Synergy In Education

Did you learn about social justice when you were at school?What is the power of weaving service into classroom curriculum?How do we create learning experiences that help students find personal purpose in their education?We create synergy with Cathryn Berger Kaye, speaking about service learning and its role in cultivating the necessary foundations for transformative learning. Cathryn Berger Kaye, M.A., founder of CBK Associates, consults with schools around the world, visiting 55 countries in person and more virtually. She is known for her keen ability to inspire young people as purposeful global citizens with engagements, stories and experiences that matter. Educators appreciate her creative approaches to dynamic curriculum design for meaningful action and the vast experience she brings into every conversation. Cathryn is the author of The Complete Guide to Service Learning and two books with Philippe Cousteau on environmental stewardship for children and teens: Make a Splash and Going Blue. Cathryn’s expertise also includes social and emotional learning, dynamics for intercultural understanding, youth leadership, and joyfully uplifting the service ethos throughout school communities. Her work always exemplifies best teaching practices. She is also the “go-to” resource for connecting literature – fiction and nonfiction – to elevate student engagement K-12 in social action.Notable mentions from the episode:CBK Associates - http://cbkassociates.comKathleen Kennedy Townsend - former lieutenant governor of MarylandMaryland Public Schools Service Learning Graduation Requirements - https://www.marylandpublicschools.org/programs/Pages/Service-Learning/Graduation-Requirement.aspx LeeAnne Lavender - https://www.linkedin.com/in/leeanne-lavender/ NeuroPack - https://www.linkedin.com/in/neuropack/ Shei Ascencio (Co-Founder NeuroPack, alongside Dom Verwey) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shei-ascencio/Cindy Chen ​​(NIST) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindy-chen-427bb4152/   Hannah Chhan (NIST) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-chhan-0174b2b6/ Latin American Center for Service-Learning (CLAYSS) - https://www.clayss.org/en/ National Youth Leadership Council (NYLC) - https://nylc.org/ Global Impact Diploma - https://www.globalimpactdiploma.org/ Some of Cathy’s important work:The Complete Guide to Service Learning - https://a.co/d/080H9ww4 Make A Splash - https://a.co/d/0aiUK0jI Going Blue - https://a.co/d/05U4kauS Baker’s Dozen article - https://cbk-associates.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Bakers-Dozen-Guideposts-to-a-Meaningful-Service-Learning-Program.pdf Meaningful Reflection article - https://cbk-associates.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Meaningful-Reflection.pdf Your hosts:Kathryn Berkman - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-berkman Dom Verwey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/domverwey If you are interested in joining us as a guest on this podcast, please fill in our quick Synergy In Education Podcast interest form: https://forms.gle/PM5LMs863oEsSdEZ8 Similarly, if you would like to join the tribe of educators, leaders, and change agents during our regular Synergy Building online calls, please submit our quick Synergy Building interest form: https://forms.gle/NVhBUYzoN2WCyffR6 The information provided in this episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by the guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Synergy In Education podcast or its hosts. Similarly, the views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of their own and do not reflect those of any individuals, organizations, or institutions mentioned or referenced. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information shared.Music: Skywalking New Mix (Instrumental) - Sam Beebe _ Night Falls

