Episodes

Patrick Harry gives a powerful testimony about how ABC books have helped him in his profession. Website: Spotlight 4 Success

Educational materials reflect the changing landscape of how we teach, and few resources showcase this evolution as clearly as the ABC book. In this brief but insightful conversation, a veteran educator with 24 years of classroom experience takes us through the remarkable transformation of these fundamental teaching tools. Website: Spotlight 4 Success

Sarah Webb gives a testimonial about how ABC how had an impact in her classroom. Website: Spotlight 4 Success

The spark of curiosity that ignites a teaching career can transform countless young minds. Sarah Webb from David Crockett High School in Washington County, Tennessee shares how discovering an unknown fact about her hometown – that Jonesboro was one of the first cities in Tennessee – launched her mission to "pique children's interest in our past" and "cultivate the love of learning." Website: Spotlight 4 Success

What happens when middle schoolers become historical investigators instead of passive fact-memorizers? Rosa Heintz reveals the powerful transformation occurring in social studies classrooms across Tennessee's Hamilton County Schools. Website: Spotlight 4 Success

What drives a teacher to stay passionate after more than two decades in the classroom? Patrick Harry, a veteran educator from South Lincoln Pre-K-8 School, reveals the inspiration behind his 22-year journey teaching history and his recent venture into teaching science. Website: Spotlight 4 Success

The power of music to preserve family history takes center stage as we sit down with Nancy Brennan-Strange, a talented singer and balladist performing at the Tennessee Council of Social Studies conference in Gatlinburg. Nancy's musical journey reveals how deeply personal connections can transform into artistic expression that resonates across generations. Website: Spotlight 4 Success

From field trips to federal policy, Dr. Mark Finchum offers a masterclass in Social Studies education leadership during this illuminating conversation from Gatlinburg, Tennessee. As Executive Director of the Tennessee Council of Social Studies (TCSS), Fincham draws on three decades of experience to share valuable insights about the organization's mission to serve educators across all social studies disciplines. Website: Spotlight 4 Success

Ever wondered how to help students keep track of their learning throughout the school year? Two innovative educators from Hamilton County Schools have the answer: interactive notebooks. Katie Mara and Maureen Bergren joined us at the Tennessee Council of Social Studies conference in Gatlinburg to share their expertise on implementing interactive notebooks in middle school classrooms. What started as a presentation they were "bullied into" by their director has become a passion project that's tra...

The conversation reveals how Simmons rose from an interested elementary social studies teacher to becoming the president who oversaw Tennessee's hosting of the National Council for Social Studies conference in Nashville—what she calls "one of the highlights of my career." With her background in event planning, she successfully showcased Tennessee's rich historical landscape from Civil War to Civil Rights history to educators from across the nation. Spotlight 4 Success: Spotlight 4 Success

As a first-generation college graduate, Jordan's personal journey fuels his passionate approach to teaching history. His story illustrates the transformative power of education—not just as academic instruction, but as a gateway to previously unimagined possibilities. "It's given me a lot of opportunities that otherwise I may not have had," Jordan reflects, explaining his mission to show students paths they might not consider. From celebrating a student's acceptance to a rival university to coach...

What happens when a nursing student discovers her true calling through an unexpected substitute teaching gig? Jami Fowler-White, Principal of Scenic Hills Elementary in Shelby County Schools, shares the fascinating detour that launched her 28-year career in education on this episode of Spotlight for Success. From teaching at her childhood elementary school to coaching teachers across Memphis to her current administrative role, Jami's professional evolution exemplifies dedication to student succ...

What happens when a struggling first-year teacher discovers the transformative power of professional learning communities? Dr. Joshua Kenna's educational journey takes us from his humble beginnings as an alternatively certified social studies teacher in Florida to his current role as a teacher educator and conference coordinator for the Tennessee Council of Social Studies. Spotlight 4 Success Website: Spotlight 4 Success

David Doan of the Overmountain Victory Trail Association takes us back to 1780, when the Revolutionary War had reached a stalemate and the British implemented their Southern Strategy. What followed was an extraordinary grassroots military campaign as the previously neutral Overmountain Men mustered at Fort Watauga and marched to confront Ferguson's forces. The resulting Battle of Kings Mountain lasted just 65 minutes but eliminated one-third of British forces in the South—a devastating blow that...

Journey back to America's fight for independence as we sit down with David Carr from the Sons of the American Revolution at the Tennessee Council of Social Studies conference in Gatlinburg. What emerges is a fascinating portrait of a revolution far more complex—and personal—than most history books suggest. David reveals how the Revolutionary War in the South functioned essentially as a Civil War, with Patriot and Loyalist neighbors literally taking up arms against each other. One haunting accou...

The power of remembrance takes on new meaning in this touching conversation with Cindy Tatum of Wreaths Across America. After 26 years teaching at Milan High School, Tatum found an unexpected second calling that combines her educational expertise with a deeply personal mission. As a Gold Star mother who lost her son, Corporal Daniel Lee Tatum, USMC, on December 24, 2007, she brings heartfelt understanding to her role developing curriculum for an organization dedicated to honoring those who serve...

How do we move beyond textbook-driven social studies instruction to create truly engaging learning experiences? Bruce Stubblefield, the 9-12 Curriculum Director for Hamilton County Schools, offers a compelling vision during our conversation at the Tennessee Council of Social Studies Conference in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

Huebener's remarkable journey from music business executive to minister to innovative educator provides a fascinating backdrop for his educational philosophy. "A lot of effective teaching is diverse methodology," he explains, detailing how his classroom innovations like "Fly Swatter Review" and "Beach Ball Review" turn mundane study sessions into memorable learning experiences. These aren't just games—they're strategic teaching tools that remove the shame from the learning process while boosting...

Ben's story resonates with anyone who's found their calling through a powerful classroom experience. "I wanted to do something I love," he explains, describing how his history teacher inspired him to create that same eagerness to learn in future students. After an extensive job search and a year of substitute teaching, Ben finally landed at South Lincoln School where he now teaches 6th and 7th grade social studies while coaching football in a close-knit community of about 300 middle school stude...

Dara Seamons shares how ABC has impacted her students and their scores.

Discover the transformative educational journey of Dara Seamons, Assistant Principal of Instruction at Hilltop Elementary in Houston County Schools. Having served in the military before finding her true calling in education, Dara brings a unique perspective to her leadership role and commitment to student success.

Most education professionals might be surprised to learn that WGU has become North America's largest provider of teaching degrees, with their graduates representing an impressive 5% of America's teaching workforce. What drives this success? Their competency-based online model allows working professionals to advance their education affordably and at their own pace. For paraprofessionals seeking teacher certification or current teachers pursuing advanced credentials, WGU offers a debt-minimizing p...

Discover the powerful educational strategy that Pam Williams calls "the sweet spot" a deliberate approach to curriculum pacing that's yielding remarkable results across an entire district using ABC products. Pam explains how they've transformed their approach to end-of-course preparation, particularly in state-assessed subjects.

As Georgia's 2011 Teacher of the Year, Williams offers rare insight from her 33-year journey through all levels of public education. Her transition from classroom teacher to instructional coach to district administrator provides a comprehensive perspective on what truly drives student achievement.