Top Tenn Teaching

By Derrick Crabtree

What's Top Tenn Teaching about?

This podcast spotlights inspiring and passionate educators from Tennessee, the United States, and across the world. Here, we discuss innovation, technology, pedagogy, and much more.

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Top Tenn Teaching episodes:

02.28.2023
#031 Adam Dovico
In this episode, we talk with principal, speaker, and author Adam Dovico about fostering student leadership and equity in education.
01.14.2023
#030 State of Education
In this episode, my dad, Mike Crabtree, and I chat about the state of education, especially on the heels of the pandemic.
03.23.2020
#029 Coronavirus & Distance Learning
Today’s episode comes to you from a distance. We are both recording in separate locations so that we can be protected from COVID-19 and we are talking all about distance learning. Like so many districts around the state of Tennessee...
03.17.2020
#028 Guess Who's Back
We’re baaaaack! We know you have probably missed us-don’t tell us if you haven’t- but sometimes life gets in the way. It is almost like returning to school after the summer, except it’s March. Oops. We have both had huge...
05.10.2019
#027 A Conversation With a New Teacher: Caroline Davis
On today's episode, we are talking with Caroline Roberts Davis. Caroline is currently finishing up her second year of teaching 6th grade science at the same middle school that she attended as a student. Caroline shares with us the ups...
05.03.2019
#026 Q & A
On today’s episode, we are answering listener questions! You guys have posted in our Facebook group, emailed us, and even left us voicemails on our school phones of some questions that you want answered by us. We are sitting down...
04.19.2019
#025 A Conversation on Student Teaching
Today, we are headed into educational territory that people don’t often talk about. That’s right, we are talking all about student teachers. It is important to remember that we all start somewhere, so we sat down with two student teachers...
04.13.2019
#024 I Wish Professional Development Was
We are wrapping up the school year and the end is in sight, so the last thing on your mind is professional development. In our experience, someone can mention professional development and a lot of people roll their eyes. We...
04.05.2019
#023 Loud Learning with Tom Loud
We are bringing you a conversation with the one and only Tom Loud. Tom is the principal for the Preferred Flex Academy. He is also a Twitter celebrity although he is way too humble to actually say that he is. Tom...
03.29.2019
#022 Top Tenn Teacher Qualities
Today, we are sitting down to discuss the qualities that make a good teacher. Most of us have interviewed for a job at some point and been asked, “What qualities do you have that make you a good teacher?" We...
03.22.2019
#021 Climbing the Ladder with Jennifer Moore
In this episode, we are talking to a Blount County Schools legend, Mrs. Jennifer Moore. Jennifer currently serves as the Secondary Supervisor for Blount County Schools but has also been a classroom level English teacher as well as a building...
03.15.2019
#020 Top Fictional Characters and What We Can Learn From Them
In this episode, I will be sharing with you my top five fictional characters and lessons we can learn from them in teaching. These are not necessarily my favorite fictional characters, but characters I believe that have traits and values...
03.08.2019
#019 Best Advice
In this episode, we will be discussing the best advice that we have ever received. Young or old, new or experienced, we have all been on the receiving end of some advice. Some of the advice may be good, some...
02.22.2019
#018 The Sound of Music with Rachel Owens
We were truly blessed to get to speak with Rachel Owens and to hear her share her passion for teaching, music, and family. We sat down with Rachel to talk about her experience as a choir teacher, what it was like...
02.15.2019
#017 Top Tenn Educators to Follow
In this episode, we are dishing out some love. In honor of Valentine’s Day being yesterday, we wanted to spread some love to other teachers on social media who inspire us daily. We are bringing you our top ten list...
02.08.2019
#016 A Unique Path to Teaching with Laura Maclin
In this episode, we are talking to someone near and dear to both of our hearts... Mrs. Laura Maclin. Laura and Kelsey met while in graduate school and completed our Master’s Degree together while Derrick met Laura for a few...
02.01.2019
#015 Top Tenn Teaching Pet Peeves
This is episode number 15 where we air our grievances and list our top ten teaching pet peeves. A pet peeve is something that is a frequent subject of complaint. We all have them and no matter what grade you...
01.25.2019
#014 True Grit with Dr. Courtney Whitehead
In this episode, we are talking with Dr. Courtney Whitehead. Courtney is the assistant principal at Carpenter’s Middle School in Blount County, Tennessee, a professor of education at a local university, and the queen of organization. We sat down in...
01.18.2019
#013 You Might Be a Teacher If...
In today’s episode, we are talking all about the identity of teachers. What is it that really makes someone a teacher? Is it shopping at Target for their school supplies, is it praying for snow days, is it being the...
01.11.2019
#012 Building a Culture as a New Administrator with Summer Russell
In today’s show, we talk to Summer Russell about how her first year as an administrator is going, what big plans she has for her school, how she worked hard to build relationships with her staff while building a strong...
01.04.2019
#011 New Year's Goals
Hello and welcome to Top Tenn Teaching. We are your hosts, Derrick Crabtree and Kelsey Cansler, and this is the podcast where we discuss all things teaching. As we promised in the last episode, we are now coming at you with...
12.19.2018
#010 Christmas Bonus!!! Favorite Holiday Movies and How They Relate to Teaching
In this episode, we sit down to discuss our top five favorite Christmas films and how they relate to teaching. We didn’t share our lists before the show so this episode is completely unscripted. What you hear is what you...
12.14.2018
#009 Advancing Your Education with Dr. Chad Smith
In this episode, we are talking to Dr. Chad Smith. Dr. Smith is a high school principal as well as a professor for a graduate program here in East Tennessee. We sat down with Dr. Smith to discuss the value...
11.30.2018
#008 Top Ten Things I Wish I Knew Before Teaching
In today’s episode, we are listing the top ten things that we wish we knew before becoming teachers. I have been teaching for 9 years and Kelsey has been teaching for 4, but there are definitely things that we wish...
11.15.2018
#007 Keeping Up with Kelsey Cansler
WE'RE BAAAAACK!!! We have a brand new season with brand new episodes! We even have a brand new surprise waiting for you at the end of this episode. In this episode, we interview Kelsey Cansler. Kelsey is a middle school...
04.29.2018
#006 Ditch That Textbook with Matt Miller
In this episode, I interview the textbook ditcher himself, Matt Miller. Matt Miller is a teacher, blogger and presenter from Indiana. He has infused technology and innovative teaching methods in his classes for more than 10 years. He is the author...
04.15.2018
#005 Kids Deserve It with Todd Nesloney
In this episode, I interview one of my #eduheroes: Todd Nesloney. Todd is a principal, author, speaker, and much more. In this interview, we discuss the importance of getting connected and sharing your story. Todd Nesloney is the Principal at...
04.01.2018
#004 Trypod Recommendations
In this episode, I discuss my journey into podcasts, podcasting, and some of my favorite podcasts. #Trypod is a social media movement to get more people listening and involved in the podcast universe. Top Tenn Tech Tip: Screencastify...
03.24.2018
#003 Career Exploration and CTE with Melissa Crabtree
In this episode, I interview Melissa Crabtree. We discuss the importance and value of career exploration and CTE in secondary education. This is some amazing content from and amazing educator! Top Tenn Tech Tip Quizlet Quizlet Live Students playing...
03.18.2018
#002 Growth Mindset & Flexible Learning with Katie Miller
In this episode, I interview my sister, Katie Miller. Katie is a Recruiting Coordinator for Clayton Home Building Group in Maryville, Tennessee. Katie has a unique perspective to offer growing up, and currently living in, an educators' family. Katie has had...
03.15.2018
#001 BCS Rocks & 1:World with Mike Crabtree
In this episode, I interview Blount County School's Assistant Director of Schools (and my father), Mike Crabtree. Mr. Crabtree discusses his start in education, Reading Rocks, 1:World, and much more (including a special appearance from my son, Liam)! To...
03.15.2018
#000 Top Tenn Teaching Intro
Welcome to Top Tenn Teaching. This podcast spotlights outstanding teachers from Tennessee, the United States, and all over the world. We focus on innovation and technology in education. We look forward to hearing from and connecting with educators everywhere. To...

