TandL Talks

What starts as uncomfortable…becomes transformational!  In this ENCORE EPISODE of TandL Talks , educators share how trying GLAD strategies—imperfectly at first—led to powerful shifts in student voice, confidence, and learning. From kindergartners using academic language to classrooms where every learner has access, the impact is undeniable.  If you’ve ever wondered, “Can my students really do this...

Two incredible visual arts educators share how they’re redefining creativity, canceling perfection, and building classrooms where every student belongs. From powerful stories of student growth to the belief that creativity lives in all of us, this conversation will challenge how you think about art—and learning itself.  On embracing the creative process—  “Perfect doesn’t exist. It’s a construct w...

Missy Widman brings the power of Neural Education to TandL Talks —diving into connection, curiosity, and what really drives learning. This conversation will challenge your thinking and inspire your next move. Ready to go deeper? Visit neuraled.org to learn more.

In this encore episode of TandL Talks , we head inside Edgerton Elementary to learn from a kindergarten team achieving remarkable results in early literacy. Through deep collaboration, shared ownership of all students, and intentional use of data, this team has dramatically increased the number of students meeting benchmark. Hear how they structure RTI, refine instruction through progress monitori...

In this episode of TandL Talks, we sit down with JJ Boyle and student leader Eli Sauceda from Walker High School’s Wolftech Robotics team. From starting with no team to competing at a high level, their story highlights perseverance, teamwork, and the power of learning through real challenges. Discover how a small group of students is building confidence, problem-solving skills, and something much...

What happens when students find their voice—and start leading? In this episode of TandL Talks , Nancy sits down with AVID Ambassadors from Rogers High School to explore how AVID is shaping confidence, connection, and future pathways. These student leaders share powerful insights on belonging, opportunity, and what it really means to be prepared for life after high school.

In this episode of TandL Talks, we hear directly from Puyallup High School Speech and Debate students who went to Nationals this year. These students share how they developed their voice, built confidence, and sharpened critical thinking skills through their experiences. More importantly, they reflect on what helped them get there—from elementary classrooms to junior high—and what all students nee...

What happens when we pause and really listen to students? In this episode of TandL Talks , students from Firgrove Elementary share what helps them learn—from hands-on experiences and math tools to collaborative conversations and supportive teachers. Their voices reveal powerful insights about curiosity, confidence, and connection in the classroom. A reminder that students already know a lot about...

What does it really mean for students to learn in two languages? In this episode of TandL Talks, we go inside our Spanish Dual Language program with two Dessie Evans teachers, Karina Wheeler and Christina Pizana, to explore the power of bilingual, biliterate learning. They share what dual language looks like in practice—and why it’s so much more than just learning Spanish. You’ll hear about the ro...

In this encore episode of TandL Talks, Nancy and Genarevisit a powerful conversation with paraeducator leaders Ali, Nikki, and Jennifer. Together, they share their journeys into education, the impact of para-specific collaboration and mentoring, and why building strong, connectedparaeducator communities matters. From recess and communication supports to certification pathways and professional grow...

In this episode of TandL Talks, Nancy sits down with AP Research teachers to unpack the Presentation and Oral Defense—an experience that challenges students to think deeply, reflect honestly, and defend their ideas with confidence. The conversation explores how curiosity, inquiry, and reflection drive this work, why mistakes matter, and how foundations built in elementary and junior high classroom...

What does flexible learning really look like in practice? In this episode of TandL Talks, two Puyallup Digital Learning teachers—one from P4 and one from POA—share how choice, personalization, and strong family partnerships shape teaching and learning every day. As the district prepares to transition PDL into Flexible Learning Options next year, this conversation highlights what’s changing, what’s...

In this episode of TandL Talks, we sit down with two teacher leaders from our district’s social studies cadre to talk about what it really looks like to pilot new curriculum in real classrooms. They share insights from piloting InquirEd’s Inquiry Journeys in fourth and fifth grade, the power of inquiry‑based instruction, and why teacher and student voice matter in adoption decisions. You’ll also h...

