Episodes

Kelly Brychell, a seasoned educator with 25 years of experience, shares her inspiring journey from teaching kindergarten to nurturing gifted students in Madison County Schools. Discover how Kelly’s passion for integrating technology into her curriculum translates into remarkable progress for her students, especially those learning English and gifted fifth graders exhibiting extraordinary analytical skills. Kelly’s stories paint a vivid picture of her teaching experiences, highlighting the joy an...

Curious about making a difference in education on a global scale? Join us as we sit down with Chasmine Harris, the dynamic partner relationship manager from ClassLink, who shares her exhilarating journey from teaching elementary school to influencing over 26 million users worldwide through innovative educational technology. Chasmine reminisces about her days in the classroom, where she was affectionately known as the teacher who taught kids how to make ice cream. Discover how her passion for emp...

Discover the transformative journey of Candace Mazza, a dedicated educator from Dodge County Middle School, as she shares her evolution from high school to middle school teaching. With 17 years of experience, Candice opens up about the rewarding moments that make teaching worthwhile, including heartfelt messages from former students who found success thanks to her guidance. She brings us into her world where perseverance meets passion, and where the challenges faced are just stepping stones to w...

Discover how an encounter on LinkedIn set Jeff Stolzenberger on a path he never anticipated—revolutionizing education technology. From his humble beginnings as a communication studies major to becoming one of the pioneering sales development reps at Vivi, Jeff's story is one of unexpected twists and relentless passion. Learn how Vivi's innovative solutions, like wireless screen mirroring and emergency visual alerts, are streamlining classroom dynamics and fostering a more collaborative education...

Tramia shares her unique journey growing up near the historic grounds of George Washington's Mount Vernon, where her fascination with the dynamic layers of history and the stories of the people who lived there began. Her role at the Mount Vernon Ladies Association has allowed her to bring these narratives to life, examining the complexities of Washington's legacy and the influential women who shaped his life. Tune in to hear how Tremia's insights into Washington's shifting views on enslavement a...

Curious about what happens when a kinesiology expert makes a career leap into civic education? Meet Oliver Alwes, a financial officer and program manager at the Madison Foundation, who is transforming the landscape of social studies education in Georgia. Oliver's journey from exercise science to influencing how students and teachers engage with civic education is as unexpected as it is inspiring. We explore how his passion for improving civic knowledge led to the creation of fellowships that sup...

Unlock the secrets of making economics come alive in the classroom with a promise of inspiration, as we sit down with Melissa Hegarty from the Georgia Council on Economic Education. Melissa's unexpected journey from aspiring history teacher to economics aficionado during the Great Recession laid the foundation for her innovative teaching approach. Discover how she harnesses dynamic classroom activities like auctions and the Stock Market Game to engage over 26,000 students in Georgia, helping the...

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with Melanie Holland, an influential voice in social studies education, as she takes us on her remarkable journey from a history degree to her role at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. Melanie opens up about the complexities of Jefferson's legacy, providing valuable insights into his dual role as a founding father and lifelong enslaver. Her work at Monticello brings history to life through place-based learning, allowing visitors to connect deeply with th...

What happens when a history lesson leaps off the pages of a textbook and transforms into a gripping debate of independence? Matthew Perry, an educator at Davis Academy in Dunwoody, Georgia, knows the answer. On this episode of Spotlight for Success, our guest Matthew shares an inspiring journey that led him from the University of New Hampshire back to his Atlanta roots, where a chance encounter with a former teacher opened the door to his teaching career. With over two decades of experience, Mat...

Join us on "Spotlight for Success" as we uncover the journey of Kelly Theodocion, an educator who ventured from journalism into the realm of education in Henry County, Georgia. Kelly's innovative strategy of blending Language Arts with Social Studies has redefined classroom learning by teaching students to think and write like historians. Experience the magic of history coming alive through her students' participation in National History Day and their inspiring encounter with civil rights icon J...

Join us as we spotlight Kelsey Wright, a passionate advocate for education from the DBQ Project and a key figure at the Georgia Council of Social Studies. Kelsey opens up about his dynamic career path from classroom teacher to instructional coach, and eventually as a district lead in Clayton County, Georgia. Drawing inspiration from his mother, who was a dedicated teacher herself, Kelsey talks about his commitment to serving students and transforming their educational experiences. Listen as he s...

Keith Haber shares his compelling journey from Connecticut to Georgia, illustrating his transformation from a second-career educator to a prominent figure in Henry County. Discover how his upbringing as the son of immigrants ignited a passion for education and a mission to ensure all students have access to high-quality learning experiences. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of supporting teachers with diverse needs, aiming to create an inclusive environment where every student can succee...

