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Learnin'& Yearnin'

Learnin'& Yearnin'

By TCTELA Podcast

Welcome to Learnin’ & Yearnin’, the groundbreaking podcast dedicated to propelling the educational journey of every Texan student. Join us as we delve into the forefront of education, cultivating a vibrant community of diverse professionals driven by an insatiable passion for learning. Our mission is to connect with teachers and teacher leaders who are not just educators but relentless enthusiasts, constantly yearning for knowledge, and to share their invaluable insights with you. Learn more at TCTELA.org
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Currently playing episode

A Chat With Karen Otto of Southlake, TX.

Learnin'& Yearnin'Sep 19, 2019

00:00
08:44
Sizzlin' Summer Reads with Zainaib Jabak

Sizzlin' Summer Reads with Zainaib Jabak

On this episode, Ashley and Zainaib discuss the Summer Book Club hosted by the Book Foundation. We chat about how the book club works, how to join in, as well as some sizzlin' hot book recommendations.
Jul 27, 202333:01
Bonus Content-Cornelius Minor

Bonus Content-Cornelius Minor

In this bonus content episode, you will hear hosts Ivy Gowdy, Ashley Kelly, and Ande Parlow are joined by professional development writer, Cornelius Minor, live from the Denton Conference.  We share our highlights from the event and have a quick chat with Cornelius about the needs of our modern classrooms.  

Feb 13, 202340:49
Bonus Content-Elementary Teacher of the Year-Teresa Lyle

Bonus Content-Elementary Teacher of the Year-Teresa Lyle

In this bonus content episode, you will hear Elementary Section Chair, Markesha Tisby, interviewing TCTELA Elementary Teacher of the Year, Teresa Lyle.  Lyle gives her perspective on winning the award and her thoughts on teaching and keeping motivated at this time in education.  Afterwards, President Elect, Charles Moore gives more information about teacher nominations!

Jan 05, 202317:33
Learnin' & Yearnin' S2 Ep 3 "Keeping Spirits Up for STAAR"

Learnin' & Yearnin' S2 Ep 3 "Keeping Spirits Up for STAAR"

In this episode, hosts Ande Parlow and Ivy Gowdy are joined by our podcast production group member Ashley Kelly! Our Hot Topic Discussion this month is with Helen Read of McKinney and Heather Fletes of Northwest about changes in the STAAR tests and how to keep our spirits up during testing times.  Middle School Podcaster, Ashley Kelly, joins Dr. Shona Rose and Ande in an interview with professional development author and writing guru, Gretchen Bernabie. Code Red is back with a discussion on the best resources for STAAR.

Learnin' & Yearnin' is a podcast created by the High School Section of TCTELA.  Its purpose is to support educators of English Language Arts in the state of Texas.  There are interviews and topic discussions with educators, student opinions of hot topic items, and much more.

Dec 27, 202201:14:60
Bonus Content-Scary Reads!

Bonus Content-Scary Reads!

 In this bonus content episode, you will hear hosts Ivy Gowdy and Ande Parlow are here to give you some good scary book recommendations! You'll hear from all kinds of readers from across the state! Happy Halloween!!!

Oct 30, 202208:47
Learnin' & Yearnin' S2 Ep 2 "The Joys of Teaching"

Learnin' & Yearnin' S2 Ep 2 "The Joys of Teaching"

In this episode, hosts Ande Parlow and Ivy Gowdy are joined by our podcast production group members Chris Duke, Ashley Kelly and Markesha Tisby! Our Hot Topic Discussion this month is with VP and VP elect of Membership Affiliates, Alissa Crabtree and Eva Goins, about finding joy in the job of teaching and some tips on what to do if we are feeling overwhelmed in the profession. TCTELA Rising Leader, Chris Duke has an interview with Dublin ISD educators Riley Dunlap and Lisa Leatherwood.  Middle School Podcaster, Ashley Kelly, gives us some opinions from the kids about what their favorite teachers do in their classrooms. Then Elementary Section Chair, Markesha Tisby, shares some resources for finding joy in teaching.

Learnin' & Yearnin' is a podcast created by the High School Section of TCTELA.  Its purpose is to support educators of English Language Arts in the state of Texas.  There are interviews and topic discussions with educators, student opinions of hot topic items, and much more.

Sep 25, 202251:57
Bonus Content-Building Communities Pt. 2

Bonus Content-Building Communities Pt. 2

In this bonus content episode, you will hear hosts Ivy Gowdy and Ande Parlow are joined by fellow TCTELA podcaster Ashley Kelly to  discuss some methods of building community that come from Gholdy Muhammad's book Cultivating Genius.  There are tips for keeping that community building going throughout the year and some things we all did to get our classes rolling for the beginning of the year. The episode ends with a Teacher Moment of Zen from Code Red's Dr. Shona Rose and guest Dr. Mary Howard.

