In this episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan, we explore the transformative power of travel for educators. Joined by guest host ShaRhonda Billups, a travel enthusiast, we dive into why traveling isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential for your mental health, personal growth, and classroom performance.Tune in to discover how travel can recharge your teaching, expand your cultural awareness, and help you return to the classroom with fresh inspiration. 

About Sha Rhonda Billups

Sha Rhonda is an inspiring world traveler who aims to get every page in her passport stamped while exploring the world, cultures, and everything else that travel has to offer. If she's not frolicking on a beach—well, not necessarily frolicking, okay, more like lying aimlessly on a beach—you could find her volunteering in her community, reading a good book, or perusing online boutiques for her next fashion find. 

A program manager by day, she often dreams of the day that she can drift away on a chartered yacht, wind blowing her designer caftan. Until then she will share her travel stories and unsolicited travel advice with anyone who listens.

IG: @thisbrowngirlworks

About The Host: Franchesca Thompson

Welcome to the "Everything But the Lesson Plan", a podcast brought to you by Thrive12, an education company designed to ensure you thrive every month of the year. I am an educator, entrepreneur, and influencer on a mission to transform education with innovative tools, tips, and resources for educators everywhere!

In this episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan, we’re diving into the importance of teachers taking a proactive approach to their health. Our special guest, Connie Power, a certified personal trainer and health advocate, joins us to talk about how educators can benefit from working with a personal trainer to boost their physical well-being. We’ll discuss how investing in fitness now can enhance energy levels, reduce stress, and improve long-term health—all of which can lead to a better, more balanced life in and out of the classroom. Whether you’re a teacher looking to take charge of your health or simply exploring new ways to stay active, this episode will provide you with insights, practical tips, and inspiration to "Teach Strong."

About Connie Power 

Connie, considers herself a true Georgia Peach, born in Elberton Georgia and raised in Athens Georgia and later moved to the Atlanta-Metro area after deciding to raise her, then 5-year-old nephew.She says she is blessed to be able to have two careers in which she loves, as an accountant for 15+ years and personal trainer for 15+ years. She holds degrees in education, business administration and accounting.

Connie has been a certified personal trainer and group aerobics instructor for 16 years. She opened up her own studio after seeing a need to have a place that services not just the physical but also the mental and spiritual wellness of people. A place in which they can call their health/wellness sanctuary also known as “the clubhouse”. There are no strangers at Passion 4 Fitness Studio and we are all athletes.

Her motto is, I am always striving to be better, not perfect but better. By the way, she loves Oreo Cookies!

https://passion4fitness.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passion_4_fitness_studio/?hl=en

About The Host: Franchesca Thompson

Welcome to the "Everything But the Lesson Plan", a podcast brought to you by Thrive12, an education company designed to ensure you thrive every month of the year. I am an educator, entrepreneur, and influencer on a mission to transform education with innovative tools, tips, and resources for educators everywhere!

Why should you think about becoming a teacher? Listen to this episode with Sabrina Davis and her “why” behind choosing education as a career. We hope this episode encourages and motivates you! Keep Thriving Educators!

About Sabrina Davis

Sabrina Stearns Davis was born and raised in Fayetteville, NC to a business teacher and 82nd Airborne Army Master Sargent. Ms. Davis spent much of her childhood running in cow pastures, shucking corn, shelling peas, and spending time with family and friends in rural North Carolina and Alabama. The “love of the agriculture” lifestyle sparked a love for stray animals and gardening during her spare time. In 1989, she enrolled in North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and studied under the supervision of Drs. Burleigh and Alfreida Webb. Ms. Davis graduated from North Carolina Agriculture and Technical University in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Laboratory Animal Science and obtained a Master of Science in Agriculture Education.

Her agricultural career began at Cape Fear High School where she became the 1st African American and 1st Female Agriculture Teacher in that school system. After teaching Agriculture for two years in North Carolina, she moved to Georgia where her career continued at Riverdale High School for 15 years, and then to Arabia Mountain Math, Engineering, and Environmental Magnet High School, where she currently teaches Agricultural Education. Ms. Davis has taught and has impacted over 3,000 students during her tenure as a high school educator. She was selected to receive a State Honorary FFA Degree in 2017, selected to represent the National Teach Ag Campaign in 2017, and served as a guest panelist for the 50 Years of Women in FFA Breakfast during the National FFA convention.

About Franchesca Thompson

Welcome to the "Everything But the Lesson Plan" a podcast brought to you by Thrive12, an education company designed to ensure you thrive every month of the year. I am an educator, entrepreneur, and influencer on a mission to transform education with innovative tools, tips, and resources for educators everywhere!

Store:⁠ https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Thrive-1

In this episode, we dedicate four minutes to help teachers unwind, recharge, and reconnect with themselves. As educators, the demands of the classroom can be overwhelming, but it’s essential to take time for self-care. This guided mindful moment offers a calming pause, helping you release tension, embrace positivity, and remind yourself of your impact. Whether you’re in the middle of a busy day or winding down after school, this short session is designed to help you reset and refocus. Take a breath—you deserve this.

About The Host: Franchesca Thompson

Welcome to the "Everything But the Lesson Plan", a podcast brought to you by Thrive12, an education company designed to ensure you thrive every month of the year. I am an educator, entrepreneur, and influencer on a mission to transform education with innovative tools, tips, and resources for educators everywhere!

