Building Blocks

We’re back with another episode of “You Ask. Berger Answers.” on the Building Blocks Podcast!

This time, Dr. Berger and Producer Mac tackle questions from Pearland ISD students and staff. From Dr. Berger’s journey to becoming superintendent to opportunities for growing future leaders within the district, we’re covering it all. Plus, a surprise guest joins us to put Dr. Berger to the test with some Gen Z questions!

Have a question for Dr. Berger? Submit it here: https://ow.ly/b10A50ZOvwt or email Producer Mac at [email protected].

#BuildPearlandProud #BuildingBlocksPodcast #EveryPieceMatters

Have questions or an episode suggestion, fill out this form:
https://www.pearlandisd.org/about-us/administration/superintendent-s-page/podcast

Dr. Berger and Producer Mac welcome Amanda Gordon, Pearland ISD’s new Director of Instruction and Professional Learning, to Building Blocks! From campus leadership to districtwide support, we discuss how her new role helps equip teachers and principals for success, key instructional priorities for the year, and the importance of meaningful professional learning. Tune in to hear what’s ahead and how Amanda and her team are working to support educators and student success across Pearland ISD.

Ms. Gordon's previous podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2238101/episodes/18748099

Have questions or an episode suggestion, fill out this form:
https://www.pearlandisd.org/about-us/administration/superintendent-s-page/podcast

Each month, Board President Crystal Carbone provides a brief update on the work of the Pearland ISD Board of Trustees, highlights important topics discussed during the monthly board meeting, and shares information that matters to Pearland ISD students, families and staff.

Have a question about the Board Brief or a topic you’d like to see addressed? 

Producer Mac, Laura McClellan, at [email protected]

Board President Crystal Carbone at [email protected].

Want to watch the full Pearland ISD Board of Trustees meeting? Visit the Pearland ISD YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@ThePearlandISD

View upcoming meeting dates and board agendas:
https://www.pearlandisd.org/board-of-trustees/meeting-schedule

Have questions or an episode suggestion, fill out this form:
https://www.pearlandisd.org/about-us/administration/superintendent-s-page/podcast

What does the Teacher Incentive Allotment mean for Pearland ISD teachers?

On this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, Dr. Larry Berger and Producer Mac sit down with two Pearland ISD educators, Norma Contreras, a teacher at Magnolia Elementary, and Kami Morrow, a teacher at Dawson High School, to talk about the Teacher Incentive Allotment, or TIA.

They discuss what earning a TIA designation means to them, what they’re hearing from colleagues at the elementary and high school levels, and some of the questions teachers still have about the program. They also share the teaching practices they believe have the greatest impact on student growth and achievement.

And beyond the financial incentive, how can TIA help Pearland ISD recognize excellent teaching, retain outstanding educators, and strengthen instruction across the district?

Listen to hear Norma and Kami share their perspectives on TIA and what it means for teachers and students across Pearland ISD.

Have questions or an episode suggestion, fill out this form:
https://www.pearlandisd.org/about-us/administration/superintendent-s-page/podcast

What keeps a school district running every day? It takes much more than what happens in the classroom!

In this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, Dr. Berger and Producer Mac talk with Nancy Atilano, Coordinator of Employment, and John Palombo, Executive Director of Safety & Operations, about the people and departments that make up Pearland ISD’s auxiliary workforce.

They discuss the important role auxiliary employees play in supporting students, families, campuses and the entire district, highlight the types of positions currently available, and share how their work makes a difference every day.

Nancy and John also talk about the upcoming Auxiliary Job Fair and how those interested in joining the Pearland ISD team can learn more about available opportunities and the application process.

Because every piece matters...and our auxiliary employees are an important piece of Pearland ISD!

Auxiliary Fair information: https://www.pearlandisd.org/departments/hrs/employment-opportunities

Have questions or an episode suggestion, fill out this form:
https://www.pearlandisd.org/about-us/administration/superintendent-s-page/podcast

In the first-ever “You Ask. Berger Answers.” episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, Dr. Berger and Producer Mac tackle questions from the Pearland ISD community. From questions about Dr. Berger to a thoughtful question about the important work of Special Education teachers and Case Managers, this episode has a little bit of everything.

Funny questions. Serious conversations. Straight answers.

Would you like to ask a question: https://ow.ly/RuIl50ZC2Sx

Have questions or an episode suggestion, fill out this form:
https://www.pearlandisd.org/about-us/administration/superintendent-s-page/podcast

In this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, Dr. Larry Berger and Producer Mac welcome Jennifer Byrne, Pearland ISD’s new Director of Special Programs. Jennifer shares her journey into this role, explains the programs and services her department oversees, and discusses how the district works to support students with individual needs. She also shares her priorities for strengthening services and what families should know about accessing support, partnering with the district, and advocating for their children.

A great episode for parents, families, and anyone who wants to better understand the people and programs working behind the scenes to make sure every student has the support they need to succeed.

You Ask. Berger Answers: https://ow.ly/RuIl50ZC2Sx

Have questions or an episode suggestion, fill out this form:
https://www.pearlandisd.org/about-us/administration/superintendent-s-page/podcast

Each month, Board President Crystal Carbone provides a brief update on the work of the Pearland ISD Board of Trustees, highlights important topics discussed during the monthly board meeting, and shares information that matters to Pearland ISD students, families and staff.

Have a question about the Board Brief or a topic you’d like to see addressed? 

Producer Mac, Laura McClellan, at [email protected]

Board President Crystal Carbone at [email protected].

Want to watch the full Pearland ISD Board of Trustees meeting? Visit the Pearland ISD YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@ThePearlandISD

View upcoming meeting dates and board agendas:
https://www.pearlandisd.org/board-of-trustees/meeting-schedule

Have questions or an episode suggestion, fill out this form:
https://www.pearlandisd.org/about-us/administration/superintendent-s-page/podcast

What does it take to safely transport thousands of Pearland ISD students to and from school every day? In this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, Dr. Berger and Producer Mac welcome Anthony Shields, Pearland ISD’s new Director of Transportation.

Anthony shares the experiences that shaped his leadership and what inspired him to serve students and families through transportation. He also takes us behind the scenes of the district’s transportation operation, discusses his priorities for the department, and shares ideas for improving and innovating the way Pearland ISD gets students where they need to go.

Plus, Anthony talks about how families can partner with the Transportation Department to help ensure safe, reliable, and efficient transportation for every student.

From the buses and drivers to the families who rely on them, discover what it takes to keep Pearland ISD moving.

Transportation Welcome Page: https://www.pearlandisd.org/departments/transportation/welcome-aboard

Producer Mac's Email: [email protected]

Have questions or an episode suggestion, fill out this form:
https://www.pearlandisd.org/about-us/administration/superintendent-s-page/podcast

On this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, Dr. Berger and Producer Mac welcome Yahaira Campble, Pearland ISD’s new RISE Mentor Specialist, to talk about the power of mentoring and the impact of meaningful relationships on students.

Yahaira introduces listeners to the RISE Mentoring Program, shares what drew her to this work, and discusses her vision for the program’s future. She also talks about what students need most from mentors today, how RISE helps build lasting connections, and how community members can get involved...even if they aren't sure they have the time or experience to be a mentor.

Tune in to learn how one meaningful connection can make a lasting difference in a student’s life.

Click here to become a RISE Mentor: https://www.pearlandisd.org/departments/rise-mentoring/how-to-become-a-mentor

Contact Yahaira Campble: [email protected]

Have questions or an episode suggestion, fill out this form:
https://www.pearlandisd.org/about-us/administration/superintendent-s-page/podcast