Hilarious guests Angelina and Sarah, Transitional Kindergarten teachers extraordinaire, answer surprise questions regarding their ever-evolving trade and comical experiences. Join us as we delve into completely random and side-splitting conversation!

Join me as I interview Mr. Nate Kohn, Physical Education teacher extraordinaire. We talk about what it’s like teaching in both China and Hong Kong and adapting to a whole different cultural environment. Nate touches on everything from food, to contracts, to the art of personality when working abroad. If you are thinking about taking a teaching job in China, this is the man to take advice from!

In this episode we interview Mr. Jun Park, Director of RANK: Relief Aid of North Koreans. He details how RANK helps Korean defectors in the Los Angeles area with employment, education, and other basic needs. Mr. Park details what it's like for North Koreans to escape North Korea and provides insight on their biggest struggles here in the United States. We also talk about Beyond Utopia, the new movie by Madelan Gavin that won Cannes Film Festival, highlighting a family who leaves North Korea in search of a better life in South Korea. This episodes takes a little bit of a serious turn as it aims to raise awareness of North Korean refugees.

Join us as we interview Deputy Greg Jones, Deputy Sheriff with the San Bernardino Sheriff's Department - Public Affairs Division.  We discuss topics such as the role of law enforcement in children's lives and how teachers can take advantage of law enforcement and school resource officers in shaping children's perceptions of police. Teachers have the power to encourage students to view police officers as something positive in their communities. Deputy Jones also discusses the process of mandated reporter child abuse reporting after the report has been made, and the role that the Department of Child and Family Services has (alongside law enforcement) in investigating reports. Deputy Jones gives listeners a wealth of information of resources and programs that are available to people and educators throughout the county.

Bio: Deputy Greg Jones is the Vice President of the California Crime Prevention Officers' Association. He acts as a community liaison, connecting San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department with community groups, non-profits & organizations, creating positive change, and educating the public on crime prevention trends for public safety.  Deputy Jones speaks to the public on various topics, such as human trafficking, active shooter scenarios, and safety in schools and the community. Deputy Jones is one of four liaisons reaching out to all the communities within San Bernardino County to create equity and inclusion within the Sheriff's department.  [email protected]

Join us for an interview with the innovative musician and educator, Heidi Butkus, master of classroom songs, as she shares how it all started and what it is today.  She is also kind enough to share so many insights and tips for today's educators.  She even sings for us too!

I have John Burke in this episode, substitute teacher extraordinaire!   He provides his insights on what it's like to teach as a sub in different districts across different grade levels, including Kindergarten.  We discuss what it's like to teach in this modern day climate and what he sees in the future of teaching. Witty and interesting, Mr. Burke always provides a unique perspective considering he is a male in a female dominated profession.

Mr. Burke. Rest In Peace, January 1, 2023. Below is a commentary I received from John's brother David that I would like to publish.

I am John’s little bro, thought you might like that.  I listened to the podcast and enjoyed it very much.  John has always struggled with testing, but never had a problem knowing the material he was talking about.  Clearly there needs to be an alternative way to certify teachers.  Why can’t a Principal evaluate a teacher over a period of time and then write a report.  You all saw him as a sub.  Imagine him as a teacher.  He came to it later in life, but at least he made the journey.  I saw videos of him teaching kindergarten and the kids coming up to his kneecaps.  He was in his element.  
The final thing is pay.  Teacher’s do not make enough money for the responsibility and the hours they give to the profession.  I am not a teacher, but my daughter is, which is why I’m am so passionate about teachers.  Thank you for all you do.   Thank you again for having John on your podcast, he will be greatly missed. 
Kind Regards,
David

Listen as we welcome our first guest for episode #1:  The Marvelous Mrs. Merket - Kindergarten teacher extraordinaire!  Great experience, great stories, and great advice!  Melissa and Janette host this conversation and interview.