Everything But The Lesson Plan

In this quick summer break check-in, Franchesca Thompson pauses to speak directly to teachers about rest, wellness, and remembering who they are outside of the classroom. This episode is a gentle reminder to breathe, release the guilt, and take care of the person behind the teacher before the school year starts calling again. Podcast Legal Disclaimer The views, information, or opinions expressed d...

What does it really take to build a career in education? In this inspiring episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan , Franchesca Thompson sits down with educator Michelle Mickens, Ed. S., to explore the perseverance, resilience, and purpose that shaped her journey from a first-year teacher to statewide recognition. Together, they discuss the challenges, setbacks, mentors, and defining moments tha...

In this Season 11 episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan , Franchesca Thompson explores the reality of emotional regulation in education—what happens when stress, pressure, and burnout spill into our responses with students. Through real stories, reflective moments, and practical strategies, this episode challenges educators to pause, reset, and reclaim their emotional space in the classroom. B...

We all have that one teacher… the one who saw something in us before we saw it in ourselves. The one whose words, presence, or belief stayed with us long after we left their classroom. In this episode, “My Favorite Teacher,” we sit down with guests to uncover the powerful stories behind the educators who changed their lives. In this episode, Dr. Semia Howze takes us back to the moment she met the...

This short guided meditation helps you slow down and reconnect with the small, positive moments in your day. Instead of focusing on big achievements, you’ll be gently guided to notice simple victories and everyday experiences that often go overlooked. Through calm breathing and mindful reflection, this practice encourages you to appreciate what’s already going well, building a steady sense of grat...

Pain is something we all experience—but what if it’s not the end of your story? In this deeply personal episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan , host Franchesca Thompson sits down with author Dr. Johnecia Mason , whose book Rodney’s Gift: Transforming Pain into Purpose explores the kind of heartbreak that changes you forever—and the strength it takes to rebuild anyway. This is a conversation ab...

What does it truly mean to become a teacher? In this episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan , Franchesca Thompson sits down with Dr. Marcia Credle to explore the journey behind the profession—the moments, mentors, challenges, and personal experiences that shape an educator into who they ultimately become. Teaching is rarely a straight path. For many educators, the journey is filled with unexpec...

Teacher leadership isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about understanding the people you serve. In this episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan , Franchesca Thompson explores the powerful leadership principle of meeting teachers where they are . Whether supporting overwhelmed first-year teachers or seasoned educators navigating burnout, great leaders learn to listen before they lead. Thro...

Yoga is more than poses — it’s a philosophy for living. In this episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan , Franchesca Thompson sits down with yoga instructor and mindfulness coach Chanda Floyd-Bryant to explore how yogic principles like mindfulness, self-compassion, and intentional breathing can transform daily life. Together they discuss stress, healing, emotional resilience, and how educators a...

In this powerful episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan , Franchesca Thompson sits down with medical specialist Eric Whiteside to uncover the hidden impact of chronic stress on educators’ health. From understanding what blood pressure numbers really mean to exploring how stress, sleep, caffeine, and lifestyle habits affect the heart, this conversation connects the realities of the classroom to...

What makes a school thrive isn’t just strong instruction — it’s the experience people have inside the building every day. In this episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan , Franchesca Thompson sits down with education leader Marcus Wilson for a real, down-to-earth conversation about what it truly takes to build school culture that lasts. Together, they explore how great leaders intentionally orch...

Differences, Not Deficits This episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan challenges how we view students with disabilities and shifts the focus from what’s missing to what’s possible. Host Franchesca Thompson explores inclusive practices, new technology, real success stories, and how schools can build environments where every student’s abilities are recognized, valued, and supported. Because every...

What happens when schools stop focusing only on performance and start prioritizing the people behind the work? In this uplifting episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan , host Franchesca Thompson sits down with Dr. Brown-Van to explore how meaningful celebration transforms school climate, strengthens culture, and supports teacher retention. Together, they share real examples of what works — from...

Teaching to Transform: Applying bell hooks’ Work in Today’s Classrooms What if teaching was about more than standards, scores, and survival? In this powerful episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan , host Franchesca Thompson explores the timeless wisdom of cultural critic and educator bell hooks and how her work still speaks directly to today’s classrooms. From teaching as an act of love to crea...

Sometimes life doesn’t wait for the “right moment.” It hands you both your dream… and your hardest battle at the same time. In this deeply moving episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan , Franchesca Thompson sits down with Mr. Gardner, a new engineering teacher who was diagnosed with cancer shortly after stepping into his long-awaited dream career. Instead of walking away, he chose to stay — for...

Teaching has changed—and our students are telling us what they need, whether we’re ready or not. In this host-only episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan , Franchesca Thompson unpacks what teaching in 2026 really looks like beyond standards, pacing guides, and test scores. From the pandemic's lasting impact and rising student anxiety to misinformation on social media, shifting career pathwa...

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school, and why was she/he your favorite? In this episode, Alyssa shares the time when she met her favorite teacher. Good teachers make a difference in the lives of students. Let’s hear how this happened for Alyssa Thompson. About Alyssa Thompson Alyssa is excited to be here! She is currently a junior at Grayson High School, where she serves as a scho...

In this 5-minute guided meditation, we focus on self-compassion—learning how to quiet self-criticism and replace it with a kinder inner voice during stressful moments. Podcast Legal Disclaimer The views, information, or opinions expressed during Everything But The Lesson Plan are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of any other organization or entity. Th...

What does it really take for women educators to step into executive leadership — with confidence, clarity, and conviction? In this episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan , host Franchesca Thompson sits down with Dr. Alfreda Howard, educator, executive leader, and author of Apply Your Makeup: A Guide for Female Educators Aspiring to Executive Leadership . Together, they unpack the powerful metap...

In honor of Career, Technical, Education Month and Black History Month , this episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan challenges the idea that success only comes through a four-year college degree. I discuss how educators can guide students toward real career pathways—including trades, certifications, and two-year programs—while honoring equity, access, and student strengths. This episode is a r...

Why do so many teachers wake up between 2–4 AM with racing thoughts and a heavy heart? In this powerful episode, Franchesca Thompson and sleep expert Emma Cooksey uncover the hidden connection between stress, anxiety, unresolved emotions, and disrupted sleep — and what educators can do to finally reclaim their rest. Podcast Legal Disclaimer The views, information, or opinions expressed during Ever...

On this episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan , host Franchesca Thompson sits down with Dr. Terence Lester, author of From Dropout to Doctorate: Breaking the Chains of Educational Injustice. Terence shares his remarkable journey from leaving high school to earning his doctorate, offering teachers a raw and honest perspective on the hidden battles many students face. Together, they explore how...

Everything But The Lesson Plan is back with an episode every teacher needs. Host Franchesca Thompson sits down with renowned literacy consultant and author Patty McGee to unpack what it really takes to support students as writers—without burning out. From giving feedback that’s clear, kind, and actually manageable to using technology (and AI) in ways that honor student voice, this conversation is...

In this episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan , host Franchesca Thompson sits down with guest host Daryll Wharton , founder of Teacher Recess, to discuss how educators can recharge through self-care and community. From practical wellness strategies to the power of connection, Daryll reminds us that teaching is not just about surviving the school year—it’s about thriving in it. Whether you’re r...

In this episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan , host Franchesca Thompson sits down with AI expert Ben Tasker to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping education and the global workforce. From classrooms to careers, AI is changing what skills matter, how students learn, and how teachers prepare the next generation for a future that looks very different from today. We’ll dig into emerg...