In the Season 1 wrap-up, Megan welcomes Dr. Allison Oliver, assistant professor of special education at Austin Peay State University. Drawing on her 17 years in public education, Dr. Oliver explores two transformative topics: ethical AI implementation and the future of special education.

Discover how Dr. Oliver views AI as both a powerful teaching tool and a potential challenge, advocating for its use as a "thought partner" rather than a replacement for authentic learning. Learn about her new AI workshop for undergraduates that models responsible usage while promoting deeper thinking.

The conversation shifts to Tennessee's critical special education teacher shortage, with Dr. Oliver — whose research focuses on educational equity and teacher development — passionately describing special educators as "super teachers" who close opportunity gaps. She outlines essential strategies for districts and teacher preparation programs, including APSU's revamped approaches, to better support and retain these vital educators.

Dr. Oliver also shares how her commitment to serving marginalized populations through Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. aligns with her educational mission.

⁠APSU Eriksson College of Education⁠

More about Dr. Allison Oliver

Explore APSU’s Undergraduate Special Education Degree Options

Explore APSU’s Graduate Special Education Degree Options

Association of Teacher Educators Teacher Educator Standards, (3rd Edition)

Call for Proposals: Rural Education Conference

Find Upcoming Events on Govs Connect

Dr. Zack Barnes Quoted in Newsweek

APSU GOVing Tuesday

Meagan Potts, community engagement coordinator for the Office of Community Engagement and Sustainability at Austin Peay State University, joins Megan on this month’s episode. Meagan brings a unique blend of student support and gaming culture to her role in Student Affairs.

She oversees critical initiatives, such as Alternative Break Trips and the Engage Living-Learning Community, where she strives to treat college students as young adults navigating some of life's most significant transitions. She earned a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Instructional Technology from the Eriksson College of Education, which equipped her with practical tools and strategies she uses in her day-to-day work.

As advisor for the Govs Gaming student organization, Meagan bridges her professional and personal worlds. She shares more about the growth of esports at APSU, including a recent tournament victory against Middle Tennessee State University.

Dive Deeper:

⁠APSU Eriksson College of Education⁠

Office of Community Engagement and Sustainability

Master of Arts in Education in Curriculum and Instruction: Instructional Technology 

⁠Govs Gaming Student Organization⁠

Austin Peay marks esports debut with tiebreaker win over MTSU

Call for Proposals: Rural Education Conference

APSU Full Spectrum Learning

Advocates for Autism Student Organization 

Generative AI Use Among Saudi and Korean Language Learners in Higher Education: Examination Through a Modified TAM Framework

Students’ perceptions of generative AI in EFL writing: Strategies, self-efficacy, satisfaction, and behavioural intention

On this episode, Megan chats with Dr. Jena Collins, a new Full Spectrum Learning staff member and August 2025 doctoral graduate of the Eriksson College of Education at Austin Peay State University. Dr. Collins discusses her experience in special education and role in supporting neurodivergent students at Austin Peay, the rich opportunities for research and mentoring available through the doctoral program, and suggestions for inclusive and accessible field trip options. 

Dive Deeper:

⁠APSU Eriksson College of Education⁠

Dr. Zack Barnes Quoted in HuffPost

Join us for our Homecoming Brunch

Meet Dr. Jena Collins

APSU Full Spectrum Learning

APSU Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Program

Plan Your Field Trip to Leadville, Colorado

On this episode, Megan chats with Amanda Bradley, a new reading instructor in the Eriksson College of Education at Austin Peay State University. Amanda discusses her previous experience as a student at Austin Peay and her extensive experience as a teacher in the Cheatham County and Clarksville-Montgomery County school districts in Tennessee. 

Amanda provides tips and strategies for ELL and reading teachers and shares some of her favorite classroom memories. Amanda is full of energy, and we are excited to see the impact she makes at Austin Peay.

Tune in to hear about Amanda’s “old lady job” and her suggestions for college students!

Dive Deeper:

⁠APSU Eriksson College of Education⁠

English Language Learner Certificate

Reading Graduate Degree

Financial Peace University

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Tomorrow I’ll Be Brave

Following a trailblazer's footsteps: L.M. Ellis's granddaughter completes her own historic journey at Austin Peay

‘Pillar of my motivation’: APSU graduate receives doctoral hood from mother during commencement

On this episode, we chat with Kristen Johnson, a current student in the Grow Your Own Teacher Residency Program at Austin Peay State University. Kristen is set to graduate in August 2025, after which she will continue her dedicated work as a teacher at Norman Smith Elementary.

Kristen highlights the immense benefits of the Grow Your Own program and candidly discusses the highlights of her teacher apprenticeship, including the strong bonds she formed with her cohort and the challenges she overcame, including re-learning how to write academic papers as a nontraditional student.

