Love Is a Classroom: Stories of Inclusion

About Love Is a Classroom: Stories of Inclusion

Love Is a Classroom: Stories of Inclusion is a podcast that aims to serve as a bridge for a more inclusive world. Through storytelling and conversation, each series illuminates the collective experience of individuals who strive to break down barriers and foster a more inclusive world for children with disabilities or who are neurodivergent. Together we explore and discover practical ways we can all contribute to building a society where everyone belongs.

Publisher

Andrew D.L. Goff

Category

education · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

20 Jan 2024

Latest episode

14 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

18 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   14 Sept 2026

   What Are The Ingredients For a High-Quality Inclusive School?

   Across the first four episodes, the season progressed from what made BEEP feel different to the relationships, decisions, and systems that shaped inclusion there. In this final episode, the guests from BEEP describe how outside specialists, staff support, governance, family relationships, and community connections expand what the program can do. The season closes by asking what conditions allow each program to grow from its own people, history, constraints, and possibilities.

2. 

   7 Sept 2026

   What Counts As Evidence

   Episodes 1 through 3 began with what made BEEP feel to Hayes’s participation, and the last episode explored the many people whose decisions supported it. In Episode 4, a Colorado Shines observation raises questions about what formal measures document and what educators learn through continuity and relationships. In the episode, April, Colleen, Stephanie, and Julia examine curriculum, assessment, observation, and the professional judgment required to interpret different sources of evidence.

3. 

   31 Aug 2026

   Hire the Person, Not the Position

   At the Bayfield Early Education Program (BEEP), staff members are not interchangeable. Some bring decades of classroom experience. Others arrive with few formal credentials but with patience, commitment, and a willingness to learn. Teachers, paraprofessionals, and administrators hold different responsibilities, yet knowledge and ideas move across those roles. In Episode 3, Stephanie, Colleen, Julia, and April describe how BEEP’s staff learn to work through differences in experience, personality, and authority. Their stories reveal that collaboration depends on more than hiring the right people. It requires time to reflect together, relationships in which uncertainty can be acknowledged, and structures that allow people to contribute while continuing to grow. What appears from the outside as chemistry among staff is supported by intentional choices about hiring, mentorship, co-teaching, communication, and shared decision-making. Together, these choices help explain how responsibility for inclusion can extend beyond a single educator or director and become part of a program’s culture. Learn more about the podcast, the Growth Model for Inclusion, and early childhood trainings at heartsetandmindset.org. 00:00 Stress and Support 01:20 Episode Three Begins 03:51 Team Differences 05:12 Kids First Values 06:55 Collaboration Structures 08:36 Extra Adults Join 10:14 Stephanie Finds Voice 12:40 Communication Breakthrough 14:23 Julia Learns Teaching 15:37 Hayes Shapes Educator 17:06 Hire the Person 22:05 Paras Influence Plans 24:39 Families First Staffing 26:52 Beyond Depending April 29:56 Next Episode Tease 30:56 Thanks and Outro

4. 

   24 Aug 2026

   Making Room

   In episode two of Love Is A Classroom: Stories of Inclusion, Dr. Goff follows Lauren as she enrolls her son Hayes at the Bayfield Early Education Program (BEEP) and confronts the vulnerability of leaving Hayes, a child who can’t describe his day. Over time, Hayes increases classroom tolerance from 10 minutes to an hour and a half, participates with peers, and joins a walk to the park safely.

5. 

   17 Aug 2026

   Something Different

   Why does Bayfield Early Education Program (BEEP) feel different? Dr. Andrew D.L. Goff begins his five-episode journey toward understanding what makes BEEP different from the other 79 programs he has visited in western Colorado over the past two years. Dr. Goff opens Season 3 of Love Is A Classroom: Stories of Inclusion by describing the immediate, welcoming feel of Bayfield Early Education Program (BEEP) Through stories from staff members Stephanie, Julia, and long-time educator Colleen, the episode highlights a culture where new employees are supported, given time to learn, and allowed flexibility as life changes, with “families first” guiding how colleagues cover and mentor one another. The idea of “family” expands beyond enrolled children to include staff relationships and a “peace within chaos” classroom environment where belonging doesn’t require perfection. Parent Lauren adds an outsider perspective as she evaluates safety and true inclusion for her son Hayes, noticing adults’ calm responses, services delivered in classrooms, and children with diverse needs included with peers.

