Our Heart For Teaching- Exploring the "Why" in the field of education

Thank you for tuning into today’s episode of Our Heart For Teaching. Today I’m excited to bring LaKeyseah Brennan on the show.

LaKeyseah is a high school English teacher in Columbia, South Carolina. She has been teaching for nine years, but worked at an elementary school in the front office while completing her master's degree.

LaKeyseah received her undergraduate degree in English with a minor in Communication from Columbia College in Columbia, South Carolina. She received a master’s degree in Secondary Education from University of Phoenix and then  received a second master’s degree in Educational Administration degree from the University of South Carolina.

LaKeyseah is in the process of starting a networking group of women who are interested in holding a position of leadership in education, such as administration, instructional coach, or consultant.

Her  mission for the  group is to create a safe space for women that promotes networking, enables women to share ideas, accomplishments, and the challenges of education while voicing our concerns, whilst collaborating to create interventions and programs to address the needs of students.

The values of this group is to be a place of positivity and to encourage and uplift each other. The goals are: to promote ways for women's voices to be heard as it relates to presenting at conferences, appearing on educational podcast, and more; to increase the number of women and women of color in leadership positions; to match teachers with mentors; to share job opportunities as they arise; to grow beyond Columbia and South Carolina; and to grow across the nation.

Thank you again for joining us for this episode of Our Heart For Teaching. Without further ado, please welcome Ms. LaKeyseah Brennan.

A Message from Elizabeth:

I am a veteran teacher who likes to add a little bit of "FLAIR" to my lessons.  From flashlight reading to riding the trail in a wagon train, I want my students to love learning history...even the hard stuff.  I present to other teachers on the fun we can create in the classroom and the smiles that we share!

Vernon Wright Bio:

Vernon Wright (@TheWrightLeader, TheWrightSpeaker.com, ZeroApologyZone.com Founder) is an entrepreneur, speaker, life coach, consultant, and leader. He has over 18 years of experience in education working in large, urban school districts and has previously served in the roles of teacher, teacher leader, campus leadership team member, and district-level support.

Vernon has shared his experiences as a speaker numerous times over the years at the campus, district, regional, state levels, and beyond garnering acclaim and accolades from recognized industry leaders and colleagues. He has even impacted educators on a global scale with his message reaching people from afar in collaboration with Microsoft EDU and CUE Inc.

Vernon has brought his unique style and combination of insight, storytelling, experience, humor, authenticity, and epiphanies to audiences for years.  He knows that real change begins when we first start with authenticity and altruism within ourselves and then commit to creating a vision for future impact.

Vernon has an established presence on Twitter and other social media (@TheWrightLeader across all platforms), and he unabashedly stands as a voice for the people with zero apologies (ZeroApologyZone.com). You can connect with Vernon’s previous speaking and podcast appearances at TheWrightSpeaker.com where you can get a first-hand look at his style. He is committed to a life of inspiring and elevating others. He does this with a relentless focus on informing minds and touching hearts around the globe.

Thank you for tuning into today’s episode of Our Heart For Teaching. Today I’m excited to bring my 1st INTERNATIONAL interview with 2 special guests: Luke Drain and Elle Ridder. You don’t want to miss out on this episode! Before we get started, let me share a little bit about today’s guests.

Luke Drain is an Australian Primary School teacher (K-6). He has worked in many contexts from small schools (50 students k-6) to large schools (exceeding 1700 students k-6) and in schools with a wide variety of socio-economic status'. Luke has made a name for himself by pushing the constraints of the classroom and making new learning experiences for his students. He embraces a future-focused classroom and embeds authentic technology into his lessons. Luke is an ambassador for two edu-tech companies. He believes that for us to be successful educators we can not stay stagnate in our learning and practice. He researches on modern pedagogies and adapts them to suit the individual needs of his students. Luke works with colleagues to enhance their understanding of what a modern classroom looks like, and how we can manipulate it for the betterment of our students.

