School Me

All the Books for All the Kids With Kwame Alexander Mar 02, 2025

A conversation with Kwame Alexander: a poet, educator, and best-selling author of The Crossover, Booked, The Door of No Return, and so many other books that have inspired young readers across the country. In celebration of NEA’s Read Across America, Kwame has teamed up with NEA for a unique project—bringing literature and music together with a jazz-infused reading of The Crossover. You can hear Kwame’s special 10th anniversary reading at https://www.nea.org/crossover.

Collective Bargaining is Back in Fairfax Feb 17, 2025

In 2020, collective bargaining for public sector workers returned to Virginia after a nearly 50-year ban—a huge win for Virginia educators. But change doesn't happen overnight. Fairfax Education Association President Leslie Houston joins the show to talk about how educators in Fairfax, Virginia came together to create their first collective bargaining agreement since the ban, and what other districts can do to bring similar wins to their schools.

Moments From a Teacher’s Monthly Grocery Run Jan 31, 2025

Read more from Mary Ellen about how low pay affects education across the nation, and how unions are helping educators get the pay increases they deserve:

https://www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/dear-educators-youre-still-not-paid-enough

As the nation’s largest labor union, we stand in solidarity with the Costco Teamsters in their fight for a fair contract. Just as we fight for the rights and dignity of educators and their communities, we proudly stand with all workers demanding the wages and benefits they deserve.

An Innovative Apprenticeship Program for Teachers Jan 15, 2025

Learn more about the Washington Education Association’s Apprenticeship Residency in Teaching https://www.washingtonea.org/events-training/residency/

Read (and Rap) Across America with Dwayne Reed Dec 17, 2024

Learn more about Read Across America, and access the calendar: https://www.nea.org/readacrossamerica

Check out Simon B. Rhymin' : https://www.nea.org/professional-excellence/student-engagement/read-across-america/find-your-book/simon-b-rhymin

Your Questions About Retirement Nov 15, 2024

Mentioned in this episode:

Pensions, Explained for Educators - https://www.nea.org/resource-library/pensions-explained-educators

Frequently Asked Questions about Pensions - https://www.nea.org/resource-library/frequently-asked-questions-about-pensions

Moments From a See Educators Run Training Oct 29, 2024

Check out NEA.org/SeeEducatorsRun for more information about taking the first step toward holding public office.

AI in Education Oct 16, 2024

Mentioned in this episode:

Moments From a High School Culinary Class Jul 02, 2024

See photos from the kitchen, the transcript, and more here.

The ESP Bill of Rights Jun 15, 2024

Learn more about the ESP Bill of Rights campaign: http://nea.org/espbillofrights

Defend Black History with Rashad Robinson Jun 01, 2024

Defending the right to learn about our country’s full history naturally includes defending the right to learn about Black history. As certain politicians seek to ban books by Black authors and ban courses that teach the truth about the Black experience in America, we are fighting back to ensure all students have access to an honest education. One of NEA’s partners in this work is Color Of Change, a racial justice organization committed to building power and making justice real for Black people. Today’s guest, Rashad Robinson, is the President of Color Of Change.

70 Years of Brown v. Board May 15, 2024

Read the report, "The Legal and Pedagogical Case for Culturally Responsive and Racially Inclusive Public Education for All Students".

Danielle's Book Recommendations:

- Schoolhouse Burning by Derek Black

- Engines of Liberty by David Cole

- The Lie That Binds by Ellie Langford

Mental Health in Higher Education May 01, 2024

Read Mary Ellen's latest article, The Mental Health Crisis Among Faculty and College Staff.

Also, see The Mental Health Crisis on College Campuses.

How to Be Strike-Ready Apr 15, 2024

They say that the best way to prevent a strike is to prepare for one. So how can educators successfully avoid striking, while also having their demands met? Leah VanDassor, president of the St. Paul Federation of Educators, and executive board member Quentin Wathum-Ocama discuss how St. Paul, MN educators prepared for their recent negotiations, and how you can use their example as a helpful guide for your upcoming bargain.

