The Brighter Side of Education: Research, Innovation & Resources

Hosted by Dr. Lisa Hassler, The Brighter Side of Education: Research, Innovation, & Resources a podcast that offers innovative solutions for education challenges. We bring together research, expert insights, and practical resources to help teachers and parents tackle everything from classroom management to learning differences. Every episode focuses on turning common education challenges into opportunities for growth. Whether you're a teacher looking for fresh ideas or a parents wanting to better support your child's learning, we've got actionable strategies you can use right away.

The podcast's music was created by Brandon Picciolini from The Lonesome Family Band. You can explore more of his work on Instagram.

Guest

Rick Hartman

Rick Hartman is a former classroom teacher turned full-time educational toymaker. He is founder of School of Toy, a hands-on learning movement that’s reached over 1 million students nationwide. What began in 1994 as a single afterschool workshop has grown into a celebrated and much loved in-person and online

learning experience that blends STEAM, storytelling, and imagination in unforgettable ways.

Rick is an engaging, high-energy guest with a gift for storytelling, and decades of experience inspiring audiences of all ages. Whether he’s teaching kids to invent, build, and play with toys or showing educators how to spark joyful, standards-aligned learning, Rick brings laughter, insight, and heart to every conversation.

https://schooloftoy.com/

Guest appearance on:

More Than Play: What Toybuilding Teaches Students | Rick Hartman