Classrooms feel different—and Generation Alpha is part of the reason why.

Episode Chapters:

(00:00) What Is Generation Alpha

(02:00) Why Gen Alpha Feels Different

(05:13) Mindfulness Curriculum for Gen Alpha

(14:33) Mindfulness in the Classroom

(25:00) Practical Classroom Strategies

(32:52) Teacher Wellbeing & Takeaways

To learn more about Queen D. Michele and her work, visit:

https://www.fulaamerican.org/

Annie sits down with educator and mindfulness curriculum creator Queen D. Michele to explore what makes Generation Alpha different—and what teachers can do to support this new generation of learners.

Generation Alpha students are growing up with constant technology and stimulation, which shapes their attention, behavior, and emotional development. Queen shares how mindfulness can help students build attention, self-awareness, and emotional regulation, while offering practical classroom strategies that don’t add more to teachers’ plates.

What you’ll learn:

• What makes Generation Alpha different from previous generations

• How technology and early digital exposure impact attention and behavior

• Simple mindfulness routines teachers can implement immediately

• Strategies for supporting students’ emotional regulation and connection

• How teacher wellbeing impacts classroom success

  
  

Packed with practical advice and teacher-centered strategies, this episode helps educators rethink how they approach student behavior, attention, and emotional development in today’s classrooms.

#GenerationAlpha #MindfulnessInEducation #TeacherSupport #ClassroomBehavior #TeacherWellbeing #EducationPodcast #StudentEngagement #EmotionalRegulation #TeachingStrategies #EducatorUniversity

More teachers are leaving classrooms for instructional design—and here’s why.

Episode Chapters:

(00:00) What Instructional Design Is
(03:18) Teaching Skills That Transfer
(06:53) Instructional Design Career Paths
(10:28) Day in the Life of an ID
(15:38) Jackie’s Transition Story
(20:48) Degrees vs Self-Study
(25:58) Portfolios and Networking
(31:38) Mistakes Teachers Make
(37:18) Advice for Teachers

To learn more about Jackie and her work, visit:⁠https://www.designingwithloveblog.com/⁠

Annie sits down with instructional designer and educator Jackie Pellegrin to explore how teachers can transition into instructional design, what the job actually looks like, and why so many educators are uniquely positioned for this growing career path.

Instructional design is becoming a popular option for teachers looking for remote, corporate, or higher education roles. Jackie shares how classroom skills translate to instructional design, what the day-to-day work involves, and realistic steps teachers can take to start building experience and a portfolio—without quitting their job or going back to school right away.

What you’ll learn:

• What instructional design actually is (and what it isn’t)

• How classroom teaching skills transfer to instructional design roles

• Different career paths in corporate learning and higher education

• How to build a portfolio and start networking

• Common mistakes teachers make when transitioning careers

• Small steps you can take right now to explore instructional design

Packed with practical advice and encouragement, this episode helps teachers rethink their career options, recognize the value of their classroom experience, and explore new pathways in education beyond the classroom.

#InstructionalDesign #TeacherCareer #TeacherTransition #EducationPodcast #TeacherProfessionalDevelopment #EdTechCareers #TeacherResources #OnlineLearning #EducatorUniversity

Behind every foster student is a story teachers rarely hear.

Episode Chapters:
(00:00) What Foster Care Really Means
(05:25) How Trauma Affects Learning
(10:07) Understanding the Foster Care System
(14:12) How Relationships Change Everything
(19:39) Foster Care Terms Explained
(25:10) Building a Support System That Works
(33:48) Small Tweaks, Big Impact

Annie sits down with foster care educational advocate Sharon Dunlevy to explore how trauma and foster care experiences shape students—and what teachers can do to create supportive, safe learning environments without added guilt or pressure.

Foster students face hidden challenges that affect learning and behavior. Sharon shares practical strategies, communication tips, and relationship-building tools to help educators understand students’ experiences, create safety in the classroom, and foster success for every child.

