In this episode of Middle School Walk and Talk, hosts Jessica McGuire and Phyllis Fagell sit down with Darrin Peppard, a former middle school teacher, principal, and superintendent turned leadership coach, who shares his unexpected journey into middle school education and his passion for its unique magic. Darren reflects on how education has shifted post-pandemic, offering practical advice for school leaders on staying curious, empowering others (including avoiding micromanaging), and finding joy in their work. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with nostalgia, leadership insights, and a reminder to pause and reflect on the lasting impact educators have on students’ lives.

Middle School Walk & Talk is a production of the Association for Middle Level Education. Learn more at amle.org.

In this episode of the Middle School Walk and Talk Podcast, hosts Jessica McGuire and Phyllis Fagell are joined by Clay Cook, the Chief Development Officer of Character Strong. Clay shares his extensive background in education and his work with Character Strong, an organization focused on providing educators with low-burden, high-impact resources to support social-emotional learning and behavioral growth in students. They dive into the power of mental models—how our beliefs as educators shape our effectiveness—and explore practical strategies for creating a positive school culture. Clay also offers valuable advice on how teachers can reframe their mindset to overcome challenges and better support their students' development.

Middle School Walk & Talk is a production of the Association for Middle Level Education. Learn more at amle.org.

In this episode of the Middle School Walk & Talk Podcast, hosts Jessica McGuire and Phyllis Fagell chat with Gabrielle "Gabby" Ferguson, winner of the 2024 Middle School Student Sound Off Contest, and Kristen Engle, a veteran 7th grade language arts teacher from Rockwood South Middle School in Missouri. Gabby shares her insights on the purpose of middle school, tackling its emotional, social, and physical challenges, while Kristin, recently honored as Middle Level Educator of the Year, offers wisdom on fostering student connections and resilience. Together, they explore the unique struggles of middle schoolers, the power of empathy, and how skills gained in high school can reframe past experiences, offering valuable perspectives for educators and students alike.

Middle School Walk & Talk is a production of the Association for Middle Level Education. Learn more at amle.org.

Katie Powell joins hosts Phyllis Fagell and Jessica McGuire for this episode of Middle School Walk & Talk. Katie, AMLE Director of Middle Grades Programs and author of Boredom Busters and Frustration Busters, shares insights on how educators can combat student disengagement and manage classroom frustrations. She discusses practical strategies from her books, like the "Junk Drawer" activity for engaging students and the importance of managing teacher stress to maintain a learning-focused classroom. Katie also emphasizes the critical need for educators to form supportive networks, advocating for becoming an "archipelago" rather than an "island" in the sometimes isolating world of teaching.

This episode was recorded at AMLE24: The 51st Annual Conference for Middle Level Education. 

Middle School Walk & Talk is a production of the Association for Middle Level Education. Learn more at amle.org.

Hosts Phyllis Fagell and Jessica McGuire sit down with Don Parker, a seasoned educator and former principal. Don shares his journey from a PE teacher in Chicago to a pivotal figure in educational leadership. He discusses how understanding the root causes of student actions can revolutionize classroom dynamics, particularly in environments with high trauma, and offers invaluable insights into building empathy, managing behavior, and the importance of patience and relationship-building.

Middle School Walk & Talk is a production of the Association for Middle Level Education. Learn more at amle.org.

Hosts Phyllis Fagell and Jessica McGuire are joined by Molly Mee, Dara Yin, and Thaisan Nguon of Street Cred Education Consultants. The guests share their personal stories of overcoming educational and personal challenges, including dropping out and gang involvement, highlighting the critical need for educators to understand the impact of trauma on students. They discuss how their nonprofit aims to bring authentic experiences into professional development for teachers, focusing on strategies to build trust and community in schools to prevent students from falling through the cracks. This episode was recorded at the AMLE24 Annual Conference. 

Middle School Walk & Talk is a production of the Association for Middle Level Education. Learn more at amle.org.

Hosts Phyllis Fagell and Jessica McGuire talk all things school culture and leadership with award-winning principal and best-selling author Jimmy Casas. Jimmy shares his journey from a disillusioned principal to a culture advocate, discussing how educators can lose their way and the importance of self-reflection and mentorship in regaining purpose. He emphasizes that culture in schools is fundamentally about behavior, critiquing the common pitfalls which can lead to burnout and hinder capacity building. Throughout the conversation, he highlights the behaviors leaders can model to foster a supportive, collaborative school environment.

Middle School Walk & Talk is a production of the Association for Middle Level Education. Learn more at amle.org.

Join hosts Jessica McGuire and Phyllis Fagell as they chat with Sandy Cameli, a seasoned middle level educator and author of Successful Middle School Student Voice, about the nuances of fostering young adolescent student voice. Sandy shares insights from the  book, including defining student voice beyond verbal expression, discussing how to implement student voice strategies like the "3-2-1" reflection method, and highlighting success stories that emphasize the importance of empowering middle schoolers to lead and express themselves in unique and impactful ways. 

Middle School Walk & Talk is a production of the Association for Middle Level Education. Learn more at amle.org.

In this episode of Middle School Walk and Talk, hosts Phyllis Fagell and Jessica McGuire converse with practitioner researcher Brooklyn Raney about the crucial role of trusted adults in schools. Raney discusses her work on how to ensure every student has an advocate, emphasizing the importance of accessibility, boundaries, and genuine care. She shares practical advice on how educators can leverage their strengths to connect with students, using memorable anecdotes like the "clapping contest" to illustrate the impact of clear expectations. Raney's insights reveal how even brief, authentic interactions can significantly influence a student's life, advocating for environments that foster presence, play, and possibility.

Middle School Walk & Talk is a production of the Association for Middle Level Education. Learn more at amle.org.

In this episode of Middle School Walk and Talk, Phyllis Fagell and Jessica McGuire sit down with Patrick Green, a former middle school teacher turned digital wellness expert, to discuss the challenges of managing technology in schools and at home. Patrick shares insights on how to help students balance their online and offline lives, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries, especially around sleep. He explores how educators and parents can foster healthy digital habits and also touches on school policies around phone use and how to help students navigate the distractions of social media while still embracing the positive aspects of technology.

Thank you to Avanti for sponsoring this episode. Avanti offers wellness videos to support teachers with simple, effective strategies to keep you energized, focused and healthy throughout the school year. Visit myavanti.com/fitandwell for a free trial.

Middle School Walk & Talk is a production of the Association for Middle Level Education. Learn more at amle.org.