Unmuted Education Podcast

The interview features Deb, the superintendent of Fremont County School District 21 in Fort Washakie, Wyoming. Deb begins by outlining her typical day, emphasizing the diverse responsibilities a superintendent holds that often go unrecognized by the public. She notes that her work starts with daily meetings, including those with staff members across various departments, including transportation, f...

This episode features a compelling discussion with my co-hosts, Seth and Derek, about our transformative field trip to Meeteetse, focused on the role of leadership in education. We explore insights gained from interviewing 48 superintendents and visiting Shane Ogden's school, where collaboration and community feedback are prioritized. The emphasis on project-based learning and life skills over sta...

Lynn Misch, a family nurse practitioner with nearly 40 years of experience, discusses her health journey and her upcoming wellness summit focused on cultivating inner calm. She shares insights from her cancer diagnosis that led her to explore integrative health practices and the importance of addressing burnout in healthcare. The summit, occurring from December 1 to December 12, will feature exper...

In this episode, we analyze a contentious article from the Casper Star Tribune regarding school closures in Natrona County. Joined by Derek and Seth, we reflect on how media language shapes public perception and misrepresents our intentions. We clarify our commitment to meaningful discourse about educational choices rather than sensationalism. Highlighting the community-driven petition, we emphasi...

In this episode, I speak with Ted Hanson, Deputy Executive Director at BOCES 5, about his journey in special education. Ted emphasizes the importance of building relationships with students, especially those from trauma backgrounds, and discusses the unique challenges faced by BOCES 5 in providing comprehensive services. We explore the impacts of trauma on behavior and the necessity of adopting tr...

When a school closes, the loss is real for students, families, educators, and the neighborhoods around them. In this conversation, Beth, Abby, Seth, and Kobe talk about what happens inside us after news like this and how to move through it with care and intention. We name what grief can look like, why uncertainty fuels anxiety, and how timely information helps. We also explore how leaders and rece...

In this episode, we explore the unique punctuation mark known as the interrobang, which marries a question mark with an exclamation point. I share my personal journey in educational technology, reflecting on my experiences as a classroom teacher and principal, while my colleague Seth introduces me to the interrobang, prompting an engaging discussion about its history and significance. We delve int...

In this episode, I explore the complexities of discipline in the classroom, drawing from my experiences as a former educator. We question the educator's role in discipline and emphasize the importance of building respectful relationships with students. I share personal anecdotes illustrating the challenges of gaining respect, while co-host Derek offers strategies for fostering rapport. We disc...

In this episode titled "Failing Up," we address the alarming trend of educational institutions prioritizing promotion over actual learning. Starting with a listener's account of high schools as diploma mills, we discuss the ethics of passing unprepared students and the impact of ineffective leadership in education. We highlight the need for a fundamental shift in educational philosop...

In this episode, we delve into the recent transformations taking place not just in our podcast space but also in our broader approach to content creation. The discussion kicks off with an entertaining dialogue about the mall's revitalization, providing a light-hearted backdrop that mirrors our own changes. As we explore the influx of new stores and shifting ownership dynamics, it serves as a m...

In this episode, J.D. Williams, a key player in Wyoming politics and a seasoned rancher, discusses his upbringing in a conservative ranching family and the values of hard work and self-reliance that shaped him. He reflects on his transition from cowboying to community service, emphasizing that true leadership is about serving others. J.D. addresses challenges facing Wyoming, including the influenc...

In this episode, we explore the complexities of school management and community engagement amid recent school closures. We discuss concerns from parents and educators about transparency in decision-making and the tension between standardized testing and nurturing creativity in schools. Highlighting the need for smaller educational settings, we address how bureaucracy can hinder innovation and comm...

In this episode, I talk with Julie Jarvis, an educator and curriculum director, about her journey through the educational system. We discuss her challenges and triumphs in literacy, emphasizing the need for explicit reading instruction and effective assessment strategies. Julie shares insights from her doctoral research and her work advocating for literacy reforms in Wyoming. Our conversation also...

On this episode we answer listener feedback about school closures in Natrona County

On this episode we answer some questions by you about the Compact in Natrona County School District

In this episode, we discuss the societal implications following the passing of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, exploring reactions of celebration and the quest for sympathy amidst controversial views. We critique social media's role in amplifying division and echo chambers, and reflect on the historical context of public reactions. Highlighting the need for education on empathy and ethi...

On this episode we talk with Jillian a former office administrator who worked with Coebie to open Journey Elementary School

Julie Jarvis discusses misconceptions about teacher raises in Wyoming, specifically an 8.5% increase proposed for certified and non-certified staff. She explains the state's school funding structure, which allocates funds based on Average Daily Membership (ADM) and Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs). The conversation highlights disparities in how the raise is distributed across districts, with small...

In this episode, I chat with Shauna Trujillo about mental health and community support. Transitioning from teaching to grant management at Casper College, Shauna discusses her work with the Jay Foundation, which raises awareness about mental health and suicide prevention following the loss of Jay Bing. We explore initiatives like providing cowboy boots to graduating seniors as symbols of connectio...

In this powerful episode of Unmutted, identical twin educators Abby and Beth share their groundbreaking approach to teaching, revealing the transformative power of partnership, emotional intelligence, and human-centered learning. They candidly discuss their journey from co-teaching in elementary classrooms to pursuing advanced degrees in neuroscience and mental health, challenging traditional educ...

The interview explores Derek's extensive journey in education, from his academic background and initial inspiration to teach, to his various roles, including instructional facilitator and assistant principal. He discusses challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, which prompted a move to Wyoming, and shares insights into the complexities of school leadership, emphasizing the importance of...

In this episode, Dirk Andrews, Vice President of the Wyoming Education Association, discusses the challenges facing Wyoming's education system, particularly the detrimental effects of the one-year-only contract system for teachers in Natrona County. He emphasizes the negative impact of high turnover rates on student outcomes and community ties, and critiques the financial motivations driving these...

Ari Burback, a 22-year-old fashion entrepreneur from Casper, Wyoming, shares her journey as a clothing designer focused on upcycling in this episode of "Unmuted." She discusses her experiences at major fashion events and reflects on her educational path, highlighting the constraints of traditional learning and the influence of inspiring teachers. Ari advocates for practical education tha...

Join hosts Coebie and Seth as they sit down with Kristie Benabisi, a former school support staff member who shares her transformative journey from feeling stuck in a traditional education role to embracing a life of passion, purpose, and personal freedom. Kristie opens up about her experiences in schools, the challenges of burnout, and how she courageously chose to rewrite her life's narrative, of...

In this episode, we explore the crucial topic of preparing for the back-to-school season with insights from experienced educators Abby Bishop and Beth Corley. We discuss the emotional challenges parents face, especially those sending children to kindergarten for the first time, and the shift in educational standards that have made early schooling more rigorous. The conversation highlights the impo...