Meet the Authors
Erika Bare
Erika has been a proud educator for over twenty years, serving in a variety of roles with a deep commitment to supporting all students. She currently serves as the superintendent for the South Umpqua School District in beautiful Southern Oregon. Originally from Portland, Erika graduated from the University of Oregon with a Master’s in Education in 2001. She began her career as a middle school special education teacher, where she worked tirelessly to provide individualized support to help students reach their limitless potential.
Erika earned her administrative credential in 2012 at Southern Oregon University and transitioned into leadership roles, starting as assistant principal and later principal at the award-winning Ashland High School. Motivated by a desire to work with younger students, Erika moved to the elementary level as principal, then took on a district-level role as Assistant Superintendent in Ashland, overseeing special education, counseling and behavioral health, social-emotional learning, and elementary programs. In 2024, she became the superintendent for the South Umpqua School District, where she continues to focus on individualized supports to ensure every student thrives. Her dedication was recognized in 2024 when she received the Oregon’s Central Office Administrator Achievement of Excellence Award.
Erika lives in Southern Oregon loves spending time with her incredibly supportive husband, their two remarkable children—one in college and one in high school, three very mischievous cats and one very sweet puppy.
Tiffany Burns lives in the Siskiyou Mountains outside Ashland, Oregon, with her college sweetheart husband and their two fabulous teenagers. Their home is a hub of activity - always full of kids, friends, family, and pets. Tiffany loves working with kids and is deeply committed to building strong, connected communities, not only for students but also for the adults who support them.
With more than two decades in education, Tiffany has taught elementary, middle, high school, and university students in public, private, bilingual, and homeschool settings across Oregon, Alaska, and Mexico. She has served as an instructional improvement and leadership coach, curriculum writer and consultant, and creator and facilitator of workshops and professional development in education, equity, leadership, and communication.
Tiffany spent twelve years as a school administrator, serving as a middle school assistant principal and K-8 outdoor school principal, and for nine years as the principal of a vibrant elementary school. She found these roles both incredibly rewarding and delightfully bizarre, providing endless opportunities to inspire and connect with students, staff, and families.
Tiffany now works as an instructional leadership coach and teaches pre-service educators at Southern Oregon University, supporting future teachers and school leaders while working nationwide to grow the Connected Communicator Movement - a movement focused on strengthening relationships, transforming behavior, and building connected, thriving school communities.
Tiffany Burns
Interviews, Podcasts, and Articles
IN THE MEDIA
-
Avoiding Power Struggles
THRIVING EDUCATOR
In this episode of the Avoiding Power Struggles Podcast, the conversation focuses on how connection can shift challenging behaviors and reduce conflict. Through a thoughtful discussion, the episode highlights practical ways educators and caregivers can move away from control-based responses and toward more collaborative, relationship-centered approaches.
-
Beyond Lectures
JPR: JEFFERSON EXCHANGE
In this feature on the Jefferson Exchange with Geoffrey Riley of Jefferson Public Radio, the conversation explores teacher burnout and the evolving role of communication in education. The discussion highlights how connected, conversation-based approaches can strengthen student-teacher relationships and support more responsive, engaging learning environments.
-
Principal Matters
WILLIAM D PARKER
In this episode of the Principal Matters Podcast with William D. Parker, the conversation explores behavior as communication and the role of connection in addressing conflict in schools. The discussion highlights practical strategies, including the EATS framework, and offers insight into how educators can de-escalate challenging situations and build stronger relationships with students.
-
Unlocking Unlimited Potential
DR. BRANDON BECK
In this episode of the Unlocking Unlimited Potential Podcast with Brandon Beck, the conversation explores how connected conversations can build stronger relationships with students. The discussion highlights practical insights, including restorative practices and ways educators can communicate care more intentionally to support student growth and engagement.
-
Erika Bare featured on the In Awe podcast
IN AWE PODCAST
In this episode of the In AWE Podcast with Sarah Johnson, the conversation highlights Erika Bare’s journey in education and the experiences that have shaped her work. Through a reflective exchange, the discussion explores the role of connection, storytelling, and purpose in supporting meaningful impact within schools and communities.
-
Interview with Edwin Battistella
LITERARY ASHLAND
In this feature with Edwin Battistella on Literary Ashland, the conversation explores the inspiration behind Connecting Through Conversation and the idea of becoming a Connected Communicator. The discussion offers insight into how intentional communication can shape teaching practices and deepen connection in learning environments.
-
Between the Lines
JIMMY CASAS AND ASSOCIATES
Jimmy Casas interviews Erika and Tiffany in a fast-paced and super fun conversation.
“Join Jimmy Casas as he talks with Erika Bare and Tiffany Burns about the book, Connecting Through Conversation. Learn more about preparing for connected conversations, contagious emotions, and avoiding power struggles.”
-
1:1 Communication
JPR: JEFFERSON EXCHANGE
In this episode of the Jefferson Exchange on Jefferson Public Radio, the conversation explores the importance of one-on-one communication between teachers and students. The discussion highlights how intentional conversations can strengthen relationships, reduce power struggles, and support more responsive, trauma-informed learning environments.
-
Better Leaders Better Schools
WITH DANNY BAUER
In this episode of the Better Leaders Better Schools Podcast with Danny Bauer, the conversation explores how connection-driven practices can transform school culture and support student behavior. The discussion highlights practical strategies for building strong relationships, addressing trauma and equity, and creating systems that foster more connected, responsive learning environments.
-
OACOA Achievement of Excellence Award
COSA CONFERENCE
At Coalition of Oregon School Administrators (COSA)’s Multilingual and English Learner Conference, Erika Bare was recognized with the OACOA Achievement of Excellence Award. This honor highlights her leadership, dedication, and impact in supporting students, schools, and communities through a commitment to meaningful, connection-centered practices.
