Episodes

  • Easy Ways to Strengthen Children’s Literacy Skills

    Easy Ways to Strengthen Children’s Literacy Skills
    Apr 22 2024
    This episode is all about learning how to read (and read well). Gillis Education founder and CEO, Tiffany Brown, speaks with Sydney Bassard, speech language pathologist and literacy specialist, about the importance of early literacy and easy ways to strengthen a child’s literacy skills. They delve into tips on how parents and other family and community members can effectively create a literacy and language rich environment at home. Sydney is also the author of a new book, “A Day with Mom.” She’ll discuss her book and the inspiration behind it.
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • America’s Literacy Problem and Gillis Education’s Fix

    America’s Literacy Problem and Gillis Education’s Fix
    Aug 29 2023
    The statistics are startling. Seemingly, our students across the country could be doing a lot better when it comes to reading proficiency. A recent film, Right to Read, called out problems with our school systems’ approach to reading. The National Center for Education Statistics has released data revealing declining reading scores in most districts. What’s the solution? Tiffany Brown, host of ED Insights highlights one: a subscription box that brings literacy into the home. She unveils BookLove by Gillis Education, a tool that parents can easily use to improve their child’s literacy and language skills.
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    21 mins
  • Why You Need an Education Advocate, Now

    Why You Need an Education Advocate, Now
    Jul 25 2023
    How do you know if your child needs extra support in school? How can you gauge whether or not your child is where they should be academically? And at what point should a child be considered for special education services? These are all questions that are not easy to answer. Host of EDinsights, Tiffany Brown, Esq., interviews Lauren Allen, creator of a Black Mom’s Guide to IEPs. If you're a parent who is considering seeking special education services for your student (IEPs, 504 plans, etc.), this episode is for you! Tiffany and Lauren touch on the process of seeking special education supports and about the challenges families encounter, especially Black families, when pursuing those services. The bottom line is that Black mothers, Black students, and the Black family need a community of people who share information and resources, and advocates are the perfect people to add to that proverbial village. Lauren also discusses her new initiative, "A Black Moms Guide to IEPs," which is growing and transforming lives each day. Visit Gillis Education's page on YouTube to view the video of the full event: https://www.youtube.com/live/vJ4u8lauFeU?feature=share&t=3
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    58 mins
  • Why Students Need Academic Coaches

    Why Students Need Academic Coaches
    Jul 10 2023

    Academic coaches work with students on developing what’s called executive functioning skills, which includes time management, study skills, organization, test prep, managing anxiety, and more! Tiffany Brown, host of ED Insights, and Founder and CEO of Gillis Education, gives listeners a rundown of what academic coaching is and why it's needed, now more than ever.
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    13 mins
  • We Belong: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging in Education

    We Belong: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging in Education
    Jun 19 2023
    In honor of the Juneteenth holiday, Gillis Education hosted a discussion on educational justice and what true diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) looks like in schools. Tiffany Brown, Founder and CEO of Gillis Education and ED Insights host, spoke with Dr. Deonna Smith, DEIB expert, educator, author, and founder of Deonna Smith Consulting. Tiffany and Deonna dove into the historical significance of Juneteenth and its importance in today’s political climate. The two also touched on what recent book bans and the Supreme Court's ruling on affirmative action policies will mean for DEIB initiatives in schools.
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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • The Future of Education in Chicago: An Interview with Chicago Alderman Candidate Ayana Clark

    The Future of Education in Chicago: An Interview with Chicago Alderman Candidate Ayana Clark
    Jun 12 2023
    Gillis Education’s Founder and CEO, Tiffany Brown, talks candidly with political and community activist Ayana Clark about the state of education in Chicago. Clark tells her story of coping with economic insecurity, homelessness and housing instability, systemic racism, single motherhood, and how the education system can better support families across the city of Chicago and the country generally. Everything from school safety, to mental health, to blocking book bans, to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, Ayana Clark provides remarkable insight into how schools can create change for the better.
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Take the Trip!

    Take the Trip!
    Jun 5 2023
    Traveling is a privilege. And it can be especially difficult with kids. But, traveling with your kids provides so many amazing opportunities for educational enrichment. And incorporating certain habits into your family travel can make a world of a difference when it comes to your children's academic success. Host of ED Insights, Tiffany Brown, and her husband Anthony Brown, discuss the benefits of traveling with your kids and 5 easy things parents can do on their family vacations to make beautiful memories and enhance their children's academic success.
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    40 mins
  • Post-Pandemic Recovery: The Nation’s Report Card and How We Rebuild

    Post-Pandemic Recovery: The Nation’s Report Card and How We Rebuild
    May 22 2023

    The COVID-19 pandemic led to unprecedented school closures and other challenges, and now many children are coping with significant levels of learning loss that could drastically hinder their academic performance and future success. On this episode, we’re talking about rebuilding -- what should post-pandemic recovery look like inside and outside of school? Tiffany Brown, Founder and CEO of Gillis Education joins her colleague Sofia Rios Cintron to discuss the startling statistics released that indicate that we are in somewhat of an education crisis, and to propose a few solutions that can assist with recovery efforts. 
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    57 mins