6. 

   14 Aug 2024

   Inclusion and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

   This focused episode of the ’Love is a Classroom: Stories of Inclusion’ podcast features a discussion with special education attorneys Amanda Selogie and Vicky Brett from the Inclusive Education Project. The conversation addresses legal concerns that came up in series 2. The conversation focuses on the legal framework of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) of 2004 and how it supports the inclusion of children with disabilities in mainstream classrooms. They explore common challenges like funding and staff shortages and debunk myths about the legality of denying services due to budget constraints. Amanda and Vicky emphasize the importance of individualized education plans (IEPs), the power of collective parental advocacy, and the critical role of teachers in fostering inclusive environments. They also provide practical advice for families and educators on navigating these legal and systemic challenges to ensure that children with disabilities receive appropriate and inclusive education.

7. 

   7 Aug 2024

   Navigating Deaf Culture

   This episode of 'Love is a Classroom: Stories of Inclusion' delves into the life of Navee, a 7-year-old deaf child, and her experiences in an inclusive setting. The show features insightful discussions with Wendy and Brooke about the cultural challenges of being a hearing family with a deaf child. They emphasize the distinct differences between English and American Sign Language (ASL), the importance of appropriate communication, and the need for unconditional inclusion. The episode also touches on the significance of creating accessible social experiences and the impact of cultural exposure on Navee's language development. Listen to Navee and her siblings, Holland and Carson, as they share their unique perspectives and experiences. The episode concludes by discussing the broader implications of inclusive education and the necessity of tailored support for deaf children. 00:00 Introduction and Misconceptions About Sign Language 00:43 Welcome to Love is a Classroom 01:27 Challenges of Podcasting with a Deaf Child 01:46 Cultural Experiences of a Hearing Family with a Deaf Child 02:26 Interpreting and Communication Tips 03:22 Personal Stories and Experiences 07:49 Inclusion and Communication in Daily Life 10:30 Navee's Summer Camp and Family Friends 13:30 Welcoming Navee, Holland, and Carson 18:08 Navee's Interests and Activities 20:36 Conclusion and Reflections on Inclusion

8. 

   29 Jul 2024

   S2: E4 More Than an Interpreter

   More Than an Interpreter In fourth episode of the second series of 'Love is a Classroom: Stories of Inclusion,' the focus is on Wendy Bowman, a sign language interpreter with over 30 years of experience. In the episode, she shares her perspective on Deaf culture, education, and the essential role of interpreters. Wendy discusses the challenges and successes of the inclusion of deaf children in general education settings, emphasizing the need for the right resources and support. She also highlights the impact of inclusion on both deaf and hearing students, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual understanding. The episode concludes with a reflection on the broader implications for the education system and a call to action for better support and advocacy for children with disabilities. 00:00 Introduction to Inclusive Education 00:33 Navee's Journey and the Power of Inclusion 01:25 Exploring Deaf Culture and Education with Wendy Bowman 02:49 Challenges and Triumphs in Deaf Education 04:10 The Importance of Early Language Development 08:20 Navigating Public and Deaf School Systems 19:11 Building Relationships and Inclusion in the Classroom 26:57 Concluding Thoughts and Future Considerations If you have a story you want to share, go to Loveisaclassroom.com/contact (https://andrewdlgoff.com/2519-2/) Cover art by Josie Filippelli https://www.linkedin.com/in/josie-filippelli/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/josie-filippelli/)

9. 

