The Teacher Story

Marie Sumnicht is an Educator, Author, Reading Interventionist, and Mentorship Entrepreneur. She shares about the tragic loss of her daughter that left her numb for some time until her fourth grade class made her laugh for the first time in a year and half. She talks about how kids can bring out your humanness and make you feel alive again. She is incredibly vulnerable in this interview. Marie shows so much appreciation and love for her profession and her students. This time in her life then led to connecting with her son, who was starting a mentorship entrepreneur enterprise. Marie worked with her son to become a mentorship entrepreneur as well. She shares how a mentorship program is not only a great way for a teacher to have a side business, but how educators can bring these types of programs into schools. I respect Marie’s incredible strength and resilience. She is an authentic, passionate, and dedicated educator.

Part 1-Inspiration (00:57-4:13)

Part 2-Early teaching exp.(4:14-10:55)

Part 3-Loss & human connection with students (10:56-18:53)

Part 4-Pandemic (18:53-24:00)

Part 5-Mentorship program/Ideas for ed.reform (24:00-49:36)

Marie Sumnicht’s LinkedIN

Marie Sumnicht’s Book Website

Vinny is a jack of all trades and quite impressive with the work he is doing in schools and one-on-one with kids. He is a Detective, Chair School Governor at a primary school, and a Student Coach in the UK. He started his own coaching business called "Kardia Coaching and Mentoring" where he works with students in primary and secondary schools to help build confidence and resilience. He cares deeply about students being able to take charge of their life and be the next leaders in their community. Enjoy!

Part 1-Inspiration (00:57-5:35)

Part 2-Early coaching exp.(5:36-13:00)

Part 3-Pandemic (13:31-20:38)

Part 4-Ideas for ed. (20:39-52:38)

Vinny Wagjiani’s LinkedIN

https://www.kardia-cm.co.uk/

https://www.leechpoolprimaryschool.co.uk

https://governorsforschools.org.uk/news/governor-stories-wellbeing-one-year-on-vinny-wagjiani/

I am a History/Psychology Teacher, Creator/Host of The Teacher Story Podcast, and the Co-founder of The Teacher Circle LinkedIN group, which is a global community to support teachers and others in education. I have taught for 17 years in various educational settings including teaching in China. I am starting a 6 part Diary Entry series as part of this podcast. The episodes will be featured on 10/2 (beginning of the school year), 11/27 (end of season 1-reflection of the school year and season 1 episodes), 1/1/2023 (start of season 2-New Year's Day special), 4/9 (post-Intensive Learning trip to Germany), 5/7 (1 year anniversary of the podcast), and 6/11 (end of the school year). I am excited to share my teaching/life experiences with you all!

Jackie Scully's LinkedIN

Websites/Podcast Platforms

The Teacher Circle LinkedIN Group

I interviewed Judith Musa, a Teacher from Kenya, S.C.D. Ambassador-Africa, Social & Environmental Activist, ICCP Cohort 6 Lead Mentor, DAAD Scholar, Geo-Risk Joint Master Student at UN University & University of Bonn, Germany. Loves students and teacher trainees, and a member of The Teacher Circle. She is a young force in education. Judith grew up in a rural area of Kenya taking care of many siblings and excelling in school as a leader. She was elevated into leadership roles when she was a teenager because of her tenacity and ability to connect with kids. Her goal now is to write a book on mentorship for teachers and for students and create a program that will benefit both. One quote that stood out to me: “You have to touch the hearts of the people before you shake their hands.” She talks about how leadership is not just a position, but it is about being a good influence. Judith is one of the most passionate, energetic, and genuine teachers I have met. She is the next generation educator! Enjoy!

Part 1-Inspiration (00:57-6:26)

Part 2-Early teaching exp.(6:27-17:36)

Part 3-Pandemic (17:37-28:13)

Part 4-Mentorship in ed. (28:14-50:44)

Judith Musa's LinkedIN

I interviewed Kasey Tench, who is a former Educator and now is a Women’s Life Coach & Mentor with her business “Rooting For You Life Coaching”. She works with teachers and helps them with burnout. She is passionate about mental health, women’s health, and self-advocacy. She spent the last 10 years working in public education as a high school teacher, teaching an array of courses. From 2015 to 2022, she was diagnosed with 9 different chronic illnesses. Through her healing journey and experiences in public education, she realized there was a need for more support services within and outside of the community. She talks about having to make the difficult decision to leave education, but now she wants to give back to teachers and others in her community through her coaching services. Kasey is also offering a discount for services to any teacher that contacts her referencing this podcast. She is an honest and beautiful human being, and it was an absolute pleasure to interview her. Enjoy!

Part 1-Inspiration (00:57-3:35)

Part 2-Early teaching exp.(3:36-10:47)

Part 3-Pandemic (10:48-23:27)

Part 4-Transitioning out of ed. (23:28-36:43)

Part 5-Support for teachers (36:44-44:22)

Kasey Tench’s LinkedIN

Kasey Tench’s coaching website-Rooting For You Life Coaching

I interviewed Dr. Subra Mukherjee who is a Professor in India, Bestselling Author, Founder of “Map Your Mind”, Mind Mapping Trainer, Tedx Speaker, one of India’s leading Mind Mapping experts as well as a member of The Teacher Circle LinkedIN group. Her book “The Invisible Yoke” recently was nominated as the best Life & Relationship Author 2021 by India Author’s Award. Dr. Subra’s mission is to help people achieve “COCP”-Clarity, Organization, Creativity, and Productivity with mind mapping and radiant thinking. She is a brilliant mind and humble servant leader. The conversation we have had left me inspired and in awe of the way she thinks about learning and growth. She is pushing the way we think and how we see ourselves as learners in a new way. We need more insightful minds like Dr. Subra. It was a complete honor to have her on the show! Enjoy!

