In this episode of the Teacher Leader Podcast, veteran educator Lori Ranney shares her inspiring journey from the legal field to the middle school classroom, revealing how true teacher leadership grows from curiosity, collaboration, and a commitment to students. Through stories of launching innovative programs, mentoring new teachers, and designing lessons that connect learning to real-world issues, Lori shows how classrooms can become spaces where students find their voice and educators rediscover their purpose. The conversation highlights the power of supportive school culture, creative risk-taking, and joyful teaching—reminding listeners that some of the most impactful leadership in education happens not in offices, but right alongside students every day.

Educational leader John McCluskey joins the Teacher Leader Podcast to discuss why "we're not making widgets—we're creating human beings." From his early days teaching on the Navajo reservation to leading at Jefferson County's Open School and New Vista High School, John shares how centering student voice and authentic relationships transform school culture. He explores the power of four-year advisory programs, practical community-building strategies like CCCs (Cares, Concerns, Celebrations), and why teaching presence matters as much as lesson plans. John's leadership philosophy is rooted in the circle metaphor: no front, everyone in it together. He challenges educators to move beyond compliance-based schooling, offering real talk about balancing systemic demands with genuine human connection, creating space for teacher leadership, and remembering that both students and teachers need to show up as whole people.

In this episode of the Teacher Leader Podcast, we speak with Jackie Doerr, an educator whose career spanned 41 years (1968-2009) and included being one of the first female principals in her district.

She highlights essential lessons relevant today: differentiation, community engagement, and valuing all individuals, from students to staff. Her work with Hispanic mothers turned them into strong advocates for the school, reflecting her commitment to shared leadership and cultural responsiveness.

With honesty and humor, Jackie recounts her experiences with superintendents, the challenges she's faced since the 1960s, and her joy in working with children. This episode celebrates a leader whose legacy continues to inspire educators.

In this episode of the Teacher Leader Podcast, we talk with Aaron Valle, a recent graduate who has just started his teaching career. Aaron shares his journey to becoming an educator and emphasizes the importance of authenticity and meaningful relationships in the classroom. As a Latino male educator, he strives to create inclusive environments, drawing from his own experiences of feeling unwelcome in school. He engages students in social studies by incorporating music, particularly hip-hop, into his teaching. Aaron highlights the significance of supporting multilingual learners and encouraging self-expression. Throughout our conversation, he reflects on his personal challenges and his dedication to ensuring that every student feels a sense of belonging.

For books, resources, and events, please visit theteacherleader.org.

In this episode, co-host Allison Johnson welcomes fellow co-hosts, colleagues, and co-authors Jody Tucker and Esther Valdez to discuss their newly released children's book, The Living Tree. Jody and Esther discuss how they first met in the education sector and explain how the book's theme emerged naturally during their creative process. Join them for an in-depth conversation about the heart of their book—without giving away any spoilers.

For books, resources, and events, please visit theteacherleader.org.

In the inaugural episode of the Teacher Leader Podcast, lifelong educators Jody Tucker, Esther Valdez, and Allison Johnson highlight the role of teacher leaders, focusing on impact over titles. They discuss the challenge of teacher retention, noting that many leave within 5 to 7 years. Through personal stories of resilience, they showcase teaching as a journey of growth and creativity, encouraging listeners to subscribe and inviting other educators to join as future guests.