#Between2BlueDevils
By Mark Horner
#Between2BlueDevilsJan 01, 2024
Season 5: Episode 58: Mr. Jon Shomo: 34 years of AMAZING service!
Season 5 begins with an amazing interview. This interview is only the second time I have had a guest on for a second interview. Why a second one you ask? After 34 years as a teacher and coach in Tallmadge City Schools Mr. Jon Shomo has retired.
Mr. Shomo has certainly cemented himself into the history of Tallmadge High School as both a teacher and coach.
As a coach Mr. Shomo has had quiet the journey. For 9 years he was an assistant coach for the women's softball team. 5 of those years they made it to the state final! He was the very first "official coach" of the women's golf team when it transitioned from a club sport to a varsity sport. He coached basketball for a few years. And he has also spent the last 20 years as the men's golf coach at Tallmadge High School.
Mr. Shomo has viewed his role in the classroom as one of a coach as well. For years Mr. Shomo has been teaching government, US history, economics, and a few other "social studies" classes. There are so many former students who love history because of him, vote because of him, and have gone on to become teachers because of him.
In this interview Mr. Shomo shares with us again who inspired him to become a teacher, and the advice he has for anyone aspiring to become a teacher or beginning their career in any field.
For 34 years Mr. Shomo has impacted lives as a teacher, coach, colleague, mentor, and friend. Help me honor his career by listenting to this episode and learning more about this legend of a teacher.
Mr. Shomo...THANK YOU for your time in the classroom and your time at Tallmadge High School.
Mentioned in the podcast: Roger Howard, Russ Jones, Jim Arbor, Don Duffy, Bill Zirke, Lindsay Cammel, Dave Harris, Ann Peterson, Annie Divac, Mike Hay, Nancy Fluke, Ben Curtis, Jon Karnuth, Mike Srodawa, Darin Hudak, Mark Swindell.
Season 4: Episode 57: Season Finale: Teacher/Coach Brittany Lightel
Episode 57 features teacher and coach Brittany Lightel. I have known Brittany and her family for a long time, after all, like so many of our other guests Brittany has grown up in Tallmadge, she went through Tallmadge City Schools, and now she is a teacher at Tallmadge High School.
Over the past year I have worked a ton with Brittany during the school day. She is one of our intervention specialists and her room is right down the hallway from my office. There isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t stop by her room to listen to her laugh and banter with her students. Her classroom is a room of energy and positivity and it fills my bucket just to swing by and listen to her teach. It's the same energy and positivity that she brings everyday to the softball field as our girls head coach.
As our head coach Brittany has poured her heart and soul into coaching our young women. She coaches softball year round. She is dedicated to her craft. This past season was a dream season for her, our girls, and our school in that our team won the Division 2 state championship.!!
Not only that but Coach Lightel was then recognized as the Greater Akron-Canton High School Sports Awards Female Coach of the Year!
I thoroughly enjoyed interviewing Coach Lightel. Honestly, it is a long episode. The first half we talk about her role as a teacher, and then the second half we chat about softball.
I loved every second of it, and I know you will.
This young lady is amazing.
This is the final episode of season 4. Season 5 of Between2bluedevils will resume in the fall. Until then be sure to check out all of the other episodes and hear more amazing stories.
Thanks for listening.
Now, turn up the volume, prop your feet up, and meet Coach Brittany Lightel.
Season 4: Episode 56: Mrs. Dunton: The Cart Cave, The Classroom, The Shire, and then on to Retirement.
This is a special one. For the past 20 years I have been a "neighbor" of some kind to Mrs. Dunton. For a few years we shared space in what was called the "cart cave." This was a small room with about 5 or 6 desks, a few filing cabinets, and then a bunch of carts. We teachers who didn't have a classroom called the Cart Cave home. Lisa and I lived there, together, trying desperately to stay organized.
When the new high school opened up she and I were blessed with our own classroom. I was room 1110 and she was room 1111. We were right next to each other.
Every single day Lisa would walk into my room and say "good morning neighbor." I could count on it daily. We shared a love of history, a love of our students, and an appreciation for organized chaos. We would both joke often about how we drew encouragement from the messiness of each others desk, knowing we were both kindred spirits in lack of organization.
Mrs. Dunton loves being a teacher, and she prides herself in caring equally for every single one of her students. In the classroom she spent an extraordinary amount of time holding kids accountable and helping them become the best versions of themselves.
Her life outside of the classroom is intriquing. As you hear about it you will agree with me in that it would make an amazing Hallmark movie.
I will miss seeing Mrs. Dunton in the hallways of THS. Our school will not be the same without her, and it is certainly better because of her.
I hope you enjoy this episode as she and I reflect back on an amazing career, and conversate about an exciting future.
Mrs. Dunton, THANK YOU for your commitment to Tallmadge High School. We all wish you only the best in your repurposed life.
Season 4: Episode 55: From the FBI to the Classroom: Mr. Ken Subak
Episode 55 features Mr. Ken Subak, who at one time had a career with the FBI and now works as the Six District Compact Work Study Coordinator at Tallmadge High school.
His story is fascinating. About 12 years ago I found out Ken had worked for the FBI and we struck up a conversation about his many experiences working in Washington D.C. I then invited Ken in to speak to my Psychology students about criminals, FBI cases, and the role of psychology in that field. Every semester after he would present the students and I would walk away amazed at the stories he told, and the cases he had been involved in. He has been a part of history.
Equally fascinating is his passion project that he shares with his wife. The two of them are extensively involved in advocating for the deaf/blind community. He and his wife began a non profit and have been diligently working towards creating more access and opportunity for this community. Click here to access their website and see the amazing things they are doing.
During his day job Ken represents our students within the Six District Compact making sure they gain the experience needed to be successful in the next chapter of their life.
His bio is amazing. Check this out:
=A native Ohioan: born and raised in Cuyahoga Falls Ohio
-Graduate of Walsh Jesuit High School
-Graduate of Kent State University with a M.Ed. Intervention Specialist
-Concentration in Transition and Career Based Intervention
-BS – Photo Illustration
-Previous employment: Federal Bureau of Investigation – Special Photo
Unit, Washington, DC; worked in multiple capacities within the graphic
arts industry as a technical specialist
-Transition/Occupational Work Study/Career and Technical Education
Coordinator – Sixth District Educational Compact
-Courses and education in American sign language (ASL)
-Co-producer – I’m So Amazing: A documentary exploring disability
-Has presented locally, regionally, nationally
-Parent of two children with special needs
Check out the trailer for the Subak's documentary: I'm So Amazing Enjoy this episode. Ken is another great example of how everyone has a story, and their story deserves to be told.
Season 4: Episode 54: TES School Counselor Josh Gambow
Josh Gambow is a school counselor at Tallmadge Elementary and the Tallmadge high school men’s tennis coach and he is our next guest on #between2bluedevils. He and I sat down not long ago and had a fantastic conversation. Before this conversation I knew very little about this young man. After this interview I couldn’t wait to share him out with all of you.
He is awesome.
I reached out to a few people familiar with Josh and asked about him.
TES assistant principal Nicole Koyan had this to say about Mr. Gambow…
“I could not do my job without him at Tallmadge Elementary. He is always available, always willing to help out in whatever capacity is needed. He’s an advocate for students and staff alike and has helped us create and nurture the caring and supportive school culture we have at Tallmadge Elementary.”
