RC Teacher Talk: Recent Episodes
Angela Arledge and Lisa Pogue
Listen in as Angela Arledge and Lisa Pogue talk with teachers. The goal of this podcast is to highlight the educator super powers in Royse City ISD, share teaching tips, and encourage educators to remember their why.
You’re in for a surprise with the beginning of this episode, then Angela and Lisa talk internet safety. Your hosts share tips for parents and teachers on managing technology use with students. You’ll learn some apps and ideas for helping students make good choices with their devices and the World Wide Web. Our guest today is Jet Carriker, US History teacher at Royse City High School. Mr. Carriker shares about his first year in RCISD, how he builds relationships with students, and what it would be like to be Iron Man in the classroom.
Show Notes:
Royse City ISD enters the month of May preparing for the end of the school. In this episode, Angela and Lisa discuss validating students for effort and how we can value more than just getting all of the answers right. You’ll meet Michelle King, an energetic fourth-grade teacher from Herndon Elementary, who shares how she provides a safe environment for her students, how you can show appreciation for teachers, and how she uses technology to save time and help cement learning.
Highlights of this episode:
- Where to enjoy great Vegan food in the DFW metroplex
- What you can learn from Bugs Bunny
- Erasers are evil
- Safety in learning
- The many hats a teacher wears
- Blooket in the classroom
- Live cams in the classroom
- The power of learning from colleagues
It’s testing season in Texas and many other states. Angela and Lisa start the episode with some ideas educators can use to make testing days easier, then they share some tips for students and parents to help with test anxiety. This episode’s guests are third-grade teachers at Herndon Elementary in Royse City. They are teacher friends and work partners who work together to brainstorm ways to make learning fun and challenge third graders to grow into the expectations of intermediate students.
Highlights of this episode:
- Testing Calisthenics
- Why mints and chocolate are good for testing days
- Box Breathing
- Camping vs. Glamping
- Teacher Friends
- The importance of third grade
- Making learning fun
- Sharing the workload
To meet our guests and read their quotable quotes, visit bit.ly/rcttep44
If you’re a first-year teacher or a veteran teacher, a mom, or have a mom, you won’t want to miss this episode. To begin the episode, Lisa interviews the Arledge girls, Angela’s three daughters- Evelyn, Emery, and Ella. You’ll learn what’s cool and not so cool about having a teacher for a mom. Then, your hosts, Lisa and Angela, have a delightful visit with Caroline Sherek, a first-year teacher at Bailey Middle School, and her mom, veteran teacher Jane Braddock, interventionist at Cherry Elementary School.
Highlights of this episode:
- Little girls’ dreams
- Being Dr. Braddock’s daughter
- How kindergarten brightens your day
- The importance of a Bad Day Buddy Box
- How being an educator’s daughter set the bar high
- What professionalism looks like
- Teaching is all of you
To meet our guests and read their quotable quotes, check out our show notes at bit.ly/rcttep43
In this episode, your hosts, Lisa and Angela, start this duo episode discussing STEM. You’ll learn the definition of STEM and the benefits of a STEM activities to students. Following a brief introduction to STEM, you’ll hear from an innovative teaching duo at Cherry Elementary. You’ll learn how the librarian and the STEM instructor pair up to provide unique activities for their students.
Highlights of this episode:
- Angela gives Lisa a spelling test
- STEM Education
- Meet the librarian under the stairs
- Meet RCISD’s very own Grammy Winner
- Time travel to the world of disposable cameras and mini-clips
- Get tips on becoming a team
- Learn the importance of play before using a tool
- Get introduced to Storybook STEM
- Hear RCISD’s very own Grammy Winner
In this episode, Angela and Lisa continue with National Disabilities month by sharing true stories of inspiration. Learn about Shane Burcaw, Makayla Nobles, and Sophia Sanchez, three amazing young people who have not only overcome their disabilities but shared their journeys and encouraged others to believe in themselves. In addition to these inspiring stories, you’ll have the pleasure of meeting Ms. Brinkley Hinson who shares how she encourages her students to advocate for themselves and learn from their mistakes. Brinkley shares tips for teaching students to have a growth mindset.