   24 Jul 2024

   S2: E3 Navee's First Grade Teacher

   The Transformative Power of Inclusion: Navee's First Grade Teacher In this episode of 'Love is a Classroom: Stories of Inclusion', Christy Anderson, a seasoned teacher with a background in Deaf Education, shares her experiences of creating an inclusive first-grade classroom. Highlighting the impact of her student Navee, who is deaf, Christy recounts how inclusion enriched the learning environment for all students. Through stories of shared learning and mutual support, Christy demonstrates the importance of inclusive education, the challenges posed by standardized tests for Deaf students, and the benefits of collaborative teaching. The episode emphasizes the potential of every child and the need for educators' dedication to fostering inclusive, high-quality learning experiences. 00:00 Introduction and Impact of the Year 00:22 Welcome to Love is a Classroom 00:44 Recap of Previous Episodes 01:23 Introducing Christy Anderson 02:23 Navee's Inclusion Journey 05:00 Impact on Other Students 09:07 Challenges and Concerns 11:24 Solutions and Future Vision 18:59 Advice for Teachers 24:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts If you have a story you want to share, go to Loveisaclassroom.com/contact (https://andrewdlgoff.com/2519-2/) Cover art by Josie Filippelli https://www.linkedin.com/in/josie-filippelli/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/josie-filippelli/)

10. 

    17 Jul 2024

    S2: E2 Navee's Kindergarten Teach

    Embracing Inclusion: A Teacher's Journey with a Deaf Student In this episode of 'Love is a Classroom: Stories of Inclusion,' host Ms. Onofre, a seasoned kindergarten teacher, shares her candid experiences with including Navee Walker, a deaf student, into her classroom. Through heartfelt stories and practical insights, she discusses the challenges and triumphs of creating an inclusive environment, advocating for necessary support, and the profound impact of inclusion on both students and teachers. The episode highlights the importance of mindset, collaboration, and love in fostering a truly inclusive educational experience. 00:00 Introduction to Inclusion 01:07 Meet Ms. Onofre 01:46 The Decision to Include Navee 02:55 Preparing the Classroom 07:01 Understanding Inclusion 12:29 Support and Advocacy 17:21 Welcoming Navee 26:49 Creating Connections 28:55 Reflections on Inclusion 31:52 Conclusion and Next Steps If you have a story you want to share, go to Loveisaclassroom.com/contact (https://andrewdlgoff.com/2519-2/) Cover art by Josie Filippelli https://www.linkedin.com/in/josie-filippelli/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/josie-filippelli/)

11. 

    10 Jul 2024

    S2: E1 The Walkers

    Love is a Classroom: Stories of Inclusion - Episode 1: The Journey of Navee Walker In the first episode of the second series of 'Love is a Classroom: Stories of Inclusion,' Brooke Walker shares her experiences creating an inclusive environment for her deaf daughter, Navee Walker. Brooke discusses the challenges and successes of integrating Navee into both a private deaf school and a public school system, highlighting the importance of community support, specialized education, and advocating for the needs of children with disabilities. This episode sets the stage for a deeper understanding of inclusive education, the significance of the Teacher of the Deaf (TOD), and parental perseverance. Questions to contemplate while you listen: 1) How does listening to Brooke change or challenge your perspectives around family partnerships when working with family members of children with an identified disability? 2) What part of this episode struck you as a significant point about creating inclusive classroom for children and their families? If you're interested in embedding this episode into a training or course, go to https://loveisaclassroom.com/instructor-trainer-resources/ (https://loveisaclassroom.com/instructor-trainer-resources/) for a free guide. 00:00 Introduction to Navee's Journey 00:19 Welcome to Love is a Classroom 00:51 Meet the Team Behind Navee's Inclusion 01:18 Brooke Walker's Family and Navee's Adoption 02:09 Challenges and Triumphs in Communication 04:15 Navee's School Experience and Community Support 07:48 Transition to Public School 12:09 The Importance of a Teacher of the Deaf (TOD) 15:53 Advocating for Navee's Educational Rights 26:23 Reflections and Advice for Other Families 28:19 Conclusion and Future Episodes If you have a story you want to share, go to Loveisaclassroom.com/contact (https://andrewdlgoff.com/2519-2/) Learn more about the Walkers at https://www.facebook.com/share/YR77JYxWauTB3WqY/ (https://www.facebook.com/share/YR77JYxWauTB3WqY/) https://www.tiktok.com/@naveesworld?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc (https://www.tiktok.com/@naveesworld?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc) Cover art by Josie Filippelli https://www.linkedin.com/in/josie-filippelli/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/josie-filippelli/)

12. 