Later in this interview Josh and I chat about the power of being a coach. He loves coaching. Listen to what one of his tennis players had to say about Coach Gambow. Kevin Bender said this…
"I admire coach Gambow in how much work he puts in on and off the court, how much he helps the team, how he helps us build up new skills to help us win, and how he treats us like his own students even after he leaves his main job. All of these inspire me to be just like him and learn new ways to help others, either with tennis or out in the real world. Coach, Thank you so much for your time."
In our interview Josh mentions his colleague, Lianna Dauberman. Her story is amazing and she shared it on episode 46 (click here to listen). The two of them are amazing advocates for our elementary students, and they make an incredible team.
Follow Josh on Twitter at: @MrGambow
It is my honor to introduce Josh Gambow to you. He has an incredible story. He is another reminder that everyone has a story, including you, that is worth being shared.
Season 4: Episode 53: Laurie Regallis: Athletic Trainer
Season 4: Episode 53: Laurie Regallis: Athletic Trainer
Stories are the purpose of #Between2BlueDevils. The theme of the podcast is “everyone has a story worth being told.” This could not resonate more than it does after this episode. Sitting down with Laurie was such a pleasure.
It is always interesting to interview an individual who see’s how the puzzle pieces of life come together. Generally this is an awareness that comes with age and experience, but in her case, this wisdom has come at an early age.
Laurie cherishes her role as a mother and wife. You will hear the passion in her voice as she shares the story of how she and her husband, Jason, knew each other in the early years of their life…drifted…and then were brought back together.
Passion and love will scream loudly as she shares with us all about her daughter, her adventure as a mom, and how parenthood has caused her to embrace “childlike wonder.”
It was our conversation about being curious like a child that really impacted me during this part of the episode. So often we lose childlike curiosity. Laurie and I chat about that, where it goes, and how do we recapture that quality.
When not being wife and mom Laurie is busy taking care of hundreds of athletes as our athletic trainer. She shares with us all about her love of sports, her love of serving others, and her love of being on the sideline of whichever sport might be in season.
As our conversation unfolded about her role as AT you could see her love of her profession in her eyes and hear it in her voice. What jumped out at me was how much she values relationships. She takes pride in knowing each athlete on a personal level and building trust with them. This affirms her calling. She is doing what she does to change lives. After all, it was through an athletic trainer that her life was changed as well.
It is always intriguing to hear how one becomes who they are. When I hear about the role that someone in a school played in a person’s life I get really excited. For Laurie it was her AT, Rudy, who had such and impact on her that she wanted to be come an AT just like her. Her AT was more than someone who helped with her injuries…she was a second mom, a friend, a therapist, and a mentor.
The power of relationship.
Like her mentor Rudy, Laurie demonstrates the power of positive relationships in her everyday life. She keeps her door open for every student who needs help, in any way she can provide it.
You are going to be inspired by this young lady and her story. There is so much more than what I have written here.
Enjoy this episode and please share it out. It is being released on what is the final day of Athletic Trainer Appreciation Month. We appreciate Laurie and all of trainers out there who help our young athletes each and everyday.
You can follow Laurie on the following social media platforms (click the links):
Season 4: Episode 52: 3rd Grade teacher Mrs. Anne Knutty
“Anne, go in there and MAKE IT COUNT!”
These were the final words that Mrs. Knutty heard before she entered the interview room to sit down and interview for a teaching position at Dunbar Elementary. It had been a dream of Mrs. Knutty to return to her home city and impact lives like she had been impacted as a child.
Almost immediately after the interview Mrs. Knutty found out she had been hired and thus began 33 years of pouring into little Blue Devils lives. For the past 32 years Anne has taught only 3rd grade.
Her story is almost story book…return to your hometown, get a job, reconnect with one of your classmates, marry that classmate, give birth to two incredible children, and impacting the lives of kids on a daily basis.
But the details that fill in the gaps between each of these chapters help you and I, the listeners, see why Mrs. Knutty is such an influential and special teacher.
I can’t wait for you to hear her story. Think about what it might be like to be in her classroom. Think about her words of wisdom where she encourages her students, aspiring educators, and our listeners to:
Build each other up…
Encourage one another…
Let others know the good you see in them, and all around…
So, grab a cup of Crimson Cup Coffee, turn up the headphones, and enjoy this interview with the incredible Anne Knutty.
Past guests mentioned in the podcast:
Between2BlueDevils Interviews:
Mentions in this episode:
Teach Better: Info about Teach Better 2023!
Season 4: Episode 51: ELL Teacher Ms. Kathleen Gallagher
“Find the Universal.” When Mrs. Gallagher and I chatted about this “mantra” of hers it deeply moved me. Honestly, I have thought about it all week. As our ELL teacher (English Language Learner) she works daily with students from all over the world. In the three buildings that make up Tallmadge City Schools there are over 9 languages other than English being spoken. These are the young people that Mrs. Gallagher works with on a daily basis helping them learn and adjust to the daily demands of being a student in America.
Her journey into education, and especially her journey to becoming an EL teacher is fascinating. What she does now wasn’t her first, second, or even third career.
Her journey through life encompasses time as a mother, grandmother, artist, college professor, poet, editor, author, and so much more. She describes herself as being curious and creative, both attributes modeled by her mother. Her writings, teaching, and stories certainly give evidence to these characteristics.
Below you will find links to much of her work. She has a gift with words and a passion for poetry and art. She is also extremely passionate for her students. She combines her passion for both words and her students in her class and she teaches her students to describe to the world who they are and and to share their personal stories.
I had the pleasure of sitting in on a recent professional development session where she and 6 of her Nepalis students enlightened our educators with strategies and stories of life as an international student at TCS. Their stories moved me. Much like our guest on episode 48, Serif Krkic, many of these young women were placed in the classroom without understanding English. One young lady, her poem linked below, shared with spoken and written word how she came over as a refugee, like Serif. Her poem is inspiring. Please listen to it, as she reads it in her own voice:
By the time our conversation ended, as you will hear, Ms. Gallagher made it clear that she is passionate about her stories, her family, her art, and especially her students. She demonstrates and lives out the very same characteristics her students have taught her…
Adaptability.
Hospitality.
Resiliency.
Most of all, the ability to “find the universal” in all people. I walked away from this interview better. I walked away wanting to find the universal and make others feel wanted, seen, and heard.
There is a lot to be learned from Kathleen’s story, and so much to be learned from the incredible students she works with daily.
Enjoy episode 51 and be sure to share this episode with a friend.
Click the links below to learn more about Ms. Gallagher:
Take the Q70 to the F Train? -poem written by Ms. Gallagher
Pushcart Poetry nominee in 2012 for a poem in her book “I See Things are Falling”
Edited and wrote forward to Eternal Snow
Season 4: EPISODE 50: THS Principal Mark Treen
Mr. Mark Treen is the head principal at Tallmadge High School. After 17 years at Stow High School, serving as an educator and assistant principal this past summer Mr. Treen became the next principal of Tallmadge High School.
Mr. Treen wears many different hats summarized in how he describes himself during the interview:
"At the core I am a leader, educator, husband, father but really just a person who shows up with the hard hat, and lunch pale and go to work."
Mark knew at an early age he wanted to be a teacher. As a student at Springfield High School he was heavily influenced by his teachers, especially his band teacher, Mr. Ernie Cole and teacher, Mr. Don Wallace. These two men poured into Mark and laid out for him a "blue print on how to be successful."
Mr. Treen graduated from Kent State University with a BS in Ed in 2006 and then pursued his Masters in Organizational Leadership at Cleveland State, finishing in 2011.
Fun fact, Mark is an Eagle Scout!
