Voices United in Education

Could a local rock band help students succeed? Jon Clark is the bass player and vocalist in the White Tie Rock Ensemble as well as the itinerant Fine Arts 5th grade orchestra teacher for ECPS. His family has invested over 40 years in Escambia County’s orchestra program. In this episode, he shares the origin story of both the band and his becoming a teacher as well as why orchestra is for everyone.

Guest: Jon Clark https://www.facebook.com/WhiteTieRockEnsemble 

Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/
Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodes

Host:  Meredith Hackwith Edwards 

Could math be FUN? Adana Elder, owner and Cherie Gough, Center Director of Mathnasium, a math-only learning center to help kids K-12 catch up, keep up and get ahead. In this episode, they share what math tutoring actually looks like and who it’s helping.

Guest: Adana Elder & Cherie Gough https://www.mathnasium.com/math-centers/pensacola/news/story-your-local-mathnasium-pensacola  

Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/
Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodes

Host:  Meredith Hackwith Edwards 

Is your child a strong reader? Do they need help in other academic subjects? Erica Anderson is the Literacy Director of the YMCA Bright Pathways Program of Northwest Florida, a NEW on-campus program for kids, K-5th grade. In this episode, she shares the impact the program and how it all works.

Guest: Erica Anderson https://www.floridaymcas.org/locations/yreads/ymca-reads/ 

Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/
Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodes

Host:  Meredith Hackwith Edwards 

What’s causing our high school graduation rates to be at 89.5%? In this episode, Keith Leonard, School District Superintendent, unpacks how graduation rates are calculated, what it means for the future of our community and addresses skepticism.

Guest: Keith Leonard

Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/
Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodes

Host:  Meredith Hackwith Edwards 

Looking for an AI proof job? Thinking about working on aircrafts? Want to land a job on the Space Coast? Mark Raab is the Aviation Academy instructor at Booker T Washington High School, the 2nd high school in Florida to offer industry certifications in both aerospace & aircraft assembly. In this episode, Mark gets us up to speed for certification and beyond.

Guest: Mark Raab https://washingtonhs.escambiaschools.org/career-academies/aviation-maintenance 

Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/
Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodes

Host:  Meredith Hackwith Edwards 

The NFL has been investing in flag football; it’s going to be a part of the Olympics and it’s been a competitive option for high school girls in Escambia County for nearly a decade. When Drew Lafontant isn’t at his day job as the Clinic Director for the Panhandle Comprehensive Treatment Center, he is proud head coach for the girls varsity flag football team at Booker T Washington High School. In this episode, he shares how the team is thriving and why flag football may be the next sport on your daughter’s radar.

Guest: Drew Lafontant https://www.instagram.com/btwflagfootball 

Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/
Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodes

Host:  Meredith Hackwith Edwards 

What if we told you that there was a nationwide contest for literacy and of the nearly 10,000 schools, Scenic Heights Elementary won FIRST place? And what if we told you that those students are English speakers of other languages? April Mansfield and Michelle Skidmore are ESOL teachers at Scenic Heights Elementary School. In this episode, hear how they unknowingly made it to the playoffs of the Imagine Learning Literacy Bowl and the impact that winning has had on their students.

Guests: April Mansfield & Michelle Skidmore https://scenicheightses.escambiaschools.org/ | https://www.facebook.com/imaginelearning 

Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/
Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodes

Host:  Meredith Hackwith Edwards 

Is there a secret to successful middle school years? It’s a changing and challenging time for students and parents. Cameron Peters is the Bailey Middle School PE teacher and the founder of a mentorship program for at-risk students called CAMP — Creating a Meaningful Purpose. In this episode, he shares how the program is helping students tap into their motivation and unlock their full potential.

Guest: Cameron Peters https://www.instagram.com/camp.llc/

Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/
Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodes

Host:  Meredith Hackwith Edwards 

Do you know Izzie Jenkins? If not, we’re pretty confident that you’ll be hearing more about this Pensacola High School IB Program graduate who was elected as State Secretary for Florida FFA. In this episode, she shares what it means to carry the torch for the nearly 100-year-old organization—growing from future farmers to future leaders—and how her experiences have shaped her outlook on what’s next for her as an adult.

Guest: Izzie Jenkins https://www.facebook.com/floridaffa 

Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/
Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodes

Host:  Meredith Hackwith Edwards 

Are you a recent high school graduate, but don't have the money to attend collge? Or, are you an adult who wants to finish your degree or get training for a new career path, but don’t know how to pay for it? Or, do you want to take classes for personal self improvement? Matt Hebert is a part of a program that should be your first call for financial help. He is the Program Director for TRIO Educational Opportunity Center at Pensacola State College. In this episode, he shares his perspective and expertise on the program helping first generation college students.

Guest: Matt Hebert 850-484-1961 | [email protected]

Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/
Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodes

Host:  Meredith Hackwith Edwards