A Mile In My Shoes: The Walk & Talk Podcast

Get in tune with yourself and your surroundings in this special episode where we take a 5-minute or so mindful walk with our host Stacey McAdoo.

For More Info: This show is hosted by the forever 2019 Arkansas Teacher of the Year, Stacey McAdoo. Please direct all questions and/or scheduling inquiries to www.stillstacey.com. You may also email 2019atoy@gmail.com or message @2019atoy on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

Special Guests: Perla Andrade, Juanita Harris, Kendria Jones, Brandie Loomis, Cara Maxwell

Come walk a mile with the 2022-2023 Teach Plus Arkansas Senior Fellows and listen to their poetic and thoughtful responses that explain their experience as an inaugural Teach Plus Arkansas Policy Fellow and what they are most looking forward to this year. The Fellows also share personal and professional growth they attribute to the skills they gained or honed during the fellowship and offer advice to classroom practitioners interested in joining the Policy Fellowship. To learn more about Teach Plus Arkansas, visit www.teachplus.org/arkansas.  

This podcast is created and hosted by Stacey McAdoo. For scheduling inquiries or more information about the podcast, feel free to reach out to her at 501-350-5945 or 2019atoy@gmail.com. You can also follow her at @2019atoy on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Bio of Guest: Kendria Jones is a native of Pine Bluff, Arkansas. She teaches 7th grade ELA at Jack Robey Middle school. She has 2 handsome sons, Tay and KJ, 16, and recently became a Gammie to Kace. Her love of kids and talking led her to the education world and she doesn't regret it not one bit. Ms. Jones believes that teaching is an art, and those who do not love teaching should reconsider why they are in the classroom. Kendria is a Teach Plus Arkansas Policy Fellow and the author of “Motivated and Encouraged,” which is a 31-day interactive/self-reflection read. It can be purchased on Amazon.

For More Info: This show is hosted by the forever 2019 Arkansas Teacher of the Year, Stacey McAdoo. Please direct all questions and/or inquiries to www.stillstacey.com. You may also email 2019atoy@gmail.com or message @2019atoy on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

Guest Bio:

Jessica Saum is a native of Columbia, South Carolina but calls Sherwood, Arkansas home. Currently, she is a self-contained special education teacher at Stagecoach Elementary School in Cabot, Arkansas teaching students in kindergarten through fourth grade. Jessica is an ASTA and AAEF Advocacy Fellow, and the 2022 Arkansas Teacher of the Year. Jessica is a proud military spouse and is passionate about advocating for the unique needs of military families. Follow her on Twitter at @JessicaSaum, jessicasaum on Instagram or Jessica Wheeler Saum on Facebook. You can also check out the following article to learn more about her https://educationpost.org/children-of-military-families-face-challenges-not-always-evident-in-school/.

For more information about the host, this podcast or scheduling inquires, contact Stacey McAdoo at www.stillstacey.com. You can also reach her via email at @2019atoy@gmail.com or on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter as @2019atoy.

Guest Bio:

Hillary McCree, affectionally referred to as "Hill" by those who know and love her, was born and raised in Little Rock. She is a Little Rock Central High School graduate and holds a BS in Health Science and a MEd in Adult Education. Prior to entering the teaching profession ten years ago through a non-traditional route, she was a Respiratory Therapist. Hillary is married and has two 2 sons.

For More Information:

To learn more about the host, this show or for scheduling inquiries, contact Stacey McAdoo at www.stillstacey.com or follow her at @2019atoy on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.

Brief Guest Bio:

Kayla Andrews is self described as "a teacher who has done it all (almost)." She states, "I'm just a Millennial Filipina trying to make a difference." To learn more about her, search for @kandrews91 o TikTok.  

For More Information about this show or the host, contact Stacey McAdoo at www.stillstacey.com, via email at 2019atoy@gmail.com or on social media as @2019atoy (Facebook, Instragram or Twitter).

Guest Bio:

Nicole Smith is a National Board Certified English Teacher for grades 9-12. She holds two master's degrees--one in English and one in education with a specialization in English. She believes that all children are gifted and talented and that every child has the ability to learn although that learning may look different for each child. Nicole also believes that educators have a responsibility to teach all children no matter their background and that a child's background does not determine their lot in life.

For more information about this podcast or the host, contact Stacey McAdoo via www.stillstacey.com. She can also be reached by email (@2019atoy@gmail.com) or as @2019atoy on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

About this episode:

Walk a mile in northwest Arkansas with legacy educator Holly Howard. During this walk, Holly shares how and why teachers are the heart of the community. She also talks about the important (and urgent) need to develop strategies and a national teacher campaign to recruit and retain the best and the brightest educators. 

Guest Bio:

Holly Howard is a 16-year veteran, high-school English teacher. This native Arkansan has taught in 3 different district and is National Board certified and renewed. She has participated in several fellowships, some of which include: George Washington Teacher Institute, National Gallery of Art Teacher Institute, ARTeacher (Crystal Bridges, U of A, and Center for Children and Youth), and Teach Plus Arkansas Teacher Policy Fellowship. She is also a former department chair and after-school coordinator.

For More Information:

To learn more about Holly, follow her on social media: @hollyhowardar (Twitter), @mshowardreads (Instagram) or Holly Howard (Facebook). For inquiries about this show or the host, Stacey McAdoo, visit www.stillstacey.com or reach out to Stacey at @2019atoy on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

About This Episode: Take a walk through Bryant, Arkansas with Parkway Elementary's Library Media Specialist, Chrystal Burkes. In this episode we learn about some of the biggest misconceptions about libraries and how to make them an innovative, fun hub of learning for everyone.  

Guest Bio:

Chrystal Burkes started her journey to be an educator at the University of Central Arkansas in 2006. After graduating, Chrystal began teaching third and fourth grade while she completed her Master’s Degree in Educational Theory and Practice through Arkansas State University. She adopted cutting-edge teaching practices such as a flipped classroom teaching model and flexible seating ideology in your classes.        

Chrystal then completed her second Master’s Degree in Library and Media through Southern Arkansas University’s graduate program in August 2018.  Inspired by her graduate courses, Chrystal took on additional leadership roles in your school building such as coordinating a school-wide digital citizenship event and heading a weekly technology training program for teachers and staff.  This work earned her the honor of being named Bryant Teacher of the Year 2017-2018. Eventually, she progressed to being named Teacher of the Year for her co-op area, and later was named a top-four semifinalist for Arkansas Teacher of the Year. That same year, Burkes was also awarded Little Rock Family Magazine’s 2019 Amazing Educator Award.       

In August 2018, Chrystal became the Library Media Specialist at Parkway Elementary in Bryant. She was also  recently named Arkansas Association of Instructional Media’s (AAIM) Library Media Specialist of the Year 2020.       

She has continued to bring innovative and engaging lessons to her students every day by incorporating technology, real world examples, and student interest into her lessons. She isn’t afraid to step out of the norm and challenge herself and her students to new ways of thinking and learning. Her goal is to help all students and teachers become educated citizens and positive contributors not only in their classrooms, but ultimately in society.

About This Episode:

Walk with us through West Memphis, Arkansas and listen in as Cade shares ways to implement low-risk strategies to connect with students and shares why it's essential to listen to and learn from our students.

Guest Bio:

Cade is an Art Teacher at East Junior High in West Memphis, AR. Cade has been teaching for 2.5 years and is an Arkansas Teacher Corps fellow. "In my free time," Cade says, "I like to spend time on my own art practice, walk, go to the gym, and spend time with my girlfriend and two cats." Cade be found on Instagram via the handle: @_ar_cade.