Music: loving-kindness by HoliznaPATREON is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

In this episode, we dive into how teachers can support students during the upcoming political season. As elections approach, many students will be exposed to a barrage of political information, opinions, and debates—some of which may cause stress and anxiety. How can educators create balanced, safe spaces for students to discuss these issues? What should teachers do or avoid doing to remain neutral, while still fostering critical thinking and civic engagement? Tune in as we explore practical strategies for having respectful conversations, calming student anxieties, and guiding them through this tumultuous time without adding to the polarization. Whether you're a veteran teacher or new to the classroom, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you support your students during this political season.

About The Host: Franchesca Thompson

Welcome to the "Everything But the Lesson Plan", a podcast brought to you by Thrive12, an education company designed to ensure you thrive every month of the year. I am an educator, entrepreneur, and influencer on a mission to transform education with innovative tools, tips, and resources for educators everywhere!

Who was your favorite teacher in school, and why was she/he your favorite? In this episode, Lorin Cleveland (Paigé) shares the time when she met her favorite teacher. Good teachers make a difference in the lives of students. Let’s hear how this happened for  Ms. Lorin Cleveland (Paigé). 

About Lorin Cleveland 

Lorin Cleveland (Paigé) is a singer-songwriter, located in Chicago, IL. While performing keeps her busy on the weekends, throughout the week she is a military liability adjuster. Lorin is passionate about serving others, and seeks to learn from everyone she meets. To find out about her upcoming performances, and soon to be released music - follow her on Instagram @lorinpaige_ 

Check her out on spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/1aMPsgIMYpyatQLhtfN4KJ?si=d98d8aa8ddac42d4

About The Host: Franchesca Thompson

Welcome to the "Everything But the Lesson Plan", a podcast brought to you by Thrive12, an education company designed to ensure you thrive every month of the year. I am an educator, entrepreneur, and influencer on a mission to transform education with innovative tools, tips, and resources for educators everywhere!

In this episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan, we dive into the topic of advancing equity through Career Technical Education (CTE) programs with special guest Mr. Kennard Weever, an expert in equity and inclusion in education. Kennard Weever shares how CTE programs provide underrepresented students with access to high-demand career opportunities through hands-on learning and industry partnerships. We explore success stories, the challenges these programs face, and practical advice for educators and policymakers looking to implement or improve CTE programs in their communities.

About Kennard M. WeeverKennard M. Weever was born in Guyana, South America and was raised in the Atlantic City, New Jersey area. As a school counselor, he passionately served schools in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Raleigh and Durham, North Carolina areas.  Kennard M. Weever currently serves as the executive director of Atlanta Technical College Preparatory Academy Dual Achievement Program,  this program offers students the opportunity to earn their high school diploma and technical college credentials in two years or less. Prior to this role, he spent eight (8) years with Gwinnett County Public. The first four years he served as an elementary school counselor and the last four years he served as a College & Career and Post-secondary Specialist for the South Gwinnett High School cluster.  He is passionate about ensuring that all scholars are equipped with the necessary tools to be successful and productive contributors to society. 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennard-m-weever-524a8819a/

About The Host: Franchesca Thompson

Welcome to the "Everything But the Lesson Plan", a podcast brought to you by Thrive12, an education company designed to ensure you thrive every month of the year. I am an educator, entrepreneur, and influencer on a mission to transform education with innovative tools, tips, and resources for educators everywhere!

Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Thrive-12

In this episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan, we explore the latest findings on AI and Machine Learning in K-12 education. From personalized learning tools to automated grading, discover how these technologies are reshaping classrooms, improving student outcomes, and transforming the role of teachers. We'll also dive into the challenges, ethical concerns, and the future of AI in education. Whether you're a teacher, parent, or education enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights on the evolving landscape of learning. 

About The Host: Franchesca Thompson

Welcome to the "Everything But the Lesson Plan", a podcast brought to you by Thrive12, an education company designed to ensure you thrive every month of the year. I am an educator, entrepreneur, and influencer on a mission to transform education with innovative tools, tips, and resources for educators everywhere!

"Everything But the Lesson Plan" is a podcast for educators to support them in and out of the classroom. We dive into the essential topics that shape teaching today—self-care, professional growth, and practical strategies. In this episode, we explore how to increase awareness about the science of reading in schools and equip teachers with the tools they need to foster literacy success. Whether you're an educator, administrator, or advocate, join us for actionable insights to transform learning environments.

About Melanie Brethour 

Melanie Brethour, is a full-time resource teacher from Montreal, Quebec, Canada, is an advocate for dyslexia awareness and the science of reading. Her deep commitment to this cause was sparked by her son Benjamin's dyslexia diagnosis at the age of 9, which ignited a personal mission to understand dyslexia and support her son and her students. Motivated by her son's journey, Melanie embarked on extensive research and training, achieving Orton Gillingham associate-level certification and becoming a CERI structured literacy teacher. 

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About The Host: Franchesca Thompson

Welcome to the "Everything But the Lesson Plan", a podcast brought to you by Thrive12, an education company designed to ensure you thrive every month of the year. I am an educator, entrepreneur, and influencer on a mission to transform education with innovative tools, tips, and resources for educators everywhere!

Store:⁠ https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Thrive-12⁠