Highlights of this episode:
- Laughing at My Nightmare by Shane Burcaw
- Makayla’s Fight
- You are Enough
- Remembering “The Poof”
- High Expectations
- Learning from Mistakes
To learn more about our guest and read Brinkley's quotable quotes, see our shownotes at bit.ly/3FtGpD0
Happy March! In this episode’s intro, your hosts, Lisa and Angela introduce you to March as National Disability Awareness Month. This month is dedicated to providing understanding, and encouragement for persons with disabilities. They provide information about services provided to students in RCISD and how these services benefit students of all ages. Our guest, Bailey Whitaker discusses how she makes connections with students, parents, and fellow educators. Mrs. Whitaker is a leader in RCISD and takes pride in encouraging and developing “baby” teachers. Find out about a great tech resource that allows teachers to digitize all PDFs. Mrs. Whitaker also talks about all the new things she learns from her campus Innovative Learning Specialist
Highlights of this episode:
- The quest for the lady leprechaun
- The benefits of early identification for students with special needs
- Learn how students over 18 are serviced at RCISD
- The comeback of the Pogs
- Ode to the mall rats
- Visiting the Ron Clark Academy
- Being a positive influence on your campus
- Embracing technology in the classroom
To learn more about our guest and read Mrs. Whitaker's quotable quotes bit.ly/rcttep40
Listen as your hosts, Lisa and Angela, define innovation and why RCISD values innovation in the classroom. Learn the importance of innovative teaching and how our district is rewarding teachers for bringing new practices into their classrooms. This episode’s guest is Paige Shepherd, kindergarten teacher at Fort Elementary. Mrs. Shepherd shares what innovation looks like in a class full of littles. Paige expresses the importance of routines and procedures to maintain a smooth-running classroom. She elaborates on acknowledging each child as an individual in the classroom. Mrs. Shepherd is truly a professional educator and shared a wealth of classroom tips with us.
Highlights of this episode:
- Learn how RCISD supports Innovation
- Find out the cool prizes teachers can earn
- Tried and true Relationship tips for Valentine's Week
- On the front lines with mommy/teacher work life
- Importance of Consistency and Classroom Expectations
- Find out why fair doesn’t necessarily mean equal
To learn more about our guest and see her quotable quotes, visit bit.ly/rcttep39.
https://bit.ly/rcttep38February is the month of love we know you will love this episode of RC Teacher Talk. Your hosts, Angela and Lisa discuss the importance of laughter and the research behind being able to laugh at yourself. Our guest, Korie Smith, first-grade teacher at Anita Scott elementary is confident, quirky, and has so much enthusiasm for teaching.
Highlights of this episode:
- True-confessions by Angela and Lisa
- Learn the research behind laughing at yourself
- How laughter is beneficial
- A teacher stand-up comedy act
- Tips on the balancing act of being a teacher
- Chronicles of teaching first grade online
- Learn about See-Saw, a great application for primary students
For Mrs. Smith's quotable quotes and learn more about our guest, check out our shownotes at bit.ly/rcttep38.
Today, Your hosts, Lisa and Angela, begin Episode 37 discussing passion. Great leaders have a common trait - passion. Passion for their topic, art, or vision. Today’s guest has a passion for choir and does an amazing job leading the Choir program not only at RCHS, but throughout RCISD.. He has the ability to take a group of students, who have little in common, and turn them into a choir team. They work toward a common goal, develop similar interests, and take on responsibilities - all character traits of wonderful community members. And not to mention, they create beautiful music too. Listen in as Nathan White discusses his journey through education and successes with our choir program.
Highlights of this episode:
- Hear jokes from Angela
- The importance of passion
- Learn how Mr. White helps young voices develop
- Hear about the fine details of putting on a musical
- Get tips on developing a community of learners
- Learn how to help students advocate for themselves
For Mr. White's quotable quotes and learn more about our guest, check out our shownotes at bit.ly/rcttep37.