The State of Community Schools Apr 01, 2024

Learn more about Community Schools at NEA.org/CommunitySchools

Supporting Students with Disabilities Mar 15, 2024

Mentioned in this episode:

https://www.nea.org/individuals-with-disabilities
Course: “Disability Representation: Historical Perspectives and the Impact of Media”. The course is free for NEA members and $39.99 for non-members. https://www.nea.org/professional-excellence/professional-learning/resources/disability-rights-and-inclusion-online-learning-opportunity
Disability-friendly Language: Words Matter! Disability Language Etiquette | NEA

Why New Teachers and ESPs Make a Dynamic Team Mar 01, 2024

In this episode, we explore the invaluable partnership between Education Support Professionals (or ESPs) and new and aspiring educators in schools. Our guests, Joie Moore, an ESP from Ohio, and Demetrius Dove, an aspiring educator from Georgia, share their insights and experiences in fostering strong partnerships within the school community.

Moments from A Nature-Based, Outdoor Pre-Kindergarten Feb 16, 2024

View photos of the class in action and more from NEA Today here.

Demystifying AP African American Studies Jan 31, 2024

Read more about AP African American Studies: https://www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/what-really-happens-ap-african-american-studies

Taking Action on Gun Violence Jan 16, 2024

Read the latest article about the gun violence epidemic from NEA Today: https://www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/we-can-change-educators-take-gun-violence

Also mentioned in this episode:

Encore: Battling Educator Stress Dec 18, 2023

Mentioned in this episode:

The Center for Educator Wellness and Learning

Recognizing Yourself as a Leader Dec 01, 2023

Update: The State of Student Debt Nov 16, 2023

Mentioned in this episode:

Rise Up for LGBTQ+ Youth with GLSEN Nov 01, 2023

Mentioned in this episode:

Take the Rise Up Pledge: https://www.glsen.org/riseup
Ask Congress to Rise Up: https://act.glsen.org/a/congress-rise-up-2023
Rise Up Proclamation Map: https://maps.glsen.org/rise-up-proclamations/
State and Local Rise Up Proclamation toolkit: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jEaB3suSlfuX42aBc1xSeR54_hEiLfWcocuz2Rt8qro/edit

What Behavioral Specialists Want You To Know Oct 16, 2023

Student behavior is a major challenge for educators these days, and it’s more important than ever to learn how to respond to those behaviors in a compassionate, effective, and safe way. To discuss these strategies, Rosa DiPiazza, a school psychologist and behavioral specialist in Delaware, joins the show.

Champion the Freedom to Read With Author Duncan Tonatiuh Sep 25, 2023

Mentioned in this episode:

Find "A Land of Books: Dreams of Young Mexihcah Word Painters" on this year's Read Across America Calendar!
Take action on book banning - https://educationvotes.nea.org/bannedbooks /
Pen America - https://pen.org/
Every Library - https://www.everylibrary.org/
Learn more about Duncan and his books - https://duncantonatiuh.com/

Parent Partnership and Family Engagement Sep 15, 2023

Parents, guardians, and family members are essential parts of every school community—Their involvement can not only improve the learning experience for students but also the working conditions of educators. To discuss how family engagement can be a game changer for educators, Maria Miranda, current UTLA Elementary Vice President, joins the podcast.

Winning Higher Pay Sep 01, 2023

Teachers are making $3,644 less, on average, than they did 10 years ago, adjusted for inflation. In this episode, two guests who were part of successful efforts to win higher pay for educators in their states share their experiences, strategies, and insights on how they and their fellow union members achieved victory, and share how you can do the same in your state.

Organizing, Member to Member Aug 09, 2023

Mentioned in this episode:

Member-to-member organizing article: https://www.nea.org/advocating-for-change/new-from-nea/educators-are-stronger-together-0

Education and the Supreme Court Aug 02, 2023

From free speech rights to religious freedom, equal access to education, and the delicate balance between privacy and safety, the legal intricacies and real-world implications of Supreme Court rulings cannot be understated. Alice O’Brien, NEA’s General Counsel, returns to the show to discuss the recent Supreme Court decisions that have had major effects on our country and what they mean specifically for educators and students.

