Episodes

Guest: Ali Worsham, Instructional Coach, Pine Tree ISD Ali Worsham, an instructional coach at Pine Tree ISD, opens up about being the kid nobody wanted on their roster, and how that experience shapes the way she coaches teachers and champions struggling students today. From secondary English classrooms to elementary literacy coaching, Ali shares what it means to close learning gaps, build kids' belief in themselves, and lead with high expectations. She and the hosts talk candidly about introver...

Guest: Rachael Welsh, Librarian, Pearland ISD Rachael Welsh, a school librarian at Pearland ISD, shares her winding path from wanting to be a veterinarian to finding her true calling among the stacks. She talks candidly about the misconceptions people have about librarians, the "refresh and recharge" corner she's built for kids who need a quiet moment, and why she pushes back on the idea that "kids don't read anymore." Rachael also opens up about book advocacy, curating difficult topics with ca...

Guest: Debbie Tannenbaum, Elementary Educator at Fairfax County Public Schools, and Elementary EdTech Coach Debbie Tannenbaum, an elementary ed tech coach in Virginia, joins to talk about "screen value, not screen time." Debbie traces her path from French teacher to connected educator, shares the framework behind her "Five C's" of meaningful tech use, and explains how AI helped her team build richer, more inclusive morning meetings for students with autism. She also opens up about her "word of ...

Guest: Mary Eldredge, Early Childhood Librarian, Arlington ISD Mary Eldredge, an early childhood librarian at Arlington ISD, talks about her journey from teaching early childhood special education to running one of the most joyful library programs around. She shares how her ECSE background shapes her inclusive approach to storytime, why play is the foundation of real learning, and the magic of a makerspace where teachers are the ones asking questions. Mary also opens up about the "1,000 Books B...

Guest: Scott Laleman,Technology Director, Medina Valley ISD Scott Laleman, Technology Director at Medina Valley ISD, joins the show to talk about a career built on a willingness to break things and fix them. From five networked classroom computers in 1997 to overseeing construction on a rapidly growing district's tenth and eleventh campuses, Scott shares how an elementary ed background became an unlikely path to CTO life. He digs into the hidden complexity of building "smart" schools, his distr...

Guest: Mantha Camacho, Special Education Teacher, Plano ISD Mantha Camacho, a special education teacher at Plano ISD with over two decades in the classroom, joins the show for a conversation that ranges from Disney ears to vibe coding. Mantha traces her winding path through early childhood, middle school SPED, an ed tech company, and back to the classroom, sharing stories of students who changed her forever. She opens up about growing up with a hearing impairment and hand deformity, and how tha...

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 free as part of free membership week? Check out https://tcea.org/membership/ for more. Featuring: ...

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 thrive.

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 practical insights on setting boundaries, building trust, empowering staff, and designing systems th...

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 from classroom tools to course design, faculty development, and long-term student impact. We explor...

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 her approach to building learning-centered PD, the mindset shifts that help teachers take instructio...

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 enough to take risks and curious enough to explore. From supporting multilingual learners to champion...

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 thinks about creativity, problem-solving, and student voice. We talk about libraries as dynamic learnin...

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, finding ways to make every subject engaging, and supporting students during the pivotal transition y...

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 meaningful experiences for educators and students at scale. We talk about initiatives she’s especi...

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 roots continue to shape her work today. We talk about piloting STEM initiatives, building meaningful p...

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 building teacher confidence, creating space for instructional risk-taking, and nurturing a culture w...

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 discusses how counselors navigate the complexities of mental health, foster trust, and create a sup...

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 supporting diverse and neurodiverse learners, managing tech transitions, and using AI as a tool, not a crutch. ...

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