Episode Archive - Spirit of Teaching

Teacher Tales #47 – Student agency, spotlight learning, NUTS-SATS-TCOL strategies: Matt R, lucky teacher, mentor and expert in student-centered learning

Teacher Tales

Teacher Tales #47 - Student agency, spotlight learning, NUTS-SATS-TCOL strategies: Matt R, lucky teacher, mentor and expert in student-centered learning

00:00 / 00:36:49

In this episode, we will have a truly inspiring conversation with Matt, an award-winning teacher in New Jersey whose enthusiasm and passion for teaching is contagious. Need a lift to rise up to your greatest potential, just listen to Matt! He says that his greatest passion is to make kids feel like they can flourish and be risk-takers in their learning journey. Matt believes that students are just an extension of the teacher and that we need to be coaches, role models and lifelong learners in order to inspire our students to experiment and let their creativity and curiosity run wild. In order to do this, Matt really focuses on developing student agency and has come up with 3 highly effective strategies that empower student learning and allow them to see the relevance of what they are learning. These strategies are NUTS, SATS and TCOL. Listen to Matt explain them and give examples for his Spanish class. BUT the great thing is that these strategies can be implemented in any content area! Check them out, try them out and share with others!

Teacher Tales #46 – The “perfect” teacher, erosion of trust, building a community: Ebony, Spanish teacher in Georgia

Teacher Tales

Teacher Tales #46 - The “perfect” teacher, erosion of trust, building a community: Ebony, Spanish teacher in Georgia

00:00 / 00:30:59

In this episode, we meet Ebony, a Spanish teacher of color who gets real with us about what it is like to be a teacher post-pandemic and in a large metropolitan city in Georgia. Ebony reminds all teachers that we are only ONE person with limited time, and that we are only ONE brick in a foundation of lifelong learning. WOW! Teachers cannot expect to be perfect, should set boundaries and have healthy outlets to prevent burnout. Ebony says that perfection is the enemy of good and that students don’t need a perfect teacher, but rather one who cares and works toward their good. We talk about how one of the biggest obstacles in schools today is the erosion of trust and how it is important to build a community of trust, collaboration and unlimited possibilities for learning. Students must be seen and heard and see themselves and their potential in their teachers as role models, mentors, leaders and guides. Finally, Ebony has some FABULOUS advice for new teachers, although, I think veteran teachers could benefit from her suggestions and insights as well. Check it out!

Teacher Tales #45 – Reaching students, creating stories and setting pathways: Grant, college professor, PD podcaster and one who helps shape our profession

Teacher Tales

Teacher Tales #45 - Reaching students, creating stories and setting pathways: Grant, college professor, PD podcaster and one who helps shape our profession

00:00 / 00:38:48

In this episode, we will gain another perspective on education and be deeply inspired by yet another fabulous educator, this time from the post-secondary world. Grant is a college professor at Georgia Southern where he not only researches and is an expert on chivalry, but he also is a Medievalist and Renaissance scholar. Additionally, he teaches a methods/pedagogy class and prepares teachers for the profession. But wait…there’s more… he also teaches courses in LSP (Language for Specific Purposes) and produces a podcast for teacher “PD on the go” entitled The World Languages Collaborative podcast. I invite you to check it out and share with others. No matter what you teach, you will find ideas and inspiration on Grant’s podcast! He strongly believes that teachers are like fisherman. We cast a net as wide as we can and “hook” our students. Then, through professional development and our lifelong passion for learning, we increase the size of our net and the ability to “hook” more students. Grant also shares so many inspirational insights to the stories that teachers can create for a student through their caring, encouragement and support. As Grant and I explore the power teachers have to set a student on the best pathway toward their future, our conversation travels the depth and breadth of being lifelong learners. I hope you will take a listen, be inspired and travel along with us!

Teacher Tales #44 – International curriculum, global citizenship and the power of “disruption” in education: Brantley, East Asia Education Director Dwight Schools, fluent in Mandarin and education “disruptor”

Teacher Tales

Teacher Tales #44 - International curriculum, global citizenship and the power of “disruption” in education: Brantley, East Asia Education Director Dwight Schools, fluent in Mandarin and education “disruptor”

00:00 / 00:34:40

In this episode, we will gain great insight on education from an international perspective. My guest, Brantley, is the East Asia Education Director of Dwight Schools, and she shares with us the great need for students to be exposed to an international curriculum, to develop intercultural skills and to strive for global citizenship through their education. More importantly, she talks about how we are operating within an educational framework that contains “restraints” and that we need to “disrupt the reality of our context” in order to bring about innovation, ideation and change. Brantley explains that we need to get “out of the box” in our thinking and doing in order to bring to light what is really needed for teachers and their students. She also shares some ideas on how to avoid teacher burnout, how to value teachers more and how to treasure and celebrate what is truly wonderful about the American education system. We can all use that pep talk and inspiration, so please share! You can also check out more about Brantley and the Dwight School here.