Lisa and Angela discuss their plans for the January challenge of doing one thing a day that makes you happy. Angela talks about her journey of running a half marathon and the training that entailed. During this podcast, we chat with the RCISD’s middle school Innovative Learning Specialists and hear their perspectives on good pedagogy and technology.
Highlights of this episode:
- Tips for beginning your year with joy
- Learn how an RCISD employee overcame brain cancer
- Get insight into how the Innovative Learning Specialists support their campuses
- The ILS’ share their tip technology tips
- Many laughable moments
To meet our guests and view our show notes, visit: https://bit.ly/rcttep36
Happy 2023!!! Lisa and Angela begin the first episode of the new year discussing joy - in your work or in your personal life. They talk about the “fluff” in the classroom being not only fun but vital to classroom success. Lisa challenges our listeners to do something joyful each day this month. Our guest, Chantell Oliver is such a treat as she shares her love of Texas history and her experiences traveling this great state. Mrs. Oliver has great ideas for making connections with her students and families. Our guest was so brave and you’ll enjoy hearing Chantell perform her rapping skills with the rap that launches her students each day.
Highlights of this episode:
- Adding fluff to the classroom to engage your students
- Building a community of learners by not giving “outs” for class participation
- Meet RCISD’s personal fence builder and find out what he’s been up to
- Hear about the Oliver’s “farm”
- The benefits of being in a portable classroom
- Fun facts about Texas
- Finding balance as an educator
To learn more about our guest and view our shownotes visit: bit.ly/rcttep35
Listen to this unique episode where Lisa and Angela interview four Chrome Squad members on their teenage perspective of the pandemic shut down and life after.
Highlights of this episode:
- Learn what time periods our students will travel to
- Hear how teens felt about school shutting down in 2020
- How online school has affected the communication between peers
- Students talk about the teens view on mental health
- Online gaming to the rescue
- How motivation has suffered in teens after the pandemic
- What teens wish adults understand about their mental health
- The pressure teens feel in high school
To learn more about our guests and view our shownotes, visit bit.ly/rcttep34
Let’s talk coaching! “Coaching is unlocking a person’s potential to maximize their own performance. It is helping them to learn rather than teaching them.” In today’s episode Angela and Lisa discuss how professional development has changed for teachers and how coaching has taken on a more crucial role. You’ll hear some tips for effective professional learning before our interview with Amber Birch-Trujillo, consultant for The Student Centered Coaching Model.
Highlights of this episode:
- Angela and Lisa talk successful professional learning
- How blended learning has improved opportunities for teachers to learn on their own time
- Lisa gets “edunerdy” with John Hattie’s Visible Learning research
- Learn how coaching can support student learning
- Discover why fixing teachers is NEVER the goal
- Get an insight into what it’s like for an “outsider” to work with educators in RCISD
- Meet Cinnabinna with clean hair
To learn more about our guest and her quotable quotes, visit our expanded show notes at bit.ly/rcttep33
Happy Turkey Day!! Your hosts, Lisa and Angela, share why they’re grateful to be educators and how their career choices have shaped their lives. This episode’’s guest is one of Royse City High School’s art teachers, Renee Wallace who opens up about family, kiddos from the heart, and the power of art in her life. In this episode, you’ll also learn about technology in the classroom and get a surprise visit from Mr. Plake.
Highlights of this episode:
- Meet Mrs. Wallace’s children of the heart
- Time is the obstacle
- Using Google Jamboard and Google Sites in the art classroom
- Learning to speak Spanish on the road.