In this episode, Nancy sits down with three members of ourELA Cadre—Leslie Porter, Kodi BeVelle, and Sarah Simon—to explore the thinking behind the new K–1 Learning Launch. Together, they discuss why early-year routines, strong relationships, and intentional pacing matter so much for ouryoungest learners. From classroom culture to stamina-building to the power of teacher voice, this conversation s...

In this encore episode of TandL Talks , we revisit oneof our most loved and most downloaded conversations — a deep dive into the collaborative culture at Stewart Elementary. Join Nancy as she sits down withthe first‑grade and Title/LAP team whose shared systems, strong relationships, and relentless commitment to doing what’s best for kids have led to remarkable results, including standout DIBELS g...

In this episode of TandL Talks , Nancy sits down withSTEAM Celebration leads Ann Schumacher , Nicole Wonner , and Lonny Sulfaro to preview one of the most joyful learning events of the year. From rockets and reptiles to messy art, music, robotics, and square dancing, the team shares how this districtwide celebration sparks curiosity, creativity, andconfidence for students and families alike. Get a...

In this episode of TandL Talks , we step inside kindergarten at Spinning Elementary to learn from two exceptional educators whose collaboration embodies the true power of collective teacher efficacy . Kyleen Boyle and Sara Clerget share how they build the conditions for literacy success through strong routines, intentional SEL, high expectations, and a deeply shared sense of responsibility for eve...

Join Nancy and guests Alexa Williams and Stephanie Garretson as they take you inside the newly reimagined Marge Salmon Math Relay—an event filled with movement, collaboration, and joyful math identity. Learn how purposeful redesign, partnerships, and student experiences can transform math learning and build community across an entire district.

In this episode of TandL Talks , Nancy sits down withthe dynamic second‑grade team from Firgrove Elementary to explore how they turned a CKLA unit into an unforgettable, high‑engagement Greek Olympics celebration. From handmade laurel wreaths and trash‑bag togas to long jumps, “horse” races, and a full Greek food tasting, this team shows how powerful learning becomes when content is brought to lif...

In this episode of TandL Talks ,Nancy welcomes longtime colleague, mentor, and beloved Washington educator Dr. Glenn Malone into the TandL Clubhouse. With more than 40 years servingstudents, teachers, leaders, and future administrators, Glenn brings unmatchedwisdom, humility, and heart to this conversation.   Together, Nancy and Glenn explorewhat truly defines effective school leadership — the dis...

Two elementary music teachers step into district leadership and share what they’re learning along the way. Hailey Wharton and Ashley Neufeld talk joy, equity, curriculum adoption, and the moments when students suddenly realize, “We made music.” A heartfelt look at why teacher voice matters.

In this encore of one of our most downloaded episodes, we revisit a powerful conversation recorded at Pope Elementary with a panel of teachers known for their intentional systems, strong routines, and ability to make every instructional minute count. From first grade through fifth grade and Quest, these educators share concrete, high‑leverage moves—paired with the deeper beliefs that make those mo...

In this episode of TandL Talks , Nancy sits down with science cadre members Carrie Garcia (4th grade) and Christine Livernash (2nd grade) to explore the power of elementary science instruction. Together they discuss curriculum maps and pacing, vertical alignment across grade levels, and how integrated science builds literacy, collaboration, and critical thinking. You’ll hear practical insights, cl...

Native education is not an add-on—it’s a commitment. In this thoughtful TandLTalks conversation, Kayla Guyette shares what educators need to knowabout Indigenous history, sovereignty, and culturally responsive practices intoday’s classrooms. From dismantling common misconceptions to highlighting thereal impact of John McCoy (lulilaš) Since Time Immemorial (JML-STI), thisepisode offers practical wi...

What happens when music teachers step into leadership to shape the future of learning? In this episode of TandL Talks, Nancy sits down with Colin Spears (Pope Elementary) and Morgan Myers (Ridgecrest Elementary), two teacher leaders serving on the elementary music curriculum adoption team. They share the teachers who shaped them, what surprised them about the adoption process, how student engageme...