154: Why school leaders passionate about inclusion need to learn more about esports

In this episode Dr. Kraft shatters misconceptions and reveals the power of gaming for building social-emotional skills. How can educators effectively integrate gaming into their SEL programs? Are You Ready To Unlock the Power of Gaming? The power of gaming can be harnessed to forge strong peer connections among students. By instilling the elements of gaming in social-emotional learning, students can be encouraged to reflect on their emotions and reactions in gaming scenarios, apply insights to real-life contexts, and foster belonging within their peer groups. Thus, far from being a mere recreational activity, gaming can be a potent tool for facilitating improved student well-being and social-emotional growth. Learn more about our amazing guest: Dr. Kristen Craft has served as a teacher, principal, and district administrator in public education for the past 27 years. A champion of students, Dr. Craft is currently the Scholastic Esports Specialist for Generation Esports. She helps normalize esports in education by supporting schools and districts to create a scholastic esports pipeline. Mentoring educational leaders, teaching aspiring principals at the university level, presenting at multiple conferences, and connecting with leaders across the country, Kristen knows the impact leaders can have on a school or district. The culmination of her time in administration at both levels represents a lifetime of love spent in the greatest profession. She is the Gaming Concepts Podcast host and has been featured in several ed leadership podcasts and publications. Kristen was named the 2021 Kansas Principal of the Year. Twitter – @KristenEsports @GamingConceptsU @JoinGenEsports @HSELesports LinkedIn – KristenEsports, Generation Esports Links explored in this episode ‍LGBTQ Students Finding Hope in Declining Mental Health via Esports in Schools https://www.gamingconcepts.gg/ Huge thanks to our amazing Sponsor for this episode! Mackin For highlights from this conversation: 00:17:21 – Esports and Marginalized Populations The guest highlights the positive impact of esports on marginalized populations, specifically LGBTQ+ students. She mentions a study that showed significant growth in self-esteem among students who had mental health moments integrated into their gaming concepts curriculum. 00:18:13 – Rapid Transformation with Esports The guest discusses the transformative effects of implementing esports in schools. She shares the results of a study where students showed tremendous gains in self-esteem within just ten weeks. Esports provides a sense of community and inclusivity for students who may feel marginalized. 00:22:12 – Leadership Skills and Career Opportunities The guest emphasizes that esports develops leadership skills 00:31:16 – Creating a Welcoming Culture Dr. Kraft emphasizes that adding initiatives like Esports can create an inclusive and welcoming culture in schools. It is essential for educational leaders to see and fight for all students, rather than discounting or shaming them. 00:31:52 – The Role of Educational Leaders Dr. Kraft reminds leaders that their focus should be on the students, not themselves. Turning a blind eye to the needs of students is not who educational leaders should be. They should actively advocate for and support all students. 00:32:15 – Ending on a Powerful Note Tricia thanks Dr. Kraft for sharing her expertise and passion. The conversation serves as a reminder that it is ultimately about the kids and their well-being. Dr. Kraft’s insights provide inspiration for educational leaders to prioritize the needs of students.