Teacher Tales #43 – Uplifting words, no judgments, acknowledging our worth: Adrienne, English teacher, Senior Project Coordinator and supportive colleague

Teacher Tales

Teacher Tales #43 - Uplifting words, no judgments, acknowledging our worth: Adrienne, English teacher, Senior Project Coordinator and supportive colleague

00:00 / 00:31:08

In this episode, I have a personal conversation with Adrienne, a teacher who helped lift me up and kept me going when I was ready to quit and leave the profession. So many teachers are feeling this now, and it is so critical that we realize how important it is to not be negative and pass judgments on each other, but rather to lift each other up with our words and actions. We shouldn’t feel jealousy. It’s not a competition. It is about the profession and acknowledging the worth of EVERY teacher and what strengths they bring to the classroom. Adrienne sums it up well: “we need to motivate and uplift each other to get through our lows.” Amen! Adrienne and I talk about teacher pay, teacher morale and administrative support. But wait…we also talk about how school life is much different than corporate life and how reverence and respect can go a long way toward retaining teachers in the profession. And maybe, THAT is an important part of what each teacher can do to make a difference in education. Reach out and BE THE CHANGE you want to see in your school!

Teacher Tales #42 – Finding a way, showing up and making accommodations: JoAnne, ESL Bilingual District Supervisor, leader/mentor and educational champion for all

Teacher Tales

Teacher Tales #42 - Finding a way, showing up and making accommodations: JoAnne, ESL Bilingual District Supervisor, leader/mentor and educational champion for all

00:00 / 00:34:59

In this episode, we meet JoAnne, a district supervisor in New Jersey who wears many hats. Originally, JoAnne set out to become a lawyer. However, after working in a refugee center in college, JoAnne became impassioned to become a teacher and champion for ESL bilingual students. She became a mentor, leader and instrument for change. JoAnne realized that she was (just) a piece of a bigger “machine” at work and that she needed to show up and do her part to keep the machine running. She couldn’t control the whole machine, just the piece or part that she was in that machine. JoAnne tells us that this creates real power and a sphere of influence that can make a difference. Also, in a moment of vulnerability, JoAnne shares how an accident left her with a traumatic brain injury and how she had to learn to talk, walk, read and write again. Nonetheless, she doesn’t linger there, but instead shares how this has changed her perspective on learning, how the brain works, communication, accommodations and the power of listening. She also has some great advice about how to best deal with parents, something all teachers could use right now, correct? Enjoy and be sure to tuck those pearls of wisdom away in a safe place where you can find them again when you most need them. Thank you, JoAnne! You are a true inspiration to us all!

Teacher Tales #41 – Teacher Talents, Seeing with the Heart and Passing It On!: Jennifer(Ivy), French teacher extraordinaire, Award-winning author and PASSionate educator

Teacher Tales

Teacher Tales #41 - Teacher Talents, Seeing with the Heart and Passing It On!: Jennifer(Ivy), French teacher extraordinaire, Award-winning author and PASSionate educator

00:00 / 00:25:42

In this episode, you are going to meet many people…well, at least it will feel like that because this individual, Jennifer (author name, Ivy), is a multi-talented, accomplished educator that completely debunks the saying “those who can, do and those who can’t, teach”! Like all outstanding and effective teachers, Jennifer has many talents and passions that she shares from her heart to the hearts of her students and those around her. She lives her passion and like one of her favorite characters, the Little Prince, she helps us all see the world through our hearts. As a teacher in the classroom, Jennifer’s passion propelled her to go above and beyond for her students, even without being monetarily compensated because in her heart, she knew that the best and biggest compensation would always be the positive and lifelong impact she would have on her students and the connected relationships that would be with her forever…in her heart and theirs. Jennifer knew that she was planting seeds of love and passion in her students that would blossom and grow into so much more. Jennifer, like so many teachers, is living proof of the ancient proverb found in many cultures that states that a society grows great when we plant trees under which we know we will never sit in its shade. Thank you! And be sure to explore some of Jennifer’s (Ivy’s) other talents and adventures as an award-winning author on www.jenniferivywalker.com Pass it on!