For more information about A Mile In My Shoes: The Walk & Talk Podcast or the host, Stacey McAdoo, visit www.stillstacey.com or @2019atoy on most social media platforms.

In today's episode, we walk with a North Little Rock School District educator and discuss the impact of CTE, how to keep our profession relevant and specific ways to avoid having "unemployable graduates."

Guest Bio:

Patrick Bruce currently serves as Academy Coach and Perkins Coordinator for the NLRSD. Prior to his current positions, he was a Manufacturing teacher at NLRHS and NLR Academy (ALE). Before working in NLRSD, Mr. Bruce was an adjunct instructor and curriculum coordinator for Entrepreneurship programs at the University of the West Indies. He also worked in the construction industry before entering the education field. His passion is in all things Career and Technical Education/Workforce Development. Patrick is a firm believer that all students can succeed if they can see the goal and application of their education after graduation. Unfortunately, he believes that far too many students graduate high school and college without knowing how to apply what they have learned. The gap that has formed from the classroom to the workforce has created a generation of "unemployable graduates." Patrick believes it is a calling to bring awareness to this issue and provide solutions to industry and education alike to make learning relevant and real to the student in the classroom regardless of age, gender, race, socioeconomic status, location, disability, etc...

For more information about A Mile In My Shoes: The Walk & Talk Podcast, its host, or to be our next guest, visit Stacey McAdoo at www.stillstacey.com, 2019atoy@gmail.com or @2019atoy on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

In this episode award winning Debate Coach and Little Rock Central High School educator, Rosie Valdez Block, talks about what it was like growing up in a family of educators, why she values the process more than the outcome, offers advice on how teachers can "tap in" to join the  conversations, and shares why it's necessary to sometimes "buckle up and buck up to advocate for what you know is right". 

Rosie Valdez Block is a lifelong Little Rocker. She has been a public school educator for 11 years, and is currently the Director of Debate at Little Rock Central High School. Rosie comes from a family of teachers, and feels very lucky to share her my love of communication education with her mother. Before the pandemic, she spent nearly every weekend of her life traveling the country to tournaments with her nationally-ranked debate team. Though our competitions are all virtual now, you can still find her coaching and judging debate every weekend. Mrs. Block is very proud of the resiliency her debaters have shown as the activity they love has had to fundamentally change the last two years.   Rosie is a passionate advocate for public education. She was raised in the Little Rock School District, and is a proud alum of Booker Arts Magnet, Horace Mann Middle, and Parkview Arts/Science Magnet. Rosie Valdez Block has served on the executive council of the Arkansas Communication and Theatre Arts Association for five years, and is currently on the executive board of the National Debate Coaches' Association. She was also named National Coach of the Year in 2020 by the NDCA. (FYI - Rosie firmly believes all teachers should watch Ted Lasso AppleTV.) 

For questions about the podcast or the host, contact Stacey McAdoo at www.stillstacey.com, 2019atoy@gmail.com or @2019atoy on most social media platforms.

In this episode Iesha Green, a 5th grade classroom practitioner & Teach Plus Arkansas Policy Fellow, talks about the importance of dismantling systems in order to create change.  

Iesha Green is an Arkansas native. She has been in education for 10 years, 5 years in ECE & 5 years in 5th grade. She studied undergrad at the U of A where she triple majored in Psychology, Sociology, and African and African American Studies. She also holds a MAT from UCA & an M.Ed in Educational Equity. She is passionate about all things related to education and is currently working on a kid’s book series called “The Wolfpack,” which follows the adventures of 4 Black middle school boys. She can be reached via social media at @greeniesha6 (Twitter) or Iesha Green (Facebook). 

For more information about this podcast, the host or how to be our next guest contact Stacey McAdoo at 501-350-5945, www.stillstacey.com, 2019atoy@gmail.com or at @2019atoy on all social media platforms.

Guest Bio: Rosie Reid has been teaching English and English Language Development for 19 years. She was named 2019 California Teacher of the Year and received a 2020 Teaching Tolerance Excellence in Teaching award for her work promoting equity in and outside the classroom. Whether she is teaching ELD, grade level English, or IB English, social justice is at the heart of her lessons. Her experience as a mom of a multiracial family with a range of sexualities and academic abilities and affinities has heightened her awareness of issues of equity and justice.

About This Episode: Walk with California's 2019 Teacher of the Year and a 2020 recipient of Teaching Tolerance's Excellence in Teaching Award. Find out where in the educational setting that the magic really happens, the joys teaching about social justice, the Writing Project and lessons learned from being a mom of six very different children.

To learn More: Visit www.stillstacey.com for questions about this podcast, the host or scheduling inquiries. To learn more Rosie, follow her on Twitter (@msreidenglish).

Guest Bio: Rosetter E. Dirden began her wonderful journey in the field of education seventeen years ago, after an eighteen years  career in the Mortgage Banking industry. She began as a middle school teacher, but has been teaching on the high school level for thirteen years. In addition to teaching high school, Ms. Dirden is also a college professor at two prestigious universities in the city of Little Rock, AR. She has taught on the college level for eleven years. Ms. Dirden is very active on her school campus. She is a certified and credentialed Spirit Team Coach/Sponsor; Robotics Sponsor; Certified Teacher Mentor; Advanced Placement Certified; Senior Class Sponsor; and the 2019 - 2020 Teacher of The Year at the Beautiful , Historic Little Rock Central High. Ms. Dirden is the CEO of Essence Educational Services, which offers tutoring for all subjects and ages. She is the President of the Community Churches Alliance, which is a Non-Profit that provides food, clothing, and other necessities to those in need. A youth mentorship/leadership component is in the developmental stages.  She is Certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid, a Certified Wedding & Event Planner, Pageant Coach, and a National/Local Pageant Director. She uses her influence in these areas to mentor youth from all walks of life.  Ms. Dirden is the Proud Founder of the Arkansas Chapter of Black Educators Rock, Inc., and a proud member of the National BER Staff. Her Philosophy of Education is: Educators Who Develop Positive Relationships With Students And Their Families Create A Village. A Strong Village Ensures Positive Results. ALSO .. Being An Educator Is More Than Teaching A Lesson From A Book, It Encompasses Teaching From The Heart!

About This Episode: Today's episode is with an individual who transitioned from the banking industry into education and became one of the 2020 Teachers of the Year for the historic Little Rock Central High School. From teaching math, to coaching the Spirit Team, sponsoring the Robotics club, running the Arkansas Chapter of Black Educators Rock, Inc. and local pageants, this woman does it all! Walk with her to find out how and why. 

For More Information: visit www.stillstacey.com for questions about this podcast, the host or scheduling inquiries. To learn more about the guest, follow her on Twitter (@rosetterdirden), Instagram (msdirden) or Facebook (Rosetter E Dirden).

Guest Bio: Claudine Sanders James, NBCT, is in her 12th year of teaching 8th grade English at Malvern Middle School in Central Arkansas. James achieved Board Certification in Early Adolescence English Language Arts. She has awarded the 2020 James H. Atkinson Award for Excellence in the Teaching of Arkansas History. James has also received the 2018 Penguin Random House Teacher Award for Literacy, and the 2019 Sanford Teacher, Henry Ford Innovation Nation Innovative Teacher and WeTeacher awards. She also has an ESL endorsement and is a board member of the Arkansas Humanities Council. James was the 2019 HSC Community Service awardee and now serves as the district’s community liaison working within the district and community to highlight cultural awareness and to help other educators gain knowledge and skills related to building a platform for culturally responsive teaching.