Educator Advocacy Rights Jul 14, 2023

Mentioned in this episode:

Read the full Educator Advocacy Rights report: https://www.nea.org/advocacy-rights

Update: Navigating Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws at School Jun 30, 2023

Alice O'Brien, NEA’s General Counsel, is back to give an update on Florida's "Don't Say Gay" and "Don't Say They" laws, and discuss which states have been following in its footsteps by introducing their own discriminatory laws.

Introducing Our 2023 ESP of the Year Jun 22, 2023

Each year, the NEA searches the country for school support staff who are going above and beyond for their students, their school, and their communities, and names one outstanding member as the National Education Support Professional (ESP) of the Year. Pamella Johnson, a Behavioral Interventionist from Washington state, was given this prestigious honor in 2023. Learn about the path that led to her career in education, how she became NEA’s ESP of the Year, and what she’ll be focused on this year as a spokesperson for ESPs and issues affecting ESP nationwide.

Rethinking Standardized Testing Jun 01, 2023

#TeacherTok: Educators as Influencers May 11, 2023

Follow Jess Hawk on social media:

How Educators Build Community Schools Apr 24, 2023

Leslie Hu, a Community School Coordinator in San Francisco, discusses the benefits of the community school model, how it differs from traditional public schools, and how educators can start transforming their own schools into vibrant community hubs.

Bonus Episode: Special Education and Inclusion from OEA Grow Mar 22, 2023

How does special education connect to a safe, welcoming, and inclusive school? In this episode, Leonne talks with life skills and peer tutoring special education teacher Niels Pasternak (Eugene EA) to answer this question. Niels is also the Chair of the OEA Special Education Committee and the Executive Director of Educational Equity Now. For Niels, special education is all about inclusivity, serving all students, and helping all students feel like they fit in. To do this, he recommends focusing on students' needs, strengths, and interests. Neils also points to approaches like differentiated instruction and Universal Design for Learning because when it comes to education, one size doesn't fit all. Leonne and Niels also discuss the power of life skills and peer tutoring programs in their schools. Finally, Niels explains the work of the OEA Special Education Committee, the OEA Educator Empowerment Academy, and the member resources provided by both.

Battling Educator Stress Mar 14, 2023

Mentioned in this episode:

The Center for Educator Wellness and Learning

Books as Mirrors and Windows Mar 01, 2023

Celebrate diverse readers and diverse stories with Read Across America! https://readacrossamerica.org/

The Power of Pre-K Feb 14, 2023

Pre-K is more than just daycare — it prepares students for a lifetime of learning. Amber Pagan, a Pre-K teacher in Kansas, discusses the importance of Pre-K education, the rigor of pre-k curriculum, and the professional skills required to teach our youngest students each day.

Teaching Black History, Meaningfully Jan 27, 2023

Mentioned in this episode:

Rethinking Schools

The Zinn Education Project

Too Dope Teachers and a Mic Podcast

Social and Emotional Learning 101 Jan 11, 2023

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Navigating Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws at School Dec 02, 2022

Find resources to support LGBTQ+ students from GLSEN here: https://www.glsen.org/

How to Become a Teacher - Pt. 3 - My Path to the Classroom Nov 16, 2022

Get more information about micro-credentials here.

Learn about NEA's Aspiring Educators Program here.

Find every episode of this series and relevant resources here.

Educators and Elections Nov 03, 2022

Election Day is rapidly approaching, and educators have a lot on the line this year. Amy Harrison, a special education teacher in her 23rd year of teaching in North Carolina, shares her experiences with getting involved in local and state politics and the tangible effects of educators fighting for their students in the political realm.

Supporting Student Advocacy With Rahaf Othman Sep 29, 2022

Rahaf Othman is an Illinois high school history teacher with 26 years of experience, who has a passion for helping her students make their voices heard. On this episode, she shares the stories of her students’ activism during the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement and over the years, and how their passions have changed not only their school but the surrounding community.

How to Win With Collective Bargaining and Member Advocacy Aug 25, 2022

Collective bargaining and member advocacy empower us to fight for enhancements to student learning and educator working conditions–which in turn benefits our schools and communities as a whole. To help demystify the concept of collective bargaining, we're bringing 3 guests on the show to break down the various tools members have at their disposal to win on the issues that matter most.