Teacher Tales #40 – Impact, Legacy and Your Why: Tony, MS Mandarin teacher, successful businessman and committed dreamer

Teacher Tales

Teacher Tales #40 - Impact, Legacy and Your Why: Tony, MS Mandarin teacher, successful businessman and committed dreamer

00:00 / 00:23:40

In this episode, you will meet Tony, a middle school Mandarin teacher who once believed the most important thing he wanted to achieve in life was to pursue the “American dream” of success by going into business and eventually becoming a millionaire. He did pursue this dream, and was indeed successful. However, he felt unfulfilled and like he needed and wanted to do more. He discovered that money was not a true reward in life, but rather, that the greatest payback and reward that we can get is to make a difference in the life of a child and leave behind a legacy that will live on long after we are gone. Tony explores some deep philosophical questions for teachers…what is our why? and how do we honor those who have come before us and those who will come after us? and what is the true impact of a teacher?

Teacher Tales #39: Red threads, sparks and impact – Mary, teacher, visionary, educational influencer

Teacher Tales

Teacher Tales #39: Red threads, sparks and impact - Mary, teacher, visionary, educational influencer

00:00 / 00:29:38

In this episode, which comes just as teachers finish up what has proven to be one of the MOST difficult years in their careers, we present this opportunity to rekindle their SPARK in teaching. Meet Mary, a teacher and visionary who, like most teachers, still has a big heart in the teaching game and want to do something to make a difference. So, what little and big things can teachers do to “spark their passion, pride and purpose for measurable improvement in the classroom and meaningful change in their own well-being”? Mary has observed that, for various reasons, teachers “flat line”, “burn out” or “lose their spark”. She believes that teachers “spark the minds of children and fuel them for life,” which is the vision of her company S.P.A.R.K. = Striving Professional Aspiring to Revive K-12 education. How do we measure what really matters in education? Check out what SPARK U has to offer in personalized professional development to help you re-ignite your spark and renew your teaching spirit.

Teacher Tales #38: Empathy, grace, modeling and leadership – Jana, teacher, principal, Associate Superintendent, consultant

Teacher Tales

Teacher Tales #38: Empathy, grace, modeling and leadership - Jana, teacher, principal, Associate Superintendent, consultant

00:00 / 00:51:59

In this episode, we journey through the career and lessons of a very wise role model in education. Her name is Jana, and she shares with us how she “never” wanted to be a teacher like her mom. Well, the first lesson she learned was to “never say never” because she met a special needs child who touched her heart and lit up all the “teacher buttons”. We can’t even begin to share all the experiences and wisdom here, so you will just have to listen and be touched by her stories that demonstrate what really matters in education – empathy, grace, modeling and leadership. She gives personal examples, shares heartfelt and touching stories that will inspire and touch the teacher heart in all of us. She also ends with a famous quote by Dr. Seuss (her favorite), which sums up what roles we all play in education: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not!” Teachers care so much, and we need to tell them how much we appreciate them and what they do with a kind word, a note of gratitude, a shout out on social media, a kind gesture, and maybe just by asking “how may I help you and support you?”

If you are looking to change the school culture, your classroom culture and just make learning better for all, check out Jana’s company REAL at her website www.realleaderslearn.com

Teacher Tales #37: Why Teachers Matter + the True Value of Teachers – Nilda, bilingual teacher of History and Spanish in Puerto Rico

Teacher Tales

Teacher Tales #37: Why Teachers Matter + the True Value of Teachers - Nilda, bilingual teacher of History and Spanish in Puerto Rico

00:00 / 00:54:11

In this episode, Nilda, an inspiring teacher in Puerto Rico, is a great example of what the Spirit of Teaching is all about. Listen to her story and her powerful metaphors that capture the true heart of teaching and the real value of teachers to our society and to the world. Her passion is contagious, her insights are inspiring and her heart is full of love, hope, positive encouragement and an undying dedication to a profession she feels is noble, honorable and undervalued in so many ways. If any teacher is looking for an uplifting, validating and loving conversation about their true value as a teacher and the difference they make every day in this world, THIS is the episode they will want to listen to over and over and over again (hopefully, despite the poor audio quality!) Nilda and I had some technical difficulties with the recording that were not evident until after our conversation had finished. Please allow grace and forgiveness for the poor quality of the recording, which I felt I could not ask a teacher to do over because of the value of her time and the value of what she shared from her heart through very authentic, passionate words. Thank you for listening and for encouraging others to listen and subscribe.

