Episodes

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.

Dive into an enlightening discussion with Antwayne Sanders, an accomplished leader in education, as he shares his journey and insights from the Winter GAEL Conference. In this episode, we explore the transformative power of continuous professional development, the importance of mentorship, and effective strategies for enhancing student literacy outcomes. Antwayne emphasizes how attending conferences, like Winter GAEL, helps educators stay current with educational trends and build collaborative n...

Tisha Whittington gives a heartfelt testimonial about how American Book Company has helped her and her students in the classroom.

Join us on Spotlight 4 Success as we talk to Adrieanne Moliere, a pioneering Esports coordinator and gaming-in-education advocate. Discover how Adrieanne transformed her childhood passion for gaming, nurtured alongside her older brothers, into a groundbreaking career that connects the virtual world with educational development. Her unique journey from a special education teacher to leading a thriving E-Sports program of over 350 students across Louisiana is a testament to the unifying power of g...

What if Esports could revolutionize education as we know it? Join us on Spotlight for Success as we sit down with Jeffery Harrison from the Louisiana Scholastic Esports Federation (LASF), who is at the forefront of this transformative movement. Jeffery shares how LASF is reshaping the perception of Esports from mere gaming to a dynamic educational platform that fosters skills in broadcasting, leadership, and event management. Students are not only learning but are being empowered to excel beyond...

How can schools maintain seamless access to technology without breaking the bank? Join us for a conversation with Tyler Falk of K-12 Tech, who shares his insights on the vital role of efficient device repair in the education sector. Tyler takes us through his journey from fixing gadgets in high school to becoming a crucial part of a company that prioritizes speedy and reliable repair services for educational devices like Chromebooks and iPads. As Tyler explains, K12 Tech stands apart by focusing...

Discover how technology is revolutionizing education with our special guest, Julie Cobb, Director of Professional Services at Nearpod. Julie takes us on a journey through her impressive career, from her roots in deaf education to becoming an instructional coach. Her transition from public education to the tech world was inspired by her experience in a one-to-one school district, where she discovered the power of Nearpod. Her passion for bridging the gap between technology and education is eviden...

Scott Jarreau from St. Theresa Middle School in East Baton Rouge joins Devin Pintozzi to explore the uncharted terrains of education, skipping the traditional coach's whistle for a fresh leadership style. Scott breaks the mold, proving that education can thrive beyond the sports field. With an educator's heart and a leader's spirit, Scott recounts his journey from a spirited student to an award-winning teacher, all while leading with empathy and innovation. Tune in to hear how Scott's unconventi...

Discover the fascinating journey of Avid Products as we welcome Ben Gomez to Spotlight for Success. Ever wondered how an audio solution company transitions from the airline and hotel industries to focusing solely on K-12 educational markets? Ben shares the keys to Avid's success, revealing their dedication to high-quality audio products and a commitment to safety that protects the sensitive ears of young learners. Get a glimpse into the intricate details of their products, such as headsets equip...