Representation matters with author Wendy Shang Aug 01, 2022

Browse the NEW 2022-2023 Red Across America Calendar at http://www.readacrossamerica.org/

Educating Students With Disabilities in a Pandemic Context Jul 19, 2022

This episode originally aired in January 2021. For more resources on supporting individuals with special needs, visit https://www.nea.org/disabilities.

Living Your Authentic Self as an LGTBQ+ Educator Jun 17, 2022

Check out our LGBTQ+ resources for education, celebration, and resistance here: https://www.nea.org/resource-library/nea-lgbtq-resources

Fighting Period Poverty in Schools May 23, 2022

Update: The bill Sarah and her students fought for to end period poverty in Hawaii Public Schools, SB 2821, recently passed and is now awaiting the Governor's signature at the end of June 2022.

Visit NEA's EdJustice site at: https://neaedjustice.org/

Supporting Grieving Students Apr 29, 2022

For more grief resources for educators, visit https://www.nea.org/grief.

The Educator Shortage Apr 15, 2022

To learn more about how NEA can assist with the management, reduction, or even cancellation of student debt for members, visit nea.org/studentdebt.

For more information about the American Rescue Plan funds and their potential uses, visit nea.org/arptool.

How to Become a Teacher - Pt. 2 - Student Teaching Mar 10, 2022

You can find more information and expanded show notes at https://www.nea.org/becomeateacher

The Power of Storytelling With Author Andrea Davis Pinkney Feb 09, 2022

Looking for more tips, resources, and opportunities to build your professional skills? Text POD to 48744 to have the latest sent straight to your phone.

When Educators Run for Office Jan 26, 2022

NEA has trained nearly 300 members on how to run for public office and win. Are you thinking of running for office yourself? Text RUN to 48744 for more information.

The PSLF Changes That Could Change Your Life Jan 09, 2022

You can apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness at studentaid.gov/pslf.

And every NEA member can get free help applying for PSLF (and with any questions about student debt) by going to neamb.com/Savi.

If you are not a member of NEA, you can join by going to nea.org/join.

The Science of Learning, Continued Dec 14, 2021

Read "The Science of Learning" here: https://www.nea.org/advocating-for-change/new-from-nea/science-learning?utm_source=schoolmepod&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=podcastnotes

How to Become a Teacher - Pt. 1 - Licensure Oct 29, 2021

You can find more information and expanded show notes at https://www.nea.org/becomeateacher

Know your rights, teach the truth - Alice O'Brien Oct 13, 2021

You can view our frequently asked questions about Honesty in Education and find more legal insight here: https://www.nea.org/resource-library/teach-truth-know-your-rights-faq

Read Across America with author Donna Barba Higuera Sep 14, 2021

El Cucuy is Scared, Too! is September's Read Across America pick for Elementary students. For the full calendar of recommendations and more info, visit http://readacrossamerica.com

We launched a Read Across America sweepstakes! Win books for EVERY class in your school: https://www.nea.org/read-across-america-sweepstakes

Tackling Remote Learning as a Deaf Educator Aug 18, 2021

Angela Dolan, a deaf educator in Columbus, Ohio, joins the podcast to discuss the challenges of educating students with special needs in a virtual setting and the ways in which unionism has changed her view of her career.

Battling Student Debt as an Educator Jul 27, 2021

If you are an NEA member struggling with student debt, NEA may be able to help. Visit https://www.nea.org/your-rights-workplace/fair-pay-benefits/student-debt-support for more information.

To learn more about student loan debt among educators and to take action to fight against the student debt crisis, visit nea.org/studentdebt2021.

Leaning on Your Fellow Educators in a Pandemic Jul 07, 2021

This was recorded in May 2021.

Mental Health Matters for Aspiring Educators May 06, 2021

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we spoke with KY aspiring educator Larrissa Loyd about how her mental health journey has influenced her passion for teaching, and how it may change the way she approaches her first full-time teaching position. TW: child abuse, suicide.

Restorative Justice and Practices in School - Part 2 Mar 12, 2021

This is part 2 of 2 in our conversation with 28-year educator Robin McNair about the life-changing power of restorative practices in schools.

