Building Blocks

We’re back with another episode of “You Ask. Berger Answers.” on the Building Blocks Podcast! This time, Dr. Berger and Producer Mac tackle questions from Pearland ISD students and staff. From Dr. Berger’s journey to becoming superintendent to opportunities for growing future leaders within the district, we’re covering it all. Plus, a surprise guest joins us to put Dr. Berger to the test with some...

Dr. Berger and Producer Mac welcome Amanda Gordon, Pearland ISD’s new Director of Instruction and Professional Learning, to Building Blocks! From campus leadership to districtwide support, we discuss how her new role helps equip teachers and principals for success, key instructional priorities for the year, and the importance of meaningful professional learning. Tune in to hear what’s ahead and ho...

Each month, Board President Crystal Carbone provides a brief update on the work of the Pearland ISD Board of Trustees, highlights important topics discussed during the monthly board meeting, and shares information that matters to Pearland ISD students, families and staff. Have a question about the Board Brief or a topic you’d like to see addressed?  Producer Mac, Laura McClellan, at mcclellanl@pea...

What does the Teacher Incentive Allotment mean for Pearland ISD teachers? On this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, Dr. Larry Berger and Producer Mac sit down with two Pearland ISD educators, Norma Contreras, a teacher at Magnolia Elementary, and Kami Morrow, a teacher at Dawson High School, to talk about the Teacher Incentive Allotment, or TIA. They discuss what earning a TIA designation me...

What keeps a school district running every day? It takes much more than what happens in the classroom! In this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, Dr. Berger and Producer Mac talk with Nancy Atilano, Coordinator of Employment, and John Palombo, Executive Director of Safety & Operations, about the people and departments that make up Pearland ISD’s auxiliary workforce. They discuss the impor...

In the first-ever “You Ask. Berger Answers.” episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, Dr. Berger and Producer Mac tackle questions from the Pearland ISD community. From questions about Dr. Berger to a thoughtful question about the important work of Special Education teachers and Case Managers, this episode has a little bit of everything. Funny questions. Serious conversations. Straight answers. Wou...

In this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, Dr. Larry Berger and Producer Mac welcome Jennifer Byrne, Pearland ISD’s new Director of Special Programs. Jennifer shares her journey into this role, explains the programs and services her department oversees, and discusses how the district works to support students with individual needs. She also shares her priorities for strengthening services and...

Each month, Board President Crystal Carbone provides a brief update on the work of the Pearland ISD Board of Trustees, highlights important topics discussed during the monthly board meeting, and shares information that matters to Pearland ISD students, families and staff. Have a question about the Board Brief or a topic you’d like to see addressed?  Producer Mac, Laura McClellan, at mcclellanl@pea...

What does it take to safely transport thousands of Pearland ISD students to and from school every day? In this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, Dr. Berger and Producer Mac welcome Anthony Shields, Pearland ISD’s new Director of Transportation. Anthony shares the experiences that shaped his leadership and what inspired him to serve students and families through transportation. He also takes...

On this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, Dr. Berger and Producer Mac welcome Yahaira Campble, Pearland ISD’s new RISE Mentor Specialist, to talk about the power of mentoring and the impact of meaningful relationships on students. Yahaira introduces listeners to the RISE Mentoring Program, shares what drew her to this work, and discusses her vision for the program’s future. She also talks ab...

The Building Blocks Podcast is back for a new season with Pearland ISD Superintendent Dr. Larry Berger and Producer/Co Host Mac! This season, we’re building on the idea that Every Piece Matters because every student, teacher, staff member, family and community member plays an important role in the Pearland ISD story. In this season opener, Berger and Mac talk about back to school, what’s ahead for...

Season 3 comes to a close with a special behind-the-scenes episode of the Building Blocks Podcast. With no guest this time, Dr. Larry Berger and Producer Mac turn the microphones toward each other for an honest conversation about the moments listeners didn’t hear, the episodes that almost didn’t happen, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. It’s reflective, candid, and a fitting close to...