Sep 18, 202223:22
Bonus Content- Building Community Pt 1

Bonus Content- Building Community Pt 1

In this bonus content episode, hosts Ande Parlow and Ivy Gowdy host a collection of tips, lessons, and resources for building community in the classroom! You will hear from seasoned educators from all over the state: Ande and Ivy, of course, and Educational Consultant-Dr. Shona Rose, Amarillo English Teacher-Clifton Butt, Midlothian TOY-Bethany Dowd, Amarillo A&P/Forensics Teacher-Kisaundra Harris, and TCTELA Board Member-Eva Goins.

Learnin' & Yearnin' is a podcast created by the High School Section of TCTELA.  Its purpose is to support educators of English Language Arts in the state of Texas.  There are interviews and topic discussions with educators, student opinions of hot topic items, and much more.


Jul 19, 202233:57
Pride month bookstack

Pride month bookstack

Happy Pride!  And what better way to celebrate than a curated bookstack of great LGBTQIA+ titles to carry you through the summer!  Below is a list of the books recommended in the segment!  Have a great Pride and keep the love going throughout the year!

Brave Face by Shaun D. Hutchinson
Complicated Love Story in Space by Shaun D. Hutchinson
Darkness Outside Us by Eliot Schrefer
The (Un)popular Vote by Jasper Sanchez
Taking of Jake Livingston by Ryan Douglass
Will Grayson, Will Grayson by David Levithan and John Green
Dangerous Art of Blending In by Angelo Surmelis
Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Symptoms of Being Human by Jeff Garvin
More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera
They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
Perks of Being a Wallflower by Steven Chbosky
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz
Starboard Sea by Amber Dermont
Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
Flip the Script by Lyla Lea
Kiss and Tell by Adib Khorram
My Dearest Darkest by Kayla Cottingham
Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
Payback's a Witch by Lana Harper
Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by VE Schwab
Carry On; Wayward Sons; Anyway the Wind Blows by Rainbow Rowell
Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas
Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall
House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
Simon vs the Homosapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
George by Alex Gino
Broken Horses by Brandi Carlile
Trans+ by Kathryn Gonzales and Karen Rain
Check, Please! by Ngozi Ukazu
Donuts and Other Proclamations of Love by Jared Reck
Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender
Flamer by Mike Curato
Antiracist Writing Workshop by Felicia Rose Chavez

Jun 23, 202212:02
Learnin' & Yearnin' S2 Ep. 1 "Reading and Writing"

Learnin' & Yearnin' S2 Ep. 1 "Reading and Writing"

In this episode, hosts Ande Parlow and Ivy Gowdy are back again! Our Hot Topic Discussion this month is related to writing instruction and how pre-service teachers are being set up for success in the classroom with TCTELA Pre-service Teacher Committee Chair, Dr. Jim Warren.  We have an interview with Jolee Maupin, owner of Satisfiction, a boxed books service featuring authors of color and self care items from BIPOC owned businesses. In that interview we also are joined by TCTELA VP of Membership and Affliates, Alissa Crabtree. We ask the kids this month how they feel about banning books in school classrooms and libraries. 

Learnin' & Yearnin' is a podcast created by the High School Section of TCTELA.  Its purpose is to support educators of English Language Arts in the state of Texas.  There are interviews and topic discussions with educators, student opinions of hot topic items, and much more.

Jun 20, 202201:03:49
Interview Naomi Shihab Nye-Bonus Content April

Interview Naomi Shihab Nye-Bonus Content April

In this bonus content, hosts Ande Parlow and Ivy Gowdy interview one of the the conference's keynote speakers, Naomi Shihab Nye. We discuss the importance of discussing what we read, some of our own personal connections to books in our lives, and the importance of culturally diverse texts. 

Learnin' & Yearnin' is a podcast created by the High School Section of TCTELA.  Its purpose is to support educators of English Language Arts in the state of Texas.  There are interviews and topic discussions with educators, student opinions of hot topic items, and much more.

Apr 19, 202217:04
Learnin' & Yearnin' Ep. 8-The Conference

Learnin' & Yearnin' Ep. 8-The Conference

In this episode, hosts Ande Parlow and Ivy Gowdy interview many of the conference's keynote speakers including Kate Roberts, Julia Torres, Dr. Ann David, Kelly Gallagher, and Minh Le.  Instead of What the Kids Say, we have What the Teachers Say in which we discuss attendees feelings about the conference and the most powerful information and support they will take back to their classrooms. We will also have a segment to honor Dr. Teri Lesesne, the winner of the Edmund J. Farrell Award for Distinguished Service and Achievement (posthumous). 