Uncover the path that led Joel to his current role as Curriculum Development Manager at the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE), where he continues to fuel his passion for economics by crafting resources for teachers nationwide. From his beginnings as a sixth-grade teacher in Forsyth County to shaping young minds as a high school social studies instructor, Joel has inspired many students, including many new to the country, to overcome cultural and linguistic hurdles. Listen as he recounts he...

Join us as we uncover JoAnn's pivotal role at the Georgia Department of Education and her contributions to the Georgia Council for Social Studies. JoAnn shares her extraordinary journey from a classroom teacher to a leading figure in Georgia’s educational landscape. Discover how she transformed her passion for history into a fulfilling career. Through her engaging stories, JoAnn reveals the moments that defined her path and her love for integrating children's literature into social studies. With...

Discover the journey of Dr. Rhonda Webb, a powerhouse in education and the driving force behind the Georgia Council of Social Studies. After three decades as an innovative classroom teacher, Dr. Webb now leads GCSS with a vision to transform teaching through place-based learning. Hear her passion as she discusses plans to expand regional opportunities for educators, allowing them to experience history firsthand and enrich their teaching methods. Despite funding hurdles, Dr. Webb remains committe...

Jennifer Bell, an inspiring educator from Houston County Schools, joins us on Spotlight for Success to share her incredible journey and teaching methods. With 11 years of experience teaching fourth and fifth graders, Jennifer is passionate about integrating social studies with Language Arts to create an engaging, inquiry-based learning environment. Discover how she brings history to life through the use of primary sources, encouraging students to explore, ask questions, and develop critical thin...

Unlock the secrets of economics education with Dr. Chris Cannon, a leading voice from the Georgia Council for Economic Education. Discover how his journey from teaching high school in Clayton County to transforming statewide education initiatives has influenced countless teachers and students. With a focus on interactive workshops and creative lesson plans, Dr. Cannon shares how the Georgia Council is demystifying economics and making it accessible and exciting for educators far and wide.

Join us as we journey into the life of Daniel Manning, a 3rd year social studies teacher and coach at Union Grove High School in Henry County. Discover how Daniel's passion for education and sports, fueled by his experiences as a student in the same district, has led him to make a profound impact on his students. Through engaging stories and insights, Daniel challenges the notion that history is dull and reveals how his energetic approach keeps students engaged both in the classroom and on the p...

Join us for a conversation with Barbara Manwell, a former high school social studies teacher who now leads education programs at the Atlanta History Center. Barbara shares her journey from the classroom to the museum world, where she crafts educational experiences that make Georgia's rich history accessible to students of all ages. Learn how Barbara's work is breaking barriers in education through grant opportunities and virtual resources for Title I schools, and discover the creative initiative...

Discover what keeps Amanda Fanelli anchored to the classroom despite numerous opportunities to step away. With nearly two decades of experience, she shares her insights into fostering independent thoughts and challenging students to question the status quo. Highlighting her experience as a Scholar, Amanda recounts her voyage to Ghana—a pivotal moment that reshaped her perspective on global education. Recognized as the Gilder Lehrman Georgia History Teacher of the Year, Amanda’s story is a testam...

Alicia Gentle stepped into the world of education to support her daughter in middle school but discovered a calling that transformed her life. On our latest episode of Spotlight for Success, Alicia shares her journey as a concerned parent and dedicated educator. Alicia talks about the triumph of witnessing students' 'aha' moments and the importance of perseverance in learning. Tune in to be inspired by Alicia's drive to create meaningful change in education.

Our conversation with Taylor also takes us into the realm of networking and educational conferences, where she shares various resources with educators. Taylor's story is a testament to the impact of innovative education and the ripple effect it can have when one passionate individual dares to step beyond the classroom walls. Tune in to explore the remarkable strides Taylor Oliver is making and discover how her work with EverFi is reshaping the future of social studies education.

Join us as we sit down with Dr. Randell Trammell to uncover how his lifelong commitment to civic education was sparked by his own transformative experience in a model legislature program. From humble beginnings in Dalton, Georgia, to leading statewide initiatives, Dr. Randall shares his passion for equipping the next generation with the tools of civic engagement, ensuring that students don't just learn about democracy—they live it.

Kristin Singleton joins us to share her innovative approach at the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum. Discover how she combines history with STEM to create engaging and educational experiences. Kristin's journey from Armstrong State to becoming the HSTEM coordinator highlights her commitment to making history relevant and accessible. Supported by the Cynthia Lake Foundation, her work is setting a new standard for teaching history in Chatham County and beyond.