Mark and his wife, along with their two children live in Green, Ohio.
You can follow Mark on his journey as principal on Twitter by clicking here: https://twitter.com/marktreen
Season 4: Episode 49: Mr. Tony Anzaldi (4th Grade Teacher)
Episode 49 was an absolute blast to record. I had the honor of sitting down with THS alumnus Tony Anzaldi and talking life, and career choices. Tony is another member of the unique fraternity of THS alumni who have now come back to Tallmadge City Schools to serve as teachers.
Tony is in his 5th year of teaching, and it is his 4th year at Tallmadge Elementary. He teaches science and math in a 4th grade classroom. It is in that classroom where Tony truly shines. He is an amazing teacher and mentor to the children not only in the classroom, but in the school as well.
So many parts of our conversation resonated with me and I could write on and on about those parts. I definitely want to highlight the part of our conversation that centered on having a growth mindset. Years ago my then superintendent Dr. Jeff Ferguson put a book called Mindset in my mailbox. It was written by a psychologist named Carol Dweck. Little did I know that his simple gesture of gifting a book to me would radically change my teaching and my philosophy of teaching. Not only that, but it my personal mindset shifted so dramatically that I will never be the same. You can only imagine the excitement I felt with Tony started talking about the concept of a growth mindset and how he spends countless hours teaching his little ones how to embrace this and become better from it.
As our conversation continued you can hear the excitement and passion in Tony’s voice. It is clear that he is called to this profession and that he loves serving our community and our kids.
Four individuals Mr. Anzaldi highlights as having an impact in his life are Mr. Knutty, Mr. Slivka, Mrs. Conley, and Mrs. Knutty. Four extraordinary human beings whose lives are centered on helping others. After hearing about the influence they have played in his life you will come to realize that no gesture, small or large, is ever wasted and that it can have an eternal impact on an individual.
Mr. Anzaldi is a proud husband to Ally. They have been married for 3 years. They have a retriever named Dolly who keeps them busy and active.
Honestly, I cannot wait for you to hear this episode so stop reading, grab some Crimson Cup coffee, and listen to this amazing young mans story. You will be impressed, moved, and just as excited as I am to hear and share his story.
Please share this episode with your friends and family. Tallmadge is so blessed to have this young man, and so many other incredible educators, in our school system changing lives.
And, as always, please remember that everyone has a story worth being told, even you.
Books mentioned in this episode:
Season 4: Episode 48: Dr. Serif Krkic
This episode of #Between2BlueDevils features Tallmadge resident/business owner, and THS assistant soccer coach Dr. Serif Krkic. To most of us he is known as Dr. K.
Dr. K's story is an amazing story. He begins sharing what it was like to grow up in Bosnia during the Bosnian War. You have got to listen to what it was like moving to the United States in 2001...without knowing how to speak English!
In 2008 Dr. K graduated from Firestone High School. After high school he decided to stay local and become a Zip!
Dr. K graduated from The University of Akron and then decided he wanted to become a chiropractor...a profession he calls an "accidental profession." Once he made the decision he set off to go to school in Illinois called the National University of Health Sciences.
Serif (pronounces Sheriff) loves to snowboard, coach soccer, train and mentor young athletes, and serve the city he lives in...Tallmadge, Ohio.
He is a proud member of the Tallmadge Rotary and Tallmadge Chamber of Commerce. As you listen to Serif passionately share about his role in these two community groups you will hear him talk about Operation Christmas Child. The story of the role this organization played in his life as a child and the role it now plays in his adult life is truly inspiring.
I left this interview feeling so uplifted and inspired. Ironically after ending the interview and cleaning up my equipment I went down to the weight room to get my work out in. There was Dr. K with 6 young men who came in to work out with him on a Saturday morning. Staying true to his calling he was giving of his time to help our students become better versions of themselves.
Truly an inspiration...Dr. K is one of a kind.
To connect with Dr. K and learn more about Tallmadge Chiropractic click on the website link below and follow them on all socials!
https://www.tallmadgechiro.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tallmadgechiro/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tallmadge-chiropractic/about/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tallmadgechiro/
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/tallmadge-chiropractic-tallmadge
Dr. K's favorite books:
Season 4: Episode 47: Mrs. Julie Metzger
Welcome to Season 4 of #Between2BlueDevils! To launch this new season I am actually going back to an interview from last April. Not gonna lie, in the chaos of wrapping up last school year I kind of forgot about this interview. It wasn't until a few days ago that Madame Metzger and I were chatting and she asked me whatever happened to her interview with me. My response..."We haven't recorded and I can't wait to interview you!" She then proceeded to tell me all kinds of details from our interview that I had forgotten. Sure enough, when I pulled up my files on my computer there it was...the missing Metzger Files!
I just finished listening to it before posting it and just hearing her share her story brings so much joy to the room.
Part of the reason it has taken some time to launch season 4 of the podcast is because I have taken on a new role as assistant principal at THS. In my new position one of the perks is that I get to hop into classrooms everyday and observe our incredible teachers. On the very first day of school I happened to be walking past Julie's room and all I heard was her singing in French to her new students. On day one she was creating a culture of joy and positivity in her classroom. It is no wonder why her students love her so much.
Julie's story is one of passion for her craft, passion for her family, and passion for her faith and it is inspiring.
It is an honor to share this interview with you. Sit back and enjoy it. Grab a cup of coffee, prop your feet up, and prepare to smile.
Remember, everyone has a story worth telling. Would you like to tell yours? Please reach out by filling out this Google Form.
Thanks for listening.
Facts about Julie:
-You can follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/juliemetzger75
-Teacher at THS for 24 years
-Teaches French
-Been to Europe multiple times
-Proud wife to Dave
-Proud mom
-Currently has a daughter, Cara, who is a junior at THS
-Favorite book: The Bible
-Favorite music: Def Leppard, Zach Brown Band, TobyMac, Taylor Swift
-Favorite movie: Limitless, 13 Going On 30
-Favorite hobby: hiking and traveling
Advice to her students and listeners:
"Get out there in the world and travel as much as possible. See the many different landscapes this world has and meet lots of beautiful people. Oh, and take French if you are still in high school."
Season 3: Episode 46: Lianna Dauberman
A few months ago I emailed out a Google Form to our entire district asking if anyone wanted to sit down and share their stories with me for the podcast. Lianna was one of the first to respond. She said she had a story and that it needed to be told. So we set up a date for the interview.
Now, I have heard a lot of stories but what I walked into was one I really didn't expect.
Prepare yourself for this episode. It is deeply moving. I walked out of this interview changed. I walked out better. Lianna is one of the most courageous young women I have ever met and I am so honored she shared her story with me and with the listeners of #Between2BlueDevils.
Lianna is a proud mother and Tallmadge Elementary School Counselor. You can follow her on Twitter: @MrsDauberman
Thank you for listening.
Season 3: Episode 45: Alumnus Dustin Simcox: President of WCL Sports Management
Way back in the day I had the honor of having Dustin in class. He and I share a passion for basketball. When I say that Dustin loves basketball, I mean HE LOVES BASKETBALL. His story is amazing. How does one go from riding the bench, to playing college basketball, to owning your own European basketball team? Listen and find out!!!
His story is an inspiration. Pursue what you are passionate about no matter what others may say or what obstacles may get in the way. Enjoy this episode and be sure to share it out!
