Spotlight 4 Success

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What happens when you blend creativity with education? Join us for an inspiring episode featuring Sonji Walsh, a seasoned media center specialist from DeKalb County Schools with an impressive 23-year career in teaching. Sonji's journey includes an international stint in Abu Dhabi where she perfected her approach to bridging language gaps using visuals and repetition. Now, these innovative strategies are vital tools in her role supporting lower readers. Unveiling her creative flair, Sonji shares her unique twist on teaching folktales, turning a traditional lesson into an engaging Netflix-style project. Her excitement for technology and AI shines, especially in her pursuit to incorporate stop-motion animation in reading activities.

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Curious about making a difference in education on a global scale? Join us as we sit down with Chasmine Harris, the dynamic partner relationship manager from ClassLink, who shares her exhilarating journey from teaching elementary school to influencing over 26 million users worldwide through innovative educational technology. Chasmine reminisces about her days in the classroom, where she was affectionately known as the teacher who taught kids how to make ice cream. Discover how her passion for empowering students has expanded beyond the classroom walls.

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Discover how an encounter on LinkedIn set Jeff Stolzenberger on a path he never anticipated—revolutionizing education technology. From his humble beginnings as a communication studies major to becoming one of the pioneering sales development reps at Vivi, Jeff's story is one of unexpected twists and relentless passion. Learn how Vivi's innovative solutions, like wireless screen mirroring and emergency visual alerts, are streamlining classroom dynamics and fostering a more collaborative educational environment. Jeff shares insights from his unique experience of working remotely while maintaining crucial face-to-face interactions at key events like the Georgia Educational Technology Conference.

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Discover the transformative journey of Candace Mazza, a dedicated educator from Dodge County Middle School, as she shares her evolution from high school to middle school teaching. With 17 years of experience, Candice opens up about the rewarding moments that make teaching worthwhile, including heartfelt messages from former students who found success thanks to her guidance. She brings us into her world where perseverance meets passion, and where the challenges faced are just stepping stones to witnessing the impact she has on her students' lives.

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Tramia shares her unique journey growing up near the historic grounds of George Washington's Mount Vernon, where her fascination with the dynamic layers of history and the stories of the people who lived there began. Her role at the Mount Vernon Ladies Association has allowed her to bring these narratives to life, examining the complexities of Washington's legacy and the influential women who shaped his life. Tune in to hear how Tremia's insights into Washington's shifting views on enslavement and his interactions with figures like the Marquis de Lafayette are changing the way educators and students understand the past.

Mount Vernon Website: https://www.mountvernon.org/education/for-teachers/teaching-institutes-professional-development/summer-residential-programs

Mount Vernon Website (Teacher's Section): https://www.mountvernon.org/education/for-teachers

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Curious about what happens when a kinesiology expert makes a career leap into civic education? Meet Oliver Alwes, a financial officer and program manager at the Madison Foundation, who is transforming the landscape of social studies education in Georgia. Oliver's journey from exercise science to influencing how students and teachers engage with civic education is as unexpected as it is inspiring. We explore how his passion for improving civic knowledge led to the creation of fellowships that support educators in pursuing master's degrees in constitutional studies. Oliver dives into the significance of place-based learning and how it shapes a richer understanding of democratic principles.

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Unlock the secrets of making economics come alive in the classroom with a promise of inspiration, as we sit down with Melissa Hegarty from the Georgia Council on Economic Education. Melissa's unexpected journey from aspiring history teacher to economics aficionado during the Great Recession laid the foundation for her innovative teaching approach. Discover how she harnesses dynamic classroom activities like auctions and the Stock Market Game to engage over 26,000 students in Georgia, helping them master financial capability while seamlessly integrating math and social studies. Her transformative methods breathe new life into economics education, turning concepts into accessible and exhilarating learning experiences.

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Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with Melanie Holland, an influential voice in social studies education, as she takes us on her remarkable journey from a history degree to her role at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. Melanie opens up about the complexities of Jefferson's legacy, providing valuable insights into his dual role as a founding father and lifelong enslaver. Her work at Monticello brings history to life through place-based learning, allowing visitors to connect deeply with the stories of Jefferson and the enslaved people who lived there. Tune in to discover how virtual tours and an African American oral history project are reshaping our understanding of American history and its ongoing impact.

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What happens when a history lesson leaps off the pages of a textbook and transforms into a gripping debate of independence? Matthew Perry, an educator at Davis Academy in Dunwoody, Georgia, knows the answer. On this episode of Spotlight for Success, our guest Matthew shares an inspiring journey that led him from the University of New Hampshire back to his Atlanta roots, where a chance encounter with a former teacher opened the door to his teaching career. With over two decades of experience, Matthew has not only written the curriculum for seventh and eighth grade social studies but has also inspired countless students by transforming traditional lessons into dynamic reenactments, like the Second Continental Congress. 

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Join us on "Spotlight for Success" as we uncover the journey of Kelly Theodocion, an educator who ventured from journalism into the realm of education in Henry County, Georgia. Kelly's innovative strategy of blending Language Arts with Social Studies has redefined classroom learning by teaching students to think and write like historians. Experience the magic of history coming alive through her students' participation in National History Day and their inspiring encounter with civil rights icon Joan Mulholland. This episode promises to enrich your understanding of how experiential learning can transform education and inspire young minds.