Join us for a thought-provoking episode as we delve into the ever-changing world of education with special guest Brittany Cora, an experienced educator based in Memphis, Tennessee. With over 15 years of teaching under her belt, Brittany shares her insights and observations on the significant transformations she has witnessed throughout her career on closing the resource gap within the education field.

Joining us today is Selina Cotton, an experienced teacher in the Ohio State Public School System. Selina, a designated master teacher by the Ohio Department of Education, shares her journey into teaching and the challenges she faces in a district dealing with academic distress.

In a district with limited resources, she highlights the importance of having the right tools to serve students effectively. Selina describes the extent of the deficit, with high school students reading and comprehending below grade level. To bridge this gap, she emphasizes the need to identify weaknesses, focus on individual needs, and provide ample reading opportunities.

Additionally, the value of peer support and leadership, empowering advanced students to assist their peers and fostering a collaborative learning environment.

For today’s episode, we interview Diane Lang, an author, therapist, educator, and positive living expert who is currently an adjunct professor in the psychology department at Montclair State University. Lang shares her experience teaching college at various institutions, highlighting the mistakes and necessary skills for collegiate-level writing. Lang suggests that students need to practice writing and that writing is a missing skill that helps with imagination, self-expression, and therapy. She encourages her students to practice diary writing or journaling, which can be therapeutic and help with self-awareness. Lang believes that videos are helpful but may not work for everyone depending on their learning style, and she encourages students to use AI to help them gather their thoughts and express themselves correctly. Join us as we learn how we can utilize writing into our everyday and academic livelihood. 

Join us in this episode as we sit down with Jessica Madsen, a versatile educator with extensive experience in English language teaching and learning. Jessica shares her journey from studying linguistics to becoming an English language teacher to non-native speakers. She discusses how her passion for language and second language acquisition led her to discover the joy of teaching. Throughout her career, Jessica has worked with diverse learners in various countries, including the United States, Saudi Arabia, and China.

In our conversation, Jessica highlights the importance of motivation and engagement in language education, both for students and curriculum designers. She emphasizes the need to make learning relevant and meaningful, connecting it to students' lives and individual needs.

Today, we are joined by Katie Zurich, an experienced teacher, writer, and content creator, who has dedicated her career to teaching Developmental English. In this episode, we delve into the world of Developmental English, exploring how the field has evolved and how it impacts students' self-perception and learning journeys. Katie shares her personal journey into teaching developmental English, starting with her passion for words and literature. She emphasizes the importance of adopting a growth mindset and celebrating the strength found in struggles, encouraging students to embrace their need for help and support. Through her own experiences, Katie sheds light on the transformative power of education and the profound impact teachers can have on their students' lives.

For our first episode, we have a special guest lineup. We are joined by the CEO and founder of Outline It, Sydney Montgomery, and Kristen Horn, an extraordinary English teacher who found her calling through an unconventional pathway – the prison system.

Together, Sydney and Kristen discuss their shared mission of empowering students, including those with neurodiverse learning styles. Kristen also shares her inclusive teaching practices, highlighting the importance of individualized approaches and creating a supportive classroom environment. We delve into the concept of breaking down writing into manageable steps, creating a safe space for students to express themselves, and empowering them to overcome the fear of the blank page. Listen in as we offer valuable insights into bridging the gap in education and ensuring that every student has the tools and support they need to succeed.