Follow Dustin's journey on Facebook: Dustin Simcox
Season 3: Episode 44: The One and Only Mrs. Sue Whitman
This is the first time I have had a guest on for the second time. Mrs. Whitman first made an appearance in season 1 episode 5. Her story is amazing and I highly recommend listening to that episode to hear all about it. Fun fact...Mrs. Whitman's season 1 interview is the second most popular episode of the podcast!! But this interview is a special one because, after 32 years in the classroom, Mrs. Whitman has retired.
Hard to believe that the West Wing (the 1100 hallway at Tallmadge High School that houses the Social Studies Department) will be absent Mrs. Whitman next year. For so many years she has been a bright and shining star in our hallway. She has taught AP Gov for more years than I can count. Thousands of students have been under mentorship.
Mrs. Whitman is a rock star. She is a passionate educator who has dedicated her life to serving and pouring into others.
Retirement is well deserved. She will be busy telling her story, volunteering, and taking care of her many, many grandchildren.
Mrs. Whitman, please consider this episode a small tribute to the amazing person that you are.
On behalf of Tallmadge High School I say THANK YOU for your time in the classroom, THANK YOU for pouring into our kids, THANK YOU for loving what you do and showing up daily for so many years, and THANK YOU for your friendship.
You are truly an amazing person.
Happy Repurposing!
Season 3: Episode 43: Super Sub Jeff Swindell
Episode 43 is the very first episode where I get the chance to sit down and interview a published author! Jeff Swindell is many things: proud husband and father, wiser older brother to Mark Swindell, die hard KISS fan, and so much more! And...he is a PUBLISHED AUTHOR.
I was first introduced to our guest last year when he subbed in our building. If you are in the world of education you know that good subs are very, very hard to come by. Jeff is one of those subs who every teacher loves. He comes right in, honors the lesson plans, leaves kind notes, and loves the kids. But still, he is a sub and we teachers always have questions about the subs who are in our building.
Not only did Jeff and I talk about why he is a sub, I was honored to have also read his story. This is a special episode. Jeff shared his story with my 4th block Psychology class. This class is made up of half juniors and half seniors. This also happened to be the seniors last day. What a treat for them it was.
I am thankful that Jeff has embraced vulnerability and I am thankful my seniors got to hear the lessons of his life.
Please share this story out. There is something here for all of us to learn.
Thanks for listening. Thanks for subscribing. Thanks for sharing.
If you would like to purchase Jeff's book you can here:
Season 3: Episode 42: Alan Miller: 4th Grade TES teacher
Episode 42 features Mr. Alan Miller, 4th grade educator at Tallmadge Elementary School. Alan is a passionate educator, committed soccer coach, and reflective thinker. You are going to love this episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode.
Season 3: Episode 41: Mr. Adam Booth: TES Principal
For episode 41 I sit down with the new principal of Tallmadge Elementary School Mr. Adam Booth. Up until this interview I had heard so many good things about this newest member of Tallmadge City School System. As a matter of fact shortly before the interview I sent out a request to a bunch of educators from TES and asked their thoughts on their new administrator. It was amazing how many of them sent messages back to me that were essentially the same:
"He is one of the most positive leaders I have ever met."
"He greets every teacher, every morning with a smile."
"He loves each and everyone of our students."
"Mr. Booth makes it a point to celebrate every birthday in the building."
After reading these, and so many more descriptions of this leader I could not wait to sit down and chat. This conversation did not disappoint. He and I chatted for a little over an hour, and honestly it felt like a few minutes.
Adam has such a heart for his family and his building. He was in the classroom for 16 years before transitioning into administration. He loved the classroom but his vison of leadership led him to become and assistant principal. In his own words on why he became a principal...
”How can I have a bigger impact, not just working with kids in the classroom but with people in the community, teachers around me, and share the experiences I have had and help impact others.”
As you listen you will sense his passion and enthusiasm for his family, his faith, and for his school. You will also pick up on why he practices being a servant leader and having an open office...
“You are going to have an impact on people one way or the other whether its positive or negative so sometimes I see leadership in my life and I say ‘well I don’t want to do it that way, I don’t know exactly what it looks like or I do want to do it this way,’ and those people that I noticed are the listeners who take a step back and hear and at least take peoples opinions into account and I really feel like that working together is the best way to go.”
This guy is simply amazing.
Be sure to share out this episode. While you are at it give Mr. Booth a follow on Twitter and keep track of all the amazing things going on at TES!
Season 3: Episode 40: Mrs. Julie Headrick
For this episode of #between2bluedevils I have the joy of sitting down with an educator who seems to be involved in everything! Mrs. Julie Headrick is a life long resident of Tallmadge. She grew up in Tallmadge City Schools and her dream was to come back to her alma mater as a teacher. Right out of college she was fortunate enough to be brought in to replace her mentor in the classroom. Wait until you hear that story. It is amazing.
As an educator her ultimate goal is to make sure that every single student leaves Tallmadge with a memory. Julie clings to tradition and rights of passage and believes that these events help carve out a student experience. Through all of COVID she and her team have done the best that they can to create a sense of normalcy for our students. And WOW…what she has been able to accomplish has been amazing.
Mrs. Headrick is an English and Journalism teacher. In the classroom she encourages students to be life long learners, to read, and to reflect on a daily basis. In her journalism class she has guided her young journalists to share their stories and voice in many ways, both in print and on line. Be sure to give their Twitter a follow as well as their podcast.
Julie and her husband, Tom, are extensively involved in all things Tallmadge! On any given day you will see at least one Headrick out and about, involved in baseball, softball, football, basketball, and just about anything! Julie and Tom, and their three children, LOVE Tallmadge.
After listening to this episode there is no doubt that you will understand why Julie is an educator who has influenced countless lives, and why so many former students make it a point to stay in contact with her. She makes her students feel valued and loved.
You can follow all the great things that Mrs. Headrick is doing on Twitter: @jsheadrick
You can follow The Devils Tale on Twitter at: @thstale
And The Devils Tale Podcast at: The Devils Tale
Please be sure to share this episode out. And be sure to subscribe so you don’t ever miss an episode. I would be honored if you would rate and review the podcast. This helps me get the message out about how incredible our Tallmadge educators are.
Thanks for listening.
**WARNING: This episode is a bit emotional. Mrs. Headrick has played a huge role in my daughters life. I am eternally grateful for her willingness to lead and mentor Kelsie. So, yeah…I get a little emotional, but that’s okay!
Season 3: Episode 39: Mr. David Hungerford
Kicking off the New Year I sit down with Mr. David Hungerford, Tallmadge High School Language Arts and Speech teacher. This educator has a story! He has been in the world of education for over 20 years. 7 years ago he made his way to Tallmadge High School and our school hasn't been the same since. Immediately upon his arrival in Tallmadge he was determined to get as involved as he possibly could in the lives of our students. As a result he has established relationships with students that extend way outside the classroom!
One particular part of this interview really jumped out at me. David will share an experience he had when he was in school where he came to an intersection in his life that "gave him pause." He had to make a difficult and life changing choice. This turns out to be a major turning point for him. Wait until you hear our conversation about it.
Described by his students as being...
"A very deliberate and patient teacher..."
"A teacher who constantly engages his students..."
"Personable, enjoyable, and pretty cool..."
"A teacher who has a great taste in music and some serious drip..."
But most importantly:
"A teacher who cares and who is a wonderful human being."
Get ready to learn more about this amazing educator.
Introducing to you the amazing and incredible Mr. David Hungerford!