About This Episode: Walk with an educator who always knew she wanted to be a teacher and find out about her defining moments, the power of community and the building of life-long relationships. 

For More Information: Visit www.stillstacey.com for questions about the podcast, host or scheduling inquiries. To learn more about the guest, visit her on social media at @MsClaudine1966 (Twitter) and @Claudine Sanders James on Facebook.

About the Guest: Kelly D. Holstine is the 2018/2019 MN State Teacher of the Year (the first out LGBTQ+ teacher and the second alternative educator in MN to be given that honor.) In addition to being an educator, speaker, writer/author, and advocate, Holstine is also an Adjunct Education Professor at Augsburg University and an Educational Equity Consultant. Holstine has nearly 30 years of experience working with youth and in 2012 she helped to design and open Tokata Learning Center (an alternative high school). She has worked and volunteered in the fields of education, media, team building, social services, animal rescue, and theatre. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Massachusetts, a Communication Arts and Literature teaching license from Augsburg University, and a Master of Arts in Education from Augsburg University. About this Episode: Walk with the 2018/2019 Minnesota Teacher of the Year, Kelly Holstine, and hear about the gift of teaching and being able to see the transformation of others, designing & opening an alternative space for learners, and the lessons learned over the last 30 years.  To Learn More: visit www.stillstacey.com for questions about the podcast, host or scheduling inquiries. To learn more about the guest, visit her blog: https://www.kellydholstine.com/ or follow her on Twitter (@kellydholstine).

Guest Bio: I am entering my seventeenth year as an educator, military veteran, and man of God. As a career educator I have realized the best way to impact and change the world is by ensuring that the populous is educated. Growing up it wasn’t hard to find mentors and black males to look up to. I was asked who my first black male teacher was once and I can say I was blessed having grew up in Detroit until middle school. I always had black male teachers to look up to. My fourth grade teachers name was Ralph Carruthers- a poet, master of language, and someone even to this day I admire. Then in middle school my home room teacher was a black male Mr. Phillips, one of the toughest teachers I ever had, his expectations was always excellence. I could go on. These are the men I have shaped my career after.

About This Episode: ROTC. National Guard. Collegiate Debate Team. Take a walk with Roy Vaughn, an educator and man of God who’s passionate about education policy, and find out how these dots connected and landed him in the classroom.

For more information visit www.stillstacey.com for questions of the host, about the podcast or for scheduling inquiries. To learn more about the guest visit his blog at www.revolutionaryvisionphotography.com or check him out on Instagram (@revolutionaryvisionphotography) or Facebook (@Roy Vaughn).

Guest Bio: Oldest of two, rural then suburban new agey upbringing; took 7 1/2 years to get BA in English Lit; taught at my alma mater for 12 years in a project based 9-12  arts program; six years as drama teacher at high performing school for affluent kids; now the in third year as indecent study high school teacher. Raising six kids, some adopted, in a mixed race family with catoy 2019 Rosie Reid. #covidsux

About This Episode: Take a walk through the streets of California with a high school Independent Study educator who's been teaching for more than 20 years. Find out about his wanderlust, the scenic route he took before discovering the education bug and his love for teaching.

For More Information: visit www.stillstacey.com to questions about this podcast, the host or scheduling inquiries.  

Guest Bio: Sydney is a ninth-grade English teacher at Lincoln High School in Lincoln, Nebraska, and is also the 2019 Nebraska Teacher of the Year. Her TED talk, "How can we support the emotional well-being of teachers?" was released in November 2019 and has garnered more than two million views. Sydney continues to serve the education community in her classroom and as an advocate for teacher wellness.

About This Episode: Today we walk with Sydney Jenson who is an advocate for teacher wellness, a 9th grade English teacher and the 2019 Nebraska Teacher of the Year.  Find out how summer camp solidified her desire to teach, the power of storytelling and the inside scoop on how her Ted Talk  “How can we support the emotional well-being of teachers?" (which has been viewed more than 2 million times) came to be.

For more information: visit www.stillstacey.com for more information about the podcast, host or scheduling inquiries. To contact the guest please visit her blog at sydney-jensen.com or follow her on Twitter (@sydneycjensen) or Instagram (@lovemsjensen).

Guest Bio: I am an educator. I've taught high school, adult ed, and higher ed, but my heart belongs to middle school because those years are indeed the toughest in a child's educational development. I am a mother of two biological children and one bonus son and my husband is in the Army.

About This Episode: Listen to this educator, who comes from a line of educators and life long learners, as she discusses the need for systemic change in the educational system, 21st Century learners, and practical tips for current day classroom teachers.

For More Information: visit www.stillstacey.com for questions about the podcast, host or scheduling inquiries. To learn more about the guest, visit her blog at https://tjhendrixblog.wordpress.com/blog/.

Guest Bio: Joel Lookadoo is the 2020 Arkansas Teacher of the Year. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Math Education from the University of Central Arkansas and his Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University. He received his National Board Certification in High School Mathematics. Joel is ESL certified and has taught 7 years in Springdale, Arkansas.

About This Episode: Walk with the 2020 Arkansas Teacher of the Year, Joel Lookadoo, and discover what he considers the most rewarding aspect of teaching and how PLCs helped him gain his stride in education.

For More Information: Visit www.stillstacey.com for more information on this podcast, the host or scheduling inquiries. To connect with the guest, follow him on Twitter (@CoachLookadoo) or Facebook (@2020ATOY)

Guest Bio: After graduating from Lyon College with a B.A. in English, Mrs. Huff began a lifelong  career in education  as a high school English teacher, continuing to teach 10-12 English and AP English for fifteen  years. After earning an M.S. in Curriculum and Instructional Technology, Mrs. Huff moved from instructing students to supporting educators as an Instructional Facilitator. Mrs. Huff continued her education, earning an  Ed. S. in Educational Administration and moved to an administrative position, serving as Secondary Curriculum Coordinator for Batesville School District. In 2017, she and her husband, Steve, relocated from Batesville to Central Arkansas. Mrs. Huff joined the Little Rock School District to help launch the EXCEL program, a program for juniors and seniors aimed at allowing them to test-drive careers while earning college credit, industry certifications, and internships. In 2020-21 Mrs. Huff will continue coordinating the LRSD EXCEL program and will support other CTE programs in the district.

About this Episode: Join CTE Specialist and Excel Coordinator, Lisa Huff, as she discusses transitions, change and taking advantage of all the opportunities within the educational system.

For more information: Visit www.stillstacey.com for questions about this podcast, the host or scheduling inquiries.

Guest Bio: I’ve been in education 20 years. I started as a middle school English teacher and currently serve as a principal at Taylor Elementary in Jacksonville AR.

About This Episode: Walk with an elementary principal who has held virtually every position available within the educational system (including a secretary, custodian and security officer). Find out how why she ran from her calling, what she loves the most about education, and what she believes makes a great teacher.

For More Information: visit www.stillstacey.com for questions about this podcast, the host or scheduling inquiries. Today's guest may be reached via Twitter (@LoringShay), Instagram (@conscious_classrooms) or Facebook (Shay Spriggs-Loring).

