You Must Be Some Kind of Therapist

Once upon a time, Jason loved his job facilitating social and emotional learning in public schools. Then, in 2017, a new ideological framework began to take root in school SEL programs that eroded the foundation of goodwill that his work was based upon. But instead of giving into nihilism or despair, Jason forged a new path. He developed a new philosophy rooted in his values of dignity, integrity, and humor. From that, Empowered Humanity Theory was born. In this episode, Jason and I explore values-based, ideologically and politically neutral alternatives to such contentious topics as Social and Emotional Learning, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion curriculums. 

Jason Littlefield is a lifelong learner and longtime educator. In 2021 he left public education after 21 years because his job (SEL Specialist) evolved to advance an ideology rather enhance the human experience and condition. He now promotes Empowered Humanity Theory to schools, workplaces & communities that seek to build empowering and dignified communities. He is a co-founder and board member of Free Black Thought; a Director and board member of The Institute For Liberal Values; and host of the Reformation Radio podcast. 

In this episode, I mentioned several other episodes: my conversations with Leslie Elliott, Jessie Mannisto, Mike Belcher, and Deb Fillman. I also mentioned books by Leonard Sax and Donna Hicks, which you can find in my bookshop.

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Show notes & transcript provided with the help of SwellAI.

Special thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our theme song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude and permission.

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