Season 3: Episode 38: Nina and JoAnna DiFalco
This week I sit down with two sisters who LOVE Tallmadge and LOVE teaching. As you listen to Ms. Nina DiFalco and Ms. JoAnna DiFalco you will quickly pick up on their passion for teaching, their passion for their coaching, and especially their passion for their family. Trust me when I tell you that you will laugh a lot as you listen to these two feed off of each other. You will also feel yourself moved to tears as they share their love of life and teaching with the listener. I wish I could have been a student in both of their classes!
Follow these two amazing educators on Twitter: @miss_difalco and @Lenkey_DiFalco
Be sure to subscribe and share!
Season 3: Episode 37: THS Seniors Ana Crangle and Ashton Bell
This episode I sit down with two leaders of the THS senior class. Ana Crangle and Ashton Bell both have amazing stories to tell. As you listen you will be moved by the wisdom that these young women drop.
After listening to this interview be sure to follow our school newspaper, The Devils Tale, on Twitter: The Devils Tale
Enjoy this special episode of Between2BlueDevils!
Season 3: Episode 36: 2009 THS Graduate Grant Cohoe
There is nothing better in the life of a teacher than when a former student reaches out to share their life with you. Grant did just that not long ago and then he agreed to hop on the podcast and share with the listeners what he is doing. What a great interview hearing all about what Grant is passionate about...technology, Camp Fitch, hockey, and so much more. Grant is a 2009 graduate of Tallmadge High School and a 2013 graduate of the Rochester Institute of Technology.
One glance on his social media sites or his personal blog and you will see that his intro line is 100% spot on. Grant is a...
"Cloud plumber, bit wrangler, solution engineer, hockey nut."
Throw in "passionate counselor and supporter of Camp Fitch" and you have a great picture of who this amazing young man is.
Want to learn more about Grant? Check out his contact info below:
Grant's Blog: https://legacy-blog.grantcohoe.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GrantCohoe
Season 3: Episode 35: Mrs. Arene Staszak
The first episode of Season 3 features one of my most favorite people in Tallmadge, Mrs. Arene Staszak. Mrs. Staszak is a wife, mother, math teacher, coach, and musician. If she isn't in the classroom, then she is most likely in the hallway planning another event for our students. If she isn't in the hallway she is most likely on a softball field somewhere. And if you cannot find her on a field then she is probably on the stage singing with her band...The Buck Naked Band. How she finds time for all that she does is a true mystery.
Here is what I know about Mrs. Staszak, and her crew consisting of Mrs. Headrick, Mrs. Giles, and Mrs. Blasko. They care about our kids and they want to provide as many opportunities for memories to be created as possible for them. She is truly amazing. On a side note she ranks as one of my daughters all time favorite teachers.
You can follow Mrs. Staszak on Twitter at: @THS_Staszak
You can also follow her band, the Buck Naked Band, at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bucknakedband/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bucknakedband/
Be sure to forward this episode to a friend. Also, be sure to rate the podcast and help us get the message out.
Thanks for your support and enjoy Season 3.
Season 2: Episode 34: Student Takeover!! Esther and Chandni Interview the Host
They came rushing into class one morning and hijacked the podcast. I, your host, was forcibly sat down to be interviewed, and it turned out to be a blast! Okay, I wasn't forced, but I turned over the reins to two amazing students, Esther and Chandni, and answered all of their questions. I enjoyed sharing bits and pieces of my story with these two, and as an extension, with you. My story has some interesting twists and turns and how I ended up in the classroom is honestly a miracle. But I am so happy that it is where I landed, and I am so honored to call teaching my profession. As many of you know I consider it a calling. I am thankful I have been called.
Your two hosts are two of my ALL TIME FAVORITES. Here is what you need to know about Esther and Chandni...they will outwork anyone. I had the honor of having them in my APUSH (Advanced Placement United States History) class. It was in this very rigorous environment where I got to witness first hand their commitment to excellence. They worked diligently day in and day out seeking to become the best historians they could. While attacking their academics they also participated in every leadership opportunity they could. They are leaders. They are beacons of light in our building, and they are resilient. Not only did they work hard and lead as sophomores, but they did so during one of the most traumatic times in our history. The shutdown...the quarantine.
Having to take APUSH is hard enough, but then having your school year take the turn that it did on March 13th, 2020 makes it near impossible to succeed in. But these two extraordinary women did not let this hurdle stop them from not only excelling in class (no matter what it looked like) but also leading in our community. They did everything they could to help classmates succeed by hosting online reviews, text reviews, and zoom reviews with their APUSH family. They also did everything they could to help classmates outside of APUSH deal with the uncertainties of COVID.
As you can tell I have nothing but mad respect for these two. They are two very influential women. As they entered into this past year as juniors they continued their role as leaders within the school. Now, they are seniors. Now things seem a little more normal as we get closer to the new year starting. And now I sit with excitement awaiting to see all the great things these two will do in their final year at THS.
I hope you enjoy their interview and I hope you enjoy a bit about my story.
I am truly blessed.
You can follow me on all social media platforms:
Instagram: @mrhornertheteacher
Twitter: @THSMr_Horner
Facebook: Mark Horner
Email: horner.mark@tallmadgeschools.org
Season 2: Episode 33: Mrs. Courtney Davis
“Court,” as her friends call her, spends every moment she can with her family. She has been married to her college sweetheart, Jason, for 20 years! She has a daughter named Kendall, soon to be junior, and a son named Kaden, soon to be a freshman. Both of her kids attend Tallmadge High School. Priority number one in her and her husband's lives is family time.
Mrs. Davis is an inspiring leaders. Countless times throughout our conversation the role of relationships and a positive mindset came up. Relationships are key to being successful within education, and as a leader. Her favorite book is The Power of Positive Leadership by Jon Gordon. When asked why this is her favorite book she stated:
“Because it speaks to positive leadership not being about fake positivity-it’s about the real stuff that happens in the trenches everyday and the connecting and uniting people in the face of difficult situations.”
Connecting and staying positive are qualities that she demonstrates on a daily basis.
One of her most favorite quotes typifies her leadership philosophy:
“Being positive in a negative situation is not naïve, it’s leadership”
Gifford Thomas
Mrs. Davis has had a tremendous impact as the elementary principal. She takes great pride in inspiring students and watching them go on to succeed in whatever they choose to do. She cherished the opportunities to help them see their potential at a young age and foster that growth throughout their time at the elementary level.
When asked what she is most looking forward to this next year she said,
“I am definitely looking forward to embracing this new role as Director of Curriculum, and working with the amazing educators throughout the District to support student learning and growth.”
No doubt Tallmadge City Schools will be in good hands with Mrs. Davis leading as Director of Curriculum and Instruction.
To keep up with all that Mrs. Davis will be doing be sure to follow her on Twitter: @TallmadgeK5
Episode 32: Mr. Mark Verrona
This week I sit down with the one and only Maximus, AKA Mr. Mark Verrona. Mr. Verrona has been a teacher for 22 years...19 of which have been here in Tallmadge City Schools. He is one PROUD DAD!! He has 3 kids: Megan who is 12, Benjamin who is 10, and Violet who is 9. When not busy with the joys of fatherhood he likes to go for a run, catch a movie (click to see what his favorite movie is), or play some cards...and then pound some Gionino's pizza, his favorite food.
When he was in high school he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do in the “real world.” After high school he decided to volunteer at Kent Roosevelt (his alma mater) and work with the track team. Within that environment he learned the value of hard work and relationships. This inspired him to become a teacher.
Mr. Verrona’s classroom is a place of joy, where kids are encouraged to be themselves. His best piece of advice for everyone of his students is to “be themselves.” His desire is to create an environment where students feel loved and appreciated. And he does this well.
