and Family Connections of Central Illinois Illinois Early Intervention Clearing House Champaign County home visiting Consortium Crisis Nursery CU Early Bottom Line Diaper Bank CCRS When I’m 3, Where Will I Be: A Family’s Transition Workbook…
This podcast is a review of the book study series completed in the Spring of 2024 on Emotionally Responsive Teaching by Travis Wright. Marc Baxter and Sheila Yates review some of the key points from the book and discussions with the group. Some of the key points include: what is "trauma" and how it might have come to mean many things, how the skills children in trauma develop might not serve them well at school, the stress response system, how traditional behavioral approaches might not work well with children in trauma and/or toxic stress, and how to implement Emotionally Responsive Teaching. Emotionally Responsive Teaching by Travis Wright…
Nikki Pehlke is a WIU Student and currently serves as lead teacher in an Early Childhood Special Education classroom at PH Miller in Plano, IL. In this podcast, Nikki describes the power of student choice and voice, as well as how to use visuals authentically to support accessible communication. She also discusses how relationship-building with students helps teachers understand how to best support IEP growth goals.…
In this episode, we talk with Katie Madigan from the Urbana Early Childhood School about their process for screening, evaluation, and referrals for identifying children with IEPs. Resource - you are welcome to visit the Urbana Early Childhood School. https://uecs.usd116.org/about/
Welcome to the third and final episode in this three part series on the lesser known senses! In this episode, Kirsten Amundson and Joanna Pasheluk Schimek join us as we discuss in the proprioceptive system. We will talk about what it is, what to look for in children, and what strategies can be used to support the development of this sense. Resources: Chicago Pediatric Therapy and Wellness https://www.chicagopediatrictherapyandwellness.com/…
Welcome to the second episode in this three part series on the lesser known senses! In this episode, Kirsten Amundson and Joanna Pasheluk Schimek join us as we discuss in the vestibular system. We will talk about what it is, what to look for in children, and what strategies can be used to support the development of this sense. Resources: Kelly Mahler https://www.kelly-mahler.com/ Chicago Pediatric Therapy and Wellness https://www.chicagopediatrictherapyandwellness.com/…
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