Guest Bio: Sheena Graham, began teaching in 1983. She offered workshops on music literacy and connecting parents and teachers, while writing original musicals and creating teaching tools for colleagues.  Her recording and writing experience is extensive. Sheena’s original works have been performed locally, at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. and twice at the White House. Her passion for reengaging disengaged students has led to her receiving the Beard Excellence in Teaching Award, among many others. She is Connecticut’s 2019 Teacher of the Year. Her advise to others is, “Do not let your image be designed by your inactivity.”

About This Episode: Find out how a classical pianist hopeful discovered her love her teaching and is now in her 38th year of teaching in the classroom! From White House invitations, to special needs camp, re-engaging the disengaged and the therapeutic aspects of the arts are discussed. Special Bonus: A sneak peak of an unreleased original song inspired by police brutality. 

For More Information: Visit www.stillstacey.com for questions about this podcast, the host or for scheduling inquiries. To learn more about the guest, visit her on Twitter (@ICMYGOALS), Instagram (@sheeniquek) or Facebook (Sheena Graham).

Guest Bio: Guest Bio: I grew up in Bald Knob, AR, and I'm starting my 36th year in education. I've been a classroom teacher the entire time, but I've also coached volleyball, basketball, and track. I have a Bachelor's and a Master's degree from the University of Central Arkansas, and I've been with the Little Rock School District for the past 22 years. For the past 15 years, I've been an AVID Coordinator at both Mabelvale Middle and Hall High School. At this point in my career, I'm blessed to still love what I do, and I'm looking forward to what comes in year 36 and beyond.

Episode Summary: Walk with us and learn about a 36 year veteran educator who was the first in her family to graduate high school (and then later college and graduate school) and who has for the last 16 years led college and career programming in the Little Rock School District.

For More Information: Visit www.stillstacey.com for questions about this podcast, the host or scheduling inquiries. 

Guest Bio: Wendell Scales Jr. is an educator, son, brother, friend, and community leader in central Arkansas. Since 2010, he has focused on initiatives in education, mentorship, equity, access, and college matriculation. He is a five-year member and current Vice President of the 100 Black Men of Greater Little Rock. He is a community organizer who understands the transformative impact an equitable education can play among our scholars, families and community stakeholders. As a member of Leadership Greater Little Rock Class XXXV, he continues to foster invaluable relationships to improve economic, organizational, and community outcomes in Arkansas.

About This Episode: Today we walk with a son, brother, friend, community leader and educator Wendell Scales, Jr. Learn about how this young man from a small town became a big time influencer of developing social capacity, networking and advocating for change.

Wendell's Recommendations:

Book: Advancing Black Male Student Success From Preschool Through Ph.D

Book: New Perspectives on Racial Identity Development

Book: The Enlightened College Applicant

Book: A Hope in the Unseen: An American Odyssey from the Inner City to the Ivy League

Organization: @100BlackMenofGreaterLittleRock

For More Information: Visit www.stillstacey.com for questions about the podcast, host or scheduling inquiries. To learn more about the guest, visit him on social media platforms: Instagram (@scalingtheworld) or Facebook (@Wendell Scales, Jr.)

Guest Bio:  Crystal Green-Braswell, a twenty- one year veteran educator, currently serves as a middle school assistant principal in the Little School District. Crystal earned a Specialist Degree in Education Leadership from Arkansas State University, a Master's Degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and Bachelor's Degree from the University of Central Arkansas. During her 21 years in education, she has held a variety roles in elementary and middle schools throughout the state of Arkansas. She has been a Special Education and an English Language Arts educator, a Gifted & Talented Coordinator, a Literacy Facilitator and as already mentioned is now in Administration. Armed with the sincere belief that with the right climate and culture every school can succeed, she has successfully helped move a “C” school to an “A” school, facilitated arts integration sessions, mentored hundreds of teachers and has even created a coveted “Wellness Room” for her staff. About This Episode: Walk a mile with a self-care advocate, music-loving 21-year education veteran whose focus area is to help shape schools who serve students with the greatest needs to become a healing center for every stakeholder with wellness as the foundation of its work. Learn about how Crystal’s paying it forward because of the people who stood in the gaps for her during her years as a student and how she realized that the adults in a building have to be taken care just as much as the students do.  For More Information: Visit www.stillstacey.com for questions about the podcast, host or scheduling inquiries. To contact Crystal, visit her on Twitter (@crystalbraswe15) or on Instagram (@Cdlgb).

Guest Bio: Kareem has taught self-contained special education for 22 years. He has a master’s degree in special education from New Jersey City University. Kareem’s passion is social justice issues. He is a member of his district’s political engagement team, Black Alliance, and council of representatives for the union. He is the director of his school’s UNItown diversity club. He has been a restorative justice trainer for the district for the past 3 years. He was awarded an honorary doctorate from Northern Arizona University for his work in education and he is the 2019 Arizona Teacher of the Year.

About This Episode: Today we walk with a 22-year veteran educator, restorative justice trainer, and Arizona's 2019 Teacher of the Year. Find out why this 6'7" Special Education educator (who is afraid of heights) repelled off of Phoenix's highest building and how Kareem found his voice through the social justice club that he now sponsors at his school. Dr. Neal ends the walk & talk by taking us back to 1995 and dropping the science, wisdom, and brilliance of KRS-One.

Recommended Resource: Classdojo

For More Information: Visit www.stillstacey.com for questions about the podcast, host or scheduling inquiries. To learn more about the guest, visit his blog at kareemneal.com or follow him on social on social media (Twitter: @kareem_neal or Facebook: HB797 or Kareem Neal). You may also email him directly at kareemneal7@gmail.com 

Guest Bio: My name is Chelsey Smith. I currently teach English 10 and Pre-AP English 10 at Nettleton High School. In December of 2017, I received my BSE in English from Arkansas State University, and just one month later I began teaching at Nettleton High School. I am currently attending the University of Tennessee in Knoxville for my Master of Science in Information Sciences degree. My goal is to help every student reach their full academic potential while introducing students to a wide variety of diverse literature and voices.

About This Episode: Walk in Jonesboro with a graduate student who’s currently teaching 10th grade English and loves introducing students to a wide variety of diverse books. The importance of not shying away from challenges, reaching out for help and being around positive people are also discussed and excellent resources are shared.

Recommended Resources:

Facebook Page:

- The Brown Bookshelf: https://www.facebook.com/thebrownbookshelf/

Books:

- We Got This. Equity, Access, and the Quest to Be Who Our Students Need Us to Be by Cornelius Minor

- Teach Your Class Off by CJ Reynolds

Resources:

- Teaching Tolerance: https://tolerance.org/

For More Information: Visit www.stillstacey.com for information about this podcast, the host or scheduling inquiries. To contact the guest you can reach out to her on Twitter (@MrsChelseySmith).

Guest Bio: Dr. Carla F. Carter is a Visual, Literary and Performance Arts educator with over 30 years of teaching Middle, High school and college level students. She is a performance poet and writer originally from Chicago, by way of New York and now residing in Little Rock, Arkansas. She is the author of two collections of poetry, Body Language which won her a Lambda Literary Award Nomination for best poetry and Body Target (released in 2017). She has been a curator, producer and director of theater, particularly women's plays since early 2000's having garnered the Trailblazer Award for Women's theater in Chicago.  Her work has been published in several magazines, journals and anthologies.

About This Episode: Find out how this Chi-Town (by way of NY) aspiring Broadway star, dancer, performance poet, and published author ended up creating curriculum, designing courses, and teaching at an Arkansas HBCU. Learn about word processors, NSPDK, and Philander Smith College’s Creatives. Stay tuned until the end to get memorized by her original spoken word poetry! 

