The Empowered Educator Show | Building Systems That Create Success for School Principals

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I am a Literacy Expert, Educational Consultant, and a Former ELA Teacher. These roles fueled my passion for reading, literacy, language, and writing, I am dedicated to empowering educators to implement effective instructional practices that bridge academic gaps and foster mastery for all students. With a strong foundation in coaching and instructional strategies, my mission is to support teachers in delivering high-quality, impactful education that drives student success. Let's connect to advance educational excellence and make a lasting difference in students' learning journeys.

Connect with Dr. Sharon O'Neal
Literacy Walk-through Checklist
LinkedIn

This episode includes a referral for Upside—a free app that gives you cash back on gas, groceries, and dining. I use it myself and have been saving that extra cash for a vacation. If you want to try it, download Upside and use promo code MELINDA35278 to earn and extra $17 on your first purchase.

Support the show

Loaded Tea Shop

Million Podcasts List

Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase!

Download Fetch app using this link, submit a receipt and we'll both score bonus points.

Calling All Educators! 

I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more.

• I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources.
• I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant.

Join here: Empowered Educator Community

Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance Success

email: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, I dive deep into the transformative role of instructional coaching in schools and its profound impact on teacher performance and student outcomes. Principals, are you facing challenges in supporting your teachers and enhancing classroom effectiveness? We’ve got you covered!

Join me as I explore:

- The essential components of an effective instructional coaching program
- Strategies for building a supportive coaching culture within your school
- Real-life success stories that illustrate the positive changes coaching can bring
- Key steps to engage your teachers and foster an atmosphere of collaboration and growth
- Actionable insights for assessing needs and setting achievable goals through coaching

Whether you’re a seasoned principal or new to educational leadership, this episode offers valuable perspectives and practical strategies to help you empower your teachers and elevate student success. Tune in now and discover how instructional coaching can be the game-changer your school needs!

Support the show

Loaded Tea Shop

Million Podcasts List

Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase!

Download Fetch app using this link, submit a receipt and we'll both score bonus points.

Calling All Educators! 

I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more.

• I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources.
• I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant.

Join here: Empowered Educator Community

Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance Success

email: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

If you’ve ever felt like students don’t always see their own potential, this one’s for you. In this episode, Dr. Louis Guiden Jr. and I dig into what it really means to break the cycle of poverty and show students a bigger vision for their lives. We talk about the power of community, the importance of faith, and how love and purpose can make all the difference.

Whether you’re an educator, a leader, or someone passionate about helping others, you’ll find so many gems here about what it means to lead by example and create a supportive, encouraging space for every student.

Give it a listen and let’s make a difference together.

Dr. Louis Guiden Jr., CEO of GuidenU4life, is a transformative leader dedicated to fostering excellence, nurturing leaders, and driving impactful change, particularly in underserved urban communities. His journey from juvenile delinquency in Shreveport, Louisiana, to a renowned consultant and mentor exemplifies resilience and vision. Known for his genuine, no-nonsense approach, Dr. Guiden empowers others with his expertise in juvenile delinquency, community engagement, workforce development, education reform, and systemic change. His client list includes the Department of Labor, Department of Commerce, Department of Justice, and numerous educational institutions, all benefiting from his strategic leadership in business development and performance optimization. GuidenU4life, under Dr. Guiden's guidance, excels in innovative solutions across diverse sectors, building trust and inspiring sustainable growth and success.

GuidenU4Life
Contact Dr. Guiden
LinkedIn

This episode includes a referral for Upside—a free app that gives you cash back on gas, groceries, and dining. I use it myself and have been saving that extra cash for a vacation. If you want to try it, download Upside and use promo code MELINDA35278 to earn and extra $17 on your first purchase.

Support the show

Loaded Tea Shop

Million Podcasts List

Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase!

Download Fetch app using this link, submit a receipt and we'll both score bonus points.

Calling All Educators! 

I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more.

• I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources.
• I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant.

Join here: Empowered Educator Community

Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance Success

email: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Loaded Tea Shop

Million Podcasts List

Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase!

Download Fetch app using this link, submit a receipt and we'll both score bonus points.

Calling All Educators! 

I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more.

• I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources.
• I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant.

