Front of the Class

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David Wilson didn’t plan to become a teacher. In fact, his first teaching experience happened by chance when a friend asked him to cover a physics class. What started as a temporary substitute role quickly became a lifelong calling. 

Since then, David’s journey has taken him from Ghana to Vietnam and now to Jakarta, Indonesia, where he teaches science and biology at an international school. Along the way, he has embraced the power of perseverance, optimism, and being different. 

In this episode, David shares pivotal moments from his teaching career — how he discovered the way he could connect to students during his very first week, what it felt like to be the first Black teacher at his school in Vietnam, and why he’s passionate about equipping students and teachers with technological skills that will shape their futures. 

Get your free copy of The K-12 Teacher's Guide to Saving Time While Lesson Planning! 

Download for free here ➡️ https://teach.moreland.edu/save-time-lesson-planning-guide

Moreland University can help you create the teaching career of your dreams. 

• Get your U.S. teaching license in as little as 9 months 
• Earn a master's degree in 12 months 
• Keep growing with professional development

Learn more at moreland.edu

Thanks for listening to Front of the Class: Real Stories From Real Educators. 

Keep the conversation going with us on social: 

• Instagram: @frontoftheclass.podcast
• TikTok: @frontoftheclass.podcast

Want to jumpstart or grow your teaching career? 

Moreland University's 100% online TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program can help you get certified in as little as 9 months. Moreland also offers master's degrees in high-demand areas that can be completed 12 months. 

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Savannah Steger, an educator in South Carolina, initially tried to ignore the childhood feeling that she would work in education — even going as far as starting college as a broadcast journalism major before pursuing what she termed her "calling." 

Now, Savannah has been an elementary school principal for 5 years. Before that, she was an assistant principal and a teacher. Having worked at various levels of elementary education has helped her develop perspective, but one thing hasn’t changed: the “why” at the heart of her career, which is helping children learn, grow, and succeed.  

In this episode, Savannah shares stories from her career journey, emphasizing the importance of building relationships with students and staff, the challenges faced along the way, and the rewarding moments that make it all worthwhile. 

Get your free copy of The K-12 Teacher's Guide to Saving Time While Lesson Planning! 

Download for free here ➡️ https://teach.moreland.edu/save-time-lesson-planning-guide

Moreland University can help you create the teaching career of your dreams. 

• Get your U.S. teaching license in as little as 9 months 
• Earn a master's degree in 12 months 
• Keep growing with professional development

Learn more at moreland.edu

Thanks for listening to Front of the Class: Real Stories From Real Educators. 

Keep the conversation going with us on social: 

• Instagram: @frontoftheclass.podcast
• TikTok: @frontoftheclass.podcast

Want to jumpstart or grow your teaching career? 

Moreland University's 100% online TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program can help you get certified in as little as 9 months. Moreland also offers master's degrees in high-demand areas that can be completed 12 months. 

Send us Fan Mail

Hands-on and high-impact. 

That’s how educator Carson Letot approaches his work at a North Carolina community college, where students learn not just concepts, but how to build successful careers. 

In this episode, Letot shares his unique path into being a program director, what it means to train students for agriculture and turf grass science professions, and why leading with flexibility matters more than ever. 

Focused on helping learners rise to the challenge of doing work that brings joy to others, Letot’s reflections will inspire instructors, support staff, and anyone committed to helping students gain the skills and confidence they need to succeed on the job and in life. 

Get your free copy of The K-12 Teacher's Guide to Saving Time While Lesson Planning! 

Download for free here ➡️ https://teach.moreland.edu/save-time-lesson-planning-guide

Moreland University can help you create the teaching career of your dreams. 

• Get your U.S. teaching license in as little as 9 months 
• Earn a master's degree in 12 months 
• Keep growing with professional development

Learn more at moreland.edu

Thanks for listening to Front of the Class: Real Stories From Real Educators. 

Keep the conversation going with us on social: 

• Instagram: @frontoftheclass.podcast
• TikTok: @frontoftheclass.podcast

Want to jumpstart or grow your teaching career? 

Moreland University's 100% online TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program can help you get certified in as little as 9 months. Moreland also offers master's degrees in high-demand areas that can be completed 12 months. 

Send us Fan Mail

"Is this the best way to make change in people's lives?" 

That's the question Rachel Davison Humphries faced in the 2000s. As an EMT in East Texas, she knew she was providing immediate help to people in need, but she was searching for a career that would leave a longer, lasting impact. 

Humphries began exploring colleges, philosophy, and charity, which led her to embrace the concept of direct assistance — which eventually led her to enter education.   