For More Information: Visit www.stillstacey.com for questions about the podcast, host or scheduling inquiries. To learn more about or contact the guest, reach out to Dr. Carter on Twitter (@NSPDKCFCarter), Instagram (@CFCarter8) or on Facebook (@CFCarterphd).  

Recommended Resources:

Literary Journal, The Educational Krinon - each published in the NSPDK Krinon:

Afrofuturism: For Colored Students Who Need to Believe in the Future When Teaching Black Lives Matter Is Not Enuf

The Charging Station

Guest Bio: Chanda Lewis is a native of Little Rock, AR, with over 20 years in education in various roles from teaching to administration. Chanda received her Bachelors in Elementary Education from the University of Central Arkansas and her Masters in Educational Leadership from the University of Little Rock.

Chanda worked five years in the Little Rock School District where she served in the following roles: Pre-K/2nd Grade Teacher, Family Literacy Service Coordinator, and Consultant Teacher. She served 10 years in the Pulaski County Special School District where she served as an Asst. Principal and Federal Programs Coordinator (Title I Programs).

In 2015 Chanda and her family (her husband and three kids ranging from ages 17 to 4) relocated to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and they later moved to the Shreveport area in 2019. Chanda most recently taught Pre-K for the Caddo Parish School District at Turner Elementary, in Shreveport, Louisiana

Chanda prides herself on the relationships she has developed with her parents and students. She believes this is her strength and has attributed to her success in education. *Update: Chanda recently resigned as a result of the pandemic, 

About This Episode: Join us for a walk with a Louisana pre-k teacher who as a college student switched from nursing to education. Listen as Ms. Lewis discusses the value of relationships, reaching kids where they are and working to level the playing field so that schools are more equitable.

For More Information: Visit www.stillstacey.com for questions about the podcast, the host or scheduling inquiries. You can reach the guest by via Instagram (@chandalatoria) or on Facebook (Chanda Lewis).

Guest Bio: I am in my 17th year as a teacher. I spent 13 years teaching math at McClellan High School. I am entering my 4th year teaching math at Central High.

About This Episode: Walk a country mile with a high school teacher who shed her lion's mane to earn her tiger stripes and became one of Little Rock Central High School's G.O.A.T. math teachers! Find out when and how math found Deborah, how she became addicted to watching kids defeat math, and why "The Show Goes On.'

For More Information: Visit www.stillstacey.com for questions about this podcast, the host or scheduling inquiries. To find out more about the guest, visit reach out to her on Instagram (@peteysmom1) or on Facebook (@DeborahHansberry).

Guest Bio: Proud mom of 2 daughters (19 & 15), Masters of Art in Teaching with an emphasis on Family & Consumer Science, and love teaching, Jesus, family & crocheting! Starting my life long dream of teaching in my early 40's has really allowed me to appreciate the privilege of working with students, and genuinely love what I do. 

Episode Summary: Travel with us today to a little town in Northwest Arkansas called Prairie Grove. Walk down a new trail with Jennifer Ceasar and learn about the life skills this Family & Consumer Science educators teaches her students. This “dedicated, empathic and fun” educator also discusses tools that bridge language and cultural divides, resources for novice teachers and shares why “You will never see me fall”. 

For More Information: Visit www.stillstacey.com for questions about the podcast, host or scheduling inquiries. 

Guest Bio: I have been teaching Kindergarten for 22 years. I received my B.A in Elementary education with an emphasis in Early Childhood from University of Arkansas at Little Rock. I have a Master's degree in Elementary Education from Pensacola Christian College in Pensacola, Florida. I got into education to change the world.

About This Episode: Walk with a 22 year veteran kindergarten teacher from the Little Rock School District. Find out how coronavirus has impacted instructional practice, projections for the future and how to plan for the unknown. Failure, effort and expectations are also discussed.

For More Information: Visit www.stillstacey.com for questions about this podcast, the host or scheduling. Reach out to the guest directly on Instagram (@madisonzora) or Facebook (Zora Madison).

Guest Bio: After having graduated college in the midst of the Great Recession, I went to work in corporate America. Desperately searching to find purpose while working in cubicles that sucked the life out of me, I decided to go to grad school for secondary education.  The rest is history! I have now been teaching for eight years, with my time split between Arkansas and Georgia.  I began my teaching career at Little Rock Central High School where I taught for four years before moving to Atlanta, Georgia.  I currently teach in the Atlanta Metro area at Gwinnett County Public Schools.  As a Social Studies teacher, I have taught US History, World History and Psychology.

About This Episode: Walk with Lacey Jean-Pierre, a Georgia history educator by way of Arkansas, who graduated in the midst of the Great Recession. Find out about understanding the historical value of an event, Teaching Tolerance and the essential skills educators need to be successful in the classroom.

For More Information: For questions about this podcast, for the host or about scheduling visit www.stillstacey.com.To learn more about the guest, visit her at lacelee42 on Instagram and at Lacey JP on Facebook. 

Guest Bio: I am a 26 yr elementary teacher. I taught most of my career as an NYC public school teacher. My area of expertise is in lower elementary /PreK-5. I have had the privilege of being a Bilingual and ESL teacher and will embark on my journey as a Spanish teacher this fall. I have participated in several leadership roles over the years as part of the School Leadership Committee, presenter at Columbia University Teachers College/Citywide PD in NYC, and ESL presentations in LRSD. I have been an LRSD Novice Teacher Mentor, LREA teacher representative, and currently an NEA Representative Assembly delegate. I am a graduate of the IMPACT Fellowship Program at the University of Arkansas, a member of the Teacher Leadership Institute, an LRSD Aspiring Leader and a Parent Facilitator. I am currently working on my ESL National Board Teacher Certification.

About This Episode: Join a 26 year veteran educator, Arkansas resident (by way of New York) and Little Rock School District educator tomorrow as she discusses her transition from being an elementary ESL newcomer educator to a high school Spanish teacher at the historic Little Rock Central High School. During the walk Nanette Patino shares the importance and impact of mentorship, aspiring leaders and validating the efforts of your colleagues when trying to build a cohesive and collective team.

For More Information: Visit www.stillstacey.com for questions about the podcast, host or scheduling. Reach out to the guest directly on Facebook (@Nanette Patino) to learn more about her.

Nanette's recommendated resources: Publication from Johns Hopkins University for the NNPS(National Network of Partnership Schools)Promising Partnership Practices 2018-2019

Guest Bio: Shelly Parks is a high school English teacher in St. Charles, MO at Francis Howell North High School. Her influence goes beyond her own classroom and even her own school, where she has spent years public speaking and offering training and professional development to staff and other educational leaders. Shelly considers her greatest teaching accomplishment when students decide to join her in the education profession. Shelly is a recruiter of future teachers, an advocate for equitable learning opportunities for all students, a lover of cooperative learning, and a proponent of teachers creating greater work-life balance. She is a National Board Certified teacher who has received numerous awards, including the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award and Missouri’s Teacher of the Year for 2019

About This Episode: Walk with 2019 Missouri Teacher of the Year, Shelly Parks, and learn about her Alabama roots and Arkansas branches. Find out what she’s doing to dismantle unjust systems that disproportionately affect students of color and why she strongly believes “If we don’t take care of teachers, teachers can’t take care of students.”

For More Information: Visit www.stillstacey.com for questions about the podcast, host or scheduling inquiries. For questions of the guest, contact her directly via Twitter (@ShellyParks5), Instagram (@shellyparksteach) or Facebook (Shelly Parks-2019 Missouri Teacher of the Year).