To learn more about Sharon and her work, visit:
https://fostercaretrainingtoday.com/

What you’ll learn:

• How trauma affects learning and behavior

• The realities foster students face in and out of school

• How teachers can build supportive relationships with students and foster parents

• Why empathy and understanding matter more than added interventions

• Small shifts that create a safe, inclusive learning environment

Packed with practical guidance and encouragement, this episode helps teachers rethink behavior, notice the unseen, and create classrooms where every student can thrive.

#FosterCare #TeacherSupport #TraumaInformedTeaching #EducationPodcast #TeacherResources #StudentWellbeing #EmpathyInClassroom #ClassroomSupport #TeacherProfessionalDevelopment #TraumaInformedEducation

Annie sits down with educator and master athlete Jeff Seckendorf to explore how hobbies can prevent burnout—and why teachers need a life outside the classroom.

Jeff didn’t start cycling until his 50s — and now, in his 70s he holds multiple world records. This episode is about more than cycling; it’s about how teachers can create a life outside the classroom, embrace change, and find joy in the process of growth.

To connect with Jeff and learn more about his journey, visit:
https://www.jeffreyseckendorf.com/

Jeff shares how hobbies can be a powerful tool for teacher wellbeing and mental health. This episode covers practical strategies, simple routines, and thoughtful mindsets that help educators prioritize self-care, build balance, and rediscover purpose—without adding more to their plates.

• Why hobbies prevent teacher burnout

• How hobbies support teacher mental health

• How to find a hobby that fits your schedule

• Why “fun” matters for sustainable teaching

• How teachers can pivot and reinvent themselves

  
  

(00:00) Rediscovering Purpose Beyond Teaching
(04:15) The Importance of Self-Care
(08:13) Finding the Right Hobby
(12:39) Cycling as a Hobby and a Lifestyle
(17:56) Balancing Process and Outcome
(23:55) Creating a Fun and Flexible Life
(27:65) Embracing Change and Pivoting
(28:05) Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Packed with practical guidance and encouragement, this episode helps teachers rethink what self-care looks like, use hobbies as a sustainable burnout prevention tool, and build a life that includes joy, balance, and purpose outside the classroom.

#TeacherBurnout #TeacherSelfCare #TeacherWellbeing #EducatorPodcast #TeacherMentalHealth #HobbiesForTeachers #TeacherBalance #LifeAfterTeaching #EducationPodcast #TeacherSupport

Annie sits down with educator and cultural competency advocate Jebeh Edmonds to explore how cultural identity shapes the classroom—and why culture is about more than race or ethnicity.

To connect with Jebeh and learn more about her work, visit:
https://jebehedmunds.com/

Jebeh shares how teachers can use culture as a powerful classroom tool that’s already part of students’ daily lives. This episode covers practical strategies, simple routines, and thoughtful approaches that help educators build belonging, encourage student voice, and bring cultural awareness into learning—without adding extra work to their plates.

🎯 What You’ll Learn:
Why culture is more than race or ethnicity
Simple ways to build cultural awareness into daily routines
How language and storytelling support global citizenship
What inclusive classrooms actually look like in practice
Why cultural competency matters for both students and teachers
How stories and literature open conversations about belonging

Chapters:
(00:00) Why Culture Matters in Every Classroom
(03:09) Culture Is More Than Race
(06:15) Easy Ways to Share Culture With Students
(08:58) Language, Identity, and Global Citizenship
(12:16) How to Talk About Culture Without Harm
(15:10) What an Inclusive Classroom Really Looks Like
(18:16) How Lived Experience Shapes Teaching
(21:03) Why Cultural Competency Can’t Be Optional
(27:05) Stories, Belonging, and Orange Blossom

Packed with practical guidance and encouragement, this episode helps teachers rethink culture, use what’s already present in their classrooms, and create learning environments where every culture is respected and valued.