Elle is a passionate Kindergarten teacher and strives to set her students up for a successful start to their schooling lives. She has learnt that connecting with her students and knowing who they are and the lives they live is the foundation of her teaching and their learning. Elle believes the relationships that she has built with trusted colleagues are the driving force to improving her professional development, passion and pedagogy.

Once again, thank you for joining us, and without further ado, let’s get started with the latest episode of “Our Heart For Teaching!”

Thank you for tuning into today’s episode of Our Heart For Teaching.  Today, I have the privilege of speaking with Unprofessional Development Podcast hosts Mealey and Tudisco. Spawned from the fart of a dragon and the thoughts of a sloth Mealey emerged fully formed and ready to cause young people to critically think how did this man actually get a teaching license. Thanks to a low bar set by those who dish out worksheets and assign the questions at the end of the chapter actually getting to know your students and caring about their learning more than standarized test scores is somehow made him seem innovative by comparison. Then joining with his compatriot to ramble into a microphone and make Dad jokes he is now internet semi-famous.Chris Tudisco was born in a log cabin.  At a young age, his parents were eaten by wolves.  Then, the wolves raised him as their own.  Shortly after, the wolves were eaten by ninjas.  Then, the ninjas raised him as their own.  Excited to be a ninja, Tudisco went to SUNY College at Oneonta, where he was bitten by a radioactive English teacher.  From that day on, he has dedicated himself to truth, justice, and the English language common core curriculum.  If you can’t tell from their bios that this is going to be a hilarious, encouraging, and uplifting episode, well then, you, my educator friend, are in for a true treat today as we launch Season 4 of Our Heart For Teaching.  Join me in this wonderful conversation with teachers and podcast hosts Mealey and Tudisco!

Thank you for joining us for another episode of Our Heart for Teaching. Today I am joined by guest Andrea Keller, AKA, the busy bee librarian! I had the privilege of meeting Andrea at a Celebrate Your Story Event hosted by Todd Nesloney, where I was immediately captivated by Andrea’s heart and energy. Andrea has served in many educational positions including special education, digital media, and is now serving as as TX middle school librarian.When Andrea is not spending time in the library, she is a wife to an executive chef, a girl scout leader, learner, crafter, and generally “a busy bee!”  You’ll love hearing Andrea’s passion and heart as she shares her journey to becoming a “busy bee librarian who touches the lives of an entire campus.;  Thanks for listening, and enjoy today’s episode of “our Heart for Teaching” with Mrs. Busy Bee, Andrea Keller!

Thank you for joining us for another episode of Our Heart for Teaching. Today I am joined by Jerry Toups.  Jerry grew up in Port Neches, TX and graduated from Lamar University in Beaumont. He started teaching math in 1990 when he made his first classroom rule "Always Believe in Yourself" Three plus decades later this first rule has inspired thousands of kids. The highlight of Jerry’s career was when a student produced a video documentary about his first rule that eventually won 2nd place at the UIL Texas Young Filmmakers Festival. As you listen today, you will hear the joy in Jerry’s voice as he shares his heart for teaching and how he helps spread the message of “Always Believe” both inside and outside of the classroom. Thanks for listening, and enjoy today’s episode of Our Heart For Teaching with Jerry Toups!

Autumn Goodwin is passionate about family, education, and crafting. She grew up in a Military household and moved around quite a bit. She has been teaching for 5 years and loves what she does. She lives in Austin, Tx with her husband of 18 years and their two teenage sons.

Thank you for joining us for another episode of Our Heart for Teaching. Today I am joined by Eric Sheninger. Eric is an Associate Partner with the International Center for Leadership in Education (ICLE). Prior to this, he was a teacher and the award-winning Principal at New Milford High School. Under his leadership, his school became a globally recognized model for innovative practices. Eric oversaw the successful implementation of several sustainable change initiatives that radically transformed the learning culture at his school while increasing achievement. Through his work with thousands of schools, Eric has emerged as an innovative leader, best-selling author, and sought-after speaker. In today’s episode, Eric shares about accountability in education and leadership, and you are sure to glean some encouragement through the humorous and honest stories that Eric shares.  Thanks for listening, and enjoy today’s episode of Our Heart For Teaching with Eric Shininger.