Restorative Justice and Practices in School - Part 1 Mar 05, 2021

Robin McNair, a 28-year educator and Restorative Approaches Coordinator in Maryland, joins the podcast to answer our questions about how restorative practices can change school environments for the better (and for all students). This is part 1 of 2, so stay tuned for the conclusion of our conversation.

Educating Students With Disabilities in a Pandemic Jan 25, 2021

April Burch is a paraprofessional currently working in clerical services and co-founder of Cooking Autism, a nonprofit that helps educators offer life skills programs to children with disabilities. As a mother to two sons with special needs herself, she discusses the unique experience of educating students with disabilities during a pandemic.

A bigger vision with NEA President Becky Pringle Dec 17, 2020

Becky Pringle, current NEA president, stops by the podcast to talk about her path from science teacher to union leader, and her vision for the NEA -- and public education as a whole.

The ESP who's training thousands on implicit bias Nov 18, 2020

Aneeka Ferrell, a Substitute Coordinator in Washington, has seen a passion of hers take off in a big way in 2020: educators are clamoring for her implicit bias trainings. Aneeka joins the podcast to discuss the importance of recognizing and challenging your biases -- about everything from race, to gender, to disabilities -- for the sake of your students.

Becoming an educator in the COVID-19 era with the NEA Aspiring Ed Chair Oct 28, 2020

The recently elected Chair of the NEA Aspiring Educators Program Cameo Kendrick stops by to discuss the unique position of the next generation of educators -- who are graduating and beginning their careers in the midst of a pandemic -- and her vision for the role of Aspiring Educators within the Association.

Living Your Authentic Self: LGBTQ+ Educators Sep 24, 2020

Jaim Foster, a 20-year early childhood educator, shares his experiences—from Nebraska to Virginia—as a gay teacher and LGBTQ+ advocate, and offers advice for early career LGBTQ+ educators.

Back to School: Your Rights, Explained - Part 2 Aug 26, 2020

Find more resources and information about your rights at educatingthroughcrisis.org

Back to School: Your Rights, Explained - Part 1 Aug 19, 2020

Find more resources and information about your rights at educatingthroughcrisis.org

Cancel Student Loan Debt! Aug 05, 2020

Access NEA Member Benefits' student loan debt resources here: https://www.neamb.com/student-loan-debt

Leading with a Social Justice Lens Jun 24, 2020

Michael Carvella, a Curriculum & Technology Coach from Tennessee, shares the story of his career and mission to create equity in classrooms through curriculum. This episode was recorded in 2019.

Lessons in Trauma-Informed Instruction from a Maryland Teacher of the Year May 29, 2020

Dr. Richard Warren, Jr., the 2018-19 Maryland Teacher of the Year, shares the story of his unique path to education and discusses how trauma-aware instruction can be critical for students. This episode was recorded before the COVID-19 outbreak began.

Your Rights and Benefits During the Pandemic May 04, 2020

Educators are in a unique position when it comes to social distancing. Plus, educators have their own families to care for in the midst of a public health crisis. Host Natieka Samuels talks virtually to NEA's General Counsel, Alice O'Brien, about what educators are entitled to and should be mindful of as they navigate their jobs and their health.

Tell Congress to cancel student debt now: https://educationvotes.nea.org/2020/04/17/as-part-of-covid-relief-cancel-student-debt/

A Mom's Advice for Her Aspiring Educator Son Apr 15, 2020

This episode was recorded in the fall of 2019, before the novel coronavirus outbreak. We thought you may enjoy a break from the news to hear Lori's story and advice.

Effective Communication Tips for ESPs Mar 19, 2020

Kimberly Scott-Hayden, a New Jersey Education Association executive committee member, talks to host Natieka Samuels about facilitating open and honest communication and cultural awareness for ESPs.

Finding your voice as a man of color in the classroom Feb 20, 2020

Tyrone Terry, a teaching veteran with 33 years of experience from New Orleans to Maryland, talks to host Natieka Samuels about mentoring teachers (specifically men) of color and supporting them throughout their early career.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the School Me podcast so you’ll never miss an episode!