#TeachingCulture #CulturalIdentity #InclusiveClassroom #TeacherPodcast #CulturalCompetency #GlobalCitizenship #BelongingInSchools #EducationPodcast #TeacherSupport

Annie sits down with Alex DeSorbo-Quinn, Executive Director of Pilot Light, to explore how food can connect learning across subjects and cultures.

To connect with Alex and access teacher resources, visit:
https://pilotlightchefs.org/

Alex shares how teachers can use food as a powerful classroom tool that’s already part of students’ daily lives. This episode covers practical strategies, low-prep activities, and advocacy ideas that help educators engage students, build empathy, and bring culture into learning—without adding extra work to their plates.

🎯 What You’ll Learn:

• Why food is one of the most effective engagement tools in the classroom 🍎

• How to integrate food into lessons across subjects and grade levels 📚

• Low-prep ways to use food to build connection and curiosity ⏱️

• How food education fosters empathy, respect, and cultural understanding ❤️

• Why advocating for better school meals matters for students and schools 🏫

• How Pilot Light supports teachers with resources, standards, and stipends 🌱

Chapters:
(00:00) Why Food Belongs in Every Classroom
(03:14) Using Food in Any Subject
(09:12) Food, Culture, and Environment
(11:57) Building Empathy Through Food
(14:58) School Lunch and Advocacy
(23:50) Resources for Teachers

Packed with practical guidance and encouragement, this episode helps teachers rethink engagement, use what’s already around them, and see why food truly belongs in every classroom.

#FoodEducation #TeacherPodcast #ClassroomEngagement #TeachingStrategies #SchoolLunch #EmpathyInEducation #PilotLight #TeacherResources #EducationPodcast #TeacherSupport

Annie sits down with Emily Cadiz, a former classroom teacher, musician, and founder of Prelude Early Learning, to explore how a classroom injury that left her unable to speak reshaped her understanding of how children learn language and literacy.

To connect with Emily, visit:
https://www.preludeearlylearning.com

Emily shares how teachers can use music, storytelling, and creativity to support student learning, foster engagement, and build literacy skills. This episode covers practical strategies, breakthrough teaching insights, and lessons every educator can apply—no matter the grade level or subject.

🎯 What You’ll Learn:

• How music supports language and cognitive development 🎵

• Why early literacy should focus on language before script 📖

• How to make screen time active and student-centered 📱

• Why storytelling improves retention and learning 🐉

• How to engage multiple parts of the brain without burnout 🧠

• Lessons from Emily’s journey that apply to any classroom 🌱

  
  

Chapters:
(00:11) Why Music Helps Kids Learn
(05:51) The Injury That Changed Everything
(11:36) Relearning Speech & Literacy Lessons
(18:14) From Teacher to Founder
(20:27) Music as a Learning Tool
(28:52) Making Learning Joyful & Engaging
(33:57) Emily’s Advice for Teachers

Packed with practical guidance and inspiration, this episode helps teachers rethink literacy instruction, connect with students in new ways, and use creativity, storytelling, and music as powerful learning tools.

#MusicEducation #EarlyLiteracy #TeachingStrategies #LanguageDevelopment #InclusiveEducation #EducationalTechnology #TeacherPodcast #LiteracyInstruction #TeacherStories #EducatorEntrepreneur #CognitiveDevelopment #TeacherLife #TeacherSupport #TeacherGrowth #ClassroomStrategies #EdTech #TeacherTips

Annie sits down with Gail Showalter, a teacher with over 20 years of classroom experience, including a decade teaching Braille, to explore what it really takes to support visually impaired students and create inclusive, effective learning experiences.

To connect with Gail, visit:
https://www.gailshowalter.com/

Gail shares how teachers can understand how students learn Braille, adapt their teaching strategies, and empower every student in the classroom. This episode covers practical skills, breakthrough teaching stories, and transferable lessons that every educator can apply, whether or not they teach Braille.