What's Top Tenn Teaching about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Top Tenn Teaching episodes:

#031 Adam Dovico

#030 State of Education

#029 Coronavirus & Distance Learning

#028 Guess Who's Back

#027 A Conversation With a New Teacher: Caroline Davis

#026 Q & A

#025 A Conversation on Student Teaching

#024 I Wish Professional Development Was

#023 Loud Learning with Tom Loud

#022 Top Tenn Teacher Qualities

#021 Climbing the Ladder with Jennifer Moore

#020 Top Fictional Characters and What We Can Learn From Them

#019 Best Advice

#018 The Sound of Music with Rachel Owens

#017 Top Tenn Educators to Follow

#016 A Unique Path to Teaching with Laura Maclin

#015 Top Tenn Teaching Pet Peeves

#014 True Grit with Dr. Courtney Whitehead

#013 You Might Be a Teacher If...

#012 Building a Culture as a New Administrator with Summer Russell

#011 New Year's Goals

#010 Christmas Bonus!!! Favorite Holiday Movies and How They Relate to Teaching

#009 Advancing Your Education with Dr. Chad Smith

#008 Top Ten Things I Wish I Knew Before Teaching

#007 Keeping Up with Kelsey Cansler

#006 Ditch That Textbook with Matt Miller

#005 Kids Deserve It with Todd Nesloney

#004 Trypod Recommendations

#003 Career Exploration and CTE with Melissa Crabtree

#002 Growth Mindset & Flexible Learning with Katie Miller

#001 BCS Rocks & 1:World with Mike Crabtree

#000 Top Tenn Teaching Intro