“To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.”
This is Mr. Verrona’s life quote. This is the standard by which he lives his life, and by which he approaches his calling in education. He gives his best each and every day. He is another example of the amazing people that work here in Tallmadge City Schools.
To see all that Mr. Verrona does in the classroom and the many creative activities he involves his students in follow him on Twitter: @VerronaMark
Season 2: Episode 31: Mrs. Stephanie Caicco: THS
This week I sit down with Mrs. Stephanie Caicco. Our conversation was so good. Yeah, this is a long one but it is full of value and passion. Mrs. Caicco has not taken the traditional route to the classroom. It has been a journey for sure:
“This is my 3rd career. When the housing market took a dive I needed a new career and I was still coaching (cheer and volleyball) and thought that teaching would be really fun. As a kid my best friend and I would play school - I was always the social studies teacher - lol. (I love history).”
Wait until you hear more about her childhood dream of being a teacher. She took her play time as a teacher seriously.
Mrs. Caicco is a proud wife, mother, and new grandmother. You will hear her pride in her voice as she shares about her family and their many accomplishments, hobbies, and adventures.
Life quote/mantra:
“There are so many people out there who will tell you that you can’t. What you’ve got to do is turn around and say ‘watch me.”
-Unknown
Mrs. Caicco’s life typifies this quote. She has spent much of her life proving the doubters wrong. This is one of two messages that will resonate with you after listening to this episode. Prove them wrong!
The second message is to love people. Mrs. Caicco loves her students. She values establishing a culture and environment where her students feel safe. Her classroom, of which she describes it as “organized chaos,” is a judgment free place. Kids can be themselves, express themselves, and she doesn’t care. All she wants to do is love them.
This is one of the many reasons why Mrs. Caicco is one of our most beloved teachers. Enjoy this interview and prepare to really want your kids to have her in class!
Episode 30: Block 1 Psychology: My students'!
So often I look outside the classroom to chat with movers and shakers in Tallmadge. This week I tapped into the wisdom and voice of 5 amazing students, 2 of which are seniors. This year has been a strange one. Here in Tallmadge we have spent time remote, but the majority of the year we have been on a hybrid schedule. The goal was to have our students in front of a teacher 5 out of 10 days. We divided them up by alphabet and they were put into Gold and Blue teams. This interview was with my Blue students. Funny how a hybrid schedule breaks up the classroom and then each day and block takes on their very own personality. These students are my "philosophers." They took a deep dive into serious topics, on a bi-daily basis.
If you were sitting at the socially distanced table with us the students would be sitting in this order, moving from my left:
Josh: Junior: passionate golfer and a young man of character. His desire is to honor the legacy of his grandfather by becoming the best person he can possibly be.
Lexi: Junior: passionate softball player and barista at Dunkin Donuts! This young lady loves being on the field with her teammates. Having to overcome the loss of a season due to COVID she is making the most of this season.
Kai: Sophomore: this young lady is the only sophomore in any of my psychology classes. She is a young woman of conviction and bravery. Having overcome many obstacles in her life she uses her experiences to help others. Recently she shared boldly with the class her struggles with anxiety and depression opening the door to a long discussion with other students dealing with the same thing. It was an amazing hour of heartfelt discussion.
Shannon: Senior: this class leader is passionate about traveling and diversity. She can't wait to get out there and experience all the world has to offer. Her desire is to learn from everyone. I have had her twice as a student, and she has had an everlasting impact on me.
Jacob: Senior: this kid will WOW you with his ability to recall information learned about everything! Not a class would go by where the student would teach the teacher. He is passionate about the outdoors and looks to be a Park Ranger someday.
I hope you enjoy this episode. These young people are amazing. They each have a story and they are stories worth sharing.
Enjoy!
Season 2: Episode 29: Mrs. Laura Benedict
Episode 29 features Tallmadge alumnus and current Tallmadge High School Biology, Chemistry, and Anatomy and Physiology teacher, Mrs. Laura Benedict. What a fun interview to sit in on and hear this scientist drop some wisdom, most especially her admonition to "trust science." Mrs. Benedict can chat for hours about boring statistical studies and make them sound amazing and mind boggling. In the midst of our many conversations she has "wowed" me with her understanding of math and science, and how to appreciate research and statistics. Not a conversation goes by where I don't walk away learning something new and wishing I could process things that way she does.
When not reading the most recent research study released in a biology or science magazine you can find her home with her husband and kids most likely eating eggs of some sort. Mrs. Benedict loves her eggs...and her Peanut Butter M & M's. These are her two most favorite edible items. She loves to sit down with a bag of those M & M's and binge watch Big Brother or Survivor with her husband.
As you will find out she and her family are avid rock climbers. Their summers are consumed with this adventurous hobby as well as attending concerts (pre-Covid). She is a HUGE Dave Matthews Band and Mumford & Sons fan.
There is so much about this amazing teacher that I cannot wait for you to listen to this episode. Please like and review the episode and share it with a friend.
Season 2: Episode 28: Mrs. Lisa Gibson-Attendance Secretary Extraordinaire!
This weeks episode features the first person one may see when they enter the high school...our Attendance Secretary Mrs. Gibson. She is the smile you are greeted with from behind the "plastic curtain" in the main office. If you have never seen her you most certainly have heard her voice if you have ever called your child off of school.
Her job by day is to keep track of any and all students who are marked absent, whether on purpose or accidentally. She is constantly tracking kids down and making sure they are safe and where they are supposed to be. When not on the phone with parents and guardians she is most likely on the phone calling teachers, like me, to remind us to submit our attendance. Let me tell you...she extends a lot of grace my way in this category.
By night she is super mom to two incredible young men who both have come up through Tallmadge City Schools. She loves living life with them, her husband, and her dog.
So often the people in front of the classroom, or the people making the decisions get all the attention. But what our audience needs to know is that behind the scenes are people who play just as important part in making sure our kids are safe, provided for, and above all else that they feel loved and accepted. This is Mrs. Gibson's goal: to love each child as her own.
This she does extraordinarily well. Kick back and listen in on our conversation and get to know this super hero just a little bit more.
Episode 28: Coach Billy Johnson
This week we sit down with teacher and head basketball coach Bill Johnson. Coach sits down with me and talks about what it is like to coach during a pandemic and all the lessons learned from this unprecedented season.
Coach is happily married to his wife Annie and they have a beautiful daughter named Abby. The story of how Annie and Coach met is a great one. It typifies the adage that behind every good man is a better woman!
When not hanging out with his family you will most likely find Coach either golfing at nearby Brookledge Golf Course or watching one his favorite Cleveland teams play. He is an avid sports fan and at one point dreamt of being the next Tom Hamilton.
Coach Johnson has been coaching for the past 17 years. He has been working within the school setting for 8 years but only teaching the past 3. His journey from college, to the sideline, to the classroom is an inspirational one full of lessons of resiliency and persistency. It is these qualities that he brings to his basketball program and his classroom. He is passionate, energetic, and committed to his students, his players, and most importantly to his family.
When walking past the gym during practice or the locker room during a team meeting you can often hear coach repeating his favorite quote:
“Would you rather be individually great in the midst of mediocrity or individually involved in the midst of something great?”
Teamwork, commitment, and a family mindset are what Coach preaches, daily. Put your teammates first, serve others, and great things happen.
#FAMILY
You can follow Tallmadge Basketball on Twitter at: @Tallmadge_BBK and Coach Johnson at: @Bill_Johnson_3
Episode 27: Ms. Kayla Ricker...Mr. Horner's niece and favorite artist!