When You’re the Only One: Navigating a Lack of Diversity Feb 05, 2020

Erica Avent, a 14-year educator from Mississippi, adjunct professor, and board member of the Mississippi Association of Educators, discusses the importance of representation and ways to support minority students and educators.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the School Me podcast so you’ll never miss an episode!

Resources for Paraeducators and Fine-Tuning Your Skills Jan 23, 2020

Tameka Mays, a paraprofessional and Paraeducator of the Year from Delaware, shares advice to hone your skills as a paraeducator and resources to use within your career as an ESP.

Since recording this episode, the NEA’s ESP Leaders for Tomorrow program has been revamped as ESPLI (ESP Leadership Institute). Visit nea.org/espli for more information.

You may download and review the ESP Professional Growth Continuum here

Don’t forget to subscribe to the School Me podcast so you’ll never miss an episode!

From Aspiring Educator to Full-Time Teacher Jan 08, 2020

Chelsey Short, a former NEA Aspiring Educators Program Chair and third year elementary school teacher, reflects on her career so far and offers some insight to aspiring educators on transitioning to full time teaching with the help of the union.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the School Me podcast so you’ll never miss an episode!

Bridging the Generation Gap Dec 17, 2019

Lindy Hiatt-Hecox, a retired elementary school specialist with 33 years of experience, shares her insights from mentoring early educators and how every generation of educators can learn from one another.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the School Me podcast so that you’ll never miss an episode!

How Educators of Color Can Define Their Own Path Dec 04, 2019

Ambereen Khan-Baker, a senior policy and program specialist at NEA and 13-year educator, joins us to talk about teaching as a woman of color, and how becoming National Board Certified helped her find her voice.

Learn more about and join EdCommunities here.

Learn more about National Board Certification here.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the School Me podcast so that you’ll never miss an episode!

Standing with ESPs Nov 18, 2019

Karl Goeke & John Scanlan, members of NEA’s ESP Career Committee, discuss the key values of partnership and collaboration between teachers, ESPs, and the school community, and how they collectively contribute to everyone’s success.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the School Me podcast so that you’ll never miss an episode!

Bringing the Black Lives Matter Week of Action to Your School Nov 08, 2019

Erika Strauss Chavarria and Denisha Jones discuss the importance of bringing a racial and social justice lens to the classroom, and how educators can bring the Black Lives Matter week of action to their schools.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the School Me podcast so that you’ll never miss an episode!

Career Growth for ESPs Oct 15, 2019

Nicki Belnap, an accountant at an Oregon community college and graduate of NEA’s “ESP Leaders for Tomorrow” program, discusses her unique career path and shares tips for ESP leadership and professional growth.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the School Me podcast so that you’ll never miss an episode!

Connection and Compassion at School Sep 23, 2019

Rowena Shurn, a 14-year classroom veteran and current NEA senior Program and Policy Analyst Specialist, talks to us about focusing on human connection in the classroom and teaching with compassion for students’ circumstances.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the School Me podcast so that you’ll never miss an episode!

What’s a Community School, Anyway? Sep 04, 2019

Kyle Serrette, a Senior Policy Analyst at NEA, helps us understand community schools — what they are, how they work, and how they’re helping students across the country succeed.

Learn more about community schools and how to transform your local school into one here: http://www.nea.org/communityschools.

Or, visit one of Kyle’s recommended resources here: https://communityschools.futureforlearning.org/

Don’t forget to subscribe to the School Me podcast so that you’ll never miss an episode!

Building Relationships at All Levels Aug 21, 2019

Shari Collins, a semi-retired training specialist from Omaha, NE, with 33 years of educational experience, discusses building relationships throughout both the classroom and the community.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the School Me podcast so that you’ll never miss an episode!

Introduction to: Early Career Learning Labs Aug 14, 2019

Rachael Poppe, a 15 year teaching professional from Green Bay, WI, shares her knowledge about resources for educators and NEA’s Early Career Learning Labs.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the School Me podcast so that you’ll never miss an episode!

Paraeducator Perspective Aug 08, 2019

Rochelle Greenwell, a 3rd grade math paraeducator in Kent, WA with 8 years of experience, talks about the foundation for a good relationship between teachers and paraeducators.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the School Me podcast so that you’ll never miss an episode!