Alicia Sewell is a Professional Development Specialist. Prior to becoming a PDS, Alicia was an Instructional Technology Specialist and Instructional Technology Coach in Tuscaloosa, AL. Alicia has also taught grades Kindergarten, first, and PreKindergarten. As a coach, she worked with students in grades PreK-12.  Alicia has an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Technology from Boise State University where she is also a doctoral student. She is also earning a Social-Emotional Learning and Character Education in Leadership certification from St. Elizabeth and Rutgers University. Alicia also has a Bachelor's and Master’s in Elementary Education with a certification in Early Childhood Education from the University of West Alabama.   Alicia has presented at many conferences and schools on SEL, mental health, equity, and technology integration. Her passions include social-emotional learning, mental health, racial and social justice, and technology integration. She enjoys kickboxing, weight lifting, traveling, reading, and spending time with people in places that she doesn’t have to fake a smile.

Thank you for joining us for another episode of Our Heart For Teaching.  Today I am joined by guest Sara Bagwin.Sarah is an Early Childhood Educator of 16 years. She started teaching in Las Vegas 16 years ago after moving there from Long Island, NY. Sara’s students fill her with so much joy and life. Watching them grow and blossom into amazing leaders keeps Sara inspired and driven. She prides herself on her ability to build long lasting meaningful relationships with her students and their families. Sara incorporates ABAR practices into her teaching daily and encourages her scholars to let their brilliance shine as much as possible. When she’s not in the classroom Sara enjoys reading books that help learn/unlearn and grow to be a better educator and person. Sara is the proud wife of an amazing Sushi Chef and mother of two children, ages 8 and 5. Her children, in and out of the classroom, are Sara’s driving force behind everything she does. Sara wants to be the best version of herself to model what hard work, perseverance, and hustle can do for you. Thanks for listening, and enjoy today’s episode of Our Heart For Teaching with Sara Bagwin!

Thank you for joining us for another episode of Our Heart For Teaching.  Today I am joined by guest Adam Dovico. Adam Dovico is an accomplished teacher, curriculum facilitator, principal, professor, speaker, and author. For the past two decades, he has taught students of all ages through his engaging and rigorous teaching style. He has also provided professional development for educators from around the world through his keynotes, workshops, and books. You can often find Adam standing on a table or chair dressed in one of his signature outrageous and amusing suits. He has been recognized by organizations such as the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund, Learning for Justice, and the Atlanta Falcons for his leadership and teaching, and he continues to work for greater equity in schools through his antiracist and culturally responsive pedagogy. Today’s episode is all about Adam sharing his heart for education and how he uses his passion and creativity to help motivate and inspire others.  Thanks for listening, and enjoy today’s episode of Our Heart For Teaching with Mr. Adam Dovico!

Thank you for joining us for another episode of Our Heart For Teaching.  Today I am joined by guest Ryan Scott. Ryan is currently a high school AP in lovely Webster County, Kentucky. Prior to his current role he served as an elementary principal and classroom teacher. Throughout his 14 years in ED, he has been adamant about doing WHATEVER it takes to get students to the next level of life, WHATEVER that may look like. As an ED disruptor, he feels very strongly that SKILLS and not simply standards are what is needed for the jobs of the future! When he is not in dad or school mode, he runs a The bigEDidea Podcast and is currently working on his first book, tentatively titled "Raising the #hopecoefficient", for Times 10 Publications. Thank you for tuning in today, and enjoy this episode of “Our Heart For Teaching” with Mr. Ryan Scott.