How do we prepare young people for a complex and ever-changing world? What makes up solutionary work to produce solutionaries? Why is education the single greatest determining factor in creating a thriving global community? Let’s dive into solutionary synergy! Welcome to our first episode of the second season! We create synergy with Julie Meltzer, speaking about solutionary work and the essence of education in the modern day. Julie Meltzer, PhD, is the Director of K-12 and Teacher Education for the Institute for Humane Education, a nonprofit organization based in the US. Julie leads a team that works with teachers and administrators across the United States and around the world to teach their students how to become changemakers. She brings experience as a teacher, higher education faculty member, district administrator, consultant, researcher, program evaluator, and leadership coach to this role. Julie believes that education is the system that can change all other systems and that redesigning schools to educate a generation of solutionaries is the single best investment we can make for our collective future. Notable mentions from the episode: Institute for Humane Education (IHE) - http://humaneeducation.org Zoe Weil (Co-founder and President of IHE): https://humaneeducation.org/about-ihe/meet-zoe-weil/ Solutionary Framework: https://humaneeducation.org/teach-the-solutionary-framework/ Solutionary Tools: https://humaneeducation.org/solutionary-toolkit/ New York Times article - Throwaway Plastic Has Corrupted Us: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/06/opinion/plastic-trash-disposable.html You can find Julie on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-meltzer-b20b3a1b/) You can also find some links to important Solutionary work here: Maine Solutionaries Project Impact Report 2025: https://humaneeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Maine-Solutionaries-Project-Impact-Report-2025.pdf Student Reflections on Solutionary Projects: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aKGTAFlATI 2024-5 IHE Impact Report: https://humaneeducation.org/2024-2025-impact-report/ Upcoming Solutionary Microcredential Programs: https://humaneeducation.org/micro-credentialing-course/ Your hosts: Kathryn Berkman - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-berkman Dom Verwey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/domverwey If you are interested in joining us as a guest on this podcast, please fill in our quick Synergy In Education Podcast interest form: https://forms.gle/PM5LMs863oEsSdEZ8 Similarly, if you would like to join the tribe of educators, leaders, and change agents during our regular Synergy Building online calls, please submit our quick Synergy Building interest form: https://forms.gle/NVhBUYzoN2WCyffR6 The information provided in this episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by the guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Synergy In Education podcast or its hosts. Similarly, the views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of their own and do not reflect those of any individuals, organizations, or institutions mentioned or referenced. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information shared. Music: Skywalking New Mix (Instrumental) - Sam Beebe _ Night Falls

Why is service learning necessary? How do you see connections between schools and your surrounding community? Which systems and structures empower service learning and community engagement in schools? Let’s connect students to their community through curriculum! This is our last episode of our first season! Next season releases in a few weeks! We create synergy with Crystal Pottebaum, speaking about all things service learning, sustainability, and the systems and experiences that get us there! Crystal Pottebaum is a K–12 Service and Sustainability Learning Coordinator who is passionate about connecting learning with meaningful action. With experience in international schools across Africa, Asia, and Europe, Crystal supports students and educators in embedding service learning, sustainability, and global citizenship into the curriculum in authentic and impactful ways. Her work centers on building long-term community partnerships, empowering student changemakers, and designing systems that help schools move from good intentions to measurable impact. Crystal believes that education should extend beyond the classroom and equip students to engage compassionately with the world around them. In addition to her work in education, she is also a children’s book author, using storytelling to inspire curiosity, empathy, and a sense of responsibility in young learners. Notable mentions from the episode: Crystal’s new book, “Lanie’s Little Lamb”: https://www.amazon.com/Lanies-Little-Lamb-Crystal-Pottebaum/dp/B0FXWL7B4H Compass Education: https://compasseducation.org/ Global Schools Advocate Program: https://www.globalschoolsprogram.org/advocates You can find Crystal on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-pottebaum-6b874a293/) as well as on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/crystalpottebaum/). You can also find some of her impactful systems and work on the Padlet here: https://padlet.com/crystalpottebaum2/from-mission-to-action-building-a-service-learning-sustainab-mpcm7cy57ic2jiw8 Your hosts: Kathryn Berkman - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-berkman Dom Verwey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/domverwey If you are interested in joining us as a guest on this podcast, please fill in our quick Synergy In Education Podcast interest form: https://forms.gle/PM5LMs863oEsSdEZ8 Similarly, if you would like to join the tribe of educators, leaders, and change agents during our regular Synergy Building online calls, please submit our quick Synergy Building interest form: https://forms.gle/NVhBUYzoN2WCyffR6 The information provided in this episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by the guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Synergy In Education podcast or its hosts. Similarly, the views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of their own and do not reflect those of any individuals, organizations, or institutions mentioned or referenced. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information shared. Music: Skywalking New Mix (Instrumental) - Sam Beebe _ Night Falls

