The Out of the Trenches Podcast

Renes Lophanor is a multilingual (speaks English, Haitian Creole, French, German, Spanish and Slovak) author and certified teacher (Spanish/French at secondary ages 11-18) with over two decades of experience in education. Has also taught music, drama, art. He is a musician and performs every weekend. He is the author of I Still Love Teaching Despite Having All The Reasons In The World To Quit: Obs...

Mike Anderson has been an educator for many years. A classroom teacher for 15 years, he has also coached swim teams, worked in preschools, and taught university graduate-level classes. In 2004, Anderson was awarded a national Milken Educator Award, and in 2005, he was a finalist for New Hampshire Teacher of the Year. Now an independent education consultant, Anderson works with schools in rural, ur...

Kass Minor is the co-founder of The Minor Collective, which fosters sustainable equity in schools. Author of Teaching Fiercely: Spreading Joy & Justice in Our Schools (ASCD). Bio: Kass Minor is an inclusive educator and author who is deeply involved in local, inquiry-based teacher research and school community development. She is the author of Teaching Fiercely: Spreading Joy and Justice in Ou...

Mark Windschitl is a professor of Science Teaching and Learning at the University of Washington. His research interests deal with the early career development of science teachers—in particular, their trajectories toward ambitious and equitable pedagogy. He is the lead author of Ambitious Science Teaching (Harvard Ed Press), along with Jessica Thompson and Melissa Braaten. His research has appeared...

Steve Bollar, a.k.a. Stand Tall Steve, is an educational thought leader, former Superintendent of Schools, principal, author and a school culture and motivation expert. He is known for his quick wit, creative thought, and humorous personality. Find Steve online: LinkedIN, FB, Tiktok, YouTube @standtallsteve IG @stevenbollar

Dr. Almira Berry is a nationally recognized motivational speaker, author, podcast host, and consultant on the topic of culturally and linguistically diverse learners in America’s K12 education system. Her works and research focus on equity and academic achievement for marginalized learners – particularly in majority-of-color, low-wealth, large, urban school districts. Dr. Berry is host of the podc...

Andrea Terrero Gabbadon, PhD is an urban education and leadership scholar, speaker, consultant, and qualitative researcher. Dr. Gabbadon's work and research explore the intersection of culturally affirming leadership, school working conditions and racial climate, and educator diversity. Previously, Dr. Gabbadon served as a high school teacher, teacher leader, and assistant principal/director of cu...

Loren Brody is an elementary school principal on the East Coast. He is also a husband, father of two teenagers, amateur violinist, dedicated swimmer, vegetarian cook, mindfulness devotee, and new triathlete. Find Loren online LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loren-brody-622241141 

Dana's personal trench story that took place over the period of the 23/24 school year and until mid-Sept. Dr. Dana Goodier has 25 years of experience in education. She has taught World Languages and English and has worked at the middle and elementary school level as an administrator. She completed her doctorate degree (Ed. D.) in Educational Leadership in 2020. She often speaks at conferences, pro...

Dr. David Franklin: author of “Advice from the Principal’s Desk: 5 Pillars of School Leadership” Bio from website: Dr. David Franklin is an award winning school administrator, education professor, curriculum designer, and presenter. He earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from California State University, East Bay, a Master’s Degree in Education Technology from National University, and hol...

David K. Richards is the podcast host of Changemaker ED"U" who has spent his career working in various roles as a teacher, principal, superintendent, board member, consultant and school founder. Started 10 award winning schools. David’s life mission is to help changemakers usher in new paradigms for learning and leadership. He is the Founder & CEO of Changemaker Microschools, a network of inno...

Leroy Slanzi is an experienced educator with a remarkable 25-year career in education. As an author, he penned the influential book "Emotional Schools," delving into the importance of emotional intelligence and mental health in the education system. Leroy also excels as a facilitator of professional development sessions, has been on numerous podcasts and is a sought-after keynote speaker, helps pa...

Dr. Lisa Lande has dedicated her professional endeavors to advocating for teachers and students around the globe. It is her aspiration that every classroom in every school is one that she would want her own three children to learn in. Dr. Lande is a former teacher, college professor, and director of several large-scale school reform projects. She currently serves as the Director of International P...