In this episode, Humphries discusses teaching at Montessori schools, developing curriculums in Guatemala, and helping students internalize the importance of civics through he position at the Bill of Rights Institute. 

Humphries' story will connect with career changers and career teachers alike as she recounts transformative moments and highlights the importance of agency-driven education. 

Get your free copy of The K-12 Teacher's Guide to Saving Time While Lesson Planning! 

Download for free here ➡️ https://teach.moreland.edu/save-time-lesson-planning-guide

Moreland University can help you create the teaching career of your dreams. 

• Get your U.S. teaching license in as little as 9 months 
• Earn a master's degree in 12 months 
• Keep growing with professional development

Learn more at moreland.edu

Thanks for listening to Front of the Class: Real Stories From Real Educators. 

Keep the conversation going with us on social: 

• Instagram: @frontoftheclass.podcast
• TikTok: @frontoftheclass.podcast

Want to jumpstart or grow your teaching career? 

Moreland University's 100% online TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program can help you get certified in as little as 9 months. Moreland also offers master's degrees in high-demand areas that can be completed 12 months. 

Send us Fan Mail

Neely Trull's grandmother was a local celebrity — but maybe not the kind you would think. She spent 28 years working as an educator, making a positive impact on their community. So, when Neely was asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, it was always a "no-brainer" that she would follow in those family footsteps. 

In this episode, Neely — an early childhood educator in South Carolina — discusses her experiences through 3 years of teaching, why caring about students on a level of "hearts and souls" matters just as much as their grades, and the reality of the hard times that come with being an educator. 

Neely's story will touch new and experienced teachers alike, and leave you refreshed and energized to inspire students in the classroom and beyond. 

Get your free copy of The K-12 Teacher's Guide to Saving Time While Lesson Planning! 

Download for free here ➡️ https://teach.moreland.edu/save-time-lesson-planning-guide

Moreland University can help you create the teaching career of your dreams. 

• Get your U.S. teaching license in as little as 9 months 
• Earn a master's degree in 12 months 
• Keep growing with professional development

Learn more at moreland.edu

Thanks for listening to Front of the Class: Real Stories From Real Educators. 

Keep the conversation going with us on social: 

• Instagram: @frontoftheclass.podcast
• TikTok: @frontoftheclass.podcast

Want to jumpstart or grow your teaching career? 

Moreland University's 100% online TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program can help you get certified in as little as 9 months. Moreland also offers master's degrees in high-demand areas that can be completed 12 months. 

Send us Fan Mail

How can one meal change your life? Rainier Lee shares how trying Korean food led him from a life as a cultural anthropologist in the U.S. to a career as a confident classroom leader in the Netherlands. 

In this episode, Rainier opens up about being an international educator with dyslexia and how he uses transparent communication to power his empathetic, student-centered approach to teaching. He also shares tips for avoiding burnout and advice for aspiring teachers. 

Whether you're just beginning your teaching journey or looking for a fresh perspective, Rainier’s story will remind you why this work matters and why so many career changers are drawn to education. 

Get your free copy of The K-12 Teacher's Guide to Saving Time While Lesson Planning! 

Download for free here ➡️ https://teach.moreland.edu/save-time-lesson-planning-guide

Moreland University can help you create the teaching career of your dreams. 

• Get your U.S. teaching license in as little as 9 months 
• Earn a master's degree in 12 months 
• Keep growing with professional development

Learn more at moreland.edu

Thanks for listening to Front of the Class: Real Stories From Real Educators. 

Keep the conversation going with us on social: 

• Instagram: @frontoftheclass.podcast
• TikTok: @frontoftheclass.podcast

Want to jumpstart or grow your teaching career? 

Moreland University's 100% online TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program can help you get certified in as little as 9 months. Moreland also offers master's degrees in high-demand areas that can be completed 12 months. 

Send us Fan Mail

What do classroom mantras, self-care, and unexpected career twists have in common? They’re all part of Michele Banks’ inspiring journey into special education. 

In this episode, Michele shares how she unexpectedly found herself teaching high school at a private Catholic school in Florida — and how it became her calling. From supporting students with exceptional needs to building meaningful classroom connections, she offers heart, humor, and hard-earned wisdom. She also gets real about burnout, the power of asking for help, and the guiding principles that keep her grounded. 

Whether you’re teaching with a temporary license, deep into your educator journey, or thinking about switching careers to become a teacher, Michele’s story will leave you feeling empowered and inspired. 

Get your free copy of The K-12 Teacher's Guide to Saving Time While Lesson Planning! 

Download for free here ➡️ https://teach.moreland.edu/save-time-lesson-planning-guide

Moreland University can help you create the teaching career of your dreams. 

