Spotlight 4 Success

Send us Fan Mail What happens when a history lesson leaps off the pages of a textbook and transforms into a gripping debate of independence? Matthew Perry, an educator at Davis Academy in Dunwoody, Georgia, knows the answer. On this episode of Spotlight for Success, our guest Matthew shares an inspiring journey that led him from the University of New Hampshire back to his Atlanta roots, where a ch...

Send us Fan Mail Join us on "Spotlight for Success" as we uncover the journey of Kelly Theodocion, an educator who ventured from journalism into the realm of education in Henry County, Georgia. Kelly's innovative strategy of blending Language Arts with Social Studies has redefined classroom learning by teaching students to think and write like historians. Experience the magic of his...

Send us Fan Mail Join us as we spotlight Kelsey Wright, a passionate advocate for education from the DBQ Project and a key figure at the Georgia Council of Social Studies. Kelsey opens up about his dynamic career path from classroom teacher to instructional coach, and eventually as a district lead in Clayton County, Georgia. Drawing inspiration from his mother, who was a dedicated teacher herself,...

Send us Fan Mail Keith Haber shares his compelling journey from Connecticut to Georgia, illustrating his transformation from a second-career educator to a prominent figure in Henry County. Discover how his upbringing as the son of immigrants ignited a passion for education and a mission to ensure all students have access to high-quality learning experiences. He discusses the challenges and triumph...

Send us Fan Mail Uncover the path that led Joel to his current role as Curriculum Development Manager at the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE), where he continues to fuel his passion for economics by crafting resources for teachers nationwide. From his beginnings as a sixth-grade teacher in Forsyth County to shaping young minds as a high school social studies instructor, Joel has inspired ma...

Send us Fan Mail Join us as we uncover JoAnn's pivotal role at the Georgia Department of Education and her contributions to the Georgia Council for Social Studies. JoAnn shares her extraordinary journey from a classroom teacher to a leading figure in Georgia’s educational landscape. Discover how she transformed her passion for history into a fulfilling career. Through her engaging stories, Jo...

Send us Fan Mail Discover the journey of Dr. Rhonda Webb, a powerhouse in education and the driving force behind the Georgia Council of Social Studies. After three decades as an innovative classroom teacher, Dr. Webb now leads GCSS with a vision to transform teaching through place-based learning. Hear her passion as she discusses plans to expand regional opportunities for educators, allowing them...

Send us Fan Mail Jennifer Bell, an inspiring educator from Houston County Schools, joins us on Spotlight for Success to share her incredible journey and teaching methods. With 11 years of experience teaching fourth and fifth graders, Jennifer is passionate about integrating social studies with Language Arts to create an engaging, inquiry-based learning environment. Discover how she brings history...

Send us Fan Mail Unlock the secrets of economics education with Dr. Chris Cannon, a leading voice from the Georgia Council for Economic Education. Discover how his journey from teaching high school in Clayton County to transforming statewide education initiatives has influenced countless teachers and students. With a focus on interactive workshops and creative lesson plans, Dr. Cannon shares how t...

Send us Fan Mail Join us as we journey into the life of Daniel Manning, a 3rd year social studies teacher and coach at Union Grove High School in Henry County. Discover how Daniel's passion for education and sports, fueled by his experiences as a student in the same district, has led him to make a profound impact on his students. Through engaging stories and insights, Daniel challenges the no...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for a conversation with Barbara Manwell, a former high school social studies teacher who now leads education programs at the Atlanta History Center. Barbara shares her journey from the classroom to the museum world, where she crafts educational experiences that make Georgia's rich history accessible to students of all ages. Learn how Barbara's work is breaking ba...

Send us Fan Mail Discover what keeps Amanda Fanelli anchored to the classroom despite numerous opportunities to step away. With nearly two decades of experience, she shares her insights into fostering independent thoughts and challenging students to question the status quo. Highlighting her experience as a Scholar, Amanda recounts her voyage to Ghana—a pivotal moment that reshaped her perspective...

Send us Fan Mail Alicia Gentle stepped into the world of education to support her daughter in middle school but discovered a calling that transformed her life. On our latest episode of Spotlight for Success, Alicia shares her journey as a concerned parent and dedicated educator. Alicia talks about the triumph of witnessing students' 'aha' moments and the importance of perseverance i...

Send us Fan Mail Our conversation with Taylor also takes us into the realm of networking and educational conferences, where she shares various resources with educators. Taylor's story is a testament to the impact of innovative education and the ripple effect it can have when one passionate individual dares to step beyond the classroom walls. Tune in to explore the remarkable strides Taylor Ol...

Send us Fan Mail Join us as we sit down with Dr. Randell Trammell to uncover how his lifelong commitment to civic education was sparked by his own transformative experience in a model legislature program. From humble beginnings in Dalton, Georgia, to leading statewide initiatives, Dr. Randall shares his passion for equipping the next generation with the tools of civic engagement, ensuring that stu...

Send us Fan Mail Kristin Singleton joins us to share her innovative approach at the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum. Discover how she combines history with STEM to create engaging and educational experiences. Kristin's journey from Armstrong State to becoming the HSTEM coordinator highlights her commitment to making history relevant and accessible. Supported by the Cynthia Lake Foundation, her...

Send us Fan Mail Michelle Schaefle joins us on Spotlight for Success to share her journey from the classroom to the forefront of educational innovation. Discover how her passion for teaching science and STEM has evolved into a role at News-O-Matic, where she crafts educational products that nurture critical thinking and strengthen students' real-world connections. Michelle's story is a t...