This week's episode is a bit of a special one. My guest is none other than my wonderful niece Kayla. The WHY behind this podcast is to tell stories...people’s stories. Kayla’s story is pretty amazing. As you will hear in the interview Kayla loves drawing. I think she was born with a sketchpad in her hand! I have watched her grow in her passion for the past 21 years. She has a gift.
In the episode she shares with us who has inspired her as an artist. The list is pretty amazing. These artists and illustrators are super influential in the world of animation.
Brothers Tom and Tony Bancroft have played a HUGE role in her pursuit of becoming an artist. You can hear in her voice the impact they have had. Two other digital artists who have influenced her are Mike Nawrocki (yep, the voice of Larry the Cucumber) and Phil Visher (voice of Bob the Tomato). Since an early age Kayla has been drawing Veggie Tales, and other characters as she has grown as an artist.
Click here to visit the Veggie Tales YouTube Channel
Kayla is currently attending classes for digital animation at a local college. This is a big step for her considering her struggles with social anxiety. Her anxiousness has been something that has been an issue all her life, and was one of the deciding factors in pursuing home-schooling her junior and senior year of high school. To cope with her social anxiety Kayla has leaned heavy into her faith and she has embraced the arts and humor. Brian Hull has been a constant source of stress relief and comfort for Kayla. His unique talent as an impersonator has inspired millions of people and provided joy and laughter during a much needed time.
Click here for Brian Hull's Link Tree
On Kayla’s 21st birthday she and I started chatting about this podcast. I asked her if she would be interested in drawing a new podcast picture for me. The picture you now see is her amazing work. I absolutely love this picture. In her words it captures a few of the things I love...the Teach Better Team and Crimson Cup Coffee. This is a story about a young girl seeking to live life for God, pursue her passion for drawing, and spread a little love and joy along the way. It is my privilege to share her wonderful story and talent with all of you.
Click here to visit the Teach Better Web Site
Want to check out Kayla’s work? Click here:
Instagram: @kaylarickart
YouTube: @KaylaRickAnimations
Episode 26: Super SRO's Quillen and MikeD
This week we sit down with TCS's School Resource Officer's Dave Quillen and Mike Dornack. Find out who these guys are behind the uniforms! We chat hobbies, stories, what life is like on the road as a Tallmadge police officer, and you may even hear them poke a little fun at a few of their fellow police officers. These two have been serving in Tallmadge for a long time. They love their job, their community, and our students. Yeah, this was a little longer than most interviews but it was so much fun. It was also recorded in front of a "live audience!" Thanks for tuning in and be sure to share!
Be sure to follow Officer Quillen on Twitter: @SRO_Q and Instagram: _bountyhunterq for all kinds of entertaining tweets and pics. Also follow Tallmadge Police Department on Facebook: @TallmadgePD
Season 2: Episode 26: Mr. Steve Wood
What an interview! I had the privilege of sitting down with our new Superintendent Mr. Steve Wood (click link to read Steve's message to the community). At the time of this interview Mr. Wood had only been in his new position for 5 days. You are going to enjoy this interview! Hear how Steve went from chemical engineer, to school board member, to Chief Operations Manager for Tallmadge, to our new Superintendent. You can follow Mr. Wood on Twitter: @sswood.
Season 2: Episode 25: Christmas Edition #3
A day late but why not extend the Christmas spirit!! This episode features a chat with Assistant Principal Jen Stewart and two funny and amazing teachers, Tammy Habbyshaw and Lauren Stone. Enjoy this final episode of our Christmas series. Merry Christmas!! While your at it check out Mrs. Stone's amazing podcast: That Just Happened!
Season 2: Episode 24: Christmas Edition #2
Tonight we hear from Mrs. Dunton, Mr. Slivka, and Mr. Taylor. Now this was a good time. Enjoy a little holiday cheer from some all star teachers!
Season 2: Episode 23: Christmas Special #1
Hear from some of your favorite teachers what their favorite holiday traditions are. This is the first, of a 3 part series of Between2BlueDevils Christmas Edition.
Season 2: Episode 22: Mr. Dave Slivka
This week we sit down with Tallmadge High School Spanish teacher Mr. Dave Slivka, aka Sr. Slivka, aka Slivka, aka Sliv. This amazing teacher has been teaching for 11 years. Sliv describes himself as being silly, helpful, and reasonable.
Mr. Slivka loves teaching Spanish. He also loves being a teacher. He was inspired to become a teacher because it encompasses two of his passions. In his own words he became a teacher because:
“I enjoyed helping others and very much enjoy the Spanish language and what it did for me and my life.”
When not in the classroom you can find Mr. Slivka hanging out with his wife, Kelli and their two children Ari and Steven. They love to be outdoors hiking, and simply hanging out.
Dave loves to keep it real. His life quote is “life goes on.”
The advice he most commonly shares with his students is:
“Find some perspective...Learn to appreciate others for their differences... Learn about other people’s cultures, family’s differences and respect them for what they are and maybe it will take you down a path you never thought you would have explored.”
Mr. Slivka truly cares about his students, and wants to spread his love of foreign languages to his kids.
Enjoy this interview and be sure to follow Mr. Slivka at: @SrSlivkaTHS
Season 2: Episode 21: Mrs. McCourtie
Mrs. McCourtie, and her husband are both Tallmadge graduates! They currently live in Tallmadge, and their boys both attend Tallmadge City Schools. They bleed blue and gold.
Mrs. McCourtie’s favorite pastime is to run the CVNP trails with her dog, and then maybe follow up the workout with her favorite food...sushi.
When not teaching, raising her boys, hanging out with her husband, and not running her dog you might find her reading a book, especially one about special forces and their training. Her favorite book is Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins. Here is her reason why this book is her favorite.
“This book is all about how easily we as humans can become weak and complacent. This book challenges people to do hard things to stay mentally tough so that we can conquer the unavoidable challenges that life will give us. The main idea is about mental toughness. This concept and the examples in this book helped me as both a teacher (when things get hard, and I face challenges here at school) but also in my personal life and as a runner seeking to be an ultra marathon runner. I also have great respect for our men and women in our Armed Forces, and particularly am drawn to the physical and mental strength it takes to become a Navy Seal. I’ve always admired this branch of the military and I read a lot of books by former SEALS.”
One can see the influence of these challenging books in the one piece of advice she recommends to all of her students, and that she recommends to all of #B2BD listeners: “Do something hard everyday to stay mentally sharp.”
Mrs. McCourtie knew she wanted to become a teacher at a young age. Her desire to enter the world of education came as a result of being inspired by so many of her amazing teachers that she had in TCS!
“I chose to become a teacher because of the amazing teachers I had. I couldn’t see myself doing anything else. I enjoyed watching my dynamic teachers and the relationships they had with their students, and I wanted to show that same passion and energy to my future students.”
What makes this amazing teacher feel satisfied and accomplished at the end of the year? No, it isn’t test scores, nor is it the number of A’s earned in her class. Rather, it is watching students transform within her classroom because of her relationship with them, and their relationship with their classmates. In her own words:
“Seeing students who at the beginning of a year are timid and afraid to use their voice, transform into confident thinkers who are not afraid to make mistakes and take on challenges.”
Mrs. McCourtie is in her 12th year as an educator. The classroom is tough, and the world of education is ever changing. Clearly this young educator takes her life quote to heart and embraces the challenge:
“I seek out hardship. I do not run from pain but embrace it, because I derive strength from my suffering.”