🎯 What You’ll Learn:

• How students learn Braille, step by step 📚

• The biggest challenges visually impaired students face 🧩

• Essential skills every Braille teacher uses ✨

• How to make lessons engaging when students can’t rely on sight 🎨

• Inspiring stories of student breakthroughs 🌱

• Lessons from Braille that apply to any classroom 🏫

  
  

Chapters:
(00:00) How Students Actually Learn Braille
(10:15) The Biggest Challenges Braille Learners Face
(18:01) 3 Essential Skills Every Braille Teacher Needs
(23:45) Inclusion vs. Specialized Teaching
(29:45) Where Aspiring Braille Teachers Should Start
(33:22) How Teaching Braille Inspired a Nonprofit

Packed with practical guidance and encouragement, this episode helps teachers rethink learning, explore new strategies, and recognize the value of empathy, creativity, and adaptability in every classroom.

#BrailleEducation #BlindStudents #VisuallyImpaired #InclusiveClassroom #TeachingStrategies #TeacherTips #Education #StudentEmpowerment #ProfessionalGrowth #TeacherSupport

Annie sits down with Keith Anderson, a former teacher turned career coach, to explore how educators can navigate a career change with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

To connect with Keith, visit:
https://www.careeralchemylab.com/calendar

Keith shares how teachers can recognize their transferable skills, challenge limiting beliefs, and explore new career paths safely. This episode covers curiosity, intentional networking, and small experiments that help teachers move forward without burning bridges or feeling overwhelmed.

🎯 What You’ll Learn:

• Why teachers undervalue their skills in the job market 💼

• How to gain clarity by identifying what energizes you 🔍

• The “five why” exercise to break free from societal expectations 🧠

• How to explore careers safely and strategically 🧭

• Why networking matters—and how to do it authentically 🤝

• How curiosity and connection lead to confident career moves 🌱

Chapters:
(00:10) Teacher → Career Coach
(06:11) Finding Career Clarity
(11:16) Breaking Free from “Shoulds”
(19:21) Exploring New Careers
(25:54) Networking That Works
(32:27) Recognizing Transferable Skills
(36:47) Overcoming Self-Doubt
(41:44) Final Advice

Packed with practical guidance and encouragement, this episode helps teachers rethink what’s possible, trust their experience, and take the next step—whether that’s a career change or seeing themselves differently.

#TeacherCareerChange #CareerExploration #TransferableSkills #EducationCareers #TeacherBurnout #ProfessionalGrowth #EducatorSupport

Annie sits down with Zarina Derveni, a certified life and empowerment coach, to explore how perfectionism shows up in teaching—and why it’s quietly draining teachers’ confidence, energy, and joy.

To connect with Zarina, check out her website here:
https://www.zerinalifecoach.com/contact

With her background in coaching and personal development, Zarina shares practical, teacher-friendly strategies to break free from overthinking, stop tying self-worth to performance, and teach with confidence instead of perfection. This conversation dives into emotional intelligence, prioritization, and mindset shifts that help teachers protect their well-being while still making a powerful impact on students.

🎯 What You’ll Learn:
How perfectionism affects teachers’ confidence and self-worth 🧠
Simple ways to stop overthinking and over-prepping lessons ✏️
How emotional intelligence helps manage pressure and stress 🌱
Why aligning values with your work leads to fulfillment 🎯
How to teach confidently without trying to be perfect 💪

Chapters:
(00:08) Teacher Perfectionism: What & Why
(06:04) Stop Overthinking & Over-Prepping
(10:00) Managing Pressure in Teaching
(16:18) Aligning Values with Your Work
(23:47) Prioritize What Matters Most
(29:32) Discover Yourself & Build Confidence
(34:00) Observe vs. Absorb Stress
(37:40) Teachers’ Real Impact on Students

Packed with insight, clarity, and encouragement, this episode helps teachers let go of perfectionism, reconnect with their self-worth, and show up with confidence—both in and out of the classroom.

#Teachers #Perfectionism #TeacherWellbeing #Confidence #EmotionalIntelligence #SelfCare #PersonalDevelopment #TeachingTips #EducatorSupport