This is the last month Ivy and I will be the hosts for this podcast; from now on, it will be an all section podcast and publish content quarterly (June, September, December, and March).  We will have bonus content from time to time-including April's interview with Naomi Shihab Nye. We have really enjoyed producing this podcast for the last year!  Thank you for listening!  

Learnin' & Yearnin' is a podcast created by the High School Section of TCTELA.  Its purpose is to support educators of English Language Arts in the state of Texas.  There are interviews and topic discussions with educators, student opinions of hot topic items, and much more

Mar 21, 202201:09:42
Learnin' & Yearnin' Ep. 7 "Rising Leaders Program TCTELA"

Learnin' & Yearnin' Ep. 7 "Rising Leaders Program TCTELA"

In this episode, hosts Ande Parlow and Ivy Gowdy turn over the production to our Rising Leader crew.  There is an interview with Rising Leader facilitators Caty Dearing, and Alyssa Wilson. We will hear from Rising Leaders from the past and the hot topic discussion this month is about the program and the concept of teacher leaders with past Rising Leaders Eva Goins, Isabel Tuliao, and Lawanda Williams. 

Learnin' & Yearnin' is a podcast created by the High School Section of TCTELA.  Its purpose is to support educators of English Language Arts in the state of Texas.  There are interviews and topic discussions with educators, student opinions of hot topic items, and much more.

Feb 16, 202254:31
Learnin' & Yearnin' Ep. 6 "Hopes and Fears"

Learnin' & Yearnin' Ep. 6 "Hopes and Fears"

In this episode, hosts Ande Parlow and Ivy Gowdy discuss our fears for education currently and our future hopes to fix those issues in the profession.  Our guest for our Hot Topic Discussion this month is educational consultant and TCTELA Professional Development Chair, Dr. Lois Barker.  We have an interview with local healer, Traci Mahannah. The recurring segment, Code Red with Dr. Rose, is about Lucy Caulkins and the usefulness of her lessons.

Learnin' & Yearnin' is a podcast created by the High School Section of TCTELA.  Its purpose is to support educators of English Language Arts in the state of Texas.  There are interviews and topic discussions with educators, student opinions of hot topic items, and much more

Jan 15, 202256:54
Bit of a break

Bit of a break

Hosts Ande Parlow and Ivy Gowdy are taking a little break.  It is a busy time of the year for them personally and schoolwise, so the podcast is taking a short hiatus.  We will have a new episode hopefully in December or January, so stay tuned!  Thank you for your understanding and remember you can always email Ande at artsyparlow@gmail.com if you need any support from the high school section.  

Nov 30, 202101:13
Learnin' & Yearnin' Ep. 5 "Being Other"

Learnin' & Yearnin' Ep. 5 "Being Other"

In this episode, hosts Ande Parlow and Ivy Gowdy discuss students who are on the fringes-our marginalized pops.  There is an interview with the Managing/Artistic Director of Amarillo Little Theatre, Jason Crespin. We will hear from the kids about their differences and how they are treated at school. The recurring segment, Code Red with Dr. Rose, is about ESSER funds and how best to use them.

Learnin' & Yearnin' is a podcast created by the High School Section of TCTELA.  Its purpose is to support educators of English Language Arts in the state of Texas.  There are interviews and topic discussions with educators, student opinions of hot topic items, and much more.

Sep 28, 202101:10:13
Learnin' & Yearnin' Ep. 4 "Getting with the Times"

Learnin' & Yearnin' Ep. 4 "Getting with the Times"

In this episode, hosts Ande Parlow and Ivy Gowdy discuss changes that need to happen in order for education systems to be better for our students in the current time and towards the future.  There are interviews with educational consultant, Dr. Lois Barker, and educational guru and professional development author, Pernille Ripp. These interviews focus on how we can move into the 21st century with our educational foundations based on the students and on the changing demands of teachers and classrooms.  We will hear from the kids about how they view teachers and school rules. The recurring segment, Code Red with Dr. Rose, is about the need to start right with our student writers.  


Learnin' & Yearnin' is a podcast created by the High School Section of TCTELA.  Its purpose is to support educators of English Language Arts in the state of Texas.  There are interviews and topic discussions with educators, student opinions of hot topic items, and much more.

