Once you dive into this work, there's really no going back.Once you dive into this work, there's really no going back. Dr. Jennifer Spencer-Iiams | Think Inclusive Ep. 1322 Listen: https://go.mcie.org/bML84y

Last week on Think Inclusive: TerpsEXCEED at UMD gives students with intellectual disability a college experience — classes, jobs, and community. Hear from staff, peer mentors, and students. go.mcie.org/1331

The people pushing back on inclusion don't have more training or wisdom than you do. Jennifer Gonzalez, Cult of Pedagogy | Think Inclusive Ep. 1303 https://go.mcie.org/lUIoWw

ICYMI: Emily Ladau joined Think Inclusive to talk about why advocacy includes rest. Speak up when you can. Take a break when you need to. The work will still be here. Find the full episode at https://go.mcie.org/DrcvSq

If you've been listening to Think Inclusive for a while, you know the Mystery Question is coming. Leah Kelley and Kari Gustafson sat down with Tim to talk about why play matters in neurodiverse and inclusive settings. Stick around for the end. Watch or listen at https://go.mcie.org/VTZ7zV

This Motivation Monday, we're thinking about what it really takes to shift mindset. Lisa Mihalich Quinn, founder of Reach Every Voice, is one of many speakers joining us at the 2026 Summer Institute, June 23–24. Register at http://go.mcie.org/register-2026

Tomorrow! Carolyn and Tim are presenting "Belonging by Design: A District Systems-Change Case Study" at the SIP 5th Annual Virtual Conference. May 8 • 10:30 a.m. PST • Free What does it really take to redesign a district, so every student belongs? Join us: https://bit.ly/sipcon2026

What gives you hope right now? Margo Gross has an answer. These words are a great reminder on #MotivationMonday. Listen to her episode at mcie.org or wherever you get your podcasts. https://go.mcie.org/1320 #InclusionMonday #ThinkInclusive #MCIE

Join us June 23-24 at the Westin BWI for the 2026 Summer Institute: Breaking Barriers for Authentic Inclusion! Collaborate with educators on building inclusive systems. Register now: $400 MD, $500 out-of-state. #InclusiveEducation

Samuel Habib reminds us of the power of disabled people telling their stories. Listen to this episode about The Ride Ahead and building communities where everyone belongs at mcie.org or wherever you get your podcasts. https://go.mcie.org/1301 #InclusionMonday #MotivationMonday

In case you missed this episode: Sandra McElwee advocated for her son Sean's right to inclusive education in the 1990s. She shares the strategies that worked and why belonging empowers learning. Learn more: https://go.mcie.org/1329

A powerful reminder from Jack Pearpoint on #MotivationMonday. Listen to his episode on person-centered planning, radical listening, and building communities where everybody belongs at mcie.org or wherever you get your podcasts. https://go.mcie.org/1304 #InclusionMonday

Access isn't something we grant. It's something people deserve. Earlier this season, Margo Gross talked with Think Inclusive about belonging, equity, and how to keep doing this work when the words themselves have become controversial. Listen here: https://go.mcie.org/1320

In case you missed last week's episode: Are teachers the secret to inclusive systems change?  A New Jersey school increased LRE from 50% to 60% in one year through a teacher-led effort. Real change starts on the front lines. Watch: https://go.mcie.org/1328

Colleen McCoy-Cejka reminds us that building inclusive schools is work we all share. Listen to her episode on inclusive education in faith-based schools at https://go.mcie.org/1323 or wherever you get your podcasts.  #InclusionMonday #MotivationMonday

Are teachers the key to inclusive change? Last spring, NJ saw LRE jump from 50% to 60%, led by teachers! It's proof: real change starts on the front lines. How is your team championing inclusion? 💪 Watch the episode here: https://youtu.be/czJ8MeS41Us

Ever wondered what happens when teachers get autonomy, time to collaborate, and coaching support? At W-L High School, Arlington, VA, co-planning & co-teaching are thriving! Teachers choose feedback, guided by indicators, not rules. This is systems change in action! 🌟 https://go.mcie.org/W-L-High

Ever thought about how schools can truly embrace disability justice? 🎓💬 Check out this convo between Tim Villegas and Dom Kelly on Think Inclusive! Dom shares insights on moving past compliance to create spaces where every student's voice matters.  Listen here 🎧

Did you catch this episode? Jennifer Gonzalez gets real about teaching through turbulent times, putting safety first, building real (not performative) inclusion, and finding allies when the news feels heavy. Listen here: 

How do you move from believing in inclusion to building the systems that make it happen? District 109 worked with MCIE to deepen their approach to specially designed instruction and collaborative planning. See what changed: https://go.mcie.org/D109

Get your week started with a reminder of why UDL is so rigorous and so impactful for students. Listen now: 🎧 https://go.mcie.org/1326

Starting the week with gratitude for everyone fighting the good fight. Your work matters more than you know. https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/

Audrey and Jeremy, co-hosts of The Audrey and Jeremy Show, share their journey as advocates and podcasters fighting for disability rights and inclusion. Their message is clear: everyone deserves to belong. Listen here:

Equity mindedness isn't just identifying the problem — it's asking: what is MY role in perpetuating it? Such a fantastic conversation with Megan Ohlssen (from Anti Ableist ED) about belonging. 🎧 Full episode: go.mcie.org/1326

