Episodes

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...