Ms Pritchard shares her 19-year journey teaching children and adults, from elementary grades to college-level instruction. Her lifelong passion for teaching began in childhood when she would arrange her stuffed animals and teach them, demonstrating a clear calling that has defined her professional life.

• Teaching was Ms Pritchard's only career aspiration since childhood
• Experience spans second, fourth, and fifth grades plus college-level teaching at Coastal Carolina
• Having the same schedule as her children creates valuable family time during summers
• Her husband is also an educator who works as a professor
• Building relationships with students is her favorite aspect of teaching
• She enjoys creating a fun learning environment while challenging students to grow

Ms. D, a curriculum coach at St. James Elementary School, shares her nine-year journey in education and why she transitioned from teaching to coaching. She reveals how her love for those "light bulb moments" when kids learn something new led her from coaching gymnastics to finding her true calling in education.

• Started as a gymnastics coach before spending seven years as a classroom teacher
• Originally considered careers as a vet, Olympic gymnast, and accountant before choosing education
• Moved into curriculum coaching to multiply her impact by helping teachers reach more students
• Daily responsibilities include classroom observations, planning meetings, providing feedback, and testing support
• Believes the most important aspect of her role is supporting teachers with their challenging workloads
• Commits to finding answers for teachers even when she doesn't immediately know them

Ms. B shares her journey from interior design to becoming an art teacher at St. James Elementary School. She discusses her unique teaching philosophy and how she brings creative opportunities to students through recycled materials and new art supplies.

• Holds two bachelor's degrees - one in interior design/architecture and another in education
• Taught first grade for six years before becoming an art teacher for the past six years
• Focuses on introducing students to materials they might not have access to at home
• Loves seeing how students create different projects using the same materials
• Incorporates recycling into art projects to teach sustainability
• Recently introduced students to "paint sticks" which have become popular for their ease of use
• Most important aspect of teaching art is letting kids try new things and materials

"My favorite part of the day is coming to school and seeing everybody. Yes, love it here."

Dr. Finklea, principal at St. James Elementary, shares her 20-year journey in education and what makes being a principal "the best job ever." Her passion for helping both children and adults learn and grow reveals the heart behind educational leadership and the lasting impact educators can have on students' futures.

• Dr. Tinkles taught kindergarten through third grade before becoming a principal
• She has served as a principal for 15 years, including roles as a high school assistant principal
• Being a principal allows her to work with both children and adults, making it "twice the fun"
• Her favorite part of leadership is making everyone in the school community feel loved, valued, and supported
• Dr. Tinklea finds greatest pride in seeing former students graduate, attend college, and find fulfilling careers

Discover the inspiring journey of Ms. Wilder, a passionate multilingual teacher, as she shares her experiences in creating welcoming spaces for students from diverse backgrounds. In this episode, we delve into her transition from teaching fifth grade to her current role, where she supports new arrivals in navigating a new education system.

Ms. Wilder's heartwarming story begins with her encounter with Beatrice, a nervous student from Brazil who felt lost in her new environment. This pivotal moment fueled Ms. Wilder’s commitment to ensuring that every child feels safe and valued. She discusses her methods for building trust and connection, prioritizing emotional well-being alongside academic growth. 

Listeners will also learn how consistent relationships forged over time contribute to a supportive classroom atmosphere. Ms. Wilder showcases the profound bonds she nurtures with her students, some of whom have been with her since kindergarten. Through her insights, educators can gain invaluable strategies for fostering inclusivity and understanding in multicultural classrooms.

Tune in to hear thoughts on the challenges and rewards of multilingual education, and how one teacher’s commitment can transform fear into friendship. Join us in amplifying the voices of educators and the students they inspire. Subscribe, leave a review, and let us know how this resonated with you!