Spotlight 4 Success

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Join us as we spotlight Kelsey Wright, a passionate advocate for education from the DBQ Project and a key figure at the Georgia Council of Social Studies. Kelsey opens up about his dynamic career path from classroom teacher to instructional coach, and eventually as a district lead in Clayton County, Georgia. Drawing inspiration from his mother, who was a dedicated teacher herself, Kelsey talks about his commitment to serving students and transforming their educational experiences. Listen as he shares heartwarming stories of the impact he's had on his students, many of whom have reached out to express their gratitude and the difference his mentorship has made in their lives.

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Keith Haber shares his compelling journey from Connecticut to Georgia, illustrating his transformation from a second-career educator to a prominent figure in Henry County. Discover how his upbringing as the son of immigrants ignited a passion for education and a mission to ensure all students have access to high-quality learning experiences. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of supporting teachers with diverse needs, aiming to create an inclusive environment where every student can succeed regardless of their background.

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Uncover the path that led Joel to his current role as Curriculum Development Manager at the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE), where he continues to fuel his passion for economics by crafting resources for teachers nationwide. From his beginnings as a sixth-grade teacher in Forsyth County to shaping young minds as a high school social studies instructor, Joel has inspired many students, including many new to the country, to overcome cultural and linguistic hurdles. Listen as he recounts heartwarming success stories and the privilege of watching his former students flourish both academically and personally.

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Join us as we uncover JoAnn's pivotal role at the Georgia Department of Education and her contributions to the Georgia Council for Social Studies. JoAnn shares her extraordinary journey from a classroom teacher to a leading figure in Georgia’s educational landscape. Discover how she transformed her passion for history into a fulfilling career. Through her engaging stories, JoAnn reveals the moments that defined her path and her love for integrating children's literature into social studies. With a career that spans decades, JoAnn's insights offer valuable lessons for educators and history enthusiasts alike.

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Discover the journey of Dr. Rhonda Webb, a powerhouse in education and the driving force behind the Georgia Council of Social Studies. After three decades as an innovative classroom teacher, Dr. Webb now leads GCSS with a vision to transform teaching through place-based learning. Hear her passion as she discusses plans to expand regional opportunities for educators, allowing them to experience history firsthand and enrich their teaching methods. Despite funding hurdles, Dr. Webb remains committed to providing intellectually stimulating experiences for Georgia's teachers, inspired by a life-changing federal grant program that fueled her own academic pursuits.

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Jennifer Bell, an inspiring educator from Houston County Schools, joins us on Spotlight for Success to share her incredible journey and teaching methods. With 11 years of experience teaching fourth and fifth graders, Jennifer is passionate about integrating social studies with Language Arts to create an engaging, inquiry-based learning environment. Discover how she brings history to life through the use of primary sources, encouraging students to explore, ask questions, and develop critical thinking skills. Her approach ensures that every student, regardless of ability, can connect with the material in a meaningful way.

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Unlock the secrets of economics education with Dr. Chris Cannon, a leading voice from the Georgia Council for Economic Education. Discover how his journey from teaching high school in Clayton County to transforming statewide education initiatives has influenced countless teachers and students. With a focus on interactive workshops and creative lesson plans, Dr. Cannon shares how the Georgia Council is demystifying economics and making it accessible and exciting for educators far and wide. 

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Join us as we journey into the life of Daniel Manning, a 3rd year social studies teacher and coach at Union Grove High School in Henry County. Discover how Daniel's passion for education and sports, fueled by his experiences as a student in the same district, has led him to make a profound impact on his students. Through engaging stories and insights, Daniel challenges the notion that history is dull and reveals how his energetic approach keeps students engaged both in the classroom and on the playing field. From his collegiate days at Kennesaw State to his return to his alma mater as an educator, Daniel shares the lessons that have shaped his teaching philosophy, rooted in passion, detail, and the pursuit of excellence.

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Join us for a conversation with Barbara Manwell, a former high school social studies teacher who now leads education programs at the Atlanta History Center. Barbara shares her journey from the classroom to the museum world, where she crafts educational experiences that make Georgia's rich history accessible to students of all ages. Learn how Barbara's work is breaking barriers in education through grant opportunities and virtual resources for Title I schools, and discover the creative initiatives she champions, such as traveling trunks filled with real artifacts to bring history directly to schools.

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Discover what keeps Amanda Fanelli anchored to the classroom despite numerous opportunities to step away. With nearly two decades of experience, she shares her insights into fostering independent thoughts and challenging students to question the status quo. Highlighting her experience as a Scholar, Amanda recounts her voyage to Ghana—a pivotal moment that reshaped her perspective on global education. Recognized as the Gilder Lehrman Georgia History Teacher of the Year, Amanda’s story is a testament to the impact of nurturing critical thinkers and problem solvers in a Title I school environment.