Thank you for joining us for another episode of Our Heart For Teaching. In today’s episode, I speak with guest Jerilyn McConchie, a teacher of several years in Texas.  Jerilyn and I had the privilege of meeting at an EdCamp, where she shared some of the strategies for innovative teaching in her classroom that you will hear about today. Jerilyn is known for allowing students to choose their own method of demonstrating their learning, even before this was an acceptable practice in the classroom.  Jerilyn is currently taking a break from the classroom, but her strategies that proved successful in her classroom are still relevant and life-changing for students in today’s classroom. Join guest Jerilyn McConchie as she shares her heart for teaching, and the way she transformed her classroom through project-based learning!

Rebekah is a wife, math teacher, 4th generation Texas Longhorn, and competitive tennis player.  Rebekah had originally planned to use her Spanish degree to attend law school and specialize in immigration law, but her journey took her elsewhere when she began tutoring bilingual elementary students.  Rebekah is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Educational Technology at Texas State University, working remotely, and traveling the United States in a camper while still tutoring math and writing curriculum. Today’s episode is all about how you can enjoy what you do in the classroom and convince even the toughest of minds that they CAN be successful!

Dave is the New York Times best-selling author of Teach Like a Pirate and the president of Dave Burgess Consulting, Inc.. He was an award-winning teacher for 17 years and currently resides in San Diego, California. 

Thank you for tuning into today’s episode of Our Heart For Teaching.  Today, I have the privilege of speaking with Mr. Tim Cavey.  Tim is a husband, stepdad, middle school vice principal and the host of Teachers on Fire podcast and youtube channel, where he hosts conversations with educators who will also challenge you in new ways! In today’s episode, Tim will highlight his perspective on growth mindset and share how he has transformed the thinking in his school with both the teachers and students.  Today’s episode is jam packed with many creative ideas that will reinforce or change the way you think about growth mindset.  Thank you for tuning in, and enjoy today’s episode with Tim Cavey!

Dr. Belinda George shares her stories of how she's learned to build relationships with students that have a long-lasting impact inside and outside of the classroom, and she shares about what it is to go "BEYOND" teaching. 

This is Dr. Saeed's 11th year in education. She has taught elementary and secondary students. Dr. Saeed enjoys working with children and helping them reach for their dreams through their education.  She believes every child should be valued and treated with respect.  An education should empower a child and help him or her to make a positive contribution to our world.  Dr. Saeed was honored to win Lakeview Teacher of the Year and hopes to continue to facilitate young minds to become innovative leaders.  

Dr. Saeed's family comes from a very diverse background, and they speak multiple languages.  She is a product of Fort Bend ISD and graduated from Houston Baptist University with a double major in English and Education, a masters in Educational Technology, and has a doctorate in Educational Leadership.  Dr. Saeed was a Digital Learning Specialist in the district and absolutely loves to integrate technology into her classroom.               When she's not teaching, she spends time with family and friends and reading.               

Michele Rispo Hill is a passionate educator who has dedicated  a lifetime to the education profession as a teacher, author, and presenter of professional development. Michele has developed and implemented professional development with a sharp focus on diversity, equity and inclusion, engaging students, and educational leadership. Michele has authored numerous articles published in the area of education, as well as co-authored 100 No-nonsense Things that Teachers All Teachers Should Stop Doing, and now is the co-author of Fired Up Teachership. Michele is a champion for students and staff; her enthusiasm and positive energy is contagious!

Jacob Chastain is a passionate ELA Workshop Teacher, host and creator of the Teach Me, Teacher and Craft & Draft Podcasts, and is the author of Teach Me, Teacher and Writefully Empowered.

In this episode, Jacob shares some of his experiences in the classroom, and also shares some of his childhood education memories about how he chose to educate himself on topics of interest rather than staying directly focused on teacher centered topics.

Jasmyn is a 5th grade teacher in Lockhart ISD.  She loves to teach students the beauty and joy of learning, strengthen her relationship with them and each other, and empower students to find their own voice.  She chooses to lead by example and show them through action how to advocate for themselves. Jasmyn encourages her students to tell how they like to learn, what they want to showcase in their learning, and to learn to speak respectfully even when disagreeing with another's opinion.  She believes every child has a precious gift to share with the world!