-
Wandering Podcast
ALIGN & PROSPER COACH, REANNA DILLON
In this episode of the Wandering Podcast with Reanna Dillon, the conversation explores why children may seem not to listen and how communication shapes behavior. The discussion highlights how understanding a child’s perspective can reduce resistance and strengthen connection, offering insight into more respectful and cooperative relationships.
-
Transforming Learning Through Connection
RAINBOW SKIES
In this episode, hosted by name unknown podcast host of Rainbow Skies for Children, the conversation explores the role of connection in shaping meaningful learning experiences. Through a thoughtful exchange, the discussion highlights how relationships influence engagement, trust, and student growth, offering insight into what it takes to create environments where learners feel seen, supported, and motivated.
-
Building Student Connections
SCHOOL SUCCESS PODCAST
In this episode of the Building Student Connections Podcast, with Michael Slater, the conversation explores how intentional communication can strengthen relationships between educators and students. The discussion highlights practical approaches for building trust, supporting student behavior, and creating more connected, responsive learning environments.
-
Empowering Parents & Educators to Help Students Succeed
EVOLVED EDUCATION COMPANY
In this podcast feature, the conversation explores how connection-centered communication can support students, educators, and families. The discussion highlights practical strategies for building relationships, avoiding power struggles, and using communication as a universal approach to create more supportive, responsive learning environments.
-
De-Escalation Done Right: Practical Tips for Teachers
SCHOOLIN’ AROUND
In this podcast feature, the conversation explores how connection-centered communication can support educators in navigating student behavior and classroom dynamics. The discussion highlights practical strategies for building trust, de-escalating conflict, and fostering more supportive, responsive learning environments.
-
Interview with Erika Bare & Tiffany Burns
ALL YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT SPECIAL EDUCATION
In this podcast feature, the conversation highlights how Connecting Through Conversation supports educators in transforming student behavior through connection-centered communication. The discussion emphasizes building a culture of connection in schools and offers practical insight into strengthening relationships with students.
-
Zooming in on Connecting
ZOOMING IN PODCAST
In this episode of the Zooming In Podcast, the conversation explores how Connecting Through Conversation supports educators in building stronger relationships with students. The discussion highlights practical approaches to communication that help reduce conflict, strengthen connection, and create more responsive learning environments.
-
Every Conversation Matters
THE THOUGHTFUL TEACHER
In this episode of the Every Conversation Matters Podcast, the conversation explores how intentional communication can strengthen relationships and shape student behavior. The discussion highlights practical strategies for building connection, reducing conflict, and supporting more responsive, engaging learning environments.
-
A Culture of Connection
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL PODCAST
In this episode of the A Culture of Connection Podcast, the conversation explores how connection-centered communication can shape school culture and support student behavior. The discussion highlights practical approaches for building trust, strengthening relationships, and creating more connected, responsive learning environments.
-
Building Trust Through Communication
DIGITAL LEARNING TODAY
In this episode of the Building Trust Through Communication Podcast, the conversation explores how intentional communication can build trust and strengthen relationships in schools. The discussion highlights practical strategies for supporting student behavior, reducing conflict, and creating more connected, responsive learning environments.
-
New List Item
BEAUTIFULLY COMPLEX
In this episode of the Beautifully Complex Podcast with Penny Williams, the conversation explores how connection-centered communication can shift the way educators understand and respond to student behavior. The discussion highlights practical strategies for reducing power struggles, building trust, and creating more supportive, responsive learning environments — especially for neurodivergent kids.
-
Real Tools for Real Connections with Teens and Educators
THE WARRIOR PARENT PODCAST
In this episode of The Warrior Parent Podcast, the conversation explores how intentional communication can strengthen relationships with teens and support positive behavior. The discussion highlights practical strategies for building trust, reducing conflict, and creating more connected, responsive environments for adolescents.
-
Inclusive School Communities
THE AUTISM HELPER PODCAST
In this episode of the Autism Helper Podcast, the conversation explores how connection-centered communication can support inclusive practices in schools. The discussion highlights strategies for building trust, strengthening relationships, and creating environments where all students feel supported and valued.
-
At the Heart of Education is Connection
EDUCATION ON FIRE
In this episode of the Education on Fire Podcast, the conversation explores how connection-centered communication can shape meaningful learning experiences. The discussion highlights practical strategies for building trust, strengthening relationships, and creating more responsive, supportive environments in education.
-
This is Going to be Difficult
THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL PODCAST
In this episode of the The Assistant Principal Podcast, the conversation explores how connection-centered communication can support educators in navigating challenging moments with students. The discussion highlights practical strategies for managing conflict, reducing power struggles, and building more supportive, responsive relationships in schools.
-
The Secret to Transforming Student Behavior
THE ART OF ADVOCACY, HOSTED BY SHELDON L. EAKINS, PH.D.
In this YouTube feature, the conversation explores how connection-centered communication can transform student behavior and support more inclusive school environments. The discussion highlights practical strategies for building belonging, addressing bias, and strengthening relationships through culturally affirming practices.
Subscribe to get priority access
Become a Connected Communicator Now
As a member, you gain access to a wealth of resources and exclusive content tailored to your interests.
Connecting Through Conversation demystifies the fundamental process of building powerful relationships between adults and students. Erika and Tiffany do this with profound empathy and a strong equity lens, making these frameworks immediately helpful to educators everywhere. Read Connecting Through Conversation. Practice the frameworks, and change the world one interaction at a time.
Michelle Cummings, Ed.M Harvard
Chief Academic Officer, TPT (Teachers Pay Teachers)