The Stuff I Learned About Learning: A TCEA Podcast

Join us for Teacher Appreciation Week, where we talk to three teachers of a sometimes overlooked group - first year teachers! That's right, these three educators are just out of school and are in the classroom for the very first time. Learn how they struggled, overcame, and succeeded with their kiddos and peers, and what they'd tell other newbies just starting out. Interested in joining TCEA for f...

Guest: Rachelle Wooten, Assistant Principal, Fort Bend ISD Assistant Principal Rachelle Wooten joins the podcast to talk about coaching teachers, building trust, and leading change without adding pressure. From technology integration and professional learning to podcasting and AI in education, this episode explores how listening, ownership, and actionable support help teachers grow and students th...

Guest: Kristofer Thurston, Director of Technology, John Paul II High School Episode Description: What does it take to keep a school running when everything depends on technology, and everyone needs you at once? In this episode, Director of Technology Kristofer Thurston pulls back the curtain on the daily realities of leading a lean IT team while protecting time, energy, and wellbeing. He shares pr...

Guest: Caleb Magness, Instructional Technology Specialist, UT Austin Episode Description: In this episode, we talk with Caleb Magness, an instructional technology specialist at University of Texas at Austin, about what it really means to improve teaching at the college level. After building instructional tech programs in K-12 districts, Caleb shifted into higher education, where his focus moved fr...

Guest: Kathryn Laster, Education Consultant, Refined Learning Designs, LLC Episode Description: When educators are given space to learn with intention, reflect with purpose, and design with curiosity, their students reap the benefits. In this episode, education consultant Kathryn Laster shares how transformative professional learning begins with honoring teachers as learners first. She discusses h...

Guest: Stephanie Galvan Russell, Middle School Librarian, Del Valle ISD Middle school librarian Stephanie Galvan Russell is redefining what a library can be by shifting it from a quiet room of books to a vibrant hub of belonging, creativity, and student voice. In this episode, she shares how purposeful programming, flexible spaces, and compassionate relationship-building help students feel safe en...

Guest: Sarah Mayne, Secondary Librarian, El Paso ISD Episode Description: This live conversation from TCEA Convention features Sarah Mayne, a secondary librarian in El Paso ISD whose career spans music education, fine arts, and now library leadership. Sarah shares what drew her to the library at a moment when the role is rapidly evolving, and how her background in the arts shapes the way she think...

Guest: Amanda Hawthorne, 6th Grade Teacher, Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD  Episode Description: Amanda Hawthorne is a 6th grade Science and Social Studies teacher in Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD who brings curiosity, creativity, and a deep love of earth science into her classroom every day. In this live Convention conversation, Amanda shares what it’s like teaching two content areas, fin...

Guest: Precus Glover, Digital Learning Specialist, Humble ISD Episode Description: Recorded live at the TCEA 2026 Convention, this episode features Precus Glover, Digital Learning Specialist for Humble ISD, whose work spans 30 elementary campuses and countless classrooms. Precus shares her journey from the Pre-K classroom into districtwide digital learning leadership, and what it’s like to design...

Guest: Sylvia Huber, Digital Learning Coordinator, Irving ISD In this LIVE episode recorded at the TCEA Convention, we’re joined by Sylvia Huber, Digital Learning Coordinator for Irving ISD, to explore what it really looks like to support innovation at scale. Sylvia reflects on her 18-year journey from the elementary classroom to district-level digital learning leadership, and how her teaching roo...

Guest: Cary Fulgham, Coordinator of Digital Learning, Lubbock ISD Episode Description: What sparks an educator’s journey from simply consuming professional learning to championing it for others? In this episode, Cary Fulgham shares how a single conference session shifted her trajectory and inspired her to become an advocate for empowering, educator-centered PD. She reflects on the importance of bu...

Guest: Dyann Wilson, School Counselor, Willis ISD In this episode, Dyann Wilson explores the vital role school counselors play in supporting students through vulnerable moments with empathy and intentionality. She shares practical strategies for clear communication, proactive planning, and deep listening that help critical messages truly resonate with students, families, and educators. Dyann also...

Guest: Wacey Tobler, Technology Coordinator & Program Manager, Fort Sam Houston ISD Wacey Tobler has built a career around empowering educators to take bold steps by fostering strong communities and empathetic coaching. In this episode, he shares how esports, blended learning, and intentional coaching nurture community, confidence, and character.. Wacey offers practical strategies for supporti...

Guest: Gennie Holcomb, Government/AP Government Teacher & Instructional Coach, Rockwall ISD For Gennie Holcomb, teaching and coaching are rooted in respect and joy. She shares how she builds trust with students and colleagues, why mutual respect matters, and how joy sustains her work as both a teacher and instructional coach.

Guest: Leticia Ornales, Technology Teacher, Judson ISD  Curiosity is the spark that fuels learning. Technology teacher Leticia Ornales shares how she nurtures that spark in her students, and in herself, by creating engaging, curiosity-driven learning experiences that last well beyond the classroom.

Guest: Keith Tompkins, 8th Grade U.S. History Teacher & Department Chair, Rockwall ISD What happens when students take ownership of learning? Keith Tompkins talks about building collaborative classrooms, balancing structure with freedom, and helping middle schoolers find their voices in history and beyond. SysAdmin 2025 TCEA 2026

Guest: Lydia Croupe, Professional Learning Coordinator, Irving ISD The early years of teaching can define an educator’s future. Lydia Croupe reflects on her own path from classroom teacher to professional learning leader, sharing how curiosity, reflection, and support systems shape a career of lifelong growth. Learn more about Lydia Don't miss TCEA 2026!

Guest: Mabel Estevez-Juarez, Title I Math Specialist, Northside ISD Resilience defines Mabel Estevez-Juarez’s journey in education. In this candid conversation, she opens up about what it takes to keep showing up for students, advocate for equity, and fight for the future of learning. TCEA 2026

Guest: Alfonso Mendoza, Coordinator for Digital Learning, Sharyland ISD For Alfonso Mendoza, technology is more than a tool, it’s a catalyst for transformation. He shares stories of helping teachers reimagine their classrooms, rethink practice, and discover how tech can make teaching more human, not less. Learn more about Alfonso Don't miss the 2026 TCEA Convention!

Guests: Jim and Maurie Beasley, Technology Director & Network/System Administrator, Llano ISD Innovation is rarely a solo act. Jim and Maurie Beasley - partners in both life and technology - share how they balance vision and infrastructure to move schools forward. Their story highlights the power of collaboration, trust, and teamwork in bringing new ideas to life. Connect with Jim and Maurie S...

Guest: Dinah McMichael, Principal, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD Leadership isn’t just a title, it’s a mindset. Principal Dinah McMichael reflects on what it means to lead with authenticity, empower teachers, and build a culture where everyone, from students to staff, has a voice. Learn more about Dinah TCEA Convention 2025

Guest: Brandy Hawthorne, 3rd Grade Math/Science Teacher, Hudson ISD How do you embrace learning alongside your students? In this episode, Brandy Hawthorne shares her journey as a classroom teacher who discovered that being an expert isn’t the goal - but maintaining her curiosity. She talks about modeling lifelong learning, empowering students, and finding joy in the “aha” moments that happen every...

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