John Vergara
Difficult Student
We explore how to connect with students with challenging behavior through real stories and strategies from educators.
Author
John Vergara
Category
Podcast website
Latest episode
Mar 3, 2026
Where to listen?
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Episodes
Leadership Lessons from a 30-Year Educator 03.03.2026 47:27
Todd Bloomer (Director of School Leadership) shares his inspiring journey from New York to Texas, emphasizing the importance of risk-taking, leadership, and self-care in education. Discover practical advice for educators and administrators to thrive and make a lasting impact.
How to Build Relationships with Difficult Students 22.02.2026 11:51
3 essential keys to building meaningful relationships that improve classroom culture and student growth.
How Do We Teach Through Fear? 06.02.2026 54:53
Teaching during fear and uncertainty, while trying to keep students safe, present, and learning in a divided world.
Early Childhood Special Education 27.01.2026 40:33
Educators Sally Calderon and Megan Stires share their experiences and insights into early childhood special education. They discuss their journeys into the field, the importance of building positive relationships with students and staff, and strategies for managing classroom behaviors.
Why “Difficult” Student Behavior Is Often Misunderstood 21.01.2026 44:30
Gracie Moon shares her journey in education, emphasizing the importance of empathy, understanding, and restorative practices in the classroom. She discusses her experiences as a student and educator, highlighting the need for a balance between structure and fun in learning.
Is Public School Still Working? 11.01.2026 39:24
Steve Carey discusses his journey in establishing Bold as Lions Academy, a co-op homeschool program in Keller, Texas. He shares insights on the flexibility of homeschooling, the importance of socialization, and the benefits of incorporating Jiu-Jitsu into the curriculum.
Why are Latino Males Overrepresented in Alternative Education? 04.01.2026 49:21
Eric Garcia, a district social worker, shares his experiences in alternate education. He emphasizes the importance of understanding students' backgrounds and the need for supportive educational environments. Eric discusses his book, 'Aidan's Wellness Adventure,' which aims to address mental health and representation in education.
Fixing Special Education 07.12.2025 52:46
Karen Mayer Cunningham (Special Education Boss), shares her journey into the field of education, driven by personal experiences with her child's disability. She discusses the complexities of the IEP process, the challenges faced by educators and families, and the importance of compassion and resources in special education.
Representation In Classrooms Changes Everything 30.11.2025 58:59
Edgar Palacios (Education advocate & nonprofit founder) shares how Latino representation in schools, identity, vulnerability, and storytelling can inspire educators, empower youth, and drive lasting community change.
Are We Setting New Teachers Up to Burn Out? 19.10.2025 1:00:06
Dr. Michael Vallejo (Professor of Teacher Education) shares his journey into education, highlighting the transformative power of teaching and the importance of mentorship. He discusses the challenges faced by new teachers, the significance of building relationships with students, and the critical need for teacher wellness to prevent burnout.
How to Keep Your Passion Alive as an Educator 12.10.2025 55:03
Joey Sims shares his journey as a special education teacher, balancing family life, and the importance of building relationships with students. He discusses his experiences with ADHD, his teaching philosophy, and how he creates a supportive community in his school
How Do We Deliver Real Inclusion While Supporting Teachers in Strained Schools? 06.10.2025 53:39
SPED teacher and board trustee James Forsythe shares challenges and solutions for sustaining inclusion, building trust, and keeping teachers thriving amid shrinking resources and growing student needs.
Is Community Schooling the Missing Link? 29.09.2025 42:24
In this episode, Dean of Students Kamilah Todd shares powerful insights on community schooling, teacher authority, and supporting students’ basic needs. From rural Louisiana to urban classrooms, we explore how trust, grace, and real-world connections can transform schools into safe, thriving spaces.
Can Smart Grouping Build Classroom Community? 21.09.2025 58:59
I sit down with Rob Stauffer, an international educator, to unpack why challenging behavior is communication, how to build belonging through smart grouping, and what vulnerability looks like in real classrooms. We discuss supporting autistic students, de-escalation through affirmation, and practical tips for new teachers and those considering teaching abroad.
3 Tips to Build Positive Student Relationships 14.09.2025 7:23
Learn classroom management strategies to build positive student relationships, improve behavior, and create a safe, supportive learning environment.
Why Do So Many Teachers Struggle With Fitness? 07.09.2025 8:34
In this solo episode, I open up about my real journey with health as an educator, father, and now grandfather. From growing up without strong examples of fitness, to juggling family and teaching in my 20s, to finally building consistent habits in my 30s and 40s.
Is Social Media Helping or Hurting Educators 02.09.2025 1:02:50
A roundtable of educator-creators with guests Eric Glenn (MS math), Mash Makhlyagina (SPED advocate/coach), and Laura Vazquez (dual-immersion 6th grade) swap real-world stories about how social media has reshaped their teaching lives, community impact, and boundaries.
How Admin Support Impacts A School's Success 24.08.2025 57:48
Julio Lopez shares his journey from being a PE teacher to administrator, highlighting the challenges in physical education and the lessons learned in leadership. We dive into how strong administrators support teachers, the importance of building relationships, and why having a good leader makes all the difference for school culture and student success.
From Playground Supervisor to Assistant Principal 17.08.2025 26:37
In this video, I share my journey in education, from starting as a playground supervisor at 18 to becoming an assistant principal. It hasn’t been easy, but every setback opened new doors. If you’re feeling stuck or uncertain about your path, I hope my story encourages you to keep going
How Can First-Year Teachers Avoid Burnout? 11.08.2025 1:00:08
David Melendez shares his journey as a middle school choir teacher, discussing the importance of building connections with students, being authentic in the classroom, and the significance of self-reflection. He emphasizes the need for work-life balance and creating a comfortable environment for students.
Transforming Education Through Restorative Practices 03.08.2025 54:44
Tisha Marina Bernard shares her journey in education, emphasizing the importance of restorative practices and community building in schools.
How to Build Connections in the Classroom 28.07.2025 55:24
I sit down with Sherry Asberry to talk about different aspects of teaching like how important it is to build strong relationships with our students, the role social emotional learning plays in the classroom, and some of our favorite strategies for creating a positive learning environment. We also share some personal stories, from becoming grandparents to how we take care of ourselves as educators.
From Autism Mom to Special Ed Teacher 20.07.2025 53:18
Elizette Cuevas, a special education teacher, shares her journey into education, driven by her personal experiences as a mother of an autistic child. She emphasizes the importance of building relationships with students and their families, understanding the root causes of behavior, and the need for empathy in education.
The Secret to School Culture 12.07.2025 53:33
Rafael Dominguez shares his journey as an educator and school climate advocate, emphasizing the importance of building relationships with students, creating a safe environment, and the transformative power of mentorship. He discusses the significance of consistency, love, and care in education, and how these elements contribute to a positive school culture.
School Social Worker: How We Can Show Up For Our Students 07.07.2025 53:47
Eric Garcia shares his journey from a troubled youth to a school social worker, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, community support, and the impact of personal experiences on professional growth. He discusses the challenges faced by students, particularly in the wake of the pandemic and ongoing immigration issues.
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