Everything But The Lesson Plan

In this deeply personal and uplifting episode, host Franchesca Thompson explores the quiet but powerful force of doubt—and how it tries to keep us small. From classroom struggles to personal crossroads, Franchesca shares honest stories, real-life strategies, and gentle encouragement to help listeners recognize, confront, and rise above self-doubt. Whether you're an educator, parent, or simply some...

The Educator’s Voice – Classroom Stories with Dr. WIlburn Step inside the classroom walls and hear what really happens between the bells. In this heartfelt episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan , host Franchesca Thompson launches a brand‑new segment— “The Educator’s Voice.” No scripts, no filters—just genuine stories that capture the highs, lows, and unforgettable “aha!” moments of teaching. P...

Too many children are falling behind—and the transition from “learning to read” to “reading to learn” around 3rd-4th grade is make-or-break. In this episode, Dr. Gwendolyn Lavert, PhD, shares her research, experience, and hope: how early foundational skills, effective interventions, and community‐wide support can help every child become a confident, fluent reader by 4th grade. If you care about eq...

In this episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan , host Franchesca Thompson sits down with Allandra Russell , founder of The Teachers’ Hub and Turning Pages , to unpack a powerful truth: real growth cannot always be measured by a test. At some point, we’ve all been guilty of chasing scores, but the longer we remain in this profession, the clearer it becomes—student success is about the journey, t...

In this powerful episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan , host Franchesca Thompson sits down with education consultant Tangela Leggett to confront the reality of teacher burnout. From the systemic pressures facing today’s educators to the unique struggles in high-needs schools, Tangela unpacks the root causes of burnout and shares strategies to help teachers reclaim their well-being. This conve...

In this 5-minute guided meditation, join me from the shores of Cancún as we slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the healing rhythm of fresh air. Feel the calm of ocean waves, the warmth of sunlight, and the quiet peace that comes from simply being present. This short practice is your reminder that no matter where you are, clarity and calm are just one breath away. Take a deep breath — an...

It’s our 100th episode! To celebrate, Ms. Thompson hands over the mic to her former student Michelle Moses, who interviews her about the journey, the lessons learned, and what’s next for Everything But The Lesson Plan. From behind-the-scenes stories to reflections on impact, this milestone episode is a heartfelt look back—and a powerful look forward. Tune in and celebrate with us!” Podcast Legal D...

In this episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan , I sit down with Kenneth L. Johnson Jr., an educational leader dedicated to recruiting and supporting passionate teachers. We talk about the urgent need for educators, the pathway to becoming one, and why teaching is more than a profession—it’s a calling. Tune in to discover how teachers can thrive, why their role is vital for students, and how th...

In this inspiring episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan , host Franchesca Thompson sits down with Dr. Kimberly West, founder of Teach STEM Global , to unpack why advancing STEM education globally matters now more than ever. From the lens of an educator, Dr. West shares how teachers can break down barriers, spark innovation, and empower the next generation of problem-solvers—no matter where the...

The Educator’s Voice – Classroom Stories with Kayron Spellman Step inside the classroom walls and hear what really happens between the bells. In this heartfelt episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan , host Franchesca Thompson launches a brand‑new segment— “The Educator’s Voice.” No scripts, no filters—just genuine stories that capture the highs, lows, and unforgettable “aha!” moments of teachin...

In this episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan , host Franchesca Thompson sits down with educator and SEL strategist Winona Jones-Archie to unpack what Social and Emotional Learning really means beyond the behavior charts and buzzwords. From the post-pandemic realities facing students to the controversy around SEL in schools, Winona offers clear insights, culturally responsive strategies, and p...

In this episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan , host Franchesca Thompson sits down with literacy expert Regina Wright to tackle a challenge many educators face: supporting at-risk readers in the general education classroom. From breaking down who “at-risk” students really are, to exploring practical strategies like SLDM (Self-Regulated Learning and Development Model) and RTI (Response to Inter...

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school, and why was she/he your favorite? In this episode, Sadiyah 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 Ms. Sadiyah Ali Nur. About Sadiyah Ali Nur Sadiyah Ali Nur is a dedicated registered nurse with nearly five years of experience in the field. Ou...

In this episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan , financial expert Lisa Matthews joins Franchesca to explore why retirement is more than just saving—it’s about creating a vision for the life you want. From dreaming big to planning smart, this conversation helps educators prepare for a future filled with purpose, not just pensions. About Lisa Matthews Lisa Matthews is the CEO and Co-Founder of As...

In this soothing and eye-opening episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan , host Franchesca Thompson sits down with a tea expert to explore how teachers can use tea as a daily act of self-care and healing. From stress relief and immune support to simple mindfulness rituals, you’ll learn how what’s in your cup can help refill what’s missing in your tank. Whether you’re new to tea or already steepi...

In this powerful episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan , I sit down with the remarkable Dr. Pitmon—an educator who faced unimaginable decisions about her career and calling after receiving a life-changing cancer diagnosis. Together, they explore what it means to lead a classroom while facing personal battles, how to find strength when your body feels weak, and why teaching can become a source...

 In this episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan , host Franchesca Thompson sits down with Dr. Brett Wallace from Houston County School District in Warner Robins, Georgia , a school leader dedicated to creating a positive and inclusive school culture. They dive into the strategies and practices that foster a supportive environment for both students and staff. From high-needs schools to thriving...

In this deeply personal and uplifting episode, host Franchesca Thompson explores the quiet but powerful force of doubt—and how it tries to keep us small. From classroom struggles to personal crossroads, Franchesca shares honest stories, real-life strategies, and gentle encouragement to help listeners recognize, confront, and rise above self-doubt. Whether you're an educator, parent, or simply...

In this special episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan , host Franchesca Thompson invites educators to take a well-deserved pause and reconnect with themselves. As the school year wraps up and summer break begins, it’s easy to carry the weight of the year’s stress with us. This episode features a calming, 4-minute meditation designed to help teachers release tension, reflect on their growth, an...

 In this episode, we explore the impact of TED Talks as a tool for classroom engagement, featuring Jacqui Chew, TEDx ATL Speaker and Storyteller. We discuss practical ways to integrate TED Talks into teaching, how they can foster creativity, and the role of storytelling in education. Tune in for inspiration on transforming your classroom environment with the power of TED! Jacqui Chew Jacqui Chew i...

In this episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan, we dive deep into the transformative power of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy with Dr. Lawrence Robinson, an expert in the field and the author of a groundbreaking dissertation on its impact in music education. Dr. Robinson discusses how incorporating students' cultural backgrounds into teaching methods can enhance engagement, foster a sense of b...

In this episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan , host Franchesca Thompson explores how educators can harness the power of Meta’s platforms —Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp—to reimagine classroom engagement and connection. If you're ready to think outside the box, take a few creative risks, and explore how social media tools can become educational assets, this episode is for you. Franchesc...

In this episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan , host Franchesca Thompson explores what it truly means to support students with special needs beyond the classroom. Join us as we dive into the importance of life skills, community integration, and employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism. Franchesca sits down with Mary Justman, Vi...

In this episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan , we’re diving into the world of teacher evaluations and exploring how innovative districts like Houston ISD are leading the charge. Teacher evaluations don’t have to be stressful or dreaded—they can be powerful tools for growth, collaboration, and support. Join us as we explore real-world examples from schools at the forefront of educational chang...

In this powerful and personal episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan , host Franchesca Thompson sits down with her mother, Leslie Baker, for an unforgettable conversation about resilience, education, and the teachers who make a lasting impact. Leslie shares vivid memories of growing up during the Jim Crow era and transitioning into desegregated schools—a journey filled with fear, courage, and h...