- Royse City’s claim to fame
For the rest of the show notes and to learn more about our guest, visit: https://bit.ly/rcttep32
In this episode, we meet fellow podcaster and instructional leader, Stephanie Howell. Stephanie shares her educational background and experiences with us. . She is a Google Certified Coach who practices the 5-step coaching model learned in the Google Coach certification process. Mrs. Howell shares the importance of the co-teach model in special education. Stephanie is happy to share her knowledge with the education community through social media and podcasting She currently hosts 2 podcasts: Get Inspired and Innovate and Control the Chaos.
To learn more about Stephanie Howell and for highlights of this episode visit our website. https://bit.ly/rcttep31
Show Notes:Music education has many benefits! Listen as Lisa and Angela discuss how music class can enhance other subjects. Angela shares research from the New England Board of Higher Education giving 6 benefits of music education. Meet the amazing Kathryn To’afa, music teacher at Miss May Vernon Elementary who will sing AND play instruments. Learn how the RCISD Education Foundation supports music innovation, and be launched into your weekend with Mrs. To’afa’s classroom launch.
To learn more about Mrs. To'fa, see the highlights of this episode, and our guests quotable quotes, visit bit.ly/rcttep30
Email:kathryn.toafa@rcisd.org
Facebook: @MMV Music
In this episode, you’ll not only hear from one of our former students, but also the “voice” of RC Teacher Talk, Matthew Stewart. Upon returning to RCHS, Angela and Lisa were quick to grab his “speaking voice” to record the intro and outro for the podcast. You’ll hear what makes speech and debate a great activity for kids, learn the effects of the pandemic on the program, and what schools are doing to rebuild. Mr. Stewart is not only a wealth of knowledge on all things speaking and learning, but has great strategies any teacher can use in their classroom.
Visit our Show Notes Here: bit.ly/rcteachertalk29
Angela and Lisa had the pleasure of interviewing TWO guests in this episode. First, they chatted with Adeline Nenzou, a team lead on the Chrome Squad. You’ll have the pleasure of hearing Adeline share how she and her team are revamping the RCISd teacher badging system. Then, they met with the Royse City High School Teacher of the Year, Ariel Causey who talks about making connections with students, time management, and differentiating with technology.
Check out our shownotes to meet our guest and learn more about the Chrome Squad
Lisa and Angela share their favorite memories from school. This episode's guest is Jane Lackey, Social Studies Teacher at Royse High School. Mrs. Lackey highlights the overflowing plate of educators and how how to avoid the perfection trap.
Highlights of this episode:
- Jane’s favorite school memory
- Her love for curriculum and all things that go with it
- Challenges with technology: student view vs. teacher view
- The practical application of abstract concepts
- Building respect with students
Visit this Episodes Show Notes: bit.ly/rctt227
**Contact Mrs. Jane Lackey:
Email:**jane.lackey@rcisd.org
In this bonus episode, Lisa and Angela chat with Dr. Amy Anderson, Royse City ISD’s newly named Chief Academic Officer. They chat about her first 60 days in RCISD. Dr. Anderson shares the power of the relationships she’s building with her team. She explains her role as Chief Academic Officer, her values, and views on leadership. Dr. Anderson wants the community to know there is a strong team of people committed to their students’ achievement.
To learn more about Dr. Anderson and her leadership approach and values, you'll want to check out this episode's Show Notes.
Your hosts, Lisa and Angela, chat with Royse City High School staff member, Lizzie Watson. She not only teaches classes to prepare future educators, but also teaches human growth and development. She recently graduated with her master’s degree from Tarleton University qualifying her to teach dual credit classes. The dual credit classes are dedicated to growing future educators as they work towards an associates degree.
Episode 26 Shownotes
As we begin the school year, RCHS excited to introduce you to a new member of our team, Tracene Nechamkin. In this episode, the three of us talk about building a strong team, the power of relationships, and some ideas to make team members feel valued. Tracene has a wealth of experience and tips, not only for teachers, but school leaders.
In our second episode of Season 2, your RC Teacher Talk hosts have the privilege of interviewing Dr. Sean Walker, Executive Director of Secondary Curriculum and Leadership Development at Royse City ISD. No matter your position in education, you can learn from Dr. Walker's leadership tips and tricks. In this episode, we talked about all things RCHS and RCISD as we grow into our new Texas 6A classification.
