Episodes

As Tisha prepares to join the queue board next year, her enthusiasm radiates through her compelling call to action for the LACUE community. She stresses the importance of evolving and embracing change, urging educators everywhere to seek out the multitude of free tools and resources available. Her message is clear: don't become a "dinosaur" in education—stay curious, stay innovative, and keep moving forward. Tune in to hear Tisha's inspiring vision and learn how you can make a transformative imp...

This episode is a treasure trove of practical advice as Isabelle Champagne shares her expertise on leveraging AI profiles and gamification in education, part of her master's program at Nichols State University. She passionately encourages educators, especially those more seasoned, to embrace AI's potential and enhance their teaching practices. Listen to her inspiring tales from the classroom, as she emphasizes the importance of teaching students to use AI ethically, preparing them for a future i...

How does a dedicated counselor transform the lives of students in ways that often go unseen? Join us as we spotlight Genese Spencer from Terrebonne Parish, whose heartfelt commitment to education reveals the profound impact counselors can have. Genese shares a touching personal story about a student who became the first male in his family to graduate, highlighting the pivotal role counselors play in shaping futures and breaking generational barriers. Her stories and insights shed light on the un...

Curious about how a chance encounter can lead to a lifelong passion? Join us as we sit down with Kelly Frilot from St. Matthew's School in the New Orleans Archdiocese. Kelly's journey into the world of teaching was serendipitous but has now spanned over two decades, during which she's transformed her middle school science classroom into a hub of innovation and excitement. With her dynamic approach, Kelly has empowered her students to explore the universe both literally and figuratively, securing...

Ever wondered how a career transition can be sparked by life's unexpected challenges? Meet Rusty Thompson, who transformed his life from a mundane office job to a fulfilling role as a special education teacher. Rusty's journey is not just about navigating personal trials, like supporting his wife through her breast cancer battle, but also about embracing technology in innovative ways. His passion for AI doesn't just end at teaching; it spills over into his music production endeavors with Suno AI...

Anthony Parker's journey from the welding workshop to the classroom is as riveting as it is inspiring. Join us at Spotlight for Success as we explore how a love for film ignited a passion for education in this dynamic teacher from Northeast High School, East Baton Rouge. Anthony's narrative unfurls with his transition from the Los Angeles Film School to becoming Teacher of the Year, blending his cinematic expertise with an innovative teaching style that captivates students and faculty alike. Thi...

Have you ever stood at a crossroads, unsure whether to follow your passion or the more practical path? Shannon Doughty knows this struggle well. As a dedicated educator with 31 years of experience, she shares how she transitioned from babysitting to considering a career in nursing, before finally discovering her true calling in education. Joined by scholarships and fellowships that paved her academic path, Shannon's story is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of education. Tu...

Merv Jenkins from Renaissance Learning joins us to share his transformative journey with Flocabulary, an innovative platform that uses hip-hop to revolutionize education. Discover how Merv's partnership with Grammy-winning producer 9th Wonder in the early 2000s led to the creation of engaging educational content that makes vocabulary acquisition exciting and effective. Merv, drawing from his experiences as a high school assistant principal, discusses the importance of bridging the gap between "w...

Discover the inspiring journey of Tyrella Bushnell, the dynamic JAG teacher from Sulphur High School, as she shares her passion for career readiness education with us on this episode of Spotlight for Success. With a heartwarming story about a student who rose to become a state ambassador and even had the opportunity to tour the White House, Tyrella illustrates the powerful impact of the Jobs for America's Graduate program. Her dedication not only helps students transition smoothly from high scho...

Explore the unique intersection of education and real estate with our guest, Marsha Neal. As a middle school teacher and realtor from Charleston, South Carolina, Marsha shares her inspiring journey and how she empowers educators beyond the classroom. Discover how she merges her passions by offering valuable homeownership opportunities to teachers across the state, leveraging programs like the Palmetto Heroes to provide significant down payment assistance. With her experience in organizing resour...

What if you could transform a struggling student’s perspective on math with just a little inspiration and a lot of heart? In this episode of Spotlight for Success, we’re joined by the passionate and lively Danielle Stewart from Sedgefield Middle School. Danielle shares her journey from a young aspiring teacher in Ohio to a beloved educator in South Carolina. Her enthusiasm for teaching eighth-grade math is contagious as she opens up about how she strives to make students love math just a bit mor...

Discover how education can transform lives with Dr. LaKeshia Adams, affectionately known as Dr. A, as she guides us through her unexpected journey from a public school math teacher to a pivotal role in the Correctional Education Association. Dr. A shares personal stories and insights on how her career path evolved into working as a transition specialist within the correctional system. She reveals the significance of organizations like the CEA in providing critical support and networking opportun...

