This week, Jon speaks with Chris Lee-Rodriguez, a teaching artist, former classroom music teacher, and guitarist and vocalist in Really From, an indie-jazz band based in Boston. Jon and Chris speak about Chris' experiences adapting to his first few years of teaching, and they explore the ups and downs Chris has encountered as he's transitioned from being in the classroom to his work as a teaching artist. Chris also discusses some of the issues he sees with national education policy and practices, and how that can affect both students and educators.

Host & Producer: Jon Lemay | Associate Producer: Emily Moler | Artwork: Katie Cooper | Music: "You Need a Visa" by Really From

Check out Really From on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reallyfromband/

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This week's episode features Sarah Koppelkam, an English teacher at a charter school in Northa Carolina--and co-host of "The Koppelkast." Jon and Sarah speak about how Sarah's love of learning wasn't fully nurtured by her high school experience--and how she's been able to better cultivate it during her time as a teacher and foster a love of learning in her students. They also discuss Sarah's experience as a queer educator, as well as the negative misconceptions many hold about today's youth.

Host & Producer: Jon Lemay | Associate Producer: Emily Moler | Artwork: Katie Cooper | Music: "You Need a Visa" by Really From

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This week, Jon has the pleasure of speaking with Randy, an English and History teacher at a New England boarding school. Jon and Randy speak about the ways in which Randy carries out his commitment to vulnerability and authenticity in his interactions with his students, as well as what it looks like for Randy to take risks and fail with grace in the classroom. Plus, Randy asks Jon about his experiences with the pros and cons of being a young teacher.

Host & Producer: Jon Lemay | Associate Producer: Emily Moler | Artwork: Katie Cooper | Music: "You Need a Visa" by Really From 

Benet Brown on “The Power of Vulnerability”: https://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_on_vulnerability

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This week’s conversation is with Lisa Houston, a Middle School English teacher, Upper School Drama teacher, and Middle School Dean of Students—and one of Jon's current colleagues! Jon and Lisa speak about the ways in which teaching provides both a creative outlet for Lisa, as well as an opportunity for continued growth and learning at every stage of her career. They also touch on the joys and challenges that Lisa has encountered while raising a family while teaching and living at a boarding school, and Lisa shares her belief in the power and importance of being true and loyal to oneself as an educator.

Host & Producer: Jon Lemay | Associate Producer: Emily Moler | Artwork: Katie Cooper | Music: "You Need a Visa" by Really From 

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This week, Jon speaks with Mike Laramie, a special education teacher at a charter school in Arizona. Jon and Mike talk about how people tend to respond when Mike tells them he's a special ed teacher, and Mike reinforces how important it is to keep students' individual needs as the main factor in decisions made by educators. Mike also discusses some of the ways that both students and educators are being failed by the education system, and how the #RedForEd movement is attempting to address those issues.

Host & Producer: Jon Lemay | Associate Producer: Emily Moler | Artwork: Katie Cooper | Music: "You Need a Visa" by Really From 

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For the first episode of the pod, Jon talks with Samm, an English teacher and director of diversity at an independent boarding school. Jon and Samm discuss Samm's initial expectations of life as a private school teacher, as well as the role that identity plays in her approach as a teacher. Plus, Jon gives Samm a challenge that involves capturing her essence as a teacher.

Host & Producer: Jon Lemay | Associate Producer: Emily Moler | Artwork: Katie Cooper | Music: "You Need a Visa" by Really From 

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Here's a quick preview of what to expect from Jon's conversation with Samm, a fellow high school English teacher. First episode drops this Tuesday!

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Associate Producer: Emily Moler