Join here: Empowered Educator Community

Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance Success

email: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

Mrs. Samantha Hamilton is a mom to three and wife of 20 years to Brandon. Her educational journey is characterized by impactful leadership and community engagement. As principal of Goodman Elementary, she achieved significant accolades, including model PLC status and Level 1 HRS recognition, while fostering a collaborative environment among teachers. Her innovative approach to problem-based learning worked to enhance instructional practices as well.

Active in professional organizations, Mrs. Hamilton has mentored new leaders and aspiring leaders and shared insights through presentations and articles, contributing to the broader educational community. In 2023, she was the SW delegate for Missouri Principal of the year before leaving Missouri to head to Northwest Arkansas to be the founding principal of LISA Academy, a STEM-focused public charter school in Fayetteville, AR. There, she aims to implement progressive strategies that ensure students receive a comprehensive education. Her leadership philosophy prioritizes a supportive and inclusive atmosphere, fostering growth and innovation for both students and staff ultimately working to change the narrative about education and teaching as a profession.

Connect with Samantha
LinkedIn

This episode includes a referral for Upside—a free app that gives you cash back on gas, groceries, and dining. I use it myself and have been saving that extra cash for a vacation. If you want to try it, download Upside and use promo code MELINDA35278 to earn and extra $17 on your first purchase.

Support the show

Loaded Tea Shop

Million Podcasts List

Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase!

Download Fetch app using this link, submit a receipt and we'll both score bonus points.

Calling All Educators! 

I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more.

• I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources.
• I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant.

Join here: Empowered Educator Community

Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance Success

email: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Loaded Tea Shop

Million Podcasts List

Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase!

Download Fetch app using this link, submit a receipt and we'll both score bonus points.

Calling All Educators! 

I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more.

• I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources.
• I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant.

Join here: Empowered Educator Community

Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance Success

email: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

Dr. David Arencibia, a distinguished educator with over two decades of experience, is renowned for his expertise in fostering successful school cultures. He is a sought-after keynote speaker and the author of Foundations of an Elite Culture, which became a #1 New Release on Amazon. David's accolades include being named a 2023 National Principal of the Year finalist, the 2022 Texas Secondary Principal of the Year, and a 2022 Texan of the Year finalist.

David's leadership has led his school to national recognition, including being named one of the Best Schools in Texas and the U.S. by US News & World Report. His school achieved notable milestones such as National Recognition as a Model Campus and Texas School To Watch status. David's impactful work has been highlighted in prominent education publications and media, and he now focuses on speaking, training, and coaching to help others build elite cultures in schools and organizations.

Connect with Dr. Arencibia
Website
X: @davidarencibia
IG: @dr.arencibia
Facebook
LinkedIn: @davidarencibia
YouTube - Dr. David Arencibia

Support the show

Loaded Tea Shop

Million Podcasts List

Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase!

Download Fetch app using this link, submit a receipt and we'll both score bonus points.

Calling All Educators! 

I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more.

• I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources.
• I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant.

Join here: Empowered Educator Community

Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance Success

email: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

Dr. David Arencibia, a distinguished educator with over two decades of experience, is renowned for his expertise in fostering successful school cultures. He is a sought-after keynote speaker and the author of Foundations of an Elite Culture, which became a #1 New Release on Amazon. David's accolades include being named a 2023 National Principal of the Year finalist, the 2022 Texas Secondary Principal of the Year, and a 2022 Texan of the Year finalist.

David's leadership has led his school to national recognition, including being named one of the Best Schools in Texas and the U.S. by US News & World Report. His school achieved notable milestones such as National Recognition as a Model Campus and Texas School To Watch status. David's impactful work has been highlighted in prominent education publications and media, and he now focuses on speaking, training, and coaching to help others build elite cultures in schools and organizations.

Connect with Dr. Arencibia
Website
X: @davidarencibia
IG: @dr.arencibia
Facebook
LinkedIn: @davidarencibia
YouTube - Dr. David Arencibia

This episode includes a referral for Upside—a free app that gives you cash back on gas, groceries, and dining. I use it myself and have been saving that extra cash for a vacation. If you want to try it, download Upside and use promo code MELINDA35278 to earn and extra $17 on your first purchase.

Support the show

Loaded Tea Shop

Million Podcasts List

Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase!

