We talk with Eric Hirsch, Founding Executive of EdReports, about all things dealing with the instructional review process, the curriculum landscape across our country, and why educators should implement high-quality materials into their teachings. Concordia Parish is highlighted for their summer learning program activities.

A discussion with Barry Erwin about his role with Council for a Better Louisiana.  Find out about the challenges our education workforce faces as well as how we can work to improve our recruitment, retention, and teacher culture in Louisiana. We will also highlight Tangipahoa Parish on how they are engaging their community and coming together towards a common educational goal.

Em Cooper interviews Amanda Jones, Teacher-Librarian at Live Oak Middle School in Watson, Louisiana. Find out Amanda's favorites as an award-winning Librarian, her journey to becoming a beloved educator, and why Librarians are essential for schools. East Feliciana is highlighted for the experiences they provide students on learning about various careers in their community.

Dr. Wendy Baudoin discusses the role of school boards and school board members, best practices for strong partnerships between boards and systems, how school board meetings work, and why it is important for communities to be involved in the local school system. Homer Junior High is featured during the What’s Making Me Smile segment for their implementation of accelerated learning.

Annelise Cassar Tedesco, Louisiana’s 2022 State Teacher of the Year, talks about the Performing Arts Academy she co-founded, the Arts Strong series she created, and the innovative work she is implementing with her arts classes. The Livingston Parish Virtual-Hybrid Program is featured during the What’s Making Me Smile segment for their hands-on, engaging experiences for students on campus. 

Bruce Chaffin, Supervisor of Human Resources for the Livingston Parish Public School System and President-Elect for the Louisiana State Association of School Personnel Administrators, shares insights on the role of human resources teams, personnel concerns since the pandemic, and strategies for recruitment and retention. Rapides Parish Schools are highlighted as the recipient of the Model Schools of Excellence Award this month for their implementation of pre-educator pathways.

Dr. Carly Robinson, a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Annenberg Institute at Brown University, shares the research and best practices school systems should use in their tutoring strategy this year to address unfinished learning from COVID-19. Haughton Elementary School in Bossier Parish is spotlighted during the What’s Making Me Smile segment for their fun and engaging instruction. 

Marco French shares how he transformed his school in Caddo Parish from failing to award-winning, the moment he was selected as state principal of the year, and advice for principals. East Baton Rouge Parish School System is featured on the What's Making Me Smile segment with their data happy hour.

Superintendent Bruchhaus shares how his system prioritized people, modified operations, and how their staff went above and beyond for their kids during a year of devastation.

Haynesville Elementary School is featured during the What’s Making Me Smile segment for what they are doing to make school a positive, fun, and inclusive place.

Veneeth Iyengar shares the access, affordability, and literacy strategies being implemented by the Louisiana Office of Broadband Development and Connectivity to eliminate the digital divide in Louisiana. 

Em Cooper smiles this week from the pictures of Boothville-Venice Elementary and South Plaquemines Junior High’s Breast Cancer Awareness event.