-Dan Crenshaw, US Congressman and former Navy Seal
Take a step into her classroom, of which she describes as “light, positive, and challenging,” and take a step into her life and enjoy this interview. I know I did.
Follow Mrs. Krista McCourtie on Twitter: @TMSMcCourtie
Season 2: Episode 20: Ms. Lisa Wilmoth
Ms. Wilmoth has been teaching for 20 years, most of which have been in the Tallmadge City Schools. She is the proud mother of Quinn, a 7 year old young man who loves football, pizza, and adventures with mom. Ms. Wilmoth can often be heard giving her students the following advice: take opportunities as they come your way as they may unexpectedly lead you to where you want to go. Such great advice for not only our high school students, but for all of those listening to this episode!!
Ms. Wilmoth became a teacher due to the influence of her 2nd grade teacher. She would often "play teacher" as she was growing up. She knew at an early age she wanted to impact lives in the classroom.
Ms. Wilmoth loves being in the classroom establishing relationships with the kids. She cannot wait for the day that school becomes normal again. In the meantime she continues to invest in our kids, making sure they feel safe, valued, and most of all LOVED.
Enjoy getting to know my co-teacher, and my friend, Ms. Lisa Wilmoth.
Season 2: Episode 19: Mrs. Amy Lewis
This week we sit down with Tallmadge High School Science teacher Mrs. Amy Lewis. Aim, as her friends refer to her, is married to Geoff and they have three children. Their two daughters are twins, and are seniors at Hoover High School. Their son is soon to turn 13.
Mrs. Lewis and her family love to spend summers on their boat and on the beach. While there you will probably catch her reading her favorite romance novel. Reading time is an opportunity to escape from all that is going on. Being the hopeless romantic she loves to keep Nicolas Sparks employed. During the school year she reads articles and studies pertaining to her area of expertise. She seeks out knowledge to help teach her students.
Mrs. Lewis spends all of her free time watching her kids compete in sports. Her daughters are avid swimmers and divers, and her son plays football and other sports.
Amy is most looking forward to getting things back to normal this year. She is so excited to having kids back in the classroom full time.
Mrs. Lewis has been teaching for 26 years, and every one of those years has been in Tallmadge City Schools.
Her life quote is "Do Everything in love," (1 Corinthians 16:14), and as a scientist and environmentalist, “The Greatest threat or our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.”
Sit back and enjoy this conversation with Mrs. Lewis. It was recorded before a live, socially distanced, small classroom.
Season 2: Episode 18 Alumni Edition: Anastasija Saric
Anastasija graduated from Tallmadge High School in 2019. Since then her life has been full of adventure chasing after her dream of landing a career in the entertainment industry. Anastasija is currently living in Florida and attending Full Sail University. She is in the film program working towards her bachelors of film science. Her hobbies include reading, writing, skateboarding, listening to music, watching shows and movies. Her favorite food is anything, but if forced to choose she would choose Serbian food, considering she was born in Serbia, and goes back to visit whenever possible. When she reflects back on her time as a student at THS what she loved most were the people she met, the memories she made, how much she grew and learned as well as the amazing teachers that she is proud to have had. You can follow her on Instagram and her YouTube channel.
Season 2: Episode 17: John Gergely
This week's episode features John Gergely, a middle school ELA teacher, high school track coach, and proud husband and father. John has been teaching for 24 years, and coaching track for 23 of those years, almost all for Tallmadge. Shortly before entering the teaching profession he married his wife, Lisa, and this month they celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. He is the proud father of Seth (age 21) and Aaron (age 17). When not teaching you can find him in his garden nursing his peppers and tomatoes, or on his computer looking for information on his past family history. You might even find his favorite food, his grandma’s cabbage rolls, on the plate next to him as he researchers his family tree. Mr. Gergely became a teacher because of the strong tradition of teachers in his family. As a teacher he is most proud of “being able to make a difference and making students feel good about coming to school.” Mr. Gergely is a proud alumnus of Tallmadge High School and loves teaching for his alma mater. Most certainly after listening to this episode the first words to come out of your mouth will be “Isn’t that amazing? Oh yeah!” You can follow Mr. Gergely on Twitter @gergelytms.
Season 2: Episode 16: Tom Rozborski
Entering into year 10 is the Wizard of Roz, AKA Mr. Roz, AKA Mr. Rozborski...English teacher and Master of Technology. Father, Husband, and Teacher are three titles he wears proudly. Mr. Roz lives by the following two quotes: "Work smarter, not harder" and "don't sweat the small stuff." If there is one lesson this pandemic has taught him it is to "take some perspective of what my life is like and how I can be the best version of myself." When not raising his two incredible kids, Claire and Benjamin, or taking his wife Allie out on a date, you will most likely find the Wizard of Roz eating some bacon, reading his favorite book-Beartown, by Frederick Bachmand, or rewathing The Office. Mr. Roz is such an influenctial teacher passing on his love of etimology and literature to all of his students, and impacting them for life.
When asked what he is most proud of as a teacher Mr. Roz said "I’m proud to be a part of a positive community like THS and so incredibly grateful when students reach out after being in my class and tell me about their favorite memory, how they still use this idea or that resource, or that I am one of their favorite teachers. When I can leave a positive indelible impression on a student, I know I have done my best."
What a great interview to begin season 2 with.
You can find Mr. Rozborski on Twitter @MrRozEnglish. Give him a follow and check out all the amazing things he is doing in the classroom.
Episode 15: Mr. Jeff Ferguson: The Coach, The Teacher, THE SUPERINTENDENT!
As you listen to this interview you will hear the passion Mr. Ferguson has for our kids and our community. He loves Tallmadge. Enjoy this episode. I learned so much about Mr. Ferguson, and I know you will too.
Episode 14: Alumnus Bryon Cook
This episode is the first in the Between2BlueDevils Alumni Edition. Throughout the summer I will be interviewing teachers and alumni who are changing the world!! Our first episode features Bryon Cook, who graduated from THS in 2013. After high school he attended Baldwin Wallace, where he played football, and majored in Chemisty, and minored in Math. Following an extremely successful college career Bryon decided to pursue his dream of playing professional football. He worked extremely hard and ended up playing arena football for the Cedar Rapids River Kings and the Lehigh Valley Steel Hawks. Following his brief football career Bryon entered the coaching world where he currently coaches the wide receivers for the Barberton Magics, under Coach Tony Gotto. He also coaches middle school basketball, and currently works as a trainer at the Power House Gym in Streetsboro, Ohio. In his spare time Bryon is the co-host of his own pod cast called Cardelli N' Cook, a podcast all about professional wrestling. His story is a great one. But his story of life after high school isn't the only reason we chatted. Bryon is a passionate and motivated black man. Bryon shares with us what it is like growing up as a black man in America. We talk about some tough issues in this episode. And this is just the beginning. As a white male I have so much to learn and I am thankful Bryon answered questions honestly and passionatley. I hope this episode sparks thougths and conversations. I know my interview with Bryon has resonated with me since the day we met. It is time to listen. It is time to think. It is time to change.
Episode 13: Seniors 2020
Episode 12: Swindell and Gnabah
Episode 11: Mr. Bob Redinger
This man is a legend. He has taught in the district longer than almost every teacher. His journey as an educator has taken him from military bases, to college campuses, and into the high school classroom. He is a proud husband and father, a published author, and an incredible story teller. This episode is the longest interview to date, and yet it flies by. Spend some time and get to know this mathmatcis genius a little bit more.