Part 1-Inspiration (00:57-7:08)

Part 2-Early teaching exp.(7:09-21:46)

Part 3-Pandemic (21:47-31:54)

Part 4-ideas for ed. (31:55-40:38)

Dr. Subra Mukherjee’s LinkedIN

​​Dr. Subra Mukherjee’s website

Tedx Talk-Break the invisible yoke and embrace uncertainty

I interviewed Lauren Lumm, a former teacher who worked in the NYC school district, worked as a teacher in Maine, and is now working for Outschool. She is an activist who cares about social justice in education, and making sure that all voices and perspectives are represented in the curriculum. She went to Washington D.C. for a “Save Our Schools” and “Occupy the DOE” protest with letters from her students about how they felt about test prep. Lauren went from teaching in a very progressive school in Brooklyn, and then moved to Maine and had a completely different experience. She used the push back she received in her school to propel her to get out of the classroom and now work with students online teaching civics. A couple of quotes that stood out to me and represent Lauren and her work: “I want to be an advocate of the truth." and “You have to get comfortable with getting uncomfortable.” This is a powerful conversation about teachers standing up for themselves and speaking their minds. We cannot be afraid to share our voices. I love Lauren's conviction and passion for teaching truth! Lauren's information is below in the show notes.

Part 1-Inspiration (00:57-7:30)

Part 2-Early teaching exp. (7:31-18:50)

Part 3-Pandemic (18:51-35:35)

Part 4-Teaching in a new way (35:36-43:43)

Lauren Lumm’s LinkedIN

Lauren Lumm’s Outschool

Twitter-@lolalumm

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I interviewed Dr. J. Rodriguez, Ph.D., who is a Communications Professor at California State University in Long Beach. He is a master educator and recognized expert in message development for ethical team building, diverse leadership presence, and inclusive audience engagement. He has been coaching on the art and science of communication for 20+ years. He was featured on a Tedx Talk called “The Power of Solidarity in the Moments of Life.” The time when he was an instructional aide in an elementary classroom was the moment he learned that he had a love for teaching. Dr.J shares his story of stumbling success, tragedy and triumph of the pandemic, and transparency with communication. He shares his theory of three key questions we should all ask ourselves about identity, intentionality, and agency. These three key questions can be the foundation for education. We shared many moments of flow and heart energy in this conversation. He is eloquent and inspirational. It was an absolute honor to have him on the show! His Tedx is a must watch and all his information and links are in the show notes.

Part 1-Inspiration (00:57-9:14)

Part 2-Early teaching exp. (9:15-18:00)

Part 3-Pandemic (18:01-27:40)

Part 4-Ideas for ed. (27:41-43:00)

Dr. J. Rodriguez’s LinkedIN

Dr. J. Rodriguez Solutions website

The Power of Solidarity in the Moments of Life Tedx Talk

Ryan Judd is a Billboard Top Ten Recording Artist, Music Therapist, and Kids Meditation Teacher where he has worked with children with diverse abilities for years. Ryan has a genuine passion to help kids and transform education by infusing mindfulness techniques into the classroom. He shared many ways that teachers can use these strategies, and emphasized that it not only benefits the students but the teachers as well! This was a beautiful conversation about helping children through the power of music and mindfulness. This is exactly what we need right now for our children and for our teachers! I am so excited for his new development with the Cool Koala app, which is a bedtime mindfulness app to help children with stress and anxiety. All of Ryan's contact information and websites are linked below in the show notes. Enjoy!

Part 1-Inspiration (00:57-6:48)

Part 2-Early work exp. (6:49-12:14)

Part 3-Pandemic (12:15-18:35)

Part 4-Ideas for ed. (18:36-28:45)

Part 5-Cool Koala app (28:46-40:04)

Ryan Judds’ LinkedIN

TheRhythmTree.com

RyanJuddMusic.com

coolkoala.co/

Cool Koala YouTube

Ryan Judd YouTube

The RhythmTree YouTube

Hannah Phillips is a first year primary school educator who teaches kindergarten in Dubai. She is originally from the UK and was awarded the British Empire Medal for her services to charity. She also is a teacher that focuses on the importance of play, community, and mental health. Hannah has so much energy, compassion, and joy. She recognizes the challenges, but also the rewarding attributes of teaching. She sees how innovative teachers can shake up the system from the inside. One quote that stood out to me: "Let's have children be the protagonists of their lives." Hannah is an inspirational Gen Z educator!

Part I-Inspiration (00:57-6:10)

Part 2-Teaching in Dubai (6:11-27:07)

Part 3-Pandemic (27:08 -34:29)

Part 4-Ideas for the future of ed. (34:30-50:30)

Hannah Phillip’s LinkedIN

The Teacher Circle LinkedIN group