The Teacher & Paraeducator Team Jul 24, 2019

Courtney Dooley & Tameka Mays are a teacher and paraeducator team who’ve spent 2 years together in their math and science classroom in Newcastle, DE. They share their tips about the teacher/paraeducator relationship and how to get the most out of it while supporting students.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the School Me podcast so that you’ll never miss an episode!

Dynamic Duos: Cultivating a Successful Teacher-Paraeducator Relationship Jul 11, 2019

Tricia Lucie & Whitney Barber share school year preparation tips from the perspectives of a classroom teacher and a paraeducator. This dynamic duo exemplifies a supportive and successful teacher-paraeducator relationship.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the School Me podcast so that you’ll never miss an episode!

Navigating Your Career in a Testing Environment Jun 19, 2019

Candace Gautney, a high school testing coordinator in Tallahassee, FL, and a 15 year educational professional, talks about gauging student progress and ways new educators can reach out to their coordinators for support within instruction and testing environments.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the School Me podcast so that you’ll never miss an episode!

Building the Next Generation of Leaders Jun 05, 2019

Melody Andrews, a high school English teacher and student leadership mentor in Dumfries, VA, talks about working with student leaders in the classroom and providing them with the tools they need to help them in the future.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the School Me podcast so that you’ll never miss an episode!

Professional Development for ESPs May 22, 2019

Andrea Beeman, an 18-year paraeducator from Maple Heights, OH, shares the ins and outs of professional development for ESP and the benefits of PD.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the School Me podcast so that you’ll never miss an episode!

The Virtue of Patience in the Classroom Apr 24, 2019

Erika Fehr, a general elementary school paraeducator in Helena, MT, talks about the virtue of patience and keeping that tranquil mindset in the classroom.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the School Me podcast so that you’ll never miss an episode!

For the Love of Reading Apr 10, 2019

Willie Shelby, a literacy specialist from Montgomery, AL, talks about engaging young readers in the classroom and helping them to nourish that love of reading for life.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the School Me podcast so that you’ll never miss an episode!

The Path to Leadership as an ESP Mar 26, 2019

Saul Ramos, a 20 year paraeducator from Massachusetts, shares his path to leadership as an ESP and practice as a paraeducator.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the School Me podcast so that you’ll never miss an episode!

Surviving the early years Mar 15, 2019

Kadrien Wilson, only three years out of college and teaching 3rd grade in NC, shares her advice for new career educators and tips as a new and young professional.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the School Me podcast so that you’ll never miss an episode!

Why Unions Matter for Early Career Educators Feb 23, 2019

Felicia Raney, a language arts teacher from Camden, OH with 21 years under her belt, shares her advice about the importance of union memberships for early career educators and being active in your union.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the School Me podcast so that you’ll never miss an episode!

Tips to Get Through That “Mid-Year Slump” Feb 08, 2019

Jada Jackson, a current mathematics coach from Columbus, OH and 21 year classroom veteran, discusses tips to help teachers get through that “mid-year slump.”

Don’t forget to subscribe to the School Me podcast so that you’ll never miss an episode!

Educator Ethics in the Classroom Jan 25, 2019

Callie Marksbary, an elementary school educator in Lafayette, IN, and Patty Barrette, director of professional development at North Dakota United, discuss ‘The Model Code of Educator Ethics’ and navigating the use of social media and technology for new teachers.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the School Me podcast so that you’ll never miss an episode!

Are Sports a Foundation for Academic Success? Jan 10, 2019

Jermaine Guinyard, a former college athlete from Ohio State turned physical education teacher and coach, discusses how sports can play a key role in student academic success – not just a great foundation for physical health.

Are You Allowed to Smile Before December? Oct 29, 2018

David May, a middle school teacher from San Bernardino, CA with 9 years of teaching under his belt, shares tips and techniques for connecting with students, and when educators can show their personality. Are you allowed to smile before December? School Me dives into the answer.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the School Me podcast so that you’ll never miss an episode!

Dealing with the First Day Jitters Oct 15, 2018

Michelle Holloway, a special education teacher from Mobile, AL, discusses getting through the first day of school and quelling those first day jitters.