    17 Jun 2024

    Series Two Trailer

    In the second series of Love Is a Classroom: Stories of Inclusion listeners will meet Brooke Walker, Wendy Bowman, Ms. Onofre, Ms. Anderson, and others. Together they tell the story of a team coming together to create classrooms inclusive to all children, especially Navee Walker - a deaf child not introduced to language until she was adopted at 4 1/2. But high-quality meaningful inclusion requires appropriate, individualized supports. As Navee goes into second grade, the availability of supports is in question. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

13. 

    1 Apr 2024

    Focused Episode: Advocating For Your Child With Disability

    This focused episode is about advocating for a child with a disability or who is neurodivergent. It features a panel of three distinguished parent advocates. The panelists share their experiences, stories, and professional knowledge. They talk about building meaningful relationships with IEP and IFSP team members, advocating when, from a parental perspective the district data isn't sufficient, continuity between classrooms, schools, and district policies, and influencing changes in culture and policy through meaningful relationships. The advocacy panel was recorded as a launch event for my memoir Love Is a Classroom (https://a.co/d/4psPytj). The topics discussed come from experiences I shared in the memoir. About the panelists: Kimberly Travers is dedicated to enhancing the lives of families and their children with disabilities along with the professionals who serve them by focusing on Early Intervention policy, practice, and research. Kimberly’s professional and personal experience and expertise are critical elements that she brings to many classrooms, councils, boards, and workgroups, as well as professional development activities. Her passion for family-centered, natural environments, and evidence-based practices can be seen during her presentations and advisory work, inspiring families and professionals to team more successfully. Kimberly has extensive experience at the local, state, and national levels in the field of early intervention. Kimberly’s work experience includes service provision and service coordination to infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families, training and technical assistance, and policy recommendations. Kimberly’s journey as a parent of a child with a disability elevated her understanding of the importance of the family voice and informed decision-making at all levels. Sarah Davidon has over 30 years of experience in the field of policy, health promotion and prevention, early childhood models of impact, and children's mental health. She is a passionate and dedicated advocate for improving access to children's mental health care and creating effective public policies. As the Deputy Ombudsman at Colorado Ombudsman for Behavioral Health Access to Care (BHOCO), I provide leadership and co-create strategies to help those who are seeking care or providing care navigate complicated systems, investigate concerns and complaints, and assess recommendations for reform. In addition to my role as the Deputy Ombudsman, I am also the Principal and Owner of Davidon Consulting, LLC, a consulting firm that focuses on children's mental health and the intersection of mental health and educational systems. I have provided keynotes, presentations, facilitated dialogue, and policy strategy to various clients, including the Colorado School Medicaid Consortium, the Office of the Behavioral Health Ombudsman of Colorado, Georgetown Center for Child and Human Development, Community First Foundation (now Colorado Gives Foundation) and the Mental Health Center of Denver. I serve as an Assistant Professor at Georgetown University, where I advise multiple states on funding and policies related to early childhood systems and mental health consultation. Beth Cole has worked in early intervention since 1996. I began as a parent advocate after my son was diagnosed with autism at the age of 2-1/2. I worked as a paraeducator for 6 years in the same K-8 school where my son was. I also worked at the local and state level in Colorado’s early intervention Part C program for children birth – 3 with developmental delays and disabilities. I was very involved in helping to develop Colorado’s Part C early intervention provider training and the telehealth training. I’ve now been working at WestEd since 2021, providing TA to state Part C programs on their fiscal systems and I’m a part of the team working on an OSEP-funded demonstration project that focuses on screening and referral to Part C or other early childhood programs. I received my masters in Nonprofit Management in 2004 and my Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Equity in 2019. If you have a story you want to share, go to Loveisaclassroom.com/contact (https://andrewdlgoff.com/2519-2/) Cover art by Josie Filippelli https://www.linkedin.com/in/josie-filippelli/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/josie-filippelli/)

14. 

