In this special episode of The Teacher’s Pep Rally, we invite educators to get the inside scoop on Main Street PD, an inspiring professional development experience happening this summer in Orlando, FL! 💡

Hosts Erin and Pete (Fred was there in spirit!) welcome an incredible lineup of session leaders, including Marnie Stockman & Nick Coniglio (authors of Lead It Like Lasso), Thomas Hummel (co-creator of Eduaide.AI), and Dave Tarnoff (computer science professor and Intermation creator). Together, they dive into the heart of Main Street PD—an event designed to spark joy, ignite innovation, and help educators reignite their passion through curiosity, confidence, courage, and constancy.

From building your trusted network (hello, Diamond Dogs 🐾) to turning AI into your classroom co-pilot 🤖, to using “one little spark” to launch big ideas—this episode is packed with laughs, insights, and a peek behind the curtain of a PD experience like no other. 🎢✨

🎙️ New Episode! Coaching in the Classroom - A Student-Centered Approach with Dr. Linda Hopper

What if the secret to transforming your classroom isn’t more test prep—but more heart? 💡 In this inspiring episode, we welcome Dr. Linda Hopper, former teacher turned business coach and author of Coaching in the Classroom, who shares her powerful message: when we empower students to become self-aware and emotionally intelligent, real learning happens.

Dr. Hopper reveals how shifting from a traditional teaching mindset to a coaching mindset changes everything—from student engagement to teacher well-being. Learn how simple tools like breathwork, reflective questions, and strength-spotting can unlock student potential and reignite your passion for teaching. 🚀

Ready to coach your students into confidence, connection, and purpose? Tune in and be reminded why you chose this path in the first place. 🎧✨

Get ready for an inspiring, energizing, and crucial conversation on the Teacher’s Pep Rally Podcast! This episode features a powerhouse panel of passionate changemakers working to reshape the future of education.

Join hosts Erin, Fred, and Pete as they sit down with:

Demetrius Dove – National advocate and future educator representing over 44,000 aspiring teachers.

Carmen Lamielle – Georgia’s Aspiring Educator State President fighting for paid student teaching.

Dr. Jacob Hackett – Equity-driven professor at Georgia State University championing mentorship and teacher residencies.

Skyler Nunley – Lobbyist and educator, strengthening Georgia’s teaching community through grassroots advocacy.

Together, they tackle the real challenges aspiring teachers face—from financial stress to lack of mentorship—and spotlight bold, innovative solutions like virtual classroom simulations, student-led policy change, union-supported advocacy, and teacher residency models that mirror the medical field.

This isn’t just a conversation—it’s a call to action. Whether you're a future teacher, a veteran educator, or simply passionate about making education better, this episode will leave you hopeful and fired up to be part of the change.