Guest Bio:  Inspired to become an educator by her own teachers, Zestlan Simmons, a National Board Certified teacher, was once told by a family friend to “reconsider her options” when she shared her dream. However, for her, the joy of seeing students engaged in mastering writing skills has been the catalyst for pursuing her dream.  This love of empowering students with the awareness of their capabilities led her to return to Booker T. Washington (BTW) Magnet where she once benefited from an arts education through the Carver Creative and Performing Arts Program (CCPAC), which is now BTW. In her role as an educator at BTW, she contributes to cross-curricular planning initiatives, which encourage art and academic teachers to collaborate on special projects and classroom instruction.   In 2017, she pursued a certification in Instructional Leadership so that she could continue to mentor new teachers. Her greatest joy has been to see her former students become teachers in Montgomery, in Alabama, and in the nation.  In her spare time, which is very little, she travels, reads, and cooks all types of cuisine. About This Episode: Join two southern sistas as we stroll through the birthplace of the civil rights movement and adhere to India.Arie’s “Prayer for Humanity”. Listen and learn from a Montgomery, AL educator (who has an official day named in her honor and who also happens to be the 2019 Alabama Teacher of the Year) as Zestlan Simmons discusses dueling dragons, ELA & the performing arts, survival skills and the importance of making curriculum fit your students. Then cool down by standing up like Cynthia Erivo insists. This is an episode you won't want to miss! For More Information: Visit www.stillstacey.com for questions about the show, host or scheduling inquiries. To learn more about the guest, contact her directly on Twitter (@ZestlanSimmons), Instagram (@zsimmons99) or on Facebook (@Zest Simmons).

Guest Bio:

I have been married for 17 years to a wonderful man and have the honor of raising two incredibly, funny children. I will be starting my 18 1/2 year of teaching this August. I have been teaching the last 15 years at Mayflower School District where I currently teach Psychology/Sociology and Senior Finance and Life Skills.

About This Episode:

“You have a gift, don’t waste it,” were the instructions that set this Mayflower, Arkansas educator on her journey to fulfill her life’s purpose. Walk with Sabrena Thacker and discover how investing in the right professional development can change your life, the power of reflection and why it is imperative to quit taking your leftovers home to your loved ones.

For More Information: Visit www.stillstacey.com for more information about the show, host or scheduling inquiries. Reach out the guest directly on Twitter at Thack Attack @ThackAttack5011 or Sabrena McEwen Thacker on Facebook.

Guest Bio: 

I'm Amanda. I am a 7th generation Arkansan. I grew up in southern Florida until returning to Fayetteville at age 12. Reading, writing, and roller skating are how I stay sane. I have taught a variety of age groups, and right now I am serving as a junior high ESL teacher. I have four awesome daughters ranging in age from 12-25. My husband and I have been married since 2007 and he is an incredible stone mason.  We love doing house projects, taking our dog on long walks around the steep hills, reading the Sunday paper, and watching Netflix.

About This Episode:

Let’s face and climb hills with a seventh generation Arkansan who loves reading, writing and roller skating. Walk with us as Amanda Ladish (a Springdale, Arkansas educator) shares the parallels between roller skating and education, the importance of balance and the joys of being an English as a Second Language teacher. 

To Learn More: Visit www.stillstacey.com to find out more about the host, this show or scheduling inquiries. To learn more about the host, contact her via https://excellenceforenglishlearners.wordpress.com/.

Guest Bio: I am Jeffery Ladd II and I live in Texarkana Arkansas. I was a Navy brat so moving around is quite natural for me. I am 25 years of age but deep inside I am eternally 12. I think of myself as a highly creative and very vibrant youthful teacher. Being a black male in teaching, I feel quite special because I know that I represent a rare demographic in this service of work. And with that great responsibility I understand that I must be intentional about what I say and conscious of what I do. I am a novice teacher who has a lot to learn, who still needs a lot of growth, and I know I have so much that I must do. I love being a student in everyday conversations. I am always looking for insight and little nuggets of wisdom from people, especially veteran teachers. There is always so much to learn from those who have experienced more life than yourself. I recently received my Master of Art in Teaching Degree in December of 2019, so that makes me a fresh candidate to be an effective advocate for the need of positive and energized filled teaching and to show that representation matters. I just want to put out the best of what I can contribute into the world and I believe my way of doing that is through teaching!

About This Episode: Walk down the Texarkana Nix Trail and discover how The Toothpaste Millionaire inspired a “25 year old who is eternally 12” elementary teacher to launch a self care business with his little sister. We will also learn from Jeffrey  how having Black male educators early in his career set the standard for Black excellence. Ways of elevating the teaching profession, engaging students and increasing comprehension are also discussed.

For More Information: Visit www.stillstacey.com for questions about the host, show or scheduling inquiries. 

Guest Bio: Keith has taught in NH for the past 21 years. As a lover of all subjects, he guided fourth graders for 13 years, but spent the past seven years teaching middle schoolers to have fun while learning math. Sounds impossible right? He is moving onto new adventures for the 2020/2021 school year, teaching  6th graders to appreciate getting lost in a novel and share his love of writing with students, hoping to build voice and confidence. Noyes was honored as the 2019 NH Teacher of the Year, and spent time traveling the country along with his cohort to reflect, grow and perfect his craft by learning from other powerful educators and experts in the field. Keith feels strong student/teacher connections and relationships are at the core of successful teaching.

About This Episode: Join us on the WOW Trail with a self described "crazy, funny and energetic" elementary teacher who was inspired by his teacher-credentialed police officer father to become a classroom practitioner. In this episode Keith Noyes (the 2019 New Hampshire Teacher of the Year) talks about taking safe risks, building relationships with parents, learning through games and sharing ones personal adventures with students through the art of storytelling.

Recommended Resource: Porta Portal

For More Information: Visit www.stillstacey.com for questions about the show, host or scheduling inquiries. If you have specific questions for the guest, please reach out to him on Twitter via @KeithNoyes3.

Guest Bio: 

Hometown: Little Rock, Arkansas Bachelor of Arts Degree, University of Central Arkansas, 1996 Master of Science in Education Degree, University of Central Arkansas, 2000 

Employment: Bob and Betty Courtway Middle School, Conway, 1997-Present 

Subjects Taught: 7th and 8th grade English, 7th and 8th grade Spanish 

Teacher of the Year: 2000 and 2015 

National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification: 2007 

Milken Educator Award: 2007 

National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Recertification: 2015

About This Episode: Come discover or rediscover "The Greatest Love Of All," as we walk today with a two time Teacher of the Year, Milken Award, National Board Certified, 23-year English and Spanish, Conway, Arkansas middle school educator who has traveled to 45 countries! Listen as Mr. Corey Oliver shares his approach to lesson planning and teaching, how students are often the biggest offerers of information and the secret to having longevity and staying fresh in education.

For More Information: Visit www.stillstacey.com for more information about the host, podcast, scheduling inquiries or to find out how to reach out to today's guest.

Guest Bio: Wife,mother, and teacher :)

About This Episode: Walk a mile with a Marion, Arkansas elementary teacher of fifteen years (Chassidy Caraway) who never thought she would be a teacher but who became one to help her daughter. Learn about the year of yes, modifying and adjusting, and the importance of having a SOS/help system and cool down time.

For More Information: Visit www.stillstacey.com for more information about the host, podcast or for scheduling inquiries. To more information on today's guest, you may contact her directly on Facebook.