Which stories have made a difference in your community? What motivates people to tell stories of hope and passion? Why might social entrepreneurship be a necessary mechanism for a healthy economy? We create synergy with Suji Dehart and Tom Graham from MAD Courses, speaking about the place stories hold in our humanity and the ways in which we can use them for good. Suji DeHart is an international educator and co-founder of Make A Difference Courses and Docathon, where she helps students use storytelling as a catalyst for changemaking. Drawing on over two decades in international schools and service learning, she supports young people to document real-world issues, connect with communities, and share stories that matter. Suji is passionate about nurturing empathy, agency, and a sense of “enough” in the next generation of global citizens. Thomas Graham is a British author, TEDx speaker, and social entrepreneur who believes in the power of stories to change how people see the world. Over the past decade, he has founded and led purpose-driven initiatives across the Philippines, Singapore, and the UK, working at the intersection of education, social enterprise, and storytelling. He is the founder of Docathon, a global youth documentary programme that trains and mentors students to create short films about issues that matter in their local communities. In recent months, Docathons have been delivered across multiple continents, connecting young people through shared stories, empathy, and a sense of global citizenship. Suji via email: [email protected] Tom via email: [email protected] Notable mentions from the episode: MAD Courses and the Docathon: http://madcourses.com Jennifer Brandsberg-Engelmann: Regenerative Economics for Secondary Schools https://www.regenerativeeconomics.earth/home Student-directed Changemakers Conferences at Frankfurt International School in 2023, Munich International School in 2024, American International School of Budapest in 2025, and International School of Dusseldorf in 2026 Your hosts: Kathryn Berkman - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-berkman Dom Verwey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/domverwey If you are interested in joining us as a guest on this podcast, please fill in our quick Synergy In Education Podcast interest form: https://forms.gle/PM5LMs863oEsSdEZ8 Similarly, if you would like to join the tribe of educators, leaders, and change agents during our regular Synergy Building online calls, please submit our quick Synergy Building interest form: https://forms.gle/NVhBUYzoN2WCyffR6 The information provided in this episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by the guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Synergy In Education podcast or its hosts. Similarly, the views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of their own and do not reflect those of any individuals, organizations, or institutions mentioned or referenced. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information shared. Music: Skywalking New Mix (Instrumental) - Sam Beebe _ Night Falls

Are we separate from nature, or inextricably linked? How can we blend education and activism? What is our responsibility to help young people shape society rather than simply react to it? We create synergy with Katharine Burke, speaking about education’s role in relational ecology and (re)connecting with nature. Katharine Burke is the author of Earthwards: Transformative Ecological Education. She is a lifelong educator with a M.Ed in Nature, Ecology and Sustainability, and has taught at the primary, middle and secondary school levels as well as presenting in college and master's level courses. She is also a permaculture landholder, the Founder of The Small Earth Institute (Norway) and a facilitator of the Work that Reconnects. She taught for 22 years at Skagerak International School, Sandefjord Norway until her retirement in 2023. Katharine Burke on her: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katharine-burke-90767313/ - EARTHWARDS COMMUNITY: https://earthwards.mn.co - Instagram @ earthwards_treed - X/Twitter: @ BlueSky Katharine Burke Notable mentions from the episode: - Katharine’s Book - Earthwards: Transformative Ecological Education - https://www.hawthornpress.com/books/changemaking/social-ecology-change/earthwards/ - Eckhart Tolle - https://eckharttolle.com/ - Lance King - educational speaker - Robin Wall Kimmerer - https://www.robinwallkimmerer.com/ - Lyla June - https://www.lylajune.com/ - Joanna Macy - The Work That Reconnects - https://www.joannamacy.net/main - Elizabeth Sawin - Multisolving Institute - https://www.multisolving.org/about-us/elizabeth-sawin-phd/ and her book https://a.co/d/igeNeyq - Donella Meadows - https://donellameadows.org/ - Katharine Hayhoe - https://www.katharinehayhoe.com/ - Michelle Holiday - https://michelleholliday.com/ - Daniel Schmachtenberger - https://civilizationemerging.com/ - Fritjof Capra - https://www.fritjofcapra.net/ - Ilya Prigogine - https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/chemistry/1977/prigogine/biographical/ - Bayo Akomolafe - https://www.bayoakomolafe.net/ Your hosts: Kathryn Berkman - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-berkman Dom Verwey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/domverwey If you are interested in joining us as a guest on this podcast, please fill in our quick Synergy In Education Podcast interest form: https://forms.gle/PM5LMs863oEsSdEZ8 Similarly, if you would like to join the tribe of educators, leaders, and change agents during our regular Synergy Building online calls, please submit our quick Synergy Building interest form: https://forms.gle/NVhBUYzoN2WCyffR6 The information provided in this episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by the guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Synergy In Education podcast or its hosts. Similarly, the views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of their own and do not reflect those of any individuals, organizations, or institutions mentioned or referenced. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information shared. Music: Skywalking New Mix (Instrumental) - Sam Beebe _ Night Falls

