In this episode, we talk to Dr. Tanya Baker, the director of national programs at the National Writing Project. In this role, Dr. Baker builds and manages national programs that connect educators to work together on areas of interest and problems of practice.  We discuss current problems of practice and strategize ways to rejuvenate teachers and teaching. Dr. Baker also shares a number of resources for personal and professional growth.

Referenced in this podcast:

• Gawande, Atul (2008). Better: A Surgeon's Notes on Performance.
• Rami, Meenoo (2014). Thrive: 5 Ways to (Re)Invigorate Your Teaching.
• Baker-Doyle,
• Kira J., Wasley, Patricia A., Lieberman, Ann, McDonald, Joseph (2011).
• The Networked Teacher: How New Teachers Build Social Networks for

In this episode, we talk to Mr. Jim O’Connor, the project director at Advance Illinois, an independent policy and advocacy organization.

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Rizwan Ali about his roles as Religious Director at the Islamic Center and social science and religion teacher for 7-12 grades at Islamic school. Dr. Ali discusses why he entered education and religious studies as a result of his high school experiences in the post-911 era. We discuss culturally responsive teaching and how he prepares teachers for complex or controversial conversations. He also shares strategies that the university may use to better serve Muslim students. 

In this episode, we talk to Mr. Kevin Keneally, a journalist, high school English teacher, student, and published author.  Mr. Keneally discusses his writing process, inspiration, and schedule. He shares how writing and publishing have informed his own classroom instruction and continually fuel his motivation. We also talk about tips for teachers who are interested in tapping into the writer inside.

In this episode, we talk to John Ruiz, Yasmine Ramigio, and Edith Martinez about their early school experiences as emergent bilingual students and their pursuit of degrees in elementary and bilingual education. They are all first-generation college students and discuss some common experiences navigating college challenges. These students also share tips and strategies they want to include in their future classrooms to help students feel welcome.

In this episode, we talk to Brenda Ayala and Dave McManus about their pathways to elementary education. Ms. Ayala is fulfilling her childhood desire to become a teacher. On the other hand, after a long career as a mechanic, Mr. McManus is making a career change. They share the commonalities in their education journeys as first-generation college students and navigating college costs and connections, as well as their differences being traditional versus non-traditional students.

In this episode, we talk to Sonya Petty and Peter Brassea, two students selected as commencement speakers at Governors State University’s 2022 graduation ceremony.

Ms. Petty is graduating with her Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. Mr. Brassea is graduating with his Master’s Degree in Social Work after also completing the undergraduate degree program at GSU. They both speak about perseverance through starts and stops along the college pathway. The sense of belonging threads through the conversation as they share what kept them motivated to continue. 

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Christopher Dignam about portraiture as a theoretical approach and research methodology. Dr. Dignam shares his journey as a student of biology, chemistry, and physics, while also exploring the passions of music. We discuss the cross-disciplinary possibilities of science and art, particularly in addressing the needs of learners in AP and special needs curricula.

In this episode, we talk to Mrs. Andrea DalPolo about her college and career choices and how these choices informed the discussions she has with her own children. Mrs. DalPolo shares the different pathways her children have taken and some of the difficulties along the way. We also discuss tips for parents and caregivers as they prepare to have college and career conversations with their children.

In this episode, we talk to Mr. Joe Ferraro about becoming one percent better in podcasting. We lean into recording our pre-interview as we get to know each other, our comfort levels, and podcast value.  Mr. Ferraro discusses his podcast decision making and editing process as a one-man team.  We open spaces for further conversation about distribution, awkwardness, and meaningfulness.