Dana Anderson teaches digital citizenship, language arts, and literature to Middle and High School students at Bridgemont International School. She's also served as a kids' and teens' digital content expert for non-profits, tech companies, teacher training programs and schools. Dana is also a writer, a nature and animal lover, and a mom of three.

In this episode we discuss Dana's educator journey and what she feels educators need to do to find success in teaching or other fields. She also opines on AI and the possibilities it can provide for teachers.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode140.

Kirk Spahn is a fourth generation educator with more than two decades in the field. After graduating from Dartmouth College, he worked for schoolmaster.net, an early online learning platform based in London.But it was the events of Sept. 11 that inspired him that inspired him to start the Institute for Civic Leadership (ICL), an award winning youth educational nonprofit organization..

In this episode, Kirk tells the entire story of ICL’s founding and the challenges of online learning. He also discusses the importance of mentors in a child’s education, how the COVID 19 lockdown affected online learning, and how he’s developed an academy that attracts top student athletes.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode139.

Dr. Emily Levy is the founder and director of EBL coaching, a specialized tutoring program that offers individualized one on one, home, virtual and on site instruction using research based multi sensory techniques.

In this episode, Dr. Levy tells me about how after teaching special education, she went to Wall Street and then back to the so-called “family business.“ She also discusses her multi-sensory approach to tutoring and how she finds new clients. It’s a short but informative episode!

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode138.

Iuri Melo is a therapist, motivational speaker, and—on particularly exciting days—a “professional teenager whisperer.” He has spent over two decades working closely with families, students and schools, and he's become a trusted voice when it comes to promoting psychological awareness, great relationships and student success. His research led to the creation of SchoolPulse, a text/email service to help kids struggling with mental issues.

In our discussion, Iuri and I discuss why he started SchoolPulse. He also talks about his use of adventure therapy, mainly rock-climbing, as a therapeutic tool. Hopefully you’ll walk away from this prioritizing your mental wellness!

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode137.

Ronnie Thomas is the founder of Fun Weird Science, an education company built on the belief that STEM lessons can apply all kinds of disciplines. A science teacher with 25 years of experience and two Teacher of the Year awards, Thomas started Weird Fun Science after developing a reputation for engaging and versatile teaching methods.

In our discussion, Ronnie and I discuss the efficiency of hands-on learning and why he was inspired by it. We also talk about his mission to expand STEM education in underserved communities and in early education, and his belief in the need for more innovation in schools.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode136.

Craig Randall is the developer and author of “Trust-Based Observations.” He has spent the last 30 plus years in education, working as a counselor, coach, teacher and principal. Now, Craig spends the majority of his time training school leaders all over the globe in the trust-based observation system, transforming the world of teacher observations to a model of trust and support that fosters growth mindsets and teaching innovation.

In our discussion, Craig dives into his educator journey, going from teaching to administration. He also criticizes teacher evaluation frameworks like Danielson and Marzano, citing research showing they decrease teacher efficacy. Our conversation will really make you thinking about evaluations.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode135.

Rebecca McAllister is a certified teacher, literacy specialist, and co-founder of The Active Reader. With over 10 years of classroom experience, Rebecca has always been passionate about helping young learners thrive—but it wasn’t until she became a mom that everything shifted. Teaching her daughter to read made her realize that even as an educator, she had never been shown how to teach reading in a clear, systematic way. That realization led her to structured literacy and Orton-Gillingham training—and lit a fire that hasn’t gone out since.

In our episode, Rebecca and I discuss how she came to co-found Active Reader and what she’s done to build the business up. We also get into strategies for improving reading skills and what we’ve seen during our teaching days. A quick but informative episode!

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode134.

David Martelli is a dedicated educator and leader in STEM learning, with over 20 years of experience designing innovative educational spaces and programs. His career began in the U.S. Air Force, where he led high-tech programs before transitioning into education. As Head of Computer Science and Engineering at a school, he built a cutting-edge Makerspace, giving students hands-on experience with technology and engineering.

During our discussion, David describes his educator journey, highlighting his experience in robotics and computer science, his transition from engineering to teaching, and the impact of COVID-19 on his educational initiatives. We also get into why Guild Hall’s Makerspaces are so helpful for students.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode133.