On this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, Dr. Larry Berger sits down with Erin Hamann, principal of Dawson High School. Their motto says it all: Some fly, we soar …and it’s all about #FAMILY. Principal Hamann shares the journey that led him to campus leadership and what continues to fuel his passion for serving students, staff, and the Dawson community. From the traditions that build a stron...

On this special episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, Dr. Larry Berger celebrates excellence across Pearland ISD with the valedictorians from all three high schools. Representing Turner College and Career High School, Adalyn Hoang, Dawson High School, Sofia Budimlic, and Pearland High School, Madelyn Dinh join the conversation to reflect on their journeys to the top of their class. They share th...

On this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, Dr. Larry Berger sits down with Ajunta Thomas, principal of Rogers Middle School a recently recognized as a “Texas School to Watch.” Principal Thomas shares her journey into campus leadership and the passion that drives her work each day. From building a strong school culture to creating meaningful opportunities for student growth, she offers an insi...

On this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, Dr. Larry Berger sits down with two exceptional educators from Turner College and Career High School, Chef Sean Dunn and Caren Wonders, who have recently earned the prestigious National Board Certified Teacher distinction. This conversation dives into what it truly means to pursue the “gold standard” in teaching. Chef Dunn and Caren Wonders share the...

Graduation is coming home to Pearland! In this special report episode of Building Blocks Podcast, Dr. Larry Berger sits down with Deputy Superintendent Mrs. Kelly Holt to break down everything families need to know about graduation. From parking and seating to what to bring, this quick guide covers the essentials, PLUS livestream details, field access, and who to contact before the big day. Everyt...

In this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, host Dr. Larry Berger sits down with Melanie Grote, Principal of Massey Ranch Elementary, to talk about her journey into school leadership and the passion behind her work. Melanie shares the programs, strategies, and campus traditions that make Massey Ranch Elementary a place where students thrive, as well as how strong partnerships with families and...

In this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, host Dr. Larry Berger sits down with Dr. Kimberly Darden, Principal of the PACE Center, to discuss her journey into campus leadership and what makes her role so rewarding. Dr. Darden shares the programs, strategies, and traditions that support student growth and success, along with how her campus partners with families and the Pearland community to c...

In this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, host Dr. Larry Berger talks with Leasia Teelucksingh, Pearland ISD’s 2025 Elementary Teacher of the Year, about her journey into teaching and the passion that drives her work. Leasia shares the core beliefs and daily practices that support her students’ growth, along with how she creates a classroom where children feel safe, valued, and ready to lear...

On this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, host Dr. Larry Berger talks with Becky Morris, principal of Challenger Elementary, about leadership, learning, and community. Mrs. Morris shares what inspired her journey into school leadership and what she finds most rewarding about leading her campus. She highlights the programs, traditions, and partnerships that support student growth, as well as...

In this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, host Dr. Larry Berger welcomes Amanda "Scoreboard" Gordon, principal of Jamison Middle School, for a conversation centered on leadership during one of the most pivotal stages of a student’s journey. Mrs. Gordon discusses the unique challenges and opportunities of leading a middle school campus, where academic growth, social development, and...

On this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, host Dr. Larry Berger is joined by two leaders shaping Friday night lights and far beyond, Mike Allison, Head Football Coach at Dawson High School, and BJ Gotte, Head Football Coach at Pearland High School. The conversation explores how UIL realignment reshapes competition and what stands out most in the current landscape. Both coaches reflect on wha...

On this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, host Dr. Larry Berger sits down with three remarkable seniors from Dawson High School, Myla Jabbar, Catherine Roth, and Tatum Langley, to highlight the vital role student athletic trainers play in school athletics. The students share what inspired them to become athletic trainers and what surprised them most once they stepped into the role. They give...

On this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, host Dr. Larry Berger sits down with Ryan Peterson, principal of Shadycrest Elementary. Principal Peterson shares his path to school leadership and what he values most about serving students and staff. He highlights the programs, practices, and campus culture that support student growth, as well as the importance of strong partnerships with families...