Teaching and Leading with Dr. Amy and Dr. Joi

In this episode, we discuss the challenges of middle school with Jennifer Stiglic, an eighth-grade English teacher and author of the young adult novel Tisity . Jennifer shares her career transition from public relations to education, driven by a desire to make a positive impact. Tisity explores themes of authenticity and resilience among teenagers, drawing from Jennifer's experiences and her belie...

In this episode, we talk to Kim Tate and Kellen Syrock, key contributors to the Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan, who emphasize the importance of evidence-based literacy practices. The plan, which includes teacher preparation, professional development, and district leadership, aims to improve literacy by focusing on effective instructional strategies rather than mandating specific curricula. T...

In this episode, we talk to Nick Pezzuto, a career changer with 19 years in education. Mr. Pezzuto shares his journey from the restaurant industry to teaching. He discusses the challenges and rewards of transitioning into education, emphasizing the transferable skills from his previous career. Mr. Pezzuto highlights the importance of relationship-building, patience, and adaptability in teaching. H...

In this episode, we talk to Kevin Kenealy, an English teacher and writer. He discusses his inspiration from a high school gym teacher to publishing his first book 20 Something at age 23. He balances teaching, writing, and family life by maintaining a strict routine. His latest book, Neighborhood Watch , explores themes of childhood innocence and adult restrictions. Kevin emphasizes the importance...

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Keisha Swaringam, Vice President of Sales at Sydney. Dr. Swaringam discusses her educational journey and the challenges faced by teachers. She highlights the importance of personalized professional development and the role of tools like SIBME, which uses video and AI to enhance teacher reflection and feedback. Dr. Swaringam emphasizes the need for administrators to...

The 2024 Educator Conference Panel discussed the importance of supportive administrators in building a distributive leadership system that invites leaders to decision-making. The panel, comprising diverse educators, shared their motivations for entering education, emphasizing personal connections, love for content, and a desire to help others. They highlighted the need for positive school culture,...

In this episode, we feature two remarkable students from Governor State University - Tasneem and Abrea. Both young women proudly embrace their Palestinian heritage and are using their education to drive meaningful change. Tasneem is a first-generation social work student who has overcome significant odds to pursue higher education. Abrea is a two-time graduate of Governor State University, current...

In this episode, Drs. Joi Patterson and Amy Vujaklija discuss the start of their 5th season of the "Teaching and Leading" podcast. They reflect on their past conversations about why educators leave the profession and why they stay, and how that has led them to focus this season on the theme of "leading where you are" as educators. The hosts emphasize the importance of developing leadership qualiti...

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Jarrett Neal, the Writing Center Coordinator at Governors State University, about LGBTQ Pride. Dr. Neal shares his experience with generational and differences in perceptions of the LGBTQ community. We discuss Safe Zone training to address and mitigate bias and marginalization. Dr. Neal describes the state and national movements that affect members of the LGBTQ comm...

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Kerry Klima about educator burnout and wellness. She discusses her research on structures in place that promote educator retention and how we might move from revolutionary to evolutionary in redesigning work environments. We also discuss the responsibility of managers modeling healthy work habits and inviting formerly unheard voices to the conversation. This episode...

In this episode, we talk to Ms. Charity McGee, a 7th grade math teacher who started an education career in spring of 2020. Ms. McGee describes her experience as a student and why she wants to create a safe space for learning for her own students. We also discuss what collaboration can look like and who Ms. McGee says motivates her to be her best self.

In this episode, we talk to Ms. Jamell O'Neal, assistant principal and former 2nd grade teacher, about her purpose in education. Ms. O'Neal shares her passion for centering students in conversations about education. She discusses how she engages families, collaborates with colleagues, and seeks feedback in her growth as an educator and administrator. Ms. O'Neal tells us how much it means to hear f...