Teacher Tales #36 – Counselors, mental health and SEL: Hannah, school counselor and advocate for mental health professional resources and support

Teacher Tales

Teacher Tales #36 - Counselors, mental health and SEL: Hannah, school counselor and advocate for mental health professional resources and support

00:00 / 00:45:53

In this episode, we get to know Hannah, a multi-faceted and multi-talented educator and mental health professional. Hannah explains how she is a “third culture kid” as well as a product of a military family upbringing. She tells us how these experiences helped her to become highly sensitive and tune in to all the “other stuff” besides the academics in school that may be getting in the way of learning for students. During our powerful and insightful conversation, Hannah talks about how much both teachers and students struggle with anxiety and how their self-worth and identity are often tied to a grade, standard, evaluation or test score. She explains how a counselor, or better yet, mental health professional can be a resource and support to everyone both in school and beyond to help develop the whole child and not just the academic part. As a result, she has started a passion project of resources and support at www.bethinkgrow.com, a “modern wellness initiative that is changing the mental and behavioral health game”. Be sure to check it out! Finally, Hannah says that SEL is more than a worksheet or a PD packet or training module required of teachers by the district. She issues a strong plea for mental health support to “be done correctly and by mental health professionals”. Perhaps mental health professionals could even volunteer and provide community service in schools or become a Business Partner in Education to a school because, you know, it does “take a village”!

Teacher Tales #35 – Teacher champions, vulnerability and inclusive education: Diane, educator, consultant and champion for inclusive education

Teacher Tales

Teacher Tales #35 - Teacher champions, vulnerability and inclusive education: Diane, educator, consultant and champion for inclusive education

00:00 / 00:42:36

In this episode, we meet Diane, an educator and speech therapist who transitioned from the classroom to start her own company of consultants that has become a champion for children and inclusive education. CMDI – Consulting that Makes a Difference, “focuses on providing professional development that celebrates diversity, promotes the inclusion of all people and supports successful outcomes for school communities, administrators, teachers, parents and students.” But Diane says that it is more than “PD” as professional development. It is also about personal development, relationships, vulnerability and figuring things out. She also emphasizes how important it is in any relationship to be a good listener, to listen with your heart, to care for and support one another, to get along, and to be honest and speak up about your needs. The school community is like a family, and if things are not going well, the “kids” always know. So, Diane’s greatest hope for all teachers is that “they see their value and strengths on their own without waiting for others to point them out to them.” Amen! So, sit back and take note as we get real about what is REALly going on both inside and outside teachers’ worlds right now. Then, we invite you to think about what YOU can do to become a better listener for ALL teachers in order to be more supportive, caring, nurturing and loving. After all, we are all part of the human family!

Teacher Tales #34 – The value of friendship, experiences and adaptability in teaching: Pam, World Languages Specialist, world traveler and experienced guide for teachers

Teacher Tales

Teacher Tales #34 - The value of friendship, experiences and adaptability in teaching: Pam, World Languages Specialist, world traveler and experienced guide for teachers

00:00 / 00:54:42

In this episode, I chat with my longtime friend and colleague, Pam. As teachers, we establish and develop deep connections and friendships with colleagues that last a lifetime. We learn from each other; we support each other; we share experiences and emotions; we cheer each other on; we lift each other up when we are down; we are there for one another…always! In this chat between friends, Pam and I take a trip down memory lane through her many, varied and rich experiences as a teacher, mentor, colleague, collaborator and friend. She shares with us how all these experiences have taught her lessons and given her insights, perspective and skills for adaptability, collegiality and better communication with others. Pam explains how all her experiences have helped her to engage effectively in both systems-focused and people-focused leadership. Listen and find out what her teachers tell her they need most right now. Our conversation is filled with words that begin with the letter “C” that are basic critical components needed in the “average” classroom. Listen, take notes and soak in all the connections between these two friends, colleagues and lifelong learners!

Teacher Tales #33 – The teacher’s journey and remembering the “who”, “how” and “why” in teaching: Ethan enlightens us all on the call to teach, the bigger picture view and finding our humanity through teaching – true inspiration for all who teach!

Teacher Tales

Teacher Tales #33 - The teacher’s journey and remembering the “who”, “how” and “why” in teaching: Ethan enlightens us all on the call to teach, the bigger picture view and finding our humanity through teaching - true inspiration for all who teach!