Discover how Marguerite McClam, a passionate advocate for mathematics education and leader of the South Carolina Chapter of Math Counts, is inspiring the next generation of engineers and problem-solvers. Marguerite joins us to share her journey and insights on the transformative power of math education. With over 41 years of dedication to improving mathematics proficiency in the United States, Math Counts provides essential resources to students ranging from the most struggling sixth graders to ...

Unlock the secrets to mathematical success with Dr. Eugene Bellamy Jr., president of the South Carolina Council of Teachers of Mathematics. With an impressive turnout at the 48th annual SCCTM conference, Dr. Bellamy shares behind-the-scenes details and innovations introduced to elevate the experience, like updated name badges and interactive ribbons. Explore how the conference is embracing national standards and fostering a collaborative environment to help teachers and students navigate the eve...

Imagine a teacher so dedicated to her students that she welcomes them into her home during their toughest times. That's Kimberly Harrington, our inspiring guest on Spotlight for Success. With over 33 years of teaching experience, Kimberly brings her heartfelt stories and wealth of knowledge to the podcast as she shares her journey from a childhood dream to a rewarding career in education. Her passion for teaching and lifelong learning is unmatched, and she discusses how her mother's late entry i...

What happens when a struggling math student becomes a passionate advocate for innovative teaching methods? Kara Johnson's journey from math anxiety to educational empowerment is nothing short of inspiring. Join us as we explore Kara's transformation, fueled by the Everyday Mathematics program, which led to her remarkable success in teaching and consulting. Her story underscores the power of conceptual understanding in math education, a revelation that not only improved her students' performance ...

Cydney invites you on a journey into HeartMath's collaborative approach that turns schools into hubs of learning and growth. With only 30 minutes to an hour a week, volunteers equipped with a comprehensive curriculum can make a significant difference in a child's educational journey. Cydney's passion for fostering academic success and personal growth in young learners is infectious. Tune in to understand how you can become a part of this invaluable initiative, especially if you're in the Charles...

Kasey shares her personal journey into the real estate mortgage industry, recounting inspiring success stories of clients who have transformed their credit scores and turned their homeownership dreams into reality. With the support of Carolina One Mortgage's robust programs, individuals from all walks of life have moved into their first homes, some even at the age of 18! This conversation sheds light on Kasey's passion for making a tangible difference in people's lives and highlights the importa...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with J.R. Reid, a dynamic sixth-grade mathematics teacher and entrepreneur from Chester Middle School. J.R. returns to his Chester County roots, driven by a mission to uplift the community that shaped him. Discover how his own educational journey has fueled a passion for teaching and compelled him to become a beacon of guidance for students seeking positive pathways. J.R.’s candid reflections on classroom management and creating an engaging learning environm...

Danielle's passion for education is palpable as she shares compelling stories of student empowerment and the importance of building meaningful relationships within diverse communities. Her insights remind us of the limitless potential that lies within every learner, and her call to action inspires the educational technology community to continue its impactful work. For anyone committed to advancing education in the 21st century, this conversation offers a wealth of inspiration and a renewed comm...

Ever wondered how a career in television and film can shape a unique approach to education? Charlotte Holmes, a dynamic force from Paulding County Schools, shares her incredible journey from live studio manager in Massachusetts to innovative educator in Georgia. In our engaging conversation at the Georgia Educational Technology Conference, Charlotte reveals her passion for technology in the classroom and provides a fascinating look at how her creative background fuels her teaching methods. With ...

Tune in as Joseph shares real-world success stories and innovative uses of their technology that have empowered educators and technology coordinators nationwide. Learn about the exciting capabilities of LiteTouch products, including emergency management tools and facial detection tracking cameras, which are crafted to meet the evolving needs of modern classrooms. This episode is a treasure trove for anyone passionate about educational technology, brimming with insights and solutions that promise...

What happens when you blend creativity with education? Join us for an inspiring episode featuring Sonji Walsh, a seasoned media center specialist from DeKalb County Schools with an impressive 23-year career in teaching. Sonji's journey includes an international stint in Abu Dhabi where she perfected her approach to bridging language gaps using visuals and repetition. Now, these innovative strategies are vital tools in her role supporting lower readers. Unveiling her creative flair, Sonji shares ...

Discover the journey of Sandra Gay, an educator who transitioned from running a travel agency to shaping young minds in the classroom. Sandra shares her passion for teaching English Language Arts and Social Studies to seventh graders at Dodge County Middle School, where she also serves as the MTSS coach. Her unique approach, focusing on multi-tiered systems of support, has made a significant impact on her students, both academically and behaviorally. Tune in to hear Sandra's invaluable insights ...