In this episode, Angela and Lisa visit with Troy Burke, Royse City ISD's Director of Safety and Security. Mr. Burke joined Royse City in November of 2021. Listen is as we learn what he has in store for RCISD to keep our students and staff safe and secure. As our state continues to heal from the tragedy in Uvalde, school safety is at the forefront for the 2022-2023 school year and beyond.
RCISD Safety and Security WebPage
As we start the school year, we sat down with Royse City ISD Superintendent, Kevin Worthy. Beginning his eleventh year as superintendent in RCISD, we chatted about accomplishments and struggles, as well as what is down the road for RCISD. Mr. Worthy is a true example of servant leadership. You won't want to miss this chance to learn from the best.
Best of luck to everyone as they begin the 2022-2023 school year!
In this first Summer Special Bonus episode, Angela and Lisa spent the afternoon with the first and second year teachers in RCISD, their mentors, and Director of Professional Learning, Dana Grieb. Listen in as they share their experiences from this past school year.
In this final regular episode of Season 1 of RC Teacher Talk, your hosts Angela Arledge and Lisa Pogue discuss how our Learning Technologies Team ties up the end of the school year. We also share some fun Google Chrome Extensions for you to explore this summer. Finally, we end the year with the sweetest first year (and a half) kindergarten teacher, Kelsie Minor, who shares how she has learned to prioritize what's important in her world of teaching as well as some tips for not only capturing her students hearts, but their parents hearts as well. We hope you enjoy this episode and continue to listen in for bonus episodes this summer!
In their first May episode, Angela and Lisa reflect on the school year, then visit with Britnie Copeland, 5th grade science teacher at Davis Elementary. Britnie has a trove of teacher tips on classroom management, time management, student agency, and setting personal and professional boundaries. Mrs. Copeland is truly a super teacher and we can't wait for you to learn from her.
In January, your co-hosts, Angela and Lisa, visited with Becky Crenshaw, Gifted and Talented Specialist at Davis Elementary. In this episode, we talk about the new year as well as Easter. We hope you enjoy hearing how Becky uses "trash" as technology for her students. Her passion for this unique population of students really shines.
Angela and Lisa had an excellent interview with Herndon Elementary GT Specialist, Samantha Phillips. She is one brave educator and her passion is contagious, not to mention she brought us gifts! Samantha has a great view on the personal side of self-care and how important it is to know your own needs. Before the interview, we talk a little about plans for summer professional learning and having self-compassion.
Angela and Lisa talk about some struggles we've had at Royse City High School recently and how #teamRCHS handles the unexpected, then enjoy a visit with Baley Middle School Social Studies teacher, Daniel Tamez. Mr. Tamez has an impressive resume outside of education that adds fun to his middle school classroom. Listen in as this lifelong learner shares his joy for teaching and learning in Royse City ISD.
Lisa and Angela share the benefits of Capturing Kids Hearts and the strategies that go along with the training program. Building relationships doesn’t always come natural for some people so CKH can provide the training and support to help teachers capture their students hearts. Social emotional learning is a huge part of education and helps students to open their hearts and minds to gain a deeper understanding. Our guest, Soriya Nelson teaches Spanish at Summers Middle School. Not only does she share some great ideas on how to incorporate SEL learning, but she is a pretty amazing Spanish teacher as well.
In this episode, Angela and Lisa enjoy a visit with the dynamic intervention duo from Scott Elementary School, Bethany Bunnell and Elaine Ricker. These two ladies share so much love for each other and for their students. Their passion for education shines through, but they also share some great ideas for working within a team.
Your RC Teacher Talk hosts had an enlightening visit with Fort Elementary Art teacher, Melissa Kilgore. Melissa shares her unique approach to the art classroom as a way to meet the social emotional needs of her students, while teaching them independence and ownership. You won't want to miss this episode where Melissa also shares way to simplify your day to day responsibilities with some productivity hacks.