Download Fetch app using this link, submit a receipt and we'll both score bonus points.

Calling All Educators! 

I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more.

• I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources.
• I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant.

Join here: Empowered Educator Community

Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance Success

email: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

 In this episode, Dr. Mel Vandevort and Rachelle Dené Poth dive into the practical uses of technology in education, exploring both the opportunities and challenges that come with tech integration. They discuss their experiences with Google Certified Educator programs, the benefits of certifications, and how educators can strategically implement tools like Google, Microsoft, and Canva in the classroom. They also touch on how administrators can use technology to shape professional development and create more effective learning environments. Whether you’re a teacher or school leader, this episode is packed with insights on navigating the tech landscape while avoiding overwhelm.
 
Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth is an edtech consultant, presenter, attorney, author, and teacher of Spanish and STEAM: Emerging Technology. Rachelle has a Juris Doctor degree from Duquesne University School of Law, a Master’s in Instructional Technology, and Doctorate in Instructional Technology. Rachelle is an ISTE Certified Educator and recipient of the ISTE Making IT Happen Award and several presidential gold and silver awards for volunteer service. She presents regularly at state, national, and international conferences and provides professional development and coaching for educators on a variety of topics including assessments, and emerging technologies such as AI, AR and VR, and STEM.   She is the author of nine books and also a blogger and podcaster.
Rachelle provides training on many topics with a large focus on Artificial Intelligence, with more than six years of experience working with AI in the classroom and with educators. She also provides training and consulting services for additional edtech topics.

Connect with Dr. Poth
ThriveinEDU LLC
bit.ly/thriveineduPD
bit.ly/pothbooks

This episode includes a referral for Upside—a free app that gives you cash back on gas, groceries, and dining. I use it myself and have been saving that extra cash for a vacation. If you want to try it, download Upside and use promo code MELINDA35278 to earn and extra $17 on your first purchase.

Support the show

Loaded Tea Shop

Million Podcasts List

Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase!

Download Fetch app using this link, submit a receipt and we'll both score bonus points.

Calling All Educators! 

I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more.

• I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources.
• I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant.

Join here: Empowered Educator Community

Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance Success

email: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

 In this episode, Dr. Mel sits down with Rachelle Dené Poth, a seasoned educator and technology advocate who is deeply involved in teaching languages, consulting, and presenting on the latest advancements in education technology. Rachelle shares her experiences balancing a full-time teaching career with her passion for helping students and fellow educators integrate technology in meaningful ways. From her journey with AI tools like ChatGPT to her role as a leader in educational technology, Rachelle dives into how educators can embrace innovation, even when it seems daunting. She discusses leadership's critical role in guiding AI use in schools and the importance of professional development and collaboration. Join us as we explore the future of AI in education, the myths and fears surrounding it, and how to stay ahead of the curve in today's rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth is an edtech consultant, presenter, attorney, author, and teacher of Spanish and STEAM: Emerging Technology. Rachelle has a Juris Doctor degree from Duquesne University School of Law, a Master’s in Instructional Technology, and Doctorate in Instructional Technology. Rachelle is an ISTE Certified Educator and recipient of the ISTE Making IT Happen Award and several presidential gold and silver awards for volunteer service. She presents regularly at state, national, and international conferences and provides professional development and coaching for educators on a variety of topics including assessments, and emerging technologies such as AI, AR and VR, and STEM. She is the author of nine books and also a blogger and podcaster.
Rachelle provides training on many topics with a large focus on Artificial Intelligence, with more than six years of experience working with AI in the classroom and with educators. She also provides training and consulting services for additional edtech topics.

Connect with Dr. Poth
ThriveinEDU LLC
bit.ly/thriveineduPD
bit.ly/pothbooks

This episode includes a referral for Upside—a free app that gives you cash back on gas, groceries, and dining. I use it myself and have been saving that extra cash for a vacation. If you want to try it, download Upside and use promo code MELINDA35278 to earn and extra $17 on your first purchase.

Support the show

Loaded Tea Shop

Million Podcasts List

Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase!

Download Fetch app using this link, submit a receipt and we'll both score bonus points.

Calling All Educators! 

I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more.

• I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources.
• I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant.

Join here: Empowered Educator Community

Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance Success

email: [email protected]