00:00 / 00:47:49

In this very special episode, which I have saved for the magic number three (in double digits!) as well as for the beginning of a new year, you will hear the story of a former student of mine, Ethan, who has woven a red thread of loving and lasting memories through the tapestry of my teaching heart. Ethan’s story is not unlike the one that all teachers hope and wish for their students after they leave our classroom. His story is also a teacher’s dream come true and a good example of why we work so hard and care so much as teachers. Teaching has become so difficult that teachers are having a hard time remembering not only “who” they are, but also, “who” they are teaching. They are also struggling with “how” they really want to teach, and even more importantly, “why” they are teaching. Ethan’s story and his profound, insightful words of wisdom will help bring you back to the (apple) core of who you are as a teacher and what truly called your heart to dedicate its life so fully to this profession. I hope that through his story, you will be reminded of all of the students you have taught or are currently teaching, and that you will re-discover the real rewards of teaching. I also hope that it will re-kindle your passion for teaching so that you will follow your heart and remember the “why”. Passion = I PASS ON. What will you pass on to your students and to the future of humanity and the Greater Good? This one is a “must listen” for all teachers who want to re-kindle their spirit of teaching!

Teacher Tales #32 – Honesty, authenticity, diversity and happiness in teaching: Linda, Puerto Rican teacher, leader, “equity champion” and advocate for student happiness

Teacher Tales

Teacher Tales #32 - Honesty, authenticity, diversity and happiness in teaching: Linda, Puerto Rican teacher, leader, “equity champion” and advocate for student happiness

00:00 / 00:35:59

In this episode, Linda, a teacher from Puerto Rico, shares her wholehearted journey to become the most honest, authentic and supportive teacher she can be for the happiness and well-being of her students. As an “equity champion” in her school district, she talks to teachers about how to respect every person’s true self, how to give them their place and how we must recognize the value that every person brings to the table. She says that students love how honest and authentic she is, and that her classroom is a “safe place” (as a sign indicates outside her door) for them to be themselves, to be seen and to be valued. In our conversation, we explore the concept of giving zeros to students, why students are acting out as well as checking out of learning. Linda tells us that we need more empathy, kindness and happiness in the classroom right now more than ever. She explains how we can do this by providing enriching, life-affirming, self-exploratory experiences for students through projects, field trips, clubs, competitions, cultural events, community service and creating opportunities for deep, meaningful conversations and connections to our identity and our humanity. This kind of investment in education and in our students pays tremendous heart-felt dividends for teachers and society. We owe Linda and all teachers a debt of gratitude for their investment in education!

Teacher Tales #31 – Staying in the teaching “game”, demystifying and diversifying curriculum to create inclusivity and relatability – Tracy: French teacher, “griot” and role model with great advice for new teachers

Teacher Tales

Teacher Tales #31 - Staying in the teaching “game”, demystifying and diversifying curriculum to create inclusivity and relatability - Tracy: French teacher, “griot” and role model with great advice for new teachers

00:00 / 00:41:17

In this episode, Tracy shares his story and journey as a Black man from the projects of Atlanta who is the Kentucky World Language Teacher of the Year. He tells us that all teachers are like “griots” or storytellers from the West African culture. He explains how our personal stories, and the content that we demystify and diversify in the classroom for our students help to create space for an inclusive learning community that all students can relate to. He also mentions engaging strategies like “Card Talk”, “What’s Up?”, “Flag it” and “Picture Talk” as ways to give everyone “a seat at the table” in order to share different perspectives, ideas and open more pathways for communication. Tracy also tells us that we need to focus on the present moment and live in that energy in order to connect to students and their lives. He details how we need to meet students where they are and not focus on the past or the future, a perspective he gained when he returned to his classroom in September last year and noticed how everything was “frozen in time” from the pandemic on March 13, 2020. Tracy also has 10 tips of advice to new teachers on how to not only stay in the game of teaching, but also, how to bring your “A game” to the classroom every day and know that you are making a difference.

