EduCurious Pods

Brannan Lawson, a lifelong local artist and teacher, is making a profound impact on her community by providing young creators with a unique platform to explore their talents. Through her innovative Creative Market Kids, Lawson champions the entrepreneurial spirit in children, offering them a real-world educational experience that extends far beyond the classroom. The market, born from her own daug...

Tommy Frank, Executive Director of the Lake Wales Arts Council, is a dynamic force in arts education. He cultivates a vibrant learning environment where passion and community connection are paramount. Franks champions an approach that prioritizes fun and engagement over formal assessment, making the arts accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Under his leadership, the council thrives with diverse...

In a compelling interview, Chance Cook, Assistant Principal at Lake Wales High School, emerges as a passionate and dedicated leader making a significant impact on the educational landscape. Mr. Cook masterfully oversees the school's prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) program and its data accountability, with his efforts always centered on fostering student growth and creating opportu...

Anitra Rideaux, the School Bus Safety Trainer and Recruiter for Lake Wales Charter Schools, brings a powerful blend of toughness, compassion, and unwavering dedication to her vital role in the educational system. Transitioning from a career as a semi-truck driver, she now leads the charge in ensuring students have the safest possible journey to and from school. Rideaux champions a holistic approac...

In a powerful testament to resilience and professional dedication, elementary school teacher Sara Meyer shares her incredible journey of navigating a profound family health crisis while maintaining a supportive and structured classroom. Meyer’s story is a beacon of hope and a masterclass in the importance of preparation, community, and empathy in education. When faced with her husband’s life-threa...

In a compelling interview on the EduCurious podcast, Warner University Head Football Coach Dialleo Burks emerges as a passionate educator dedicated to shaping young men of character. Drawing from a deep well of personal and professional experience, Burks’s coaching philosophy is a masterclass in holistic student development. He champions the idea that athletics is a vehicle for life preparation, e...

In a dynamic and heartfelt interview, Brittany Alexander shines as a passionate and visionary leader dedicated to serving the youth of Lake Wales. As an assistant principal transitioning to Bok Academy North and the co-founder of Fury Elite Athletics, Alexander's work is driven by a deep commitment to giving back to the community that shaped her. Her journey from teaching deputies at the Sheri...

Mr. Shannon Benton stands as a pillar of servant leadership in his community, dedicating his career to mentoring young people through his roles as a coach, educator, and Area Director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). Drawing from a rich personal history in sports, including a state championship in high school and a collegiate football career, Benton channels his passion into develop...

Dr. Keri Richards and Mr. Jordan Barker are the passionate leaders and visionaries behind Providence Academy. Seizing the opportunity presented by expanded state scholarship programs, they establish the school to fill a vital community need for affordable, high-quality, faith-based education. The core mission for Richards and Barker is to develop students into compassionate "kingdom leaders.&...

In a heartfelt and insightful interview, Dr. Lee Bush shares the passions and philosophies that guide his extensive and impactful career in education. A seasoned leader who serves as a teacher, principal, and superintendent in districts across the country, Dr. Bush attributes his success to one core principle: building positive, authentic relationships. He sees himself as a "servant leader,&q...

Elementary school teacher Alicia Bush shares her unconventional journey into education, a path deeply rooted in her passion for theater. Initially aspiring to be a stage performer, Bush's college and graduate studies in theater, including a transformative period at the University of London's Central School of Speech and Drama, steered her towards the impactful world of theater education. T...

Dr. Lori Hutto shares her journey and deep commitment to education in the Lake Wales community and beyond. Growing up in Polk County, Dr. Hutto is influenced by compassionate educators who shape her own approach to teaching. She recounts impactful memories, from a supportive third-grade teacher to a high school mentor who encourages her public speaking, highlighting the lasting power of dedicated...

Kaylee Morgan, an educator lauded for her unique ability to blend structure with warmth, shared her inspiring journey into teaching and her profound impact on students and the broader educational community. Initially hesitant about following in the footsteps of family members in education, Morgan's path was decisively shaped during high school. A supportive strings teacher, Meg Smith, recogniz...

Jeffery Herman, an enthusiastic educator and AI aficionado, returned to EduCurious to share exciting and positive updates on the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence. Herman painted a vibrant picture of AI's exponential growth, detailing how systems are now training themselves and evolving beyond basic programming into sophisticated agents capable of complex tasks, from managing p...

Leanne Thrift, a dedicated freshman high school counselor with 28 years of experience in education, shared her inspiring journey and profound insights on the Educurious show. Initially aspiring to be a veterinarian, Thrift found her true calling in teaching after realizing her love for science and connecting with students. She began her career in 1997 as a science teacher, a role she cherished for...

Jessica Strom, a dynamic and dedicated high school agriculture teacher, is making a remarkable impact by revitalizing the Ag program at her local charter high school. With a fresh vision Strom has taken the program and expanded it into a thriving hub of student engagement and opportunity with projections for a substantial increase in animal projects like sheep, goats, pigs, and cattle, demonstrati...

Deanna Joyner, an experienced ELA teacher with a rich background in both education and business, shared her journey and insights into creating impactful learning environments. Originally from a small town in the heart of Florida, Joyner’s career has taken her from Florida to Arizona and back, providing her with a deep understanding of diverse student populations and the importance of cultural comp...

Dr. Andy Oguntola, Assistant Vice President of Enrollment at Florida Polytechnic University, radiated positivity and passion throughout his interview, sharing his inspiring journey and deep commitment to expanding educational opportunities. He enthusiastically described his leadership role at Florida Poly, proudly highlighting its unique position as Florida's only public STEM university, celeb...

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...