Peel Back Education with April Braithwaite  

Educators are the backbone of society, yet their stories often go unheard. In this episode of My EdTech Life, I sit down with April Braithwaite, founder of Peel Back Education, a new project dedicated to telling the authentic stories of teachers. April shares how a late-night reflection sparked her mission to capture educator journeys in writing, giving teachers a platform that isn’t about products or checklists, it’s about dignity, recognition, and impact.

We talk about the ripple effect of great teachers, the importance of narrative in sustaining educators, and how storytelling can bring healing, validation, and even systemic change. April opens up about the teachers who shaped her life, why she believes “you’re here for a reason,” and how she’s building a space where every educator can feel seen.

If you’ve ever doubted whether your work matters, this episode is a reminder that your story could change lives.

Timestamps

• 0:00 Welcome and sponsor shout-outs
• 2:00 How April and I first connected at TCEA
• 3:20 The toothbrush epiphany that sparked Peel Back Education
• 6:00 Moving beyond products: Why teacher stories matter
• 8:30 The mentors who shaped my own journey in education
• 11:20 April’s inspiration from her own teachers who believed in her
• 14:30 How storytelling gives educators recognition and dignity
• 19:00 The ripple effect of teachers and the seeds they plant
• 24:00 Education as the backbone of society
• 25:30 How educators can share their stories with Peel Back Education
• 28:45 The overwhelming response after launch
• 34:00 Future plans: from blog to clips to podcast
• 36:00 Lightning round: EduKryptonite, billboards, and role swaps
• 39:00 Closing reflections and ways to connect with April

Big Thank You to Our Sponsors

This episode is made possible thanks to the support of Book Creator, Eduaide.AI, and Yellowdig. Your belief in these conversations helps keep My EdTech Life thriving and accessible to educators everywhere.

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Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today.

Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.

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