In this episode, we talk to Ms. Shannon Payne about her start as a substitute teacher and how it led her to being a school counselor. Ms. Payne discusses the passion ignited by working with students and how she establishes relationships with students, families, and colleagues through trust. Her primary reason for staying in education is the service to students.

In this episode, Dr. Amy and Dr. Joi talk about teacher retention. After discussing the causes of teachers leaving the profession in Part 1 and the sense of belonging in Part 2, we explore the ideal conditions for retaining teachers. We discuss the importance of positive conflict resolution and transparent communication. We also share some strategies for creating a positive school culture through...

In this episode, Dr. Amy and Dr. Joi talk about teacher retention. After discussing the causes of teachers leaving the profession in Part 1, we look at what we can do to keep them, especially experienced teachers. We discuss the necessary sense of belonging in a school culture and how educators need to feel they matter as part of the school and as individuals. We also share our personal experience...

In this episode, Dr. Amy and Dr. Joi have a no-holds-barred conversation about teacher retention. We discuss the increase in teachers retiring or leaving the profession altogether, further impacting the crisis levels of teacher shortages across the nation. In Part 1 of this 3-part series on teacher retention, we use the Ultimate Guide to Teacher Retention by Education Elements and a survey by the...

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Don Parker, a principal, author, and professional development provider. Dr. Parker discusses relationships and clear expectations as the starting points for turning around a school culture. He explains the framework of his new book, Be the Driving Force: Leading Your School on the Road to Equity , a practical guidebook for education leaders. Dr. Parker closes with s...

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Pam Fenning about persistent discipline trends in K-12 schools. Dr. Fenning shares prominent research on implicit bias, discipline policies, and discipline disparities, particularly within the intersection of race and different abilities. Dr. Fenning provides examples from her own observations as a school psychologist and her work within educator preparation. We dis...

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Janelle Crowley, Chief of Staff at Governors State University. Dr. Crowley shares her experiences with hearing but not accepting “no” in spite of her struggles with hearing loss. She tells about the positive encouragement she received from many teachers and professors that inspired her career trajectory, as well as the disheartening stories of barriers and discourag...

In this episode during Disability Awareness Month, we talk to Ms. Angela Szczepanik-Sanchez, Director of Access Services for Students with Disabilities (ASSD) in the Division of Student Affairs at Governors State University. We ask about awareness versus comfortability and the continuum of tolerance, acceptance, inclusion, and allyship. Ms. Szczepanik-Sanchez explains the legal requirements of Ind...

In this episode, we talk to Ms. Alexandria Pearson about the responsibilities of a special educator. Ms. Pearson explains different classroom settings, as well as her role as co-teacher, one-on-one pull-out instructor, and case manager for children with exceptionalities. We discuss individualized education programs, modifications, and transition to adulthood. This episode also provides information...

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Gaetane Jean-Marie about her work in elevating women’s voices in social justice. Dr. Jean-Marie shares personal experiences modeling how we can prepare our voices while in safe spaces to speak up and speak out when we are in less comfortable situations. This episode was originally released under Teaching and Learning: Theory vs Practice Season 1 Episode 20. Referenc...

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Candace Smith, Assistant Professor in Early Childhood and Principal Preparation at Governors State University. We discuss the high instances of hate crimes and the newly-legislated Illinois Racism-Free Act. Dr. Smith shares her path to awareness and advocacy for anti-racism work and what she is doing in educator preparation and local schools. Importantly, we talk ab...

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Frank Harris about affirming students’ identities and affirming their strengths. Dr. Harris shares how to disrupt the 3D effect of distrust, disdain, and disregard with trust, mutual respect, and care. We also talk about his newly developed concept of racelighting. This episode was originally released under Teaching and Learning: Theory vs Practice Season 1 Episode...

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Alyssa Hadley Dunn, the Director of Teacher Education and an Associate Professor of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Connecticut. Dr. Dunn describes the motivation for her book, Teaching on the Days After: Educating for Equity in the Wake of Injustice. She shares her education journey that led her to better understand racial inequities and how to conf...