Dr. Michael Vallejo (Professor of Teacher Education) shares his journey into education, highlighting the transformative power of teaching and the importance of mentorship. He discusses the challenges faced by new teachers, the significance of building relationships with students, and the critical need for teacher wellness to prevent burnout.
Joey Sims shares his journey as a special education teacher, balancing family life, and the importance of building relationships with students. He discusses his experiences with ADHD, his teaching philosophy, and how he creates a supportive community in his school
SPED teacher and board trustee James Forsythe shares challenges and solutions for sustaining inclusion, building trust, and keeping teachers thriving amid shrinking resources and growing student needs.
In this episode, Dean of Students Kamilah Todd shares powerful insights on community schooling, teacher authority, and supporting students’ basic needs. From rural Louisiana to urban classrooms, we explore how trust, grace, and real-world connections can transform schools into safe, thriving spaces.
I sit down with Rob Stauffer, an international educator, to unpack why challenging behavior is communication, how to build belonging through smart grouping, and what vulnerability looks like in real classrooms. We discuss supporting autistic students, de-escalation through affirmation, and practical tips for new teachers and those considering teaching abroad.
Learn classroom management strategies to build positive student relationships, improve behavior, and create a safe, supportive learning environment.
In this solo episode, I open up about my real journey with health as an educator, father, and now grandfather. From growing up without strong examples of fitness, to juggling family and teaching in my 20s, to finally building consistent habits in my 30s and 40s.
A roundtable of educator-creators with guests Eric Glenn (MS math), Mash Makhlyagina (SPED advocate/coach), and Laura Vazquez (dual-immersion 6th grade) swap real-world stories about how social media has reshaped their teaching lives, community impact, and boundaries.
Julio Lopez shares his journey from being a PE teacher to administrator, highlighting the challenges in physical education and the lessons learned in leadership. We dive into how strong administrators support teachers, the importance of building relationships, and why having a good leader makes all the difference for school culture and student success.
In this video, I share my journey in education, from starting as a playground supervisor at 18 to becoming an assistant principal. It hasn’t been easy, but every setback opened new doors. If you’re feeling stuck or uncertain about your path, I hope my story encourages you to keep going
David Melendez shares his journey as a middle school choir teacher, discussing the importance of building connections with students, being authentic in the classroom, and the significance of self-reflection. He emphasizes the need for work-life balance and creating a comfortable environment for students.
Tisha Marina Bernard shares her journey in education, emphasizing the importance of restorative practices and community building in schools.
I sit down with Sherry Asberry to talk about different aspects of teaching like how important it is to build strong relationships with our students, the role social emotional learning plays in the classroom, and some of our favorite strategies for creating a positive learning environment. We also share some personal stories, from becoming grandparents to how we take care of ourselves as educators.
Elizette Cuevas, a special education teacher, shares her journey into education, driven by her personal experiences as a mother of an autistic child. She emphasizes the importance of building relationships with students and their families, understanding the root causes of behavior, and the need for empathy in education.
Rafael Dominguez shares his journey as an educator and school climate advocate, emphasizing the importance of building relationships with students, creating a safe environment, and the transformative power of mentorship. He discusses the significance of consistency, love, and care in education, and how these elements contribute to a positive school culture.
Eric Garcia shares his journey from a troubled youth to a school social worker, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, community support, and the impact of personal experiences on professional growth. He discusses the challenges faced by students, particularly in the wake of the pandemic and ongoing immigration issues.
John Vergara and Sana Sunia discuss the multifaceted role of educators, emphasizing the importance of cultural representation, transparency, and emotional intelligence in teaching. Sana shares his journey from a campus supervisor to a fifth-grade teacher at a Christian school, highlighting the challenges and rewards of teaching in a diverse classroom.
Jairo Bautista shares his journey as a substitute teacher, discussing the challenges and rewards of working in education. He reflects on his experiences transitioning from a SPED assistant to a substitute teacher.
John Vergara and Laura Vazquez discuss the profound impact of immigration policies on communities, particularly focusing on the fear experienced by families and students. The discussion transitions into the importance of building relationships with students, emphasizing that educators must invest time in understanding their students' needs. The conversation concludes with strategies for fostering a positive classroom culture that supports student engagement and success.
What does it really take to build an inclusive, compassionate classroom where every student and every educator can thrive? Join Hir Patel as she unpacks her journey from first-gen student to mental-health specialist, spotlighting the unsung power of paraeducators, and share battle-tested tips on self-care, relationship-building, and leading with consistency even in toxic environments.