Lesson Planning Sep 06, 2018

Annette Romano, a veteran educator with 31 years of experience from New York, shares tips for lesson planning for new and early career educators.

ESP getting involved Aug 16, 2018

Carmen Hill, a career school nurse who’s covered K-12, talks about taking on leadership roles within your school as an education support professional.

Best Practices for Connecting with Students Aug 01, 2018

Rebecca Gamboa, a fifth grade teacher with 22 years of experience from Illinois, discusses the best practices for connecting with disadvantaged students and how to get those students involved in the classroom along with their families.

Adapting the Classroom for a Changing World Jul 26, 2018

Rebecca Marquis-Cihak, a 26-year classroom veteran from Sacramento, CA, talks about change and growth in the classroom as well as transforming professionally and along-side technology throughout your career.

Tips from a Career Educator Jun 22, 2018

Rodney Jordan, a new assistant principal in Fairfax, VA, discusses the relationship between new administrators and new educators and offers his insights on transitioning from a teaching position to an administrative position.

Self-Care for Educators May 31, 2018

Corinna Owlsey, an 8th grade history and science teacher from Springfield, Illinois, shares her tips for practicing self care as an educator and why it’s important to start early in your career.

5 Things for New Educators to do Over the Summer Apr 30, 2018

Cheryl Dembroksi, a former Maryland kindergarten teacher, shares the top five things new educators should do this summer to make the most of time off and prepare for the school year ahead.

Taking Control of Your Classroom Apr 23, 2018

Cassandra Daniels, from Columbus, OH has taught K-8th grade in her 17 year career, discusses dealing with behavioral challenges in the classroom.

What I wish I knew my first year Apr 16, 2018

Toby Murphy, who’s spent 10 years as a language arts teacher in New Jersey, addresses hindsight bias – he’s traveling back to the beginning of his career to find out what he wishes he knew then and what he might do differently if given the chance.

Handling the Tough Parent Meetings Apr 09, 2018

Robert Rodriguez, a 15-year educator and now special education teacher from San Bernadino, CA, talks best approaches and strategies when it comes to having difficult meetings with parents.

ESP and Teachers Working Together Apr 02, 2018

Carol Peak, an education support professional from Ventura, CA, talks about the critical role ESP play as part of the education team and how both early career and new ESP can find their voice.

Connecting with Students and Parents Mar 26, 2018

Java Robinson, currently a second grade teacher from Montgomery County, MD with 25 years of experience, discusses forming positive relationships with students and parents.

Working With Administrators in Your School Mar 19, 2018

Mitzie Higa, currently a curriculum coordinator and new teacher mentor with 17 years of classroom experience, shares her insights about working with the administrators in your school and making sure they have your back.

Lessons learned away from the classroom Mar 05, 2018

April Reisma has almost 13 years of teaching under her belt; she started teaching but took a break for another career. Now back to teaching, she shares perspectives gained during her time away.

Using Humor in the Classroom Feb 26, 2018

Dan Jordan, an elementary school teacher from Seattle, discusses how to incorporate humor in the classroom and use as a relationship builder and learning tool.

Parent Meetings Feb 19, 2018

Michele Johnson, currently a middle school principal in Prince George’s County MD, shares tips for parent meetings, adding insight as both a classroom teacher and administrator.

Finding Your Passion Feb 12, 2018

Zach Patterson, a math and pre-engineering teacher in Ohio, talks about surviving his first year in the classroom, and offers a fresh look about finding your passion.

Mentors Jan 08, 2018

LaShone Allen, a 19-year classroom veteran from Charlotte, North Carolina, shares her experiences and how she found the best mentors to help her in her career.

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Classroom Management Tips for Early Career Educators Jan 08, 2018

In this episode of our School Me podcast series, Cheryl Martin, a veteran educator from Arizona, discusses best techniques and strategies for classroom management

Earning Respect Jan 08, 2018

Christopher Ho, currently a student activities coordinator on the big island of Hawaii, addresses challenging moments on the two-way street known as respect – with students, parents, and administrators.

The Five Year Mark Jan 08, 2018

Rowena Shurn, an 11-year veteran educator from Prince George’s County, MD, talks about tips for making it past the crucial 5 year mark in teaching.

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