EduCurious Pods

Jennifer Halloran Simpson, a dedicated educator with deep community roots, shares her journey and insights on the EduCurious podcast. From her early inspiration from a beloved teacher to her current role as a mentor and leader, Jennifer's passion for education shines through. Her journey began at Hillcrest Elementary, where she was mentored by Miss Anna Powell, igniting her love for teaching, part...

What truly makes a difference in education and in a child's life? Join us on EduCurious for an inspiring and deeply insightful conversation with Dr. Jesse Jackson, a veteran educator whose career has spanned roles from classroom teacher and middle school principal to superintendent and now, educational expert witness. Dr. Jackson shares his powerful belief, honed over decades of experience, that t...

Angela Kelly, founder of the Empowered Principal brand and a certified life and leadership coach, joined the EduCurious podcast to discuss her work supporting school leaders. With a background spanning early childhood education, 15+ years as an elementary teacher (primarily kindergarten), reading specialist, instructional coach, site principal, and district administrator, Kelly brings deep, authen...

This week, EduCurious had the distinct pleasure of diving deep with a truly dynamic guest: Ebo Entsuah. Many might know him from his days on the football field at Florida State University, but his journey extends far beyond athletics into the realms of politics, education advocacy, and community leadership. His insights offer powerful lessons for anyone curious about making a difference, especiall...

In a recent insightful conversation on EduCurious, local educator and boys' soccer coach Kyle Kirkner shared his unique path into the teaching profession and his philosophies on connecting with middle school students. Far from a traditional route, Kirkner’s journey highlights the diverse experiences that can enrich the classroom. Initially graduating with a business degree and working in sales—fir...

What does a 47-year career in education, spanning roles from PE teacher to librarian and impacting students from preschool through college, look like? For Karen Kirkner, it looks like a journey fueled by acceptance, innovation, and a profound belief in the power of kindness. Though she initially never imagined herself as a teacher, a combination of interest in physical education and psychology led...

Emilyn Sharpless’s agriculture classroom at a local Polk County middle school is anything but typical. It’s rarely quiet, bustling with activity that spills far beyond four walls. Sharpless, an agriculture teacher celebrating a decade in the field, has cultivated a program where learning is tangible, impactful, and deeply rooted in real-world application. Initially aspiring to be a museum curator...

Bridging the gap between home and school can feel daunting, but for parent volunteer Denielle Fields, taking that first step unlocked a powerful understanding of her child's education and the vital role parents can play. Initially motivated simply to understand the curriculum and where her kindergartener stood amongst his peers, Denielle discovered that getting involved offered far more than just...

With over two decades spent serving students and educators in public education, Daniele Shick witnessed firsthand the evolution of teaching and learning. From the classroom to school leadership, including navigating the unprecedented growth of virtual education during the pandemic as a principal and director at Florida Virtual School, her journey provided a unique vantage point. This deep experien...

Officer David Hernandez embodies the multifaceted role of a modern School Resource Officer (SRO) with a deep-seated passion for supporting students. His journey into this line of work wasn't accidental; it was sparked by early positive experiences with law enforcement through an Explorer program in his native New York City and further cemented by leadership roles in JROTC after moving to Florida....

Caroline Acevedo, Gifted and Talented Coordinator for our charter system, brings a unique passion and perspective to nurturing some of our brightest minds. With a background in drama teaching from the University of Puerto Rico and a deep-seated love for helping children thrive, Caroline channels her energy into identifying and enriching the educational journeys of gifted students across elementary...

Kyra Love, a dedicated Career and Technical Education (CTE) expert, brings a wealth of real-world experience and passion to her role teaching Digital Design and Journalism at a local charter high school. With a background in journalism from the University of Florida and experience in marketing and editing, Love transitioned into education, finding her niche in preparing students with tangible, fut...