Teacher Tales #30 – Many faces, many masks – immigrants in our schools: Bonnie, Chinese teacher, immigrant and co-founder of Courageous Dialogues with Chinese Educators

Teacher Tales

Teacher Tales #30 - Many faces, many masks - immigrants in our schools: Bonnie, Chinese teacher, immigrant and co-founder of Courageous Dialogues with Chinese Educators

00:00 / 00:59:51

In this episode, Bonnie, a teacher who immigrated from China, helps us gain valuable insight and heart connections to the culture shock and linguistic challenges that she experienced both as an immigrant student and as a teacher. Bonnie first came from China to study at an American university in Oregon. She then moved to North Carolina to pursue a higher degree and eventually became a Chinese teacher. She shares the challenges, struggles, culture shock and even trauma that she has experienced as an immigrant. She talks about the micro aggressions that surfaced in schools at the onset of the pandemic and how she worked with other Chinese teachers to form a group called Courageous Dialogues with Chinese Educators whose purpose is to raise awareness of social injustices and promote networking to find one’s inner power to stand up for self, but also to stand in solidarity with others who are marginalized. Bonnie explains that most immigrants have a “face” they wear at home, and then, when they get to school, they put on a “mask” (now literally and figuratively) to hide or blend in and not draw any attention to themselves. This needs to change, and Bonnie is collaborating with others to do just that. For her students, she has brought forth the healing practices of mindfulness, tai chi and calligraphy to help develop peace, understanding and appreciation of one’s own identity – to be brave enough to be authentic and unmasked. Check out her beautiful tai chi video she made to honor her students. Also, if you know of any AAPI or other marginalized students or teachers, please share Courageous Dialogues with Chinese Educators for more information, insight and guidance.

Teacher Tales #29 – Empowering students to be seen, heard and valued: Brandon, Special Education teacher, Education Influencer, “larger than life” club sponsor to many students who feel disempowered

Teacher Tales

Teacher Tales #29 - Empowering students to be seen, heard and valued: Brandon, Special Education teacher, Education Influencer, “larger than life” club sponsor to many students who feel disempowered

00:00 / 00:49:18

In this episode, we hear the powerful story of Brandon, a Special Education teacher, who says his purpose as a teacher is to help empower his students to self-advocate, self-regulate their emotions and to communicate their needs effectively to others. Brandon explains many of the misconceptions that the regular classroom teacher and others have about IEPs, 504s and the difference between intervention and modifications to meet students’ needs. He also is very candid about his personal experiences with racism in schools, from both the teacher and the student perspectives. Brandon also goes on to say how sponsoring different clubs such as the Speech and Debate Club, Social Justice Club and Anime Club has re-kindled his passion for teaching and provided him with special opportunities to build better relationships with students. Brandon believes that teachers are more like life coaches and that current teacher training programs don’t prepare teachers for this aspect of the profession as they just really prepare teachers to become content experts, which, honestly, takes the humanization out of education. Most importantly, he co-founded a Beacons of Light Club at his school to provide students the guidance and support and role model to find their special light within in order to live an authentic life, to live their truth and to become student leaders. It is true what was said by his nominator about Brandon being “larger than life”. I hope you will listen and allow your teacher soul to feel and become larger than life too! Want to raise awareness of diversity through literature? Got to #AwareofLit Cards – question cards for diverse book collections

Teacher Tales #28 – The student voice and identity: Jessica, teacher advocate for social justice, language access and the rights of refugees and immigrants in schools and master “helper”

Teacher Tales

Teacher Tales #28 - The student voice and identity: Jessica, teacher advocate for social justice, language access and the rights of refugees and immigrants in schools and master “helper”

00:00 / 00:47:11

In this episode, we have a super powerful and insightful conversation with Jessica, a former college professor now teaching in a high school in the Midwest. Jessica says that it was destiny that she made that change because she feels like, with high school students, she gets to “teach with her whole heart.” And whole heart is exactly what Jessica brings to her school and to her students as she sponsors several clubs for students seeking a supportive adult and an outlet for them to safely share their true identity and their voice. She tries to help wherever she can and whomever she can as she sponsors clubs for LGBTQ+, immigrant and refugee students. She also does translation and support for refugee and immigrant persons in her community. She says that she “has an obligation as a person of privilege to provide opportunities and expansion of capabilities to others who have not had those same privileges as she has had.” Through her lessons, she says that her teaching is helping to “heal homophobia, racism, prejudices and social injustices.” This champion for student identity and voice says that “children come to us pre-validated, and we just need to help them see that and tell them that we notice and see who they really are.” She believes that students deserve respect and that, when given the opportunity, their learning can go wider and deeper than what we give them credit for. Jessica also has fun with her students as she uses her parrot, Merlin, as motivation and a system of reward. You can check out Merlin using his voice for musical interpretations here. Enjoy!

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