Tia Cormier is a brand new to profession graduate from Texas State. She took time to interview about 3 weeks before graduation, and she shares her "new to profession" ideas and wisdom for both veteran and starting out teachers! Congratulations Tia on your graduation; I sincerely wish you the best on your teaching journey!

Martin Silverman is a father, grandfather, husband, and long-time educator in beautiful San Antonio, Texas. He is committed to providing the best educational experience for the students and families at Salinas Elementary school where he is principal. Martin has worked in urban, suburban, and rural districts as a teacher and administrator. His interests are in creating and nurturing school culture, providing enriching experiences for students and families, and developing future teachers and administrators. As a former bilingual teacher and administrator, Martin is committed to providing ELL students with quality programs to develop their unique skills. He hosts a podcast called The Second Question, which highlights educators and provides them a forum to discuss ideas, and to honor the teachers that have influenced their lives.

Jana Tafoya is a 4th year, 6th grade ELAR teacher.  She has taken on many responsibilities including department chair, EL Case manager, graduate school student, principal intern and many other things while still creating relationships that are meaningful in the classroom.  Join Jana as she shares her experiences of growing up in a school that she's grateful for,  but wasn't allowed to explore and how she's used that experience to transform the way she works with her own group of students.  "Be the teacher that you wish you had when you were a kid." Jana shares this and many other stories in her episode of "Our Heart For Teaching."

Tommy Spall is a passionate educator, multi-featured presenter, educational consultant, and eight-year Instructional Technology Specialist in Brenham ISD, TX.  Tommy is also now the District Webmaster for Brenham ISD.  He is a graduate from the University of Central Oklahoma, a fourteen-year "veteran" teacher, and a certified K-8 educator.  Among his many accomplishments, Tommy is a multi-nominated teacher of the year candidate, former president of the non-profit Techs4Tex group which hosted the annual Texas Google Summit, and a distinguished speaker that has presented at numerous educational conferences across Texas and beyond.  He is constantly crafting his educational pedagogy to integrate technology and new instructional trends into his instruction to best meet the needs of teachers & students in his district and PLN.  In the Spring of 2020, Tommy finished graduate school with his masters in Educational Technology Leadership along with completing all coursework for his principal certification.  

Tommy currently serves three elementary campuses and the Brenham ECLC (Early Childhood Learning Center) in his district.  He is a certified ambassador for Flipgrid, ClassroomQ, and Screencast-O-Matic.  He has been a level 1 & 2 Google Certified Educator and has been on the front lines of implementation of Google for Education within his district for eight years.  Tommy Spall has been featured in multiple videos, presentations, and books, including, “Shake Up Learning: Practical Ideas to Move Learning from Static to Dynamic” and “Blended Learning with Google: Your Guide to Dynamic Teaching and Learning”, by Kasey Bell, “Differentiated Instruction in the Teaching Profession: Innovative Ways to Change how we Teach”, by Kristen Koppers, and “The Perfect Blend: A Practical Guide to Designing Student-Centered Learning Experiences”, by Michele Eaton.  Tommy is ½ of the amazing @FreshThoughtEDU team with his partner, Meredith Akers, which provides instructional resources, fresh educational trends, and current tech tools to their PLN.  He is an avid blogger and presenter with the Instructional Technology Specialist team, @BISDwiredTeam, from his district, and together, they have created over 1,500 blog posts via their popular daily blog, bit.ly/bisdwired.  Connect with Tommy @tommyspall Daily Blog: bit.ly/bisdwired

Join guest Andrea Castellano as she shares her wisdom and experience in teaching, instructional coaching and mentoring others.  Andrea is a 20 year educator, and she shares some of her experiences from childhood (positive and negative) as well as the importance of being humble and receiving constructive criticism to become a better version of yourself in education.  

