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Tune in as Gina reflects on the importance of honoring students’ everyday lives, celebrating unexpected “aha” moments, and letting the real world into our classrooms. It’s a funny, feel-good story with a side of educational wisdom—and maybe a craving for nacho fries.

Because sometimes, the key to a student’s learning journey starts with a double-L and a crunchy taco.

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In this laugh-out-loud (and tear-a-little) episode, Dr. Gina Pepin shares the unforgettable tale of Hutch—a golden doodle turned honorary assistant principal—and the surprisingly profound lessons he teaches about emotional regulation, trauma-informed practice, and the power of a well-timed head tilt.

Join Gina as she reflects on a high-stress parent meeting that took an unexpected turn thanks to a dog with impeccable timing and better counseling instincts than most humans. Spoiler alert: Hutch doesn’t say a word, but he speaks volumes.

This episode reminds educators that calm is contagious, relationships are the real safe spaces, and sometimes, the best interventions have wagging tails. Whether your "Hutch" is a dog, a donut cart, or a dance party in the hallway, this one’s for you.

🐾 Listen in for:

• A golden doodle who crashes meetings and hearts
  
  
• Why humor and humanity matter more than ever in education
  
  
• How to create emotionally safe spaces—even in the chaos
  
  
• A fresh take on self-regulation (and the power of floppy ears)
  
  

💬 Got a Hutch in your building? Email Dr. Gina with your story—we'd love to feature it!

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In this heartwarming episode of Let’s Talk Teacher to Teacher, Dr. Gina Pepin reflects on the unexpected, yet powerful, moments that remind us of the importance of curiosity and understanding in the classroom. Dr. Pepin shares a story from her experience with a student named Lucas, who asked, “Do birds live in your hair?”

Instead of dismissing the question, Dr. Pepin saw it as an opportunity to embrace her student’s unique perspective, one shaped by his fascination with birds. This episode emphasizes the value of engaging with students’ curiosity—no matter how unusual their questions may seem—and using those moments as teachable opportunities that enrich the learning experience.

Takeaway:
By embracing the questions that come from our students, we open the door to deeper connections and learning experiences. Don’t be afraid to lean into the curiosity of your students—it may just lead to the most meaningful moments in your classroom.

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In this deeply moving episode of Let’s Talk Teacher to Teacher, Dr. Gina Pepin dives into the impact our absences and disruptions in routine can have on students—particularly those who have experienced trauma. Through a poignant story from her own classroom, Dr. Pepin reflects on a moment when a student, Tommy, expressed his fear of loss after her absence, saying, "I thought you were dead."

This episode explores the emotional and psychological effects that absences, even short ones, can have on children who rely on stability and routine. Dr. Pepin offers practical strategies for how teachers can support their students during these times, from acknowledging their feelings to reinstating routines that provide reassurance and security. Tune in for a heartfelt reminder of the powerful role teachers play as consistent, caring figures in their students’ lives.

Takeaway:
As educators, our presence means more than just being in the classroom—it’s about creating a safe, steady environment for our students.

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In today’s episode of Let’s Talk Teacher to Teacher, Dr. Gina Pepin explores the beauty in the worn and weathered books that live in our classrooms. From frayed covers to chocolate milk stains, these books tell a story of love, devotion, and connection. Celebrate the books that have been reread, retold, and reimagined by the students who treasure them. Because when a book falls apart, it means it’s been held together by hearts.

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From glitter coughs to giggle chains, some things just spread fast in a classroom—but not all contagions are bad. In this heartfelt and humorous episode, Dr. Gina Pepin explores what really catches on in our schools: stress, joy, kindness, curiosity—and everything in between. With real stories, gentle reminders, and a dose of emotional fluency, this episode invites educators to reflect on the energy they bring and how it ripples out to students. Because while germs are contagious, so is hope. Use generously.

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What happens when benchmark testing sneaks its way into morning announcements? In this heartfelt and humorous episode of Let’s Talk Teacher to Teacher, Dr. Gina Pepin shares a story of two second-grade announcers who mistook fluency for speed—and flew through the morning news like it was a ORF sprint.

Join Dr. Pepin as she reflects on how easily our students can misinterpret assessment pressures and why it’s up to us to reframe fluency as meaningful, expressive reading—not a race to the finish line. You’ll laugh, maybe tear up a bit, and leave with practical ways to protect the joy of reading—even during testing season.

Perfect for: Educators navigating benchmark season, literacy advocates, and anyone who believes reading should sound like a story, not a stopwatch.

Let’s slow it down—and teach with heart. 💛📚

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In this touching episode of Let’s Talk Teacher to Teacher, Dr. Gina Pepin shares a real-life story from her classroom that shines a light on the literacy challenges many students face at home. When a young student casually reveals that his bookshelf holds mail instead of books, it sparks a deeper conversation about access, equity, and the essential role teachers play in nurturing a love for reading.

Join Dr. Pepin as she reflects on how educators can respond with compassion and creativity—offering book access, building partnerships with families, and creating classroom environments where reading is not only taught but celebrated.

Perfect for: Teachers, literacy advocates, and anyone passionate about bridging the gap between home and school reading experiences.

Let’s work together to make sure every child has a chance to become a reader—regardless of what’s on their bookshelf.

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Watch the Vlog post at: https://www.ginapepin.com/blank-19-1

Ride and Read bags provide opportunities to create meaningful experiences for interactive shared language and literacy experiences anywhere you go! The Ride and Read Program provides families with engaging texts, activity cards, and storytelling props in a convenient travel tote so that they can build early literacy and language skills through joyful interactions. Knowing the importance of parental involvement in successful student learning, this program strives to provide families with the tools and resources they need to build a strong early language and literacy foundation.

More information at:
More Videos At: https://www.ginapepin.com/blank-19-1

Ride and Read Program: https://www.ginapepin.com/blank-14

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Watch the Vlog post at: https://www.ginapepin.com/blank-19-1

Ride and Read bags provide opportunities to create meaningful experiences for interactive shared language and literacy experiences anywhere you go! The Ride and Read Program provides families with engaging texts, activity cards, and storytelling props in a convenient travel tote so that they can build early literacy and language skills through joyful interactions. Knowing the importance of parental involvement in successful student learning, this program strives to provide families with the tools and resources they need to build a strong early language and literacy foundation.

More information at:
More Videos At: https://www.ginapepin.com/blank-19-1

Ride and Read Program: https://www.ginapepin.com/blank-14

Support the show