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THE RCA MIX

The best ideas in education come from people who are doing the work and willing to talk honestly about it. On The RCA MiX, award-winning educator and Ron Clark Academy cofounder Kim Bearden sits down with teachers, school leaders, and changemakers for candid conversations about the issues that matter most in schools. From classroom management and student engagement to leadership, culture, and teacher well-being, each episode offers powerful stories, fresh perspectives, and practical ideas you can use right away.

Latest Episodes:

The Science of Reading Meets the Love of Reading | Korey Collins Oct 07, 2026

Show notes

Teaching kids how to read is only part of the job. How do we get them to actually WANT to read?

In this episode of The RCA Mix, I sit down with reading expert and father of six Korey Collins to talk about his own reading journey, the science of reading, and what happens after students have the skills.

Because decoding matters. Fluency matters. Comprehension matters. But if students rarely pick up a book once they can read, we still have work to do.

Korey shares practical ideas for helping students build strong reading skills, read more often, discover books they enjoy, and develop a genuine love of reading.

We have to teach them how to read. Then we have to help them discover why they would want to.

If you want your students to become readers, not just kids who can read, this conversation is for you.

If you want to observe literacy instruction and talk with practicing RCA educators, explore the RCA Experience below.

School Excellence and Engagement: What the House System Really Does | Dr. Junior Bernadin Oct 07, 2026

Show notes

Want stronger student engagement, better behavior, improved attendance, and a school culture where people actually feel like they belong?

In this episode of The RCA Mix, I sit down with RCA house system expert Dr. Junior Bernadin to talk about how schools can intentionally create a culture of belonging through the RCA House System.

We dig into what the research says about belonging and its connection to academic achievement, student engagement, attendance, behavior, and teacher morale.

And yes, house systems can be fun. There may be tutus, cheers, competitions, and plenty of woohoos. But the real power of a house system goes far beyond those things.

Junior shares what schools need to put in place so that the house system becomes more than an event or a theme. It becomes part of the culture.

Because when students and staff feel known, connected, valued, and part of something bigger than themselves, school can feel very different.

If you want to build a stronger culture of belonging at your school, this conversation is for you.

If you want to see Junior and the RCA team build belonging through the house system in person, learn more about RCA EXP below.

How to Avoid Teacher Burnout and Enjoy the Work | Yolanda Boyd Oct 07, 2026

Show notes

Overwhelmed. Overworked. Underappreciated.

Educator burnout is real, but reaching the breaking point does not have to be inevitable.

In the very first episode of the RCA MiX, I sit down with RCA counselor Yolanda Boyd to talk about the stress educators are carrying and what we can actually do about it.

Yolanda shares practical strategies to help you manage stress, protect your energy, recognize the warning signs of burnout, and keep doing the work you love without losing yourself in the process.

Too many great educators are walking away from the profession. We want to help you stay.

If you are pouring into everyone else and running on empty yourself, this episode is for you. ❤️

The RCA MiX with Kim Bearden | Official Trailer Oct 03, 2026

Show notes

One guest. One topic. One honest conversation. Join RCA cofounder Kim Bearden as she talks with educators and changemakers about the issues that matter most in schools. Each conversation brings you candid stories, fresh perspectives, and practical ideas you can use tomorrow.

New episodes are released every other Wednesday.