Alethea Maldonado is an educator to multilingual readers and writers at Lockhart Junior High. She is a Heart of Texas Writing Project Teacher Consultant and a recent recipient of the 2021 NCTE Early Career Educator of Color Award. Her mission as an educator to multilingual students is “to continue to teach a love of reading and writing, in which students are empowered through reading culturally relevant books and documenting their thoughts, stories, histories, creativity, aspirations in community with their peers.”

Listen in as Alethea shares her why in education and some of the stories that have helped her become the educator she is today.  If you'd like to connect with Alethea, you can reach her on instagram @uhleetheeuh or on Twitter @aemaldo You can also search for her at Lockhart Junior High. 

Listen as Joshua shares his story of how he became an educator, and how one persistent teacher can change your mindset and help set you in a direction where you see something in yourself that you didn't even know was there. Joshua shares this and other stories about his journey toward leadership in education, and gives several nuggets of wisdom concerning growth mindset, challenging yourself (and others) as well as viewing failure in a different way.  

Joshua Stamper is a middle school Assistant Principal for a North Texas School District, where he works with students in grades 6-8. Prior to Joshua's current position, he was a classroom art educator and athletic coach.  In addition to being an administrator, Joshua is the author of Aspire to Lead, podcaster, leadership coach, education presenter, and Podcast Network Manager for the Teach Better Team.

Candace, 12 year educator, mom and wife, has experienced quite a journey as an educator.  Listen to her story as she shares her love of learning at an early age, the challenges she faced as a young teacher during the "teacher crash" in 2012, and how she's come to find her purpose as a school counselor at Lamar Elementary in New Braunfels, Texas.  Candace has a powerful story to share with other educators about how it's not always about the academics, sometimes,  we need to stop and just take a moment to listen to the students wherever they are in that moment.  

Kevin Bradford, educator of 30 years, explains how he came to be an educator (there was math involved!) and how he came to love working with the students who are served under special education.  Kevin shares his wisdom and wit as he shares stories from his childhood, his classroom, and his experiences both as a teacher and an administrator.   Kevin also shares that you're never too old to begin networking, and how you never know what surprises might show up at your door when you least expect them! 

Jing Leath, originally from the Philippines, and educator of 28 years shares her purpose and why in education.  Jing shares that while she may not have dreamed of becoming a teacher, karma led her to the career that she has since become "selfish" in as she works with her students.  Jing shares heart-felt stories of how her why developed and grew throughout the years, to where she now has great pride in watching the influence her work has made on the students and teachers she serves.  Enjoy Jing's humor and heart as she shares her story! You can contact Jing on Twitter @leath_jing

Bryan Charlton, Killeen ISD, shares his unique journey of how he became an educator and how he found a heart and passion for working with students who have disabilities such as dyslexia. Bryan shares stories from his childhood and career, and explains how working with even the most struggling learners can achieve success when we show them we believe in them.

In this episode, I chat with Travis Ehlers about his purpose in education- which involves taking time to build relationships with the students that will have a long-term effect both inside and outside of the classroom!

Join me as I chat with Hal Bowman, Teach Like A Rockstar, as he shares his wisdom and purpose in the education world. Hal shares several stories from his experiences inside and outside of the classroom, and some of the wisdom he's gained as he's been a student, a teacher, a dad and a presenter. 

Join me as I talk with 2nd year teacher, Briana Jones, as she shares her heart for teaching.  Briana shares her experiences as a student and as a teacher and explains how she tries to create a safe learning space for all students regardless of race, gender identity or other identifying factors.  

In this episode, I chat with Superintendent Mark Estrada, who shares his purpose in education and his heart for "unlocking potential" in others.  

In this episode, I speak with Leslie DePasqual, my own mentor in education, as she describes her thirst for continual growth in education and her own life.  Leslie shares memories of her own educational experiences as well as the things that shaped her teaching career.