Guest Bio: Dr. Marquese McFerguson is an assistant professor within Florida Atlanta University’s School of Communication and Multimedia Studies. Dr. McFerguson is a Little Rock, Arkansas native.  He holds a bachelor’s degree in Studio Art from Ouachita Baptist University, a master’s degree in Interpersonal and Organizational Communication from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and a Ph.D. in Communication Studies from the University of South Florida. His scholarship examines art-based research methods, hip hop culture, and contemporary Black popular culture.  In particular, his research about Black popular culture explores the relationship between media scripting and everyday life. Furthermore, his scholarship analyzes how racialized gender and class representations are produced by media makers and interpreted by media audiences to make sense of Blackness. Dr. McFerguson is also an award-winning slam poet and teaching artist who has performed at academic institutions and performance venues throughout the United States and the United Kingdom.

About This Episode: Dr. Marquese McFerguson is an assistant professor, award-winning slam poet and a teaching artist from Little Rock, AR. On Episode 15’s walk, Dr. McFerguson talks about ensuring every student has a mentor, following the advice you give, research & connections and the importance of making learning fun. He ends with the sharing of a snippet from Audrey Lorde about bringing your whole self to the table — especially if you are a black face in white spaces.

For More Information: Visit www.stillstacey.com for information about the host, podcast or for scheduling inquiries. To learn more about the guest, reach out to Marquese McFerguson on Facebook. 

Guest Bio: Agnolia B. Gay has worked as a 23 year veteran educator with public schools in Little Rock, Arkansas; Pine Bluff, Arkansas; and Jacksonville, Florida. In the classroom Agnolia is responsible for: supervising and Instructing students utilizing technology, creating rigorous, diverse,fun,and engaging lesson plans, classroom management,keeping accurate records,  maintaining positive communications and continuous connections with  parents, as well as  producing progress reports quarterly   As a local individual artist, Agnolia, supports schools as a student and parent advocate.  She collaborates with students and teachers; creates engaging workshops for both students and teachers, as well as showcases students. She supports nonprofit organizations through performances, creative workshops, coaching, consulting and collaborating with both youth and adults.  She has created Afterschool Programs and Summer Enrichment Programs for church groups, community groups, schools, family reunions and social organizations.   Finally, Agnolia creates workshops for teachers that incorporate the “ARTS”  into the curriculum ∙as she empowers both teachers and students to use the “ARTS”  as a teaching and learning tool.

About This Episode: In Episode 14, Agnolia B. Gay, a 23-year veteran educator who encourages the use of the arts as a teaching and learning tool, talks about how she became an educator because of a storyteller, the importance of intergenerational collaboration and why it's crucial to be intentional about including the elders in our work. For an added bonus and our listening pleasure she shares a recitation of 1,928 Winters by Jackie Earley that you won't want to miss!

For More Information: Visit www.stillstacey.com for more information about the host, podcast or for scheduling inquiries. To learn more about the guest or the resources mentioned, contact her directly via @agnoliagay on Instagram or at https://www.facebook.com/agnolia.gay. 

Guest Bio: As a child immigrant from El Salvador who grew up in public schools, Sarahi Monterrey recognizes the pivotal role teachers play in students’ lives. Sarahi was named Wisconsin's 2018-2019 High School Teacher of the year and is Wisconsin’s 2019 representative to the National Teacher of the Year Program being the first Latinx in the state of Wisconsin to have this honor.

About This Episode: Come walk a mile with the first Latinx in Wisconsin to be named a State Teacher of the Year as she discusses the pivotal role teachers play in students' lives, how to reframe your questions to redirect students and the importance of creating safe spaces that empower students and encourage student-led activities. 

For More Information: Visit www.stillstacey.com for more information about the host, podcast or scheduling inquiries. To find out more about the guest or the resources she mentioned, contact her directly at @WI_TOY2019 on Twitter or at https://www.facebook.com/sarahi.monterrey.

Guest Bio: My name is Torrie C. Achan. I grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas. I am a 1996 graduate of LR J.A. Fair High School. I obtained a BSE in Elementary Education from Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas in 2000. While a student at Henderson, I became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc in 1998. I obtained a MSE in Early Childhood Education from the University of Central Arkansas is 2002. Currently, I live in Conway, Arkansas with my sweet husband of 20 years, Joey Achan, a fellow educator. We have two children, Madison (16) and Josiah (11). We attend Rock Solid Church in Conway, Arkansas.  This fall, I will begin my 21st year in the classroom. I am a teacher in the Conway Public School District. I taught at Theodore Jones Elementary for 10 years (7 years in 4th grade and 3 years in 1st grade). I am beginning my 11th year at Woodrow Cummins Elementary (all in 3rd grade). I am very excited to have the opportunity to share my journey with you!!

About This Episode: 21 year early childhood educator (Torrie Acan of Conway, Arkansas), discusses the benefits of living in the neighborhood and community in which you teach and the importance of fostering good relationships with your parents. She also reminds us that teaching is a marathon not a sprint, that change and improvement come over time and that pacing and balance are necessities in this profession.

For More Information: Visit www.stillstacey.com for more information about the host, this podcast or for scheduling inquiries. To find out more information about the guest or the resources she mentioned, contact her directly via https://www.facebook.com/torrie.achan. 

Guest Bio: Leron Charles McAdoo, aka Ron Mc The HipHoptimist, is a nationally recognized spoken word poet, sought out personality, exhibiting professional artist, motivational speaker, actor, author, and seasoned educator.  In addition to being a lifelong community instructor in the Little Rock School District since 1994 and activist, he is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Inc. and the co-founder of Backyard Enterprises from 1992.  He has participated in numerous programs and events that deal with the issue of race relations and urban needs, some of which include the Healing Racism Institute, Too Cool 4 School, and the Kuumba Summer Art Academy.  As a Hip Hop advocate and supporter, McAdoo uses the culture of Hip Hop as a vehicle to educate both young and old in the fields of music, writing and art.  This can be seen through his annual independently released albums, his many articles for various publications (The Writeous, Fusion, Little Rock Free Press, Arkansas Times, The Dirty Magazine, and TheInkMag.com) his self-published projects entitled, Hip Hop Unheard: Lyrics For The Listening Eye and The HipHoptimist.  He is a founding member of the nationally award winning spoken word troupe called Foreign Tongues. Additionally, his portraits, t-shirt designs, murals, comic books and commissioned artwork show his dedication to aesthetics.  Ron Mc has been a radio dj (for 88.3, 98.9, and Power 92.3), co-hosted Art & Literature In Motion TV Show, created and hosted The Mind Blazin’ TV Show, engineered for the radio documentary “On The Line:  Stories From Ninth Street,” produced radio programs (such as The Writeous Hour, Hope From The Hill, and The Skinny), facilitated educational workshops, and volunteered with several organizations such as The Women’s Project. Leron McAdoo is a creative, educator, and entrepreneur.

Ron McThe HipHoptimist (501)350-6646 thathiphop@gmail.com www.BACKYARDONLINE.com Ron Mc - Facebook HipHoptimist – Instagram / Twitter

About This Episode: Walk with a Little Rock Central High educator and learn how this art teacher of 26 years is empowered, encouraged and inspired by his students to do advocacy work in hopes of making society better for them. In this episode McAdoo also discusses being a unicorn in education, the importance of lesson planning and demonstrates why he is the Hiphoptimist.

Available for purchase by author: Sly (graphic novel), Hip Hoptimist (book), and Poems (book). 

