Episode 2: “This IS a Test”

Release Date: April 7, 2025

✏️ Episode Description:In this candid conversation, Meghan and Candace dive into the realities of testing season—from personal experiences with standardized testing as students and teachers to the emotional and professional pressures that come with it.

🧪 Topics Covered in This Episode:They reflect on how testing has evolved , what it really measures (or doesn’t), and how it impacts students, especially English learners. Along the way, they share strategies to reduce stress and build confidence during testing season—and yes, they get a little honest about wishing testing could just... go away.

• The evolution of state testing from the 80s to now

• Test anxiety for both students and teachers

• The link between testing, teacher evaluations, and incentive programs

• Differences in testing culture across states and school types

• How testing affects English learners and transient student populations

• Balancing real learning with state mandates

• Reflections on vocational pathways and alternatives to traditional assessments

🎲 Segment: Teacher Truth or DareMeghan and Candice play a round of Teacher Truth or Dare.

📚 Book Club UpdateJoin our book club! Culture First Classrooms by Dr. Darrin Peppard

• Launch: April 21, 2025

• Blog Feature: Dr. Peppard’s behind-the-scenes look

• Hoping to feature Dr. Peppard in an upcoming bonus interview episode

• Grab your copy via Bookshop.org to support indie bookstores (not an ad—we just love it!)

  ❤️ Special Thanks:Co-Host: Candice Miller

• Producer: Meghan Wells

• Our amazing Teach Better Ambassador Group—you keep us going.

• Produced on Adobe Podcast Creator | Music by Adobe

  📲 Connect with Us

• Meghan Wells:

  • Twitter/X: @MeghanI

  • Instagram & Threads: @teachermegwells

  • BlueSky: @meghanmwells

• Candace Miller:

  • Instagram: @cm7teacha

  • Facebook: Coming soon (she promises!)

    💬 Final Words:

    Thanks for tuning in to No Name Paper: The Teacher Podcast.
    Because teaching is anything but one-size-fits-all.