Episodes

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...

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 ...