What Do You Say? with Dr. Eric J.

This is one of our most special episodes of the year. Dr. Becoats sits down with three outstanding Penn Wood High School seniors, Ricky Mason, Alexandra Zayas, and Brianna Hurnton, to celebrate the Class of 2026 and the many different paths our students are taking after graduation. From college and career training to athletics and specialized pursuits, each of their stories is a powerful reminder...

In this episode of What Do You Say?, Dr. Eric J. Becoats is joined by Pennsylvania State Representative Regina Young to discuss the vital role of communication in public service. Representing the 185th Legislative District, which includes parts of the William Penn School District community, Representative Young shares the personal and professional experiences that led her to a life of advocacy and...

In this episode of What Do You Say? With Dr. Eric J., Superintendent Dr. Eric J. Becoats sits down with three William Penn School District counselors, Marnie Miles-Jackson, Ralph Dardignac, and Lisa Cinquino, to recognize National School Counseling Week. This month, the district’s "Portrait of a Graduate" series focuses on the Innovative Thinker, and our guests discuss how counseling provides the...

In this episode of What Do You Say? With Dr. Eric J., Superintendent Dr. Eric Becoats sits down with Pennsylvania Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton for an inspiring and thoughtful conversation about leadership, service, and civic engagement. Speaker McClinton shares how her lifelong commitment to serving her community led her into public service, even though being an elected office wasn’t part...

In this episode of What Do You Say? With Dr. Eric J., Dr. Becoats continues the William Penn School District’s Portrait of a Graduate series with a focus on the next attribute: Optimistic Visionary. In this episode, Dr. Becoats is joined by Ms. Alisha Graves, a speech and language pathologist, who has over twenty years of experience in the William Penn School District. Together, they explore what...

In this episode of What Do You Say? With Dr. Eric J., Dr. Becoats kicks off the William Penn School District’s Portrait of a Graduate series with a focus on the first attribute: Driven Achiever. He’s joined by Dr. Guy Thigpen, a proud Yeadon High School Class of 1981 alumnus and respected expert in urban planning and analytics for the City of Philadelphia. Together, they reflect on how the foundat...

What Do You Say with Dr. Eric J. returns for Season 3! In this first episode of the new school year, Dr. Becoats shares reflections from the opening days of school and the district’s vision for preparing every student for success through the Portrait of a Graduate. Then, he’s joined by special guests Coach Darren “Ducky” Ryals ‘86, Penn Wood alum and new head football coach, along with student-ath...

In this special end-of-year episode, Superintendent Dr. Eric Becoats reflects on the William Penn School District’s ongoing budget challenges and the vital role of community voice and advocacy in shaping the future of our schools. He shares a heartfelt message of unity, urgency, and hope as the district approaches its June 30th budget deadline. Then, Dr. Becoats sits down with three members of the...

In this heartfelt episode of What Do You Say? With Dr. Eric J., Superintendent Dr. Eric J. Becoats sits down with four graduating seniors to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week. As they prepare to turn the page on their high school journeys, these students share reflections on the teachers who shaped their lives while offering gratitude, memories, and wisdom. From inspiring classroom moments to th...

In this episode, Dr. Becoats embraces the theme of spring as a season of renewal and growth, both in our schools and in our lives. He first speaks with Kelly Brandt, a special education teacher at Colwyn Elementary School and a member of the Focus Forward and Beyond strategic planning committee. Kelly shares insights into the planning process, the progress made, and what’s ahead as the district pr...

On this episode of What Do You Say? with Dr. Eric J, we celebrate a fresh start to the new year and reflect on the progress we’ve made so far in the 2024-25 school year. Dr. Eric Becoats sits down with Bell Elementary School Principal Dr. Kim Evans-Johnson and sixth-grade teacher, alumna, and parent, Afia Lewis, to discuss how WPSD is striving for efficiency, effectiveness, and equity, a key focus...

On this episode of What Do You Say? with Dr. Eric J we dive into the importance of community involvement with Jonathan Brooks-Brown, a parent volunteer, and Troy Brooks, a PWHS teacher, activities director, and coach.  Plus, hear from Supervisor of Research and Evaluation Mike MacArthur as he shares key insights from the fall staff and student survey and why your voice matters. 🎁 Don’t miss your...

Join Dr. Becoats for an in-depth conversation with Park Lane Elementary School’s staff members as they discuss priority three of the strategic plan: “Academic Excellence.” They highlight their successes, challenges, and plans for the future.   Then, some of our Ninth Grade Academy students share what they have to say about their transition to high school. They give shout-outs to teachers and staff...

What Do You Say? with Dr. Eric J. returns for its second season!  In this episode, Dr. Eric J. Becoats discusses the importance of young voters during this current presidential election cycle and how they can get involved in the process with Elijah Neal of PA Youth Vote and Jordan Newsome of CASA Youth Advocates.  He also talks to two Penn Wood High School seniors, Kevin Smith and Mymagaduo Subah,...

This episode of What Do You Say? with Dr. Eric J. explores the theme of transitions. Dr. Becoats chats with Penn Wood High School's new Athletic Director, Leon Howard, about his return to the district and vision for the athletic program. They also discuss the legacy of the late Rap Curry and its impact. Later in the episode, graduating seniors Charli Rylander, Tay Wowah, and Reneem Farhan share th...

In this episode of "What Do You Say? with Dr. Eric J.", Dr. Becoats dives deep into the ever-important topic of joy. He's joined by three seniors from Penn Wood High School who share their unique perspectives and experiences of joy amid their busy lives. Tune in to hear their inspiring stories and practical advice on living a life filled with joy.

A bi-monthly podcast where Superintendent Dr. Eric Becoats talks about a variety of topics related to public schools, education, and more. During each episode, he welcomes a guest and they discuss a monthly theme. Tune in to hear what they have to say!