In this episode of the Teacher Fellows Podcast, hosts Ryan Rarick and Lauren Merkley are joined by Brooke Anderson, a data scientist from Jordan School District, and Stephan Seabury, a social studies teacher and James Madison Fellow for 2023. They discuss the importance of integrating data with policy to enhance the teaching profession. They explore how data can be reframed to empower teachers, the role of storytelling in making data impactful for policymakers, and actionable steps teachers can take to engage in policy-making processes. The guests emphasize the need for accessible, transparent data and the critical role of context in interpreting it.

00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome

01:14 Meet the Guests: Brooke Anderson and Stephan Seabury

02:23 Brooke Anderson on Data Science in Education

03:11 Empowering Teachers with Data

05:23 Using Data in Policy Conversations

09:20 How Teachers Can Get Involved in Policy

14:58 Making Data Transparent and Accessible

22:09 Concluding Thoughts and Takeaways

25:37 Closing Remarks and Podcast Information

GUESTS ON EPISODE:

• Brooke Anderson - K12 Data Scientist in Jordan School District, Data Analyst for the Teacher Fellows
• Stephan Seabury - History Teacher for Providence Hall High School, Teacher and Community Engagement for the Teacher Fellows

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Utah State Legislature Website - https://le.utah.gov/

SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTIONS:

Want to be on the podcast? Fill out this form - Podcast Interview Survey

Teacher Fellows Website: teacherfellows.org

Linkedin: Utah Teacher Fellows

Twitter: @TeachFellowsPod or @HSG_UT

Instagram: @TeacherFellowsPodcast or @hsg_ut

Facebook: @utahteacherfellowsprogram

Email us: socialmedia@hopestreetgroup.org

PART OF THE SHOW

Hosts:

• Lauren Merkley (insta: @lmerkles) -- Taught AP English Language and Composition, Creative Writing in Granite School District, 2020 Utah Teacher of the Year
• Ryan Rarick (insta: @raricks_room) -- Education Pathway Teacher for Washington Country School District, 2025 Rising Teacher Leader of the Year

Executive Producer:

• Kayla Towner (insta: @mrstowner9) -- Taught elementary education K-6th, Technology Specialist, Project Manager, and Podcast Producer.

Info Drop Spokesperson:

• John Arthur (insta: @9thEvermore) -- Co-Director of the Teacher Fellows, 6th Grade Teacher in Salt Lake School District, 2021 Utah Teacher of the Year, 2021 National Teacher of the Year Finalist.

The Power of Story: Amplifying Teacher Voices

In this episode of the Teacher Fellows Podcast, hosts Ryan Rarick and Lauren Merkley discuss the importance of storytelling in education with guests Kristin Van Brunt and Scott Judy. The conversation covers how sharing personal experiences can empower teachers, influence policy, and change narratives around public education. The guests provide practical advice on overcoming imposter syndrome, finding the right audience, and starting small when sharing classroom stories. They highlight the significance of stories in building empathy and fostering collaborative growth among educators.

00:00 Introduction and Hosts' Welcome

00:38 Preview of Today's Episode

01:28 Meet the Guests: Kristin Van Brunt and Scott Judy

02:52 The Power of Story in Education

06:37 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

10:43 Sharing Stories to Influence and Inspire

19:02 Practical Tips for Teachers to Share Their Stories

21:14 Final Takeaways and Closing Remarks

GUESTS ON EPISODE:

• Scott Judy - High School Social Studies Teacher in Davis School District, Professional Learning Facilitator for the Teacher Fellows
  • Instagram:@moves_like_judy
  • Twitter/X: @Moves_Like_Judy
    
• Kristin Van Brunt - Instructional Coach in Davis School District, Professional Learning Facilitator for the Teacher Fellows
  • Instagram:@kristinvanbrunt
  • Twitter/X: @vb_kristin

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• Karen Eber: How Your Brain Responds to Stories | TED Talk YouTube
• Chimananda Ngozi Adichie: The Danger of a Single Story |TED Talk YouTube

SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTIONS:

Want to be on the podcast? Fill out this form - Podcast Interview Survey

Teacher Fellows Website: teacherfellows.org

Linkedin: Utah Teacher Fellows

Twitter: @TeachFellowsPod or @HSG_UT

Instagram: @TeacherFellowsPodcast or @hsg_ut

Facebook: @utahteacherfellowsprogram

Email us: socialmedia@hopestreetgroup.org

PART OF THE SHOW

Hosts:

• Lauren Merkley (insta: @lmerkles) -- Taught AP English Language and Composition, Creative Writing in Granite School District, 2020 Utah Teacher of the Year
• Ryan Rarick (insta: @raricks_room) -- Education Pathway Teacher for Washington Country School District, 2025 Rising Teacher Leader of the Year

Executive Producer:

• Kayla Towner (insta: @mrstowner9) -- Taught elementary education K-6th, Technology Specialist, Project Manager, and Podcast Producer.

Info Drop Spokesperson:

• John Arthur (insta: @9thEvermore) -- Co-Director of the Teacher Fellows, 6th Grade Teacher in Salt Lake School District, 2021 Utah Teacher of the Year, 2021 National Teacher of the Year Finalist.

In this episode of the Teacher Fellows Podcast, hosts Ryan Rarick and Lauren Merkley kick off the new season with an inspiring conversation with Dr. Molly Hart, the newly appointed Utah State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Dr. Hart shares her unique journey from social worker to her current role, emphasizing the importance of embracing opportunities with a 'Why not?' attitude. The discussion highlights the significance of curiosity, joy, and effective communication in education, and Dr. Hart offers valuable advice for teachers facing new school year challenges. Tune in to hear how educators can lead up, share their stories, and make a difference.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:41 Introducing Dr. Molly Hart

02:20 Dr. Hart's Journey to State Superintendent

08:28 The Role of a State Superintendent

14:19 Advice for Teachers and Educators

20:41 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

24:11 Closing Remarks

GUESTS ON EPISODE:

• Dr. Molly Hart - Utah State Superintendent of Public Instruction, previously Executive Director of Summit Academy

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• Connect with Dr. Molly Hart
  • Email: molly.hart@schools.utah.gov

SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTIONS:

Want to be on the podcast? Fill out this form - Podcast Interview Survey

Teacher Fellows Website: teacherfellows.org

Linkedin: Utah Teacher Fellows

Twitter: @TeachFellowsPod or @HSG_UT

Instagram: @TeacherFellowsPodcast or @hsg_ut

Facebook: @utahteacherfellowsprogram

Email us: socialmedia@hopestreetgroup.org

PART OF THE SHOW

Hosts:

• Lauren Merkley (insta: @lmerkles) -- Taught AP English Language and Composition, Creative Writing in Granite School District, 2020 Utah Teacher of the Year
• Ryan Rarick (insta: @raricks_room) -- Education Pathway Teacher for Washington Country School District, 2025 Rising Teacher Leader of the Year

Executive Producer:

• Kayla Towner (insta: @mrstowner9) -- Taught elementary education K-6th, Technology Specialist, Project Manager, and Podcast Producer.

Info Drop Spokesperson:

• John Arthur (insta: @9thEvermore) -- Co-Director of the Teacher Fellows, 6th Grade Teacher in Salt Lake School District, 2021 Utah Teacher of the Year, 2021 National Teacher of the Year Finalist.