How do we design schools where everyone truly belongs? Cathi Davis, principal of Ruby Bridges Elementary, challenges us to rethink power dynamics that determine who gets to belong and how to design for authentic belonging. Find the episode here:

Feeling low? Tune into the Think Inclusive podcast for a dose of hope and community. Discover what listeners love at mcie.org/think-inclusive. Big thanks to Kristin for empowering inclusive educators! #InclusiveEducation

Did you catch last week's episode? Colleen McCoy-Cejka and Crystal Brooks discuss how inclusion starts with strong Tier 1 instruction and why misunderstanding inclusion can lead to separation instead of belonging. Watch and listen here: https://go.mcie.org/1323

When you listen to Think Inclusive, you're part of a community championing inclusion. Dr. Shelley Moore on what keeps her coming back to these conversations. Watch or listen at mcie.org/think-inclusive, on YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Just stop it. Stop saying the R-word. It's not edgy. It's not funny. It's dehumanizing.

For Read Across America Day, here's a clip from Tim's conversation with Sharon Draper about the nuances of creating characters like Melody from her 'Out of My Mind' book series. Listen to the full episode: https://go.mcie.org/1125

Rigor isn't the enemy of inclusion! Dive deep into how student-centered, engaging classrooms balance both. Tune in with Colleen McCoy-Cejka & Crystal Brooks as they tackle school challenges. Listen now: https://go.mcie.org/1323 #EducationMatters

Is inclusion misunderstood? 🤔 Dive into our latest episode with Colleen McCoy-Cejka and Crystal Brooks as they unpack how definitions may divide us instead of bringing us together. #InclusionMatters Listen here: https://go.mcie.org/1323

"Educators [can] fundamentally alter a child's life trajectory. Not just their educational journey, but their life trajectory, whether or not they will be able to leave high school and be a contributing member of society." Learn more: https://go.mcie.org/CT01

How can we better support sexual health education for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities? Project SHINE's Connie Senior and Breon Williams share insights on this Think Inclusive episode:

Inclusion goes beyond just placing students with disabilities in gen ed classrooms. It means transforming how we teach. Discover what true inclusive education looks like in secondary schools with Dr. Jennifer Spencer-Iiams. 🏫✨ Listen here: https://go.mcie.org/1322

Did you catch this episode last week? Dr. Emily Affolter reminds us: culturally responsive teaching isn't about perfection—it's about progress. Focus on where you can start today. Small steps matter. Listen here: https://go.mcie.org/1321

"Parents don’t want it to be a fight. They experience it as battle fatigue. They are tired, they are exhausted, they’ve had to take time off work." Dr. Priya Lalvani discusses the battle fatigue families experience during the fight for inclusive education:

It's always an insightful conversation when Dr. Shelley Moore stops by. On the pod, she and Tim Villegas discuss how educators can embrace inclusivity and teamwork in schools. Listen here:

Erik Carter warns belonging is at risk of becoming an empty buzzword. He outlines ten research-based dimensions that go beyond inclusion—being invited, welcomed, known, accepted, and loved. Listen here:

Dr. Andrew Goff stopped by to discuss why classrooms should be places of love and growth for all children. Sharing examples from his years in education, he explores the challenges and triumphs of creating a nurturing learning environment. Listen here: https://go.mcie.org/1119

Ever felt like some spaces in your work are 'off-limits'? 🤔 It's time to challenge those boundaries. Every system is connected, and stepping into new realms can lead to growth and change. Listen to our conversation with Dr. Emily Affolter here: https://go.mcie.org/1321

Culturally responsive teaching isn’t about perfection—it's about progress. Focus on where you can start today. Small steps matter. What's one thing you're improving? Listen to the full conversation with Dr. Emily Affolter here: https://go.mcie.org/1321

Fellow podcasters Audrey and Jeremy join Tim Villegas to discuss their journey as advocates, podcasters, and friends. Their message is clear: everyone deserves to belong and be valued. Hear their story: https://go.mcie.org/1311

"Figure out what's within your capacity right now—and do that." Emily Ladau, activist, writer, and speaker, shares insights about advocating during challenging times. Listen or watch: https://go.mcie.org/1240

What does it take to build inclusive schools for students with learning differences? Riley Mulcahy shares his journey with dyslexia and how storytelling drives his mission to create inclusive educational environments. Listen now: https://go.mcie.org/1236

"Education of students with disabilities is a right, but it's also been really messy..." Jordyn Zimmerman, educator, disability advocate, and accessibility innovator, shares their journey from segregation to meaningful inclusion in schools. Listen now: https://go.mcie.org/1310

"I became a teacher because I felt I had something to bring to the table for Deaf students—because I'm Deaf myself and I also love teaching." On the pod, Rachel Zemach talks about inclusion, identity, and tailored education for Deaf students. Learn more: https://go.mcie.org/1241

How can AI empower advocacy? Seasoned educator Charmaine Thaner shares insights about the intersection of artificial intelligence and inclusive education on this episode of Think Inclusive. Listen now: https://go.mcie.org/XotECR

Toni Barton, founder of Speligent, discusses person-first culture and what it means to lead an anti-exclusionary school. In this Think Inclusive episode, she and Tim Villegas explore how schools can build more inclusive and equitable learning environments. Listen here: https://go.mcie.org/1237

"Inclusion" isn't just placing students in general ed; it's about tailored, flexible planning. Lisa Mihalich Quinn highlights the impact when educators ask, "what if?" Watch or listen here: https://go.mcie.org/1312