In a candid and encouraging interview, homeschool mother Audra Correa shared valuable insights into her family's educational journey. With warmth and realism, Correa described the daily rhythm of their homeschool life, highlighting flexibility and adaptation as key components. She aims to start her day early, balancing personal time with preparing for her children's needs and lessons. For managing...

In this EduCurious podcast episode, Dr. Julio Acevedo, an expert in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programs, shares his personal journey from aspiring actor to educational leader, highlighting how his background in drama informs his teaching approach. He emphasizes the importance of making learning engaging and relevant, particularly for English Language Learners (ELLs).The core of...

Dr. Pat O'Friel, a retired educator, shared her extensive and varied career journey the EduCurious podcast. Dr. O'Friel's path, spanning from the 1960s to 2017, highlights the evolution of education and the challenges and rewards of a life dedicated to teaching. Her career began unconventionally. Unable to attend college immediately after high school, she took on various roles, including working a...

In this episode of EduCurious, Ashley Cockrell, a law enforcement officer, shares her unique perspective on education. Ashley's background includes roles as a parent, an elementary school staff member (guardian and dean of discipline at Hillcrest Elementary), and now a police officer, first in Lake Wales and currently in Lakeland, Florida. Ashley's journey to law enforcement wasn't a typical "midl...

This episode of EduCurious features Nicole Sealey, a middle school civics teacher. Nicole discusses her unique path to teaching, beginning with a love of working with children, transitioning to a flight attendant career, and ultimately finding her calling in education. Her double major in political science and history, coupled with her travel experiences, profoundly shapes her teaching philosophy....

Meet Anel Rivera, an Assistant Principal who's not just running a school – she's building a community. In this powerful interview, she shares her deeply personal journey into alternative education, driven by her own experiences growing up in the inner city. Hear how she connects with students on a human level, providing the structure, support, and unwavering belief they need to overcome obstacles...

This episode of EduCurious features Meghan Balliett, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Equine Assisted Mental Health Practitioner, who shares her expertise and passion for supporting students' mental health within the school environment. Meghan's unconventional journey began with a focus on family and child sciences, leading her to a Master's in Social Work (MSW). Initially hesitant abo...

Unlock Your Inner Superpowers: An Inspiring Journey with Dr. Melba Marin Vasquez on EduCurious! Prepare to be profoundly moved and motivated! Join a truly unforgettable conversation with Dr. Melba Marin-Vasquez, a remarkable educator whose journey from a small village in Belize to a doctorate at Florida State University is nothing short of extraordinary. This isn't just an interview; it's a master...

In an interview with EduCurious, Kim Poss, a homeschool parent and business owner from St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, shares her experiences balancing career and the education of her two children. Kim emphasizes the strong homeschooling community in St. Thomas, which has been crucial to her success. She highlights the flexibility and personalization that homeschooling offers, including the opportu...

In this episode of EduCurious, host Amber Love Johnson interviews Freddie Cole, an assistant principal with 15 years of experience in education. Cole discusses his journey from teaching to administration, emphasizing the importance of building relationships and remembering the pressures faced by teachers. He also highlights the challenges of working in a transformation school and the need for cont...

In this interview, Becky Brown, an ELA teacher, shares her insights and experiences on fostering a love for reading among her students. She emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and comfortable learning environment where students feel valued and heard. Brown believes in making personal connections with each student, recognizing their individual needs and learning styles. Her passion for rea...

Ever wondered what it takes to get a whole school district's worth of kids to school safely every day? Join us on EduCurious as we go behind the scenes with DeVaughn Johnson, Director of Transportation for Lake Wales Charter Schools! DeVaughn gives us a fascinating look into the challenges and rewards of managing a fleet of buses, a dedicated team of drivers, and the precious cargo they carry. Fro...

Ever wondered if parenthood could actually make you a better teacher? In this captivating episode of EduCurious, Brannan Lawson, a passionate art teacher and mother, reveals how her personal journey transformed her professional life. She candidly shares her initial fears of balancing teaching with raising her own children, and how her daughter's artistic curiosity sparked a profound shift in her t...