Matt McGee is the founder of MRM Education, an elite tutoring and college admissions consultancy that emphasizes academic curiosity and confidence in students with the ultimate goal of admission into a top university. His 15-year career included private tutoring, special education and admissions consulting before founding MRM Education in 2020. His student-first approach and intensive peer-adjacen...

Tim Cusack, EdD has more than 30 years of experience as an educator and naval warfare officer with the Royal Canadian Navy (Reserve) and currently serves as Dean of Education at Concordia University of Edmonton. Vince Bustamante is an instructional coach, curriculum content developer, and author who resides in Calgary, Canada who has co-authored two bestselling books with Corwin, Great Teaching by...

Kim Strobel is a renowned motivational speaker and author of Teach Happy: Small Steps to Big Joy, sought after by schools, businesses, and organizations worldwide. With her powerful message about the impact of happiness on well-being and the pursuit of fulfillment, she traverses the globe, sharing her insights. Kim specializes in empowering educators and professionals, equipping them with the nece...

Adam Stolzer is the principal of Burwell Junior/Senior High School in Burwell, NE. Currently in his 2nd year as principal, he has been extraordinarily intentional about his approach to instructional leadership. In this episode, he talks about Instructional Leader Visibility & Presence. Find Adam online: X: #cornhuskerchats X: @adamstolzer28 FB: @adamstolzer

As a classroom teacher, Jay Schroder’s pursuit of excellence led the Oregon Council of Teachers of English to award him with the High School English Teacher of Excellence Award in 2021, and in 2022 he received the High School Teacher of Excellence Award from the National Council of Teachers of English. Jay is the founder of the Teach from Your Best Self professional learning program and author of...

“Dr. Matt”PsyD is a high energy, creative clinical psychologist and professional speaker who utilizes an eclectic approach to meet the specific needs of his neurodivergent clients. He is proud to serve the Gifted community as a consultant, a professor, an author, and a researcher. He has spoken over 400 times all over the world about supporting neurodivergent people. He is also a frequent podcast...

Danielle Lindner started her own preschool in New Jersey and has taken what she's learned in her years as an educator (and as a mother) and poured that knowledge into a parenting pocket guide. She thrives on helping parents through the difficult preschool years, all the while using her wit, humor and caring demeanor. An esteemed educational consultant in early childhood education and a renowned pa...

Noemí has been a dedicated and passionate force in the world of language education since 2005. A proud graduate of Rutgers University, where she earned her B.A. in Spanish and two Ed. M. degrees, she has built a remarkable career supporting teachers across the globe. From founding the WL Tech Institute and edcampWL to leading Lo Logramos Consulting, her contributions to the field are vast and inva...

Pablo Muñoz wrote “The Leader’s Algorithm: How a Personal Theory of Action Transforms your Life, Work & Relationships” Managing Director of Muñoz & Company. As a first-generation high school and college graduate, Pablo’s personal experience fuels his passion for creating high quality school systems. After his retirement from Passaic Public Schools in 2021, Pablo became a Maxwell Leadership...

Dr. Don Parker wrote “Be the Driving Force: Leading Your School on the Road to Equity” provides PD on how to build relationships with students of trauma, SEL and DEI. Don is a highly sought-after speaker and professional development provider. He specializes in supporting teachers to build trusting relationships with students and improving the culture and climate of schools to optimize staff and st...

Jean Eddy is the President and CEO of American Student Assistance (ASA), where she develops and drives the overall strategic direction of the organization. Working with the ASA Board and senior management team, she is responsible for developing and driving the overall strategic direction of the organization in fulfillment of ASA’s mission. Jean provides leadership and oversight for ASA as it evalu...

Jimmy Lee Day II, has been a band director for 15 years and has taught in the Aurora Public School District for 7 of those 15 years. In his 15 years as a music educator, Day has rebuilt three band programs under his baton in urban areas. He transformed them into award-winning programs, earning superior ratings scores from district music festivals. As a result of his effective teaching, Day was cho...