This episode is a must-listen for aspiring educators and anyone interested in the transformative impact of teacher apprenticeship programs.

Dive Deeper:

⁠APSU Eriksson College of Education⁠

Austin Peay State University Grow Your Own Teacher Apprenticeship

Tennessee Educational Leadership Journal

Dr. Lisa Barron served as the interim dean of the Eriksson College of Education, concluding her tenure in June 2025 after a 15-year career at Austin Peay State University. Dr. Barron is a nationally recognized expert on teacher apprenticeships, as Austin Peay State University and the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System worked together to launch the Grow Your Own Teacher Residency, which became the first federally registered teacher apprenticeship in January 2022. In this interview, Dr. Barron chats about her time teaching in Tennessee public schools and at Austin Peay, how she has seen teaching change over time, the benefits of teacher apprenticeships, and what’s next after her retirement from Austin Peay.

Dive Deeper:

⁠APSU Eriksson College of Education⁠

Austin Peay State University Grow Your Own Teacher Apprenticeship

National Center for Grow Your Own

⁠RISE Above: Supporting Teacher Candidates with Autism Through Specialized Coaching

⁠APSU doctoral students complete transformative study abroad experience in South Korea

Austin Peay’s MPH program receives $27K for childhood literacy initiative

Dr. Barbara Tucker is the technical services director in the Office of Information Technology at Austin Peay State University. Dr. Tucker holds an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and an MAED in Curriculum and Instruction from the Eriksson College of Education, embodying the university's commitment to lifelong learning. With over 15 years at APSU, she discusses her journey from student worker to IT leader and highlights the increasing integration of technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), and Augmented Reality (AR) on campus.

Beyond her work in IT, Dr. Tucker is a self-published children's author of "The Adventures of Bibi and Beaux" series. On this episode, Dr. Tucker bravely shares the inspiring story behind her books, which were born from her personal cancer journey.

Dive Deeper:

APSU Eriksson College of Education

The Adventures of Bibi and Beaux: The Diagnosis

The Adventures of Bibi and Beaux: The Treatment

APSU Eriksson College of Education celebrates excellence at annual awards ceremony

Forbes features APSU’s pioneering teacher apprenticeship program

APSU Office of Information Technology

In honor of Autism Acceptance Month, we’re joined by Emmanuel Mejeun, Director of Austin Peay’s Full Spectrum Learning (FSL) Program. Originally from Haiti, Emmanuel’s journey from student to leader has helped shape FSL into a standout support system for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

In this episode, Emmanuel shares how his personal story fuels his professional mission, how FSL empowers neurodivergent students through events like the Reverse Career Fair, and what it means to create a space where students can truly be themselves.

We also chat about his doctoral studies, his passion for music, and the growth of the program under his leadership. Tune in to hear how Emmanuel and FSL are changing the game for inclusion in higher education.

Dive Deeper:

APSU Full Spectrum Learning

APSU Eriksson College of Education

Mia Ayarza Student Spotlight

Why Some Math Teachers Don’t Want Professional Development on AI

Dr. Noelle Cannon, director of the Tennessee Early Childhood Training Alliance (TECTA) at Austin Peay State University, joins us to discuss her impactful work in providing professional development and support to early childhood educators across Tennessee. Learn about TECTA's free orientations and tuition assistance scholarships that help individuals achieve their educational goals, from CDA credentials to advanced degrees. Dr. Cannon also shares her experience as a graduate of APSU’s Ed.D. program in Educational Leadership, highlighting how the program has shaped her professional approach. Discover how TECTA and the Ed.D. program empower educators, expand access to higher education for early childhood professionals, and enhance the quality of early childhood education throughout the state. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on shaping the future of early childhood education in Tennessee!

Dive Deeper: 

APSU Tennessee Early Childhood Training Alliance (TECTA)⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠APSU Doctor of Education (Ed.D) Program Information⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠APSU Doctor of Education (Ed.D) Program Video ⁠⁠

⁠⁠APSU Eriksson College of Education⁠⁠

⁠Introductory Statistics A Contextualized Approach – 4th Edition⁠

⁠Sarah Earls Student Spotlight

⁠2025 Teacher Morale Index⁠

In this compelling conversation, we sit down with Dr. Cheryl Lambert, department chair of Teaching and Learning and Coordinator of the Center for Rural Education at Austin Peay State University. Dr. Lambert shares her journey from rural roots to higher education leadership and discusses the connection between rural communities and educational advancement.

Dive Deeper:

APSU Center for Rural Education

APSU Eriksson College of Education

Dr. Cheryl Lambert

Jon White Student Spotlight

Inclusive Leader Mini-Grants