ClassCast Podcast

This clip from the ClassCast Podcast features the candidates for Loudoun County School Board in the Blue Ridge District -- Ram Venkatachalam (R) and Ian Serotkin (D).  This highlight reel is meant to provide points of comparison between the candidates.  Ian Serotkin spent more time with us during his full episode, so a few of his segments are longer, but overall, the goal is to present both candidates with relative equity to help our listeners feel more informed on Election Day.  This is one of the tightest local elections in Northern Virginia -- don't miss your chance to hear each candidate in his own words! 

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Episode 010 of the ClassCast Podcast features Loudoun County, Virginia school board candidate Ian Serotkin and our host, Ryan Tibbens, discussing Serotkin's schooling, career, community involvement, vision for public schools, and more. He explains his motivation for seeking office -- improving equity, efficiency, innovation, and positive experiences for students -- as well as his vision for schools -- more specialization and innovation.  This is a great opportunity to learn more about both the candidate and the man as his discussion is looser and more casual than previous school board interviews on ClassCast.  Serotkin and his opponent (see Episode 009) are locked in one of the tightest, most competitive races in all of Northern Virginia politics this fall, but even if you don't live in Loudoun, Ian offers ideas about the futures of schools that will interest (and perhaps inspire) all listeners.  And as promised in the discussion of advocacy and recess, here is a link to Serotkin's now-famous "Cups" speech to the school board in support of recess and free play for young minds. 

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Episode 009 of the ClassCast Podcast features Loudoun County, Virginia school board candidate Ram Venkatachalam and host Ryan Tibbens discussing his upbringing and schooling, experience as a consultant, goals for the school board, influential books, and more. Ram is currently in one of the tightest elections in Northern Virginia this fall, but his vision and confidence make this a must-listen, regardless of where you live.  (His opponent will be featured on Episode 010 of the ClassCast Podcast later this week.)

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In ClassCast Episode 008, host Ryan Tibbens discusses running for office, school priorities, and general goals with Melanie Turner, a candidate to represent the Algonkian District on the Loudoun County School Board.  Though Ms. Turner generally avoids specifics, the discussion is still enlightening -- we get to hear about her own educational experiences, her motivations and concerns, and how her role as a parent is informing her campaign and platform. 

Watch for additional discussions with school board candidates over the next few weeks as everyone prepares for elections on November 5!

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In this quick excerpt from ClassCast Podcast Episode 007, Donna Fortier, the founder and CEO of Mobile Hope, and  host Ryan Tibbens discuss the significant roles that school bus drivers can, do, and should play in efforts to increase students' safety and security.

One way you know you've encountered a brilliant idea is that you can't believe you didn't know it, didn't see, didn't say it before.  The observation seems obvious, but you missed it.  Donna's understanding of school bus drivers' roles in supporting students is one such idea.  This clip, less than four minutes long, is bound to reshape your views on school bus drivers.  It will also have you rethinking current hiring and compensation policies that, paired with a strong economy, have led to bus driver shortages all over the country.

Remember to check out Mobile Hope and consider volunteering or donating.  Enjoy!

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Check out this first clip from ClassCast Episode 007; it features Donna Fortier, the founder and CEO of Mobile Hope, and our host Ryan Tibbens.  In clip 007.1, they discuss the start of Mobile Hope and the important influence turtles had in that process; they also briefly discuss the creation of a Life Skills Center soon and Naked Turtle Bar later on in retirement.  This brief excerpt is from the end of the full episode but gives a glimpse into Donna's personality and infectious enthusiasm. Be sure to check out Mobile Hope, and consider volunteering or donating.  Enjoy! 

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ClassCast Podcast Episode 007 features Donna Fortier, the founder and CEO of Mobile Hope.  Donna is engaging, intelligent, and inimitably compassionate -- her story of leaving a six-figure salary to start the only non-profit focused on youth homelessness and crisis care in Loudoun County, VA, one of the wealthiest places in the world but with a surprising youth homelessness problem, well, this story is not to be missed.  

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In Episode 006 of the ClassCast podcast, host Ryan Tibbens speaks with his former student, US Army Sergeant Brandon Middleton, about how a school counselor influenced his post-high school plans, how tests play a big role in armed forces promotions, and about his experiences and plans in the army and beyond.

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Ryan Tibbens, the creator and host of the ClassCast Podcast, has had a big year.  In 2019, he's been recognized in the Loudoun 40 Under 40, Loudoun 100, and Best of Loudoun -- Best Teacher. The Loudoun 40 Under 40 event was hosted at Stone Tower Winery in Leesburg, Virginia the evening of 9/12/2019.  Because of Mr. Tibbens' increased visibility, we're taking this opportunity to share a compilation of short clips from the first six episodes of the ClassCast Podcast as a way to invite and initiate new listeners.  Now that the 2019-2020 school year is underway, we plan to record and post a new episode approximately every three weeks (more when possible).  Watch for the release of the full audio of Episode 006 -- US Army Sergeant Brandon Middleton -- later this week. 

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​After taking a few weeks off to focus on the start of a new school year, the ClassCast podcast is back.  Our most recent episode features our host, Ryan Tibbens, and one of his former students, US Army Sergeant Brandon Middleton.  In this first clip, we hear Brandon discuss how a guidance counselor's "reality check" influenced his post-high school plans and his eventual enlistment in the US Army.  Watch for the full episode release later this week! 

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