Aug 26, 202101:08:07
Learnin' & Yearnin' Ep. 3 "Writing miniepisode July"

Learnin' & Yearnin' Ep. 3 "Writing miniepisode July"

In this episode, hosts Ande Parlow and Ivy Gowdy are joined by Dr. Shona Rose to discuss writing.  We also have a segment with Dr. Lois Barker recommending some good writing resources. Finally we will hear from the kids telling us their favorite all time writing assignments. The recurring segment, Code Red with Dr. Rose, is on a summer break but will return in August.


Learnin' & Yearnin' is a podcast created by the High School Section of TCTELA.  Its purpose is to support educators of English Language Arts in the state of Texas.  There are interviews and topic discussions with educators, student opinions of hot topic items, and much more.

Jul 26, 202138:17
July Full Writing Resources Recording with Dr. Lois Barker

July Full Writing Resources Recording with Dr. Lois Barker

Dr. Lois Barker, TCTELA Professional Development Chair, shares some insight and resources on writing.

Jul 26, 202115:01
Learnin & Yearnin Ep. 2 "Reading miniepisode June"

Learnin & Yearnin Ep. 2 "Reading miniepisode June"

In this episode, hosts Ande Parlow and Ivy Gowdy discuss reading  There are interviews with Richard McGowan, librarian at Tascosa High School in Amarillo, TX, and a look into the Check Me Out; A Podcast for Book Lovers in a talk with hosts Amy Hart and Hilary Hulsey. These interviews focus on challenges in reading and building motivation in readers.  Finally we will hear from the kids recommending some reads they enjoyed this year. A recurring segment, Code Red with Dr. Rose, is on a summer break but will return in August.

Student recommended reads from this episode:

Flamer Mike Curato
How to Hang a Witch Adriana Mather
Hunger Games Suzanne Collins
Blackthorn Key Kevin Sands
Sophomores and Other Oxymorons David Lubar
Shadowhunter; City of Bones Cassandra Clare
Amulet Kazu Kibuishi
Six of Crows Leigh Bardugo
Prada and Prejudice Mandy Hubbard
Percy Jackson Rick Riordan
Selection Kiera Cass

Learnin and Yearnin is a podcast created by the High School Section of TCTELA.  Its purpose is to support educators of English Language Arts in the state of Texas.  There are interviews and topic discussions with educators, student opinions of hot topic items, and much more.

Jun 07, 202137:41
Learnin' & Yearnin' Ep. 1 "The Year"

Learnin' & Yearnin' Ep. 1 "The Year"

In this episode, hosts Ande Parlow and Ivy Gowdy discuss teaching during a pandemic year.  There are interviews with principal RJ Soleyjacks of Amarillo, TX and North Heights Advocate Melodie Graves also of Amarillo, TX. These interviews focus on challenges from the last year and on increasing equity in our school systems.  A recurring segment, Code Red with Dr. Rose, is about the difference in "instructions" and "instruction" in the classroom post COVID. Finally we will hear from the kids about how virtual learning affected them.


Learnin' & Yearnin' is a podcast created by the High School Section of TCTELA.  Its purpose is to support educators of English Language Arts in the state of Texas.  There are interviews and topic discussions with educators, student opinions of hot topic items, and much more.

Jun 05, 202101:18:49
May Full Interview with Melodie Graves

May Full Interview with Melodie Graves

Full interview from May episode of Learnin' & Yearnin'

North Heights Advocate, Melodie Graves of Amarillo

Jun 04, 202146:38
May Full Interview with RJ Soleyjacks

May Full Interview with RJ Soleyjacks

Full interview from May episode of Learnin' & Yearnin'.

Bivins Elementary Principal, RJ Soleyjacks of Amarillo.

Jun 04, 202152:43
A Chat with Penny Kittle

A Chat with Penny Kittle

This time, I have the amazing opportunity to visit with Penny Kittle, and we talk about navigating our new reality.
Apr 07, 202021:46
A Chat with Rebekah O'Dell

A Chat with Rebekah O'Dell

Alissa Crabtree and Charles Moore chat with the amazing Rebekah O'Dell.
Feb 27, 202020:56
A Chat With Karen Otto of Southlake, TX.
Sep 19, 201908:44
A Chat with Dr. Helen Becker of League City, TX

A Chat with Dr. Helen Becker of League City, TX

Welcome to the TCTELA High School Section Podcast! Today we visit with Dr. Helen Becker, a literacy leader from League City, TX, just south of Houston. Helen shares her book list, her educational journey, and the ideas that are driving her literacy passion. Email mooreliteracy1@gmail.com for info on the HS section.

Aug 20, 201912:02