đź“š Stories That Shape Children & Standards That Shape Teachers: A Double Education Conversation
The Bashful Ladybug & Teacher Certification
Courage in the Classroom Starts Long Before Teacher Certification — But Both Matter Enormously
Two distinguished educators join Tony Mobley for a conversation that spans the full arc of learning — from the picture books that first build confidence in young children, to the certification standards that determine whether the adults in their classrooms are truly prepared to nurture it.
Wednesday, May 20, 2026 8:00 – 9:00 PM EST Live at conversationswithtonymobley.com
Meet Tonight’s Featured Guests
Dr. Connie Davidson
Author of The Bashful Ladybug: A Story About Confidence, Courage, and Trying New Things
Dr. Connie Davidson arrives with something rare and beautiful — a brand new children’s book that speaks directly to the small, tender moments when a child first discovers they are braver than they believed. The Bashful Ladybug is a story about confidence, courage, and the transformative power of trying new things, wrapped in the kind of warm, gentle narrative that children carry with them long after the last page.
As an educator who understands both the science and the heart of childhood development, Dr. Davidson brings to this conversation an author’s passion and a practitioner’s wisdom — and a book that every parent, teacher, and school library needs on its shelves right now.
Dr. John Ittleson
Professor Emeritus, CSU Monterey Bay — School of Computing and Design
Expert in Teacher Certification
Returning to Conversations with Tony Mobley, Dr. John Ittleson is one of the most respected voices in the field of teacher preparation and certification in the United States. As Professor Emeritus at California State University Monterey Bay’s School of Computing and Design, he has spent decades examining what it truly means to be ready to teach — and what the systems designed to ensure that readiness get right, and get wrong.
His expertise sits at the critical intersection of educational technology, instructional design, and the policy frameworks that determine who stands at the front of America’s classrooms.
Two Conversations, One Essential Purpose
At first glance, a children’s picture book about a bashful ladybug and the complexities of teacher certification might seem like an unlikely pairing. But look closer and the connection is profound.
The Bashful Ladybug asks: what does a child need to grow into their courage? Teacher certification asks: what does an educator need to be genuinely ready to cultivate it?
Both questions are about preparation. Both are about trust. Both are about what we owe the children in our care.
What We’ll Explore
Inside The Bashful Ladybug
- The inspiration behind Dr. Davidson’s story and its central themes
- Why confidence and courage need to be taught as much as caught
- How picture books shape emotional vocabulary in young children
- Using The Bashful Ladybug in classrooms, libraries, and at home
- The writing journey from educator to published author
The Confidence–Curriculum Connection
- How social-emotional learning is woven into great children’s literature
- What research tells us about the role of stories in building resilience
- Why books about struggle and growth matter more than ever for today’s children
- Reading aloud as a teaching tool for emotional intelligence
The State of Teacher Certification
- What teacher certification is designed to ensure — and whether it succeeds
- The debate around alternative pathways into the classroom
- Technology’s growing role in teacher preparation programmes
- How certification standards have evolved in the computing and design fields
- What the teacher shortage crisis reveals about our preparation systems
Preparing Teachers to Teach the Whole Child
- Are current certification frameworks equipped for social-emotional learning demands?
- The gap between what certification tests and what classrooms require
- Building educator confidence alongside student confidence
- What Professor Emeritus status allows Dr. Ittleson to say that others cannot
Why This Conversation Matters Right Now
With the school year drawing to a close and summer hiring seasons underway, teacher certification is anything but an abstract policy topic. Across America, schools are making decisions about who will teach next September — and the standards governing those decisions vary wildly by state, by subject, and by circumstance.
Meanwhile, parents are buying summer reading lists, and the books they choose this week will shape how their children approach next September’s challenges.
Dr. Davidson and Dr. Ittleson give us both conversations — the intimate and the systemic, the storybook and the policy framework — in a single extraordinary hour.
Who This Episode Is For
Parents of young children looking for beautifully crafted books that build confidence and emotional intelligence
Early years and primary educators seeking resources that address social-emotional learning through storytelling
Aspiring teachers navigating certification requirements and wondering what truly prepares someone to teach
Education policy followers interested in honest, expert-led discussion of teacher preparation standards
School librarians and reading specialists always on the lookout for books that do double duty — delight and develop
Anyone who cares about what happens in classrooms and who is responsible for what happens in them
Because the most important thing we build in education isn’t knowledge. It’s the courage to keep learning.
Tony Mobley Host, Conversations with Tony Mobley
“Confidence isn’t given to children. It’s grown — one story, one brave moment, one prepared teacher at a time.”
The Bashful Ladybug & Teacher Certification
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About Me
Welcome to my new adventure!
For those familiar with my work, you’ll know I’m no stranger to embracing new paths. And now, I’m excited to invite you on a journey of exploration and conversation.
At the heart of this venture is a series of dialogues centered around “Technology for All Ages.” Here’s a glimpse of what we’ll dive into:
- Bridging the Tech Gap for Seniors: Simplifying technology to empower our elderly community.
- Coding for Kids: Why understanding technology is as crucial as a second language for the younger generation.
- Leveraging Your Tech Tools: Uncover the full potential of the gadgets you already own.
- Mastering Virtual Presence: Tips to shine in your next Zoom meeting.
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