Welcome back to Candidate Conversations! In this special and highly anticipated episode, we bring you the culmination of Keke Powell's National Board Certification journey. For those who have followed Keke's progress through our series, this episode is where we see her efforts come to fruition as she prepares for her final Component 1 assessment.

Keke reflects on her growth and increased confidence throughout the process, sharing how receiving scores from previous components helped her strategically approach her Component 3 submission.  She dives into the power of starting early, the crucial role of mentor meetings, and the transformative impact of analyzing her lessons, even with her students.  Her intentional approach to tackling Component 1 last, after gaining experience in written components, offers a unique perspective for future candidates.

Beyond the certification itself, Keke discusses how the National Board process has already impacted her career, shaping her communication about her practice and opening doors to new leadership opportunities, including the Teach Plus Texas Policy Fellowship.  This episode is a must-listen for any educator considering National Board Certification or looking for practical strategies to elevate their teaching and leadership. Keke leaves us with empowering advice on preparation, seeking help, and continuously filling your brain with knowledge.  Join us as we celebrate Keke's incredible journey and look forward to welcoming her as an NBCT!

This episode of the podcast delves into the power of reflective practice with educator Michele Vicino-Coleman. Michele guides us through her National Board Certification journey, emphasizing how the process encourages teachers to analyze their instructional decisions, understand their students deeply, and articulate the 'why' behind their teaching. Explore how Michele connects this reflective work to her teaching of English and theater, and discover how certification can be a transformative experience for professional growth

Ever wondered how a job teaching English in South Korea could ignite a lifelong passion for education? In this episode of National Board Conversations, we trace the dynamic journey of Tom Courtney, a teacher whose experiences span continents and grade levels.

Tom's story isn't just about classroom instruction; it's about a quest for deeper understanding. From his early days as a self-described "yes person"  to his transformative experience with National Board Certification, Tom discovered the power of self-driven professional development and the importance of reflective practice.

Listen as Tom recounts his move from elementary to middle school, sparked by a moment of clarity on a Guatemalan volcano, and how he now finds himself teaching the children of his former students.But Tom's impact extends beyond the classroom. He's also a driving force in advocating for restorative justice practices, shaping district-wide change. Join us to explore Tom's insights on empowering students, fostering community, and finding your expertise as an educator. And for a little fun, we're even including a link to his favorite comfort food!

This episode of the Candidate Conversations podcast is a journey of self-discovery, community, and the power of believing in yourself. Host Danielle sits down with MyDarian Booker, an extraordinary English teacher who returned to his roots to inspire the next generation. MyDarian's pursuit of National Board Certification is a testament to his dedication, not only to his students but also to the community that shaped him.

In this episode, you'll hear MyDarian's story of finding his way back home, both literally and figuratively. You'll learn how his experiences growing up in the Mississippi Delta influenced his decision to return and teach in the same school he graduated from. MyDarian shares the challenges and triumphs of the certification process, emphasizing the importance of community support and embracing creativity. He offers invaluable advice for teachers at any stage of their journey, reminding us that even small steps can lead to significant achievements.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who believes in the power of education to transform lives. MyDarian's story is a reminder that the journey is just as important as the destination and that the greatest impact often comes from giving back to the communities that shaped us.

Sources and related content

Join us as we chat with Miriam Plotinsky, a seasoned educator, author, and instructional specialist with a unique path to the classroom. Miriam shares her unexpected transition from aspiring opera singer to literacy champion, highlighting the key moments and experiences that shaped her teaching philosophy. Discover how National Board Certification empowered her growth, the challenges and rewards of her current role, and the inspiration behind her numerous books on education. Tune in for practical advice, inspiring stories, and a shoulder tap for a deserving teacher.

• Teach More, Hover Less: How to Stop Micromanaging Your Secondary Classroom
• Lead Like a Teacher: How to Elevate Expertise in Your School
• Writing Their Future Selves: Instructional Strategies to Affirm Student Identity
• Small but Mighty: How Everyday Habits Add Up to More Manageable and Confident Teaching

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Scott Judy, a veteran social studies teacher, coach, and advocate from Utah. Scott shares his journey to National Board Certification, emphasizing the importance of community building, student advocacy, and the power of reflection in teaching. Discover how Scott's involvement in the Utah Teacher Fellows program and his passion for civic engagement have shaped his career and his commitment to creating a better future for his students and his community.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Nicole Greene, a National Board Certified special education teacher and passionate advocate for neurodiversity. Nicole shares her personal journey as a neurodivergent student and how it shaped her dedication to creating inclusive learning environments. Discover how the National Board Certification process reignited her passion for teaching and propelled her into leadership roles.  We delve into the alarming statistics on violence against students with disabilities and Nicole's work with Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence.  Hear her powerful message for educators and learn how you can make a difference.  This episode is a must-listen for anyone who believes in the power of education to create a better future for all.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Keke Powell, an accomplished teacher and National Board candidate, as she shares her journey through the National Board process and her passion for making a difference in education. Keke opens up about her experiences, the importance of reflection and networking, and her unique approach to managing multiple commitments. She also discusses the power of mindset and finding your support system, offering valuable advice for aspiring and current National Board candidates. Tune in to hear Keke's story and discover how you can find your fire in teaching.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Jennifer DiGioia, a dedicated educator with 22 years of experience, as she shares her journey to achieving National Board Certification. Jennifer opens up about the challenges she faced, the support she found in unexpected places, and the impact the process has had on her teaching. Discover the power of perseverance, self-reflection, and collaboration in this insightful episode.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Tan-A Hoffman, an Anishinaabe language and culture teacher from Michigan's Upper Peninsula.  Tan-A shares her passion for Indigenous education, her journey to becoming a National Board Certified Teacher, and her advocacy for culturally responsive teaching.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• The importance of Indigenous languages: Tan-A discusses the vital role language plays in Indigenous sovereignty and how schools can support language revitalization efforts.
• Bringing Indigenous knowledge to life:  Discover how Tan-A incorporates land-based learning and traditional practices into her classroom, from processing manoomin (wild rice) to learning about treaty rights.
• The impact of National Board Certification:  Tan-A reflects on her National Board journey and how it has opened doors for leadership and mentorship.
• Advice for culturally responsive teaching:  Gain valuable insights on how to create a more inclusive and engaging learning environment for all students.

Plus, don't miss Tan-A's heartwarming story about learning from elders and her powerful message about the importance of representation in education.  This episode is a must-listen for anyone who cares about creating a more equitable and just education system.