What opportunities are in your community for students to lead? What issues do you wish creative solutions could solve? What does authentic student voice mean to you? We create synergy with Joel Wardle, speaking about student voice and ownership of school policy and culture. Joel teaches English Language and Literature at Munich International School, inspiring MYP and IB students to tell their stories—and lead the way. As a student leadership advisor, he’s all about helping young people find their voice and make an impact. Off campus, you’ll find Joel skiing down snowy slopes, hiking scenic trails, running, or paddleboarding on Starnberger See. Equal parts educator and adventurer, he believes leadership is best learned with a mix of challenge, fun, and a little fresh air. Joel Wardle on LinkedIn: https://de.linkedin.com/in/joel-wardle Other notable mentions from the episode: Nick Goldsmith - https://www.nickgoldsmith.co.uk/ The Global Impact Diploma - https://www.globalimpactdiploma.org/ Your hosts: Kathryn Berkman - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-berkman Dom Verwey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/domverwey If you are interested in joining us as a guest on this podcast, please fill in our quick Synergy In Education Podcast interest form: https://forms.gle/PM5LMs863oEsSdEZ8 Similarly, if you would like to join the tribe of educators, leaders, and change agents during our regular Synergy Building online calls, please submit our quick Synergy Building interest form: https://forms.gle/NVhBUYzoN2WCyffR6 The information provided in this episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by the guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Synergy In Education podcast or its hosts. Similarly, the views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of their own and do not reflect those of any individuals, organizations, or institutions mentioned or referenced. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information shared. Music: Skywalking New Mix (Instrumental) - Sam Beebe _ Night Falls

Welcome to the Synergy In Education podcast, and the first-ever episode! Your hosts, Kathryn Berkman and Dom Verwey, ideate and share insights around creating synergy in the world of education. What is the Synergy In Education podcast all about? We explore the profile of a changemaker, how to scale our impact exponentially, and shape education far beyond today. Designed for educators and engaged youth, this Synergy In Education podcast inspires you to harness the power of inclusion, interconnectedness, and shared vision to take action in our own contexts. Join us and be part of a global movement where we, together, create regenerative impact. If you are interested in joining us as a guest on this podcast, please fill in our quick Synergy In Education Podcast interest form: https://forms.gle/PM5LMs863oEsSdEZ8 Similarly, if you would like to join the tribe of educators, leaders, and change agents during our regular Synergy Building online calls, please submit our quick Synergy Building interest form: https://forms.gle/NVhBUYzoN2WCyffR6 The information provided in this episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by the guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Synergy In Education podcast or its hosts. Similarly, the views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of their own and do not reflect those of any individuals, organizations, or institutions mentioned or referenced. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information shared. Music: Skywalking New Mix (Instrumental) - Sam Beebe _ Night Falls

Welcome to the Synergy In Education podcast, and the episode “Origins”. This episode highlights some of the origin and inspiration behind the podcast as a whole and of the hosts, Kathryn Berkman and Dom Verwey. What is the Synergy In Education podcast all about? We explore the profile of a changemaker, how to scale our impact exponentially, and shape education far beyond today. Designed for educators and engaged youth, this Synergy In Education podcast inspires you to harness the power of inclusion, interconnectedness, and shared vision to take action in our own contexts. Join us and be part of a global movement where we, together, create regenerative impact. If you are interested in joining us as a guest on this podcast, please fill in our quick Synergy In Education Podcast interest form: https://forms.gle/PM5LMs863oEsSdEZ8 Similarly, if you would like to join the tribe of educators, leaders, and change agents during our regular Synergy Building online calls, please submit our quick Synergy Building interest form: https://forms.gle/NVhBUYzoN2WCyffR6 The information provided in this episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by the guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Synergy In Education podcast or its hosts. Similarly, the views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of their own and do not reflect those of any individuals, organizations, or institutions mentioned or referenced. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information shared. Music: Skywalking New Mix (Instrumental) - Sam Beebe _ Night Falls