In this episode of the Teacher's Pep Rally Podcast, we had the honor of speaking with Arturo Guajardo, Director of K-12 Partnerships at Pocketalk. With over 31 years of experience as a bilingual educator and educational technology expert, Arturo shared his personal journey as an English language learner and his passion for creating inclusive learning environments. His heartfelt anecdotes highlighted the importance of connection and communication, particularly for students and families navigating language barriers.

Arturo introduced the Pocketalk device, an innovative translation tool that supports 84+ languages, empowering teachers, students, and families to communicate seamlessly. From fire drills to parent-teacher conferences, Arturo illustrated how Pocketalk is transforming everyday interactions in schools by breaking down language barriers and fostering trust. We were inspired by his dedication to ensuring all students feel heard and valued, as well as his commitment to improving communication for families and educators alike.

Listeners will love Arturo's warmth and practical insights, from strategies to learn students' names to his vision for the future of translation technology in schools. This episode is a testament to the power of innovation and the human touch in education.

Tune in for a conversation filled with passion, purpose, and the tools to bridge gaps in communication—perfect for educators, administrators, and anyone invested in the success of multilingual students. Don't miss it!

Get ready for an inspiring episode of the Teacher's Pep Rally Podcast as we tackle the mid-year slump that educators everywhere know all too well! Hosts Erin King, Pete Bush, and Fred Aebli dive into the challenges of recharging motivation and maintaining momentum in the second half of the school year. With honesty, humor, and heartfelt advice, they share practical strategies for navigating this “gray period,” from creating achievable goals to incorporating movement, music, and fun into the classroom.

The hosts also reflect on the power of authentic leadership, the importance of self-care, and the need to lean on your colleagues and community for support. Whether you’re an educator, leader, or student, this episode is packed with uplifting stories, relatable moments, and actionable tips to help you power through to spring break and beyond.

Tune in for a much-needed boost of encouragement and motivation to make the rest of the school year amazing. Don’t miss this empowering conversation—because together, we’ve got this!

As we close out an incredible 2024 on The Teacher's Pep Rally Podcast, Erin, Fred, and Pete gather to reflect on a season filled with heartfelt conversations, inspiring guests, and impactful moments. From exploring the vital role of early childhood education to the power of design thinking in solving real-world problems, this season delivered rich discussions that resonated with educators and listeners worldwide.

Fred shares his journey through an exciting tech incubator program, highlighting lessons in innovation, ideation, and resilience. Pete reflects on his busy season of school performances, emphasizing the importance of inclusive experiences that build lasting memories. Erin gives a sneak peek into upcoming professional development events and exciting plans for next year.

As the trio exchanges stories, holiday plans, and plenty of laughs, they also tease what's ahead in 2025. Expect engaging topics like finding mid-year motivation, the future of education, transforming classroom communication, and equity in education.

Whether you're wrapping up the year with a warm cup of cocoa or sneaking a moment of calm between grading papers, this episode is a heartfelt reminder to recharge, refocus, and reignite your passion for education.

Catch up on past episodes, leave us a review, and stay tuned for another impactful season in 2025! 🥳📚

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year from The Teacher's Pep Rally! 🌟✨

Calling all educators, aspiring mentors, and lifelong learners! 🎙️ The latest episode of the Teacher's Pep Rally Podcast is here, and it's one you can't afford to miss: "Mentors in Education" with the inspiring Earl Foster!

In this episode: ✨ Earl shares heartfelt stories about the mentors who shaped his journey and how he’s paying it forward to guide new teachers. ✨ We dive into the power of building trust, offering supportive honesty, and celebrating wins (big and small) in our schools. ✨ Discover practical tips for creating learner-centered classrooms and designing curriculum that sparks engagement.

Whether you're a seasoned teacher, a new educator, or someone who loves seeing others succeed, this conversation is a reminder of the incredible difference mentors can make in education—and in life. 🎓💡

In this heartfelt episode, the Teacher's Pep Rally welcomes Natalie Legg, a dedicated pre-kindergarten teacher and advocate for early childhood development. With six years of experience, Natalie shares her passion for teaching young learners and emphasizes the critical role of play in education. She delves into how play not only nurtures creativity and social-emotional skills but also lays a foundation for lifelong learning. From sensory activities like exploring pumpkin guts to fostering social interactions through imaginative centers, Natalie showcases the magic of early learning.

The conversation also touches on her resilience following personal challenges, including recovering from hurricane damage, and her advice to parents about the importance of being present and playful with their children.

Join us as we explore Natalie’s creative teaching methods, her perspective on the misconceptions surrounding play, and her heartfelt advice: Let kids be little. This episode is packed with inspiration and practical tips for educators and parents alike.

👉 Listen now and join the conversation!

In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Chris Shearer, a seasoned principal with over 22 years of experience in educational leadership. Currently leading a high-performing high school, Chris shares his passion for challenging the status quo, fostering inclusivity, and helping students unlock their potential.

Together, we explore what school looks like in 2024 and how education can evolve to better serve diverse student needs. Chris delves into innovative approaches like experiential learning, competency-based education, and preparing students for alternative career pathways beyond traditional college routes. His insights into cultivating a caring school culture, grading practices, and supporting both students and educators are inspiring and refreshing.

Whether you're an educator, parent, or advocate for education reform, this conversation will leave you reflecting on the purpose and future of schools. Don’t miss this empowering discussion!

Listen now and join the conversation!

This week on the Teacher’s Pep Rally Podcast, we’re thrilled to share a conversation with Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio from Lead It Like Lasso. We recently hosted a special webinar with them and fellow educators on Leading With Purpose – a deep dive into building a “personal operating system” for intentional leadership. Missed the webinar? No problem! We’re sharing the recording so our friends can still learn and grow together. Tune in to discover practical tips and insights on purposeful leadership for your classroom, team, or even personal life. Enjoy, learn, and as always, let’s lift each other up! 🎧💼

Want a copy of the leadership book Lead It Like Lasso? You can purchase it here.

Access the Personal Operating System template to use here. Let us know how you used this tool with your staff and/or students.

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and we just dropped an essential episode of the Teacher's Pep Rally Podcast featuring the amazing team from i-Tech for Schools! In this must-listen episode, we’re joined by experts Evelyn McCulloch, Senior Director, and Michael Rinyu, Education Design and Instructional Lead, to break down cybersecurity essentials for educators, students, and parents alike.

Tune in to discover:

• Eye-opening "Fact or Fiction" cybersecurity myths that reveal how even small actions can protect big data!
• Insights on digital footprints and practical ways to teach students (even as young as elementary!) the importance of online reputation.
• Real-life tips for setting up strong passwords, MFA, and why they're crucial for students and staff.
• Tools and resources every school should know about, including a new federal cybersecurity program to boost protection in schools across the U.S.

This episode is packed with knowledge, laughter, and even a pop-culture-inspired cybersecurity quiz to keep things fun! Whether you’re an educator, student, or parent, you’ll walk away with valuable tools to stay secure in today’s digital world. 💡 Don’t miss it—click play, follow, and share!

Join an upcoming webinar, on 10/28/2024, for an hour of purposeful learning packed with inspiration and a chance to win a free copy of the leadership book, Lead It Like Lasso! Register to attend the WEBINAR here.