The Ignite Project: Recent Episodes
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Welcome to The Ignite Project – A Polk County Public Schools podcast made for teachers, by teachers. Teachers of all experience levels need each other’s enthusiasm and passion to fuel an ongoing desire to do what it takes to meet the needs of our students, and that’s what this podcast is all about. Be energized by their enthusiasm to ignite a love for teaching while they challenge others to join them in their work.
Summer Holtzhower asks Highlands Grove Elementary Reading Coach, Danielle Hippeli, about the challenges teachers have faced in the years following COVID-19. Danielle shares how she finds the positive by tackling big obstacles one step at a time. The Ignite Project, a Polk County Public Schools Podcast, is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and as a video on our YouTube channel. For more information about this podcast, and our other podcasts, visit polkschoolsfl.com/podcasts/.
Our pink-tastic hosts give us a preview of the 2023 Emerge Symposium, scheduled to take place Saturday, February 4th from 8:30 AM-12:30 PM at Polk State College. Click here to sign up: https://forms.gle/tPcV3Neo81daJtHF9The Ignite Project, a Polk County Public Schools Podcast, is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and as a video on our YouTube channel. For more information about this podcast, and our other podcasts, visit polkschoolsfl.com/podcasts/.
Mallory Williamson discovers an entire family of teachers at Walter Caldwell Elementary. Meet Joe (dad), Bobbi (mom) and Joely (daughter) Atchison and find out what this family loves so much about a career in education.
The Ignite Project, a Polk County Public Schools Podcast, is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and as a video on our YouTube channel. For more information about this podcast, and our other podcasts, visit polkschoolsfl.com/podcasts/.
Mallory Williamson reveals her hidden talent as a longtime drummer as she welcomes music teacher Seth McGee from North Lakeland Elementary. Find out how he uses music as more than arts curriculum.The Ignite Project, a Polk County Public Schools Podcast, is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and as a video on our YouTube channel. For more information about this podcast, and our other podcasts, visit polkschoolsfl.com/podcasts/.
Summer Holtzhower gives us a preview of what's to come at Ed Camp this weekend. Guests Jessica Sherotski and Katie Holmes from Willow Oak School share their personal perspective on Ed Camp.
The Ignite Project, a Polk County Public Schools Podcast, is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and as a video on our YouTube channel. For more information about this podcast, and our other podcasts, visit polkschoolsfl.com/podcasts/.
Summer Holtzhower introduces her first guest, dynamic art teacher Paul Peterson. Paul's innovative approach to teaching art at Southwest Middle brings a love for learning to his target audience through a medium they're bound to love.
The Ignite Project, a Polk County Public Schools Podcast, is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and as a video on our YouTube channel. For more information about this podcast, and our other podcasts, visit polkschoolsfl.com/podcasts/.
Learn more about Paul's program in this feature story produced by our multimedia intern, Heaven Keller: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aCZNyn3-rY
Mallory Williamson welcomes a new co-host, Summer Holtzhower, as season 3 opens with bigger panels at a bigger table. Kicking off with kindergarten teacher Robynn Hamrick of Davenport Elementary.
The Ignite Project, a Polk County Public Schools Podcast, is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and as a video on our YouTube channel. For more information about this podcast, and our other podcasts, visit polkschoolsfl.com/podcasts/.
Jessica Solano closes out our second season reflecting on Superintendent Heid's first year with Polk County Public Schools.
The Ignite Project, a Polk County Public Schools Podcast, is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and as a video on our YouTube channel. For more information about this podcast, and our other podcasts, visit polkschoolsfl.com/podcasts/.
This episode was made through a generous partnership with Grand Canyon University.
2021 Teacher of the Year, Maude F. Graham, welcomes our 2022 Teacher of the Year, Ashley Brannon, for an upbeat and adjective-filled passing of the torch.
The Ignite Project, a Polk County Public Schools Podcast, is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and as a video on our YouTube channel. For more information about this podcast, and our other podcasts, visit polkschoolsfl.com/podcasts/.
This episode was made through a generous partnership with Kelly Education.
Mallory Williamson asks Aric Kroon how he brought his experience as a dean of discipline to his role as classroom teacher to better engage with families throughout the school year.
The Ignite Project, a Polk County Public Schools Podcast, is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and as a video on our YouTube channel. For more information about this podcast, and our other podcasts, visit polkschoolsfl.com/podcasts/.
This episode was made through a generous partnership with Suncoast Credit Union.
Jessica Solano welcomes our first principal to the show as she breaks down common planning best practices with McLaughlin Middle's Dr. Debra Hudson.
The Ignite Project, a Polk County Public Schools Podcast, is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and as a video on our YouTube channel. For more information about this podcast, and our other podcasts, visit polkschoolsfl.com/podcasts/.
This episode was made through a generous partnership with Grand Canyon University.
Bruce Lee Reyes, a fourth grade teacher at Chain of Lakes Elementary, chats with Mallory Williamson about his first year with PCPS as a cultural exchange teacher, the experiences that have shaped him as educator, and how he always stays positive.
The Ignite Project, a Polk County Public Schools Podcast, is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and as a video on our YouTube channel. For more information about this podcast, and our other podcasts, visit polkschoolsfl.com/podcasts/.
This episode was made through a generous partnership with Kelly Education.
Jessica Solano joins North Lakeland Elementary School teacher Jessica Curatolo to discuss how morning meetings have changed her classroom, her relationships with students, and the relationships her students have with each other.
The Ignite Project, a Polk County Public Schools Podcast, is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and as a video on our YouTube channel. For more information about this podcast, and our other podcasts, visit polkschoolsfl.com/podcasts/.
This episode was made through a generous partnership with Suncoast Credit Union.
Mallory Williamson joins Auburndale High School math teacher Joanne Cullen, for a deep dive into the expectations teachers set out for students. Ignite a drive to help students achieve the big goals and reap the rewards. The Ignite Project, a Polk County Public Schools Podcast, is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and as a video on our YