TandL Talks

In this TandL Talks episode, Nancy sits down with Kayla Hoots and Brian Carpenter, two powerhouse visual arts educators who remind us that art isn’t about perfection. It’s about meaning. Together, they explore how students discover their voices through music, clay, texture, and risk-taking, why creativity fuels problem-solving across every subject, and how arts classrooms become places of belongin...

What happens when neuroscience meets classroom practice? In this episode, we’re joined by sisters Missy and Crystal Widmann to unpack the story behind Neural Education. We talk attention, UDL, productive failure, and why community—not compliance—is the key to sustainable learning for both students and adults. https://www.neuraleducation.org/

How One Field Trip Builds Memories,Meaning, and Community In this episode of TandL Talks ,host Nancy shines a spotlight on one of the Puyallup School District’s mosttreasured learning spaces: the Karshner Museum and Center for Culture &Arts. Joined by Karen Higgins, Museum and Arts Coordinator, and Dawn Meyerhoff,the museum’s field trip teacher, Nancy explores how this one-of-a-kind museumcrea...

In this episode of TandL Talks, Nancy and co-host Ann Schumacher, elementary science instructional coach, sit down with Sunrise Elementary fourth grade teachers Jenna Kinne, Abby Seay, and Chelsea Wilkinson Walker to unpack one of the most beloved experiences in the district: the fourth grade salmon hatchery field trip. From life cycle charts and “wait… the alevin are that small?!” moments to feed...

In this episode of TandL Talks, Nancy sits down with three members of the district’s math cadre —Tracy Tsujii (3rd grade, Waller Road), Preston Gillihan (5th grade, Mountain View), and Kim Douglas (kindergarten, Firgrove) — for a post-cadre debrief while the learning is still fresh and the reflections are real. Together, they unpack what great math instruction can look like from kindergarten throu...

What really happens when teachers step into district-level leadership roles? In this episode of TandL Talks , host Nancy and co-host Gena sit down with four powerhouse instructional coaches — Abby Olson (ELA) , Alexa Williams (Math) , Anne Schumacher (Science) , and Crystal Widmann (Social Studies) — to talk about the work of teacher cadres and how they help shape curriculum maps, pacing guides, a...

In this episode of TandL Talks , Nancy sits down with Stephanie Magnusson , a beloved elementary music teacher whose 32-year career has inspired generations of students to find their voice through song, rhythm, and movement. Stephanie shares stories from her classroom and reflects on the joy of seeing students light up when learning clicks—whether it’s their first clear note on a recorder or a rhy...

In this episode of TandL Talks , Nancy and Gena sit down with Priscilla Milam , a phenomenal secondary math teacher who spent three years as an instructional coach before returning to the classroom at Puyallup High School. Together, they explore what it really means to step into teacher leadership, the lessons learned along the way, and how those experiences shape practice when you return to teach...

In this episode of TandL Talks , Nancy sits down with five inspiring educators to explore how GLAD (Guided Language Acquisition Design) brings lessons to life across grade levels. From pictorial input charts to expert groups , they share howco-created visuals and real images boost comprehension, vocabulary, and engagement for all learners. You’ll hear how GLAD fits seamlessly into CKLA , Twig , an...

In this episode of TandL Talks , Nancy sits down with five inspiring educators to explore how GLAD (Guided Language Acquisition Design) brings lessons to life across grade levels. From pictorial input charts to expert groups , they share how co-created visuals and real images boost comprehension, vocabulary, and engagement for all learners. You’ll hear how GLAD fits seamlessly into CKLA , Twig , a...

🎙️ Episode: Leading from the Classroom — Building the Next Generation of Teacher Leaders In this episode of TanDL Talks , host Nancy explores what it means to lead from the classroom and how teachers can build the skills that open doors to districtwide leadership roles. Joined by Candace McGregor (Assistant Director of Teaching & Learning), Doug Ouellette (Director of MTSS), and Kelly Carrick...

Tan Talks sits down with Matt White—AP TOSA, data-loving cheerleader for “AP for all,” and former class clown turned teacher’s pet—to unpack what Advanced Placement really is and why it matters from kindergarten to commencement. We connect K–5 moves (science-of-reading routines, math fluency, stamina, and productive struggle) to AP success years later, and dig into what scores actually mean—includ...

In this week’s episode, Nancy sits down with Clairese Jorgensen , a fourth-grade teacher at Dessie Evans Elementary and a member of the district’s elementary math cadre. Clairese shares her journey from paraeducator to teacher leader and reflects on how serving on a cadre has strengthened her teaching practice and leadership at the school level. From aligning common assessments to refining pacing...

✍️ How do we make writinginstruction more doable—and more joyful—for teachers and students? In thisepisode of TandL Talks , teachers Erin Langston and Meen Mensonides sharetheir biggest takeaways from the August Teaching & Learning Summit. Fromconnecting reading and writing, to seeing the power of vertical alignmentacross grade levels, they reflect on strategies that bring clarity andconfidenc...

Three powerhouse paraeducators—Ali Meyers, Nikki Levy, and Jennifer Parks—share how mentorship, job-alike PLCs, and deep learning like LETRs training are transforming culture and classrooms. Their stories highlight the shift from “just a para” to professional leader, showing how paraeducators are indispensable partners in student success. Inspiring, actionable, and full of heart—you won’t want to...

In this episode of TandL Talks , Nancy and Gena sit down with first-grade teacher Leslie Porter from Mountain View Elementary to talk about her journey through LETRS training . Leslie shares her biggest “aha” moments about the science of reading, how she’s transformed daily instruction with tools like mirrors and sound walls, and the impact she’s already seeing in her students. Whether you’re just...

In this episode of TandL Talks, we sit down with educators Deja Bee and Kat Miller who made the inspiring journey from paraeducator to classroom teacher. Hear their stories of perseverance, passion, and the power of growing into leadership while staying rooted in service to students.

In this episode of TandL Talks , Carson Elementary’s Anthony Mason shares how social-emotional learning creates safe, connected classrooms where students thrive. From building trust to sparking meaningful conversations, Anthony shows how SEL practices make a lasting impact on kids’ learning and relationships.

✨ Ready to start the year strong? Revisit our convo with Sherrie Bakke, 1st grade teacher at Meeker, as she shares smart ways to maximize classroom time . So many ideas you can use right away !

Welcome to TandL Talks —the podcast for, about, and featuring fabulous educators! In our very first episode, we dive into two powerful tools shaping instruction across the district: the JML-STI social studies curriculum and Tier 1 Navigation. You’ll hear how teachers are using these resources to center tribal sovereignty, build student understanding, and strengthen Tier 1 instruction. It’s a conve...

In this episode, we visit Meeker Elementary to learn how one first grade teacher makes every moment of the school day matter. With thoughtful routines, strong expectations, and a focus on student ownership, she shares how maximizing instructional time leads to greater learning and more joyful classrooms. Her insights are both practical and inspiring—especially for anyone working with our youngest...

How do you make the most of every instructional minute without burning out? The amazing teachers from Pope Elementary join us to share how they maximize classroom time with purpose, clarity, and a whole lot of intention. From transitions to routines to instructional planning, their strategies are practical, powerful, and grounded in what’s best for kids. This episode is full of ideas you can take...

What does true inclusion look like in schools—and how can we make it a reality for every student? In this episode, we talk with Lenzi Dean, a passionate advocate and expert in inclusive practices. Lenzi shares powerful stories, practical strategies, and a clear message: inclusion isn’t a place or a program—it’s a mindset. Whether you're a classroom teacher, specialist, or administrator, this e...

In this episode, we shine a spotlight on the Stewart Elementary team and the intentional collaboration that’s fueling their students' success. From structured planning time to shared leadership and data-driven decisions, the Stewart team shares how working together—with purpose and trust—has led to strong academic outcomes and a thriving school culture. This conversation is a must-listen for a...

Hear from teachers who have been piloting Core Connections - our integrated scope and sequence for elementary curriculum.