For More Information:  Visit www.stillstacey.com to learn more about the host and to submit scheduling inquiries or general questions about the podcast. To learn more about today's guest or the resources mentioned, you may reach out to him directly via @hiphoptimist on Twitter and Instagram, Leron McAdoo on Facebook or visit www.littlerocklove.com.

Guest Bio: Ms. Sansone is a high school science teacher at Vicenza High School in Vicenza, Italy. Ms. Sansone has fourteen years’ teaching experience, ten of which have been for the Department of Defense Education Activity teaching math, science, and social studies at schools in Japan, Turkey, Germany, and now Italy. She previously taught in Chicago Public Schools.  An undergraduate Environmental Science and Policy major at Clark University, Ms. Sansone has a Master of Arts from National Louis University in Secondary Science Teaching, and Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology from Walden University. She a PhD candidate at Michigan State University’s Educational Psychology and Educational Technology program. Her teaching focus is on developing STEM literacy in diverse learning contexts and her goal is to help students develop an identity as scientists and historians in her classroom through collaborative learning, real-world applications, and inquiry-based instruction, bringing the classroom into the community and the community into the classroom.

About This Episode: Chicago. Japan. Turkey. Germany. And now Italy. Walk a mile with us and find our how Anna Sansone, a Chi Town educator (who was an undergraduate Environmental Science major and Spanish minor from rural Northern California) ends up as a world wide educator teaching math, science and social studies for the Department of Defense Education and one of the best cell rappers in education!

For More Information: Visit www.stillstacey.com to learn more about the host and to submit scheduling inquiries or general questions about the podcast. To learn more about today's guest or the resources mentioned, you may reach out her directly via @sansonesan on Twitter and Instagram.

Guest Bio: First Grade Teacher at Don Roberts / 17 years in education / Former pre-k teacher at Terry Elementary and Roberts! / Graduate of UA-Little Rock / Arkansas native born and raised / Wife to Kevin / Doggie mom to Boston and Fenway! / Cancer Survivor 

About this episode: Come walk with an Arkansas native whose sweet spot is 1st grade. Listen as this fierce and fun loving cancer survivor discusses teaching students about compassion, the power of words, and loving people who don’t look like them. Walk a mile with us and see if you can guess what Molly has in her pocket.

For More Information: Visit www.stillstacey.com to learn more about the host and to submit scheduling inquiries or general questions about the podcast. To learn more about today's guest or the resources mentioned, you may reach out to her directly via @fabfirstiesin116 on Instagram, @mollymstorm on Twitter  or Molly McKnight Strom on Facebook.

Guest Bio: Roxie Hannah Browning is a native of Arkadelphia. She has been an educator since 2001 and currently serves as the proud Principal at Bale Elementary School in the Little Rock School District. Roxie currently serves as the Co-Executive Director of Miss Heritage and Miss Heritage's Outstanding Teen, Volunteer Coordinator for the Miss Arkansas and Miss Arkansas' Outstanding Teen stage competition, a member of UCA and Henderson's Black Alumni Association, Saint Mark Baptist Church and the Little Rock Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Roxie enjoys mentoring youth, volunteering in the community, bringing awareness to social justice matters, singing, reading, and traveling. Roxie lives in Alexander with her husband Jeff and two children.

About This Episode: Join us for a walk with an Arkadelphia, Arkansas native and discover how Girls Scouts and the world of pageantry helped prepare her for principalship. In this episode, Roxie Browning talks about the importance, value, and necessity of giving back. She also shares how community walks, voting initiatives and fundraisers helped build a community within her building. Stay tuned in to the end to be blessed by an extraordinary rendition of "His Eyes Are On The Sparrow."

For More Information: Visit www.stillstacey.com to learn more about the host and to submit scheduling inquiries or general questions about the podcast. To learn more about today's guest or the resources mentioned, you may reach out to her directly via @RHBrowning on Twitter and Instagram or @roxiehannahbrowning on Facebook.

Guest Bio: Spencer Kiper is a regional and global STEM education and Ed Tech advocate who believes in empowering students through culturally-enriched and industry-based connections. His investment in the Whole Child Approach is bolstered by his background rooted in liberal arts, technology, and science education. As a STEM enrichment educator and educational technologist, Spencer’s efforts to build a pipeline for STEM and Career/Technical Education have resulted in a STEM Lab that enriched the lives of over one-hundred students each year. Spencer’s reach resonates deep within his community in Northwest Louisiana and extends far outside of his classroom, impacting education on a global scale. His work as a Professional Development Specialist for the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and STEM Revolution has impacted the practice of educators from over thirty different countries. Spencer is passionate about sharing innovative practices and has presented regionally and nationally on topics that build innovative educational technology and STEM education capacities in other educators. With advanced degrees in educational technology, cyber education, and educational leadership, Spencer works to impact the teacher pipeline in his region by serving as an adjunct professor and school partner to the teacher preparation and alternative certification programs at Louisiana State University in Shreveport. As the 2019 Louisiana State Teacher of the Year, Spencer is proudest of the network of educators that he was able to establish and the efforts spent putting educator voice at the forefront of educational policy and change.

About This Episode: While sharing his origin story, this science-fiction loving 2019 Louisiana Teacher of the Year (@SpencerKiper) discusses the difficulty of losing your first student and the stress, trauma, and disservice caused to everyone when you hide who you are. The importance of storytelling, elevating teacher voice, and policy work are also discussed.

For More Info: Visit www.stillstacey.com to learn more about the host and to submit scheduling inquiries or general questions about the podcast. To learn more about today’s guest or the resources mentioned, visit www.spencerkiper.com or @SpencerKiper on Twitter and Instagram.

Guest Bio: I have been teaching since 1997. I have taught in three school districts beginning in Helena/West Helena Public School District, then moving to Pulaski County Special School District to my current location with Conway Public Schools. I have taught grades 4 - 8. My current subject area of teaching is Reading and English Language Arts.

About This Episode: Walk with us as Janie (a 23-year educator who has a deep love of poetry, words, and 4th-8th grade students) talks about a season of growth, the power of poetry, and offers her predictions about the future of education. Listeners will even be blessed with a poetry recitation!

For More Info: Visit www.stillstacey.com to learn more about the host and to submit scheduling inquiries or general questions about the podcast. To learn more about today’s guest or the resources mentioned, you may reach out to her directly via @ICUWalburn on Twitter, @Soar2BGR8 on Instagram, or Janie Walburn on Facebook.

Supplemental Resources:

National Writing Project.org

Moe’s Cafe by Mark H. Larson and Robert S. Boone

BearsWrite: Pens to Pixels Writing Camp at University of Central Arkansas

Guest Bio: I am Johnny Laine, Jr. I am from Dayton, Ohio by way of Louisville, KY. I attended the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and graduated with a B.S. in Animal Science. I began teaching science after graduating from the university. After teaching and coaching basketball for years, I earned my Masters in Urban and Rural school leadership soon after I became the K-12 Academic Facilitator and Athletic Director at my current school. About this episode: Curious about the correlation between Animal Science and Urban & Rural Leadership or how band, a senior project, and a summer job with the City of the Little Rock changed the course of Johnny’s life? Tune in to find out the answers as Johnny (a middle school science teacher, basketball coach, and building leader) discusses those things and lots more. For More Info: Visit www.stillstacey.com to learn more about the host, submit scheduling inquiries, or for general questions about the podcast. To learn more about today’s guest or the resources mentioned, you may reach out to him directly via @JALonderwyser on Twitter or @Tailored.Teacher on Instagram.