Angela and Lisa enjoyed a conversation with the fabulous Functional Academics teacher at Miss May Vernon Elementary, Allee Pence. We were blessed by our time with her as she shared her heart openly. She spoke about boundaries, love, strength, flexibility. We laughed and even cried a little. We hope you enjoy.
Enjoy this episode where Angela and Lisa talk about time management, shortcuts, and join a dance party at Fort Elementary before interviewing Brody Ross, elementary music teacher at Fort Elementary School. Mr. Ross is so much fun. We enjoyed learning how he makes learning music engaging, interactive, and purposeful. We hope you enjoy this episode as much we did.
As the New Year begins, RC Teacher Talk sat down with our first "off-campus" guest, Sarah Mead. A sixth-grade science teacher, Sarah shared with us how she encourages kids to increase their curiosity and sense of wonder in the world. Educators and parents alike can benefit from the tips Sarah shared with us.
As RC Teacher Talk closes up the first semester of podcasting, Angela and Lisa reflect on this school year, starting a new year, and goal-setting. The highlight of the episode is the interview with the kind, loving, and ever so funny, Angela Rouse. Angela has great advice for her fellow educators. We hope you enjoy her as much as we did.
We hope you enjoy this Christmas Episode where meet and get to know the Department of Learning Technologies of Royse City ISD and hear a special Holiday Greeting.
Listen up today as we talked to veteran educator, Coach Chris Debona, or Debo to many here at RCHS. With his years of coaching and teaching, Coach Debona has pearls of wisdom to share with other educators.
In this episode before Thanksgiving break, Angela and Lisa discuss the many things October brought to school in Texas, then give some tips for parent/teacher conferences. RC Teacher Talk's Guest this week is Algebra 1 teacher, Krissy Alosi. Listen as Mrs. Alosi talks about engagement both in and out of the school setting.
You won't want to miss this bonus episode. We took the time to ask some of our students about their influential teachers, then surprised the teachers with their students' responses. Grab your tissues as you listen to three of our RCHS teachers respond to these heartfelt messages.
This week's episode is sure to bring you a smile. Angela and Lisa sit down with the one and only Paul Michie - the one and only French Teacher in Royse City Independent School District. Before the interview, the ladies discuss some of the ways RCISD invests in their teachers for continued growth.
Listen in on RC Teacher Talk's first Bonus Episode! Angela and Lisa discuss motivation for students and teachers, then interview Associate Principal, Cody Plake. In this episode, soon to be Dr. Plake, talks about leadership, guidance, and supporting educators.
https://www.facebook.com/RCHSBulldogBites
In this episode, Angela and Lisa discussing homecoming and superheroes. Listen in to find out which PowerPuff girl is which, then listen to a powerful interview with Kellen Knight, whose Teacher Super Power is learning through play.
Listen in as Angela and Lisa talk about what's going on at Royse City High School for professional development for teachers, then interview Kathleen Krumnow, English teacher, and more importantly the "mom" of RCHS who nurtures us all.
In this episode, Angela and Lisa sit down to talk with Nikki Longmire, Behavioral Specialist, at Royse City High School. Listen as Nikki tells how to engage some of the most challenging students.
For this episode of RC Teacher Talk, our guest is Anna Fisk, Social Studies Teacher at Royse City High School. Listen as Angela and Lisa discuss instructional coaching, balancing parenting and teaching, before they interview Anna and learn the importance of having high expectations and teaching our students that it's okay to struggle.
Listen today as we interview Angelica Plata, ELL Specialist at Royse City High School. We enjoyed meeting with Angelica to learn about her Teacher Super Power. You will get some great ideas from Angelica.
We’re glad you’re joining us today for RC Teacher Talk, a podcast focused on amplifying the educator super powers in Royse City ISD. Listen as Angela Arledge and Lisa Pogue tell more about RC Teacher Talk.