• Get your U.S. teaching license in as little as 9 months 
• Earn a master's degree in 12 months 
• Keep growing with professional development

Learn more at moreland.edu

Thanks for listening to Front of the Class: Real Stories From Real Educators. 

Keep the conversation going with us on social: 

• Instagram: @frontoftheclass.podcast
• TikTok: @frontoftheclass.podcast

Want to jumpstart or grow your teaching career? 

Moreland University's 100% online TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program can help you get certified in as little as 9 months. Moreland also offers master's degrees in high-demand areas that can be completed 12 months. 

Send us Fan Mail

What happens when someone who never planned to be a teacher ends up changing students' lives around the world? In this inspiring and refreshingly honest episode, Miya Hourani (a middle school language arts teacher in Kuwait) takes us on her unexpected journey into education — from saying "no thanks" to teaching to becoming a passionate international educator. She opens up about cultural curveballs, meaningful student connections, and those powerful “this is why I teach” moments that every educator can relate to. But also doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff either—sharing the challenges, growth, and mindset shifts that have shaped her along the way. If you've ever doubted your path, needed a reminder of your impact, or just love a good story about following your heart (and passport!), this episode is for you. 

Want to learn more about Miya's teaching journey (including how she landed her dream job)? Check out this blog post.

Get your free copy of The K-12 Teacher's Guide to Saving Time While Lesson Planning! 

Download for free here ➡️ https://teach.moreland.edu/save-time-lesson-planning-guide

Moreland University can help you create the teaching career of your dreams. 

• Get your U.S. teaching license in as little as 9 months 
• Earn a master's degree in 12 months 
• Keep growing with professional development

Learn more at moreland.edu

Thanks for listening to Front of the Class: Real Stories From Real Educators. 

Keep the conversation going with us on social: 

• Instagram: @frontoftheclass.podcast
• TikTok: @frontoftheclass.podcast

Want to jumpstart or grow your teaching career? 

Moreland University's 100% online TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program can help you get certified in as little as 9 months. Moreland also offers master's degrees in high-demand areas that can be completed 12 months. 

Send us Fan Mail

With 7 years of experience as a classroom teacher in Georgia, Courtney Thompson shares her journey into a non-profit organization that advocates for student apprenticeships and internships. Discover how she transitioned from teaching history and English to connecting high school students with hands-on trade career opportunities as well as the joys and challenges she faced along the way. And, just as notably, why she plans to one day get back into the classroom as an educator. Whether you’re currently teaching, considering the profession, or curious about other careers in education, this episode offers valuable insights. 

Get your free copy of The K-12 Teacher's Guide to Saving Time While Lesson Planning! 

Download for free here ➡️ https://teach.moreland.edu/save-time-lesson-planning-guide

Moreland University can help you create the teaching career of your dreams. 

• Get your U.S. teaching license in as little as 9 months 
• Earn a master's degree in 12 months 
• Keep growing with professional development

Learn more at moreland.edu

Thanks for listening to Front of the Class: Real Stories From Real Educators. 

Keep the conversation going with us on social: 

• Instagram: @frontoftheclass.podcast
• TikTok: @frontoftheclass.podcast

Want to jumpstart or grow your teaching career? 

Moreland University's 100% online TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program can help you get certified in as little as 9 months. Moreland also offers master's degrees in high-demand areas that can be completed 12 months. 

Send us Fan Mail

From teaching K-12 in Fairfax County Public Schools (VA) and coaching wrestling to teaching in Saudi Arabia and educating teachers at Moreland University, Warry Bonney’s 10+ years in education has insights for educators new and experienced! In this episode, she shares her unique journey, teaching challenges, and rewarding experiences. She also offers valuable lessons about building strong relationships with students, the importance of understanding their backgrounds, and the impact of being a supportive teacher. If you’ve ever wondered about that impact, don’t miss the cake story in this episode! 

Get your free copy of The K-12 Teacher's Guide to Saving Time While Lesson Planning! 

Download for free here ➡️ https://teach.moreland.edu/save-time-lesson-planning-guide

Moreland University can help you create the teaching career of your dreams. 

• Get your U.S. teaching license in as little as 9 months 
• Earn a master's degree in 12 months 
• Keep growing with professional development

Learn more at moreland.edu

Thanks for listening to Front of the Class: Real Stories From Real Educators. 

Keep the conversation going with us on social: 

• Instagram: @frontoftheclass.podcast
• TikTok: @frontoftheclass.podcast

Want to jumpstart or grow your teaching career? 

Moreland University's 100% online TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program can help you get certified in as little as 9 months. Moreland also offers master's degrees in high-demand areas that can be completed 12 months.