Tywana Gilford Mason is the fifth and final person to be charged in the Harris County (HISD) teaching certification scandal that spanned several years. Mason used her Houston Training and Education Center role to check in teacher candidates for their certification test and then let them leave. Police say she then allowed a man identified as Nicholas Newton, an assistant principal at Booker T. Washington High School, to take the test on her behalf.According to court documents, she was bribed and paid about $125,000 by Vincent Grayson, the basketball coach at the same school, also known as the "Kingpin." It is estimated that Mr. Grayson made about $1.9M in the scheme. 

Three Houston Independent School District employees are among the five people charged in connection with a scheme to help hundreds of people cheat on state teacher certification tests. The scheme involved conspirators taking and administering tests on behalf of aspiring certified teachers. Doctored Up gives their perspective on the matter as they compare it to the infamous Atlanta Public Schools cheating scandal.

Lose weight. Quit social media. Cut out alcohol completely. Blah blah blah snoozefest. These are all good goals, don't get us wrong. But we set the same New Year's resolutions every single year and then...never really stick to them. So, for 2025, why not shake things up a bit and try creating resolutions of a different variety?

What's your story? Everyone has a life story that defines them and explains why they are the people they are. This episode gives insight into our lives and encourages you to think about your own story. It is designed to help you know yourself better.

A boss's leadership style can have a significant impact on their employees and the organization as a whole: 

Employee engagement
Employees who like their leader's style are more likely to be engaged and motivated. 

Team effectiveness
Leaders who prioritize collaboration and teamwork can improve the effectiveness of their teams. 

Work environment
A boss's leadership style sets the tone for the work environment, including how decisions are made, how mistakes are handled, and how much autonomy employees have. 

Employee retention
Effective leadership can lead to higher job satisfaction and retention rates. 

Organizational success
A leader's ability to inspire and motivate their team can lead to overall organizational success. 

Employee development
Good bosses invest in the development of their team members, empowering them to reach their full potential. 

Some leadership styles that can be effective include transformational, transactional, authentic, and servant leadership.

School shootings are a serious public health crisis with far-reaching consequences for the school community and beyond: 

Gun violence is the leading cause of death
Gun injuries are the leading cause of death for children and adolescents in the United States. 

Mental health impacts
Even students who survive a school shooting without physical harm may experience long-term mental health issues. 

Effects on the community
School shootings can lead to violence in the surrounding neighborhoods and impact relationships between parents, the school, law enforcement, and local government. 

Access to firearms
Many attackers use firearms that they access from home, often from an unsecured location. 

School Safety
School safety experts and the U.S. Secret Service agree that arming teachers is not a good policy. 

Student behavior
Students' behavior at school is influenced by their experiences at home, school, with peers, and in the community.
 
Student treatment
Students may feel that they are not treated equally at school, which can lead to resentment and violence.

Understanding Boundaries
Boundaries are our personal limits regarding our emotions, thoughts, and physical space. They define what behavior is acceptable or unacceptable in our interactions with others. These boundaries can be physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual, serving as protective shields for our mental health.

Recognizing Boundary Violations
To set healthy boundaries, it's crucial to recognize when they're being crossed. This might manifest as feeling uncomfortable in certain situations, experiencing emotional exhaustion, or sensing a lack of respect for your feelings or values. Being aware of these cues helps identify where boundaries need reinforcement.

Developing Self-Awareness
Start by cultivating self-awareness. Understand your own needs, values, and limits. Reflect on what makes you uncomfortable or stressed in different relationships or scenarios. This lays the groundwork for establishing boundaries aligned with your well-being.

Communicating Boundaries Effectively
Communicating boundaries assertively yet compassionately is key. Clearly express your limits to others without guilt or apology. Use "I" statements to convey your feelings and needs, focusing on your own experiences rather than blaming or criticizing others.

Learning to Say No
Saying no is a powerful act of self-care. Understand that it's okay to decline requests or invitations that don't align with your boundaries. Prioritize your mental health and well-being by honoring your capacity and limitations.

Setting Boundaries in Relationships
In relationships, boundaries are essential for healthy dynamics. Communicate openly with loved ones about your needs and limits. Respect each other's boundaries and encourage a safe space where both parties feel heard and respected.

When discussing the term "upscale" about a person, it refers to the act of improving or elevating someone's social status, lifestyle, or overall quality of life. This can involve moving to a higher social class, enhancing one's style, or upgrading one's living standards.

What does it mean to upscale oneself?
Upscaling oneself involves making conscious efforts to improve various aspects of one's life, such as education, career, relationships, and personal development. It often entails setting higher goals, acquiring new skills, and striving for excellence in all endeavors.

How can a person upscale their lifestyle?
There are several ways in which a person can upscale their lifestyle, including investing in education and professional development, surrounding themselves with successful and inspiring individuals, and adopting healthy habits and routines. Additionally, upgrading one's living environment, wardrobe, and overall appearance can also contribute to upscaling one's lifestyle.

Why is upscaling important for personal growth?
Upscaling is crucial for personal growth as it allows individuals to reach their full potential, expand their horizons, and achieve greater success and fulfillment in life. By continuously striving to improve and elevate themselves, people can overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and lead more meaningful and rewarding lives.
Overall, the verb meaning of "upscale" concerning a person involves the intentional and proactive process of enhancing one's social status, lifestyle, and overall well-being. By embracing the concept of upscaling, individuals can unlock their true potential and strive for excellence in all aspects of their lives.

The doctors of Doctored Up discuss ending relationships. 

When ending a relationship, it's important to be kind, honest, and respectful. Here are some tips for ending a relationship: 

• Have a face-to-face conversation: Be honest, but avoid being overly detailed. 
  
  
• Consider the other person's perspective: Try to understand how they might feel. 
  
  
• Avoid blame: Don't shame or blame the other person. 
  
  
• Set boundaries: Establish clear boundaries. 
  
  
• Make a plan: Create a plan for after the breakup and stick to it. 
  
  
• Allow yourself to grieve: Understand that you'll feel hurt and sad, and give yourself time to heal. 
  
  Make a clean break: Create distance between you and the other person. 
  
  An amicable parting can be a successful way to end a relationship. However, staying together despite incompatibility or loneliness can be a failure. 
  
  
  

The three doctors talk about how they deal with going through transitions.

Transitions can be challenging and stressful, but there are ways to cope: 

• Accept the change: Recognize that change is a normal part of life and that acceptance is the first step toward change. 
  
  
• Acknowledge your feelings: It's important to recognize and validate your emotions during a transition. 
  
  
• Build a support system: Reach out to friends, family, or a therapist for emotional support. 
  
  
• Practice self-care: Take care of yourself and try journaling to help cope with anxiety. 
  
  
• Learn about the transition: Actively seek information to make informed decisions. 
  
  
• Apply lessons learned: Draw from past experiences to help navigate new challenges. 
  
  
• Expect to feel uncomfortable: It's normal to feel uncomfortable during a transition. 
  
  
• Be kind to yourself: Don't expect to know everything right away. 
  
  
• Identify your values and goals: Consider what you value and what your life goals are.