    7 Mar 2024

    Episode 5: Leading an Inclusive Program

    We started with one teacher, Rochelle Buniger. Episodes 2 through 4 showed that the acts of one teacher have an impact that goes far beyond the classroom. In this episode, I hope you, my listener, will see that high-quality meaningful inclusion is more than the love of one teacher and the positive outcomes of inclusion have the potential to go just as far for children without disabilities as it does for children with disabilities. Episode 5, the final episode in this inaugural series features Christy Donathan, the director of the early childhood education department in District 51. Her stories and the responses to my questions provide a glimpse behind the scenes into a school district that creates inclusive experiences like the one Archer and his family received. Resources mentioned in Episode 5 Pyramid Model Resources: https://challengingbehavior.org/pyramid-model/overview/basics/ (https://challengingbehavior.org/pyramid-model/overview/basics/) Inclusive Schooling: https://www.inclusiveschooling.com/ (https://www.inclusiveschooling.com/) The Circle Makers by Julie Causton https://a.co/d/7QIVnKW (https://a.co/d/7QIVnKW) Kristie Donathan kristie.donathan@d51schools.org (mailto:kristie.donathan@d51schools.org) If you have a story you want to share, go to Loveisaclassroom.com/contact (https://andrewdlgoff.com/2519-2/) Cover art by Josie Filippelli https://www.linkedin.com/in/josie-filippelli/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/josie-filippelli/)

15. 

    27 Feb 2024

    Episode 4: Who He Is Not How He Is

    In this episode, Archer, Aubrey, and Aaliyah, the children of Zach and Anita Hamilton, whose stories you heard in episodes 2 and 3, share their experiences growing up together. Their words, particularly those of Aubrey, reinforce the positive enduring impact of Archer's inclusion in Miss Rochelle's inclusive preschool classroom in District 51. In Episode 1, Rochelle Said, her conversation with Archer was as good as any she had with anyone. She did not oversell. Cover art by Josie Filippelli https://www.linkedin.com/in/josie-filippelli/

16. 

    9 Feb 2024

    Episode 3: Archer As Archer

    In this powerful episode, we resume the conversation from episode 2 when I spoke with Zach and Anita about their story and experiences with Archer's transition from Ms. Rochelle's preschool classroom into kindergarten. In this episode, we delve into the emotions experienced by Archer's parents when he is genuinely included in every aspect of life. If you haven't listened to the first two episodes, I encourage you to give those a listen before continuing with this episode. Archer's CP Adventures Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/archerscpadventures?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

17. 

    2 Feb 2024

    Episode 2: A Foundation From the Start

    In this episode you will meet Anita and Zach Hamilton, the parents of Archer Hamilton. Archer was introduced in episode 1 by Ms. Rochelle. Anita and Zach share their story about Archer’s transition from preschool with Ms. Rochelle into a general education kindergarten classroom. We will talk along the way about the necessity for communication, the importance of continuity, receiving a one to one aid, their fears, priorities and advocating for Archer. This is the first of a two part episode with Anita and Zach. Subscribe to receive a notification for the release of the second episode.

18. 

    20 Jan 2024

    Episode 1: Creating a Community of Acceptance

    In this episode, Rochelle shares her story about Archer and his family. We will talk about her preparation, her use of home visits to support inclusion, and the priorities she places on relationships. She will also share recommendations for teachers in inclusive classrooms or considering teaching in inclusive classrooms. Image Description: The image above is a woman named Rochelle with a child named Archer, both smiling. They are in a room with a bookcase and shelf in the background. Rochelle is wearing glasses and there is a book visible in the image. Resources mentioned in the episode https://www.inclusiveschooling.com/ (https://www.inclusiveschooling.com/) https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/children-disabilities/article/head-start-center-inclusion (https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/children-disabilities/article/head-start-center-inclusion) https://mesacountypcf.org/ (https://mesacountypcf.org/) https://www.d51schools.org/departments/early_childhood_education (https://www.d51schools.org/departments/early_childhood_education) If you have a story you want to share, go to Loveisaclassroom.com/contact (https://andrewdlgoff.com/2519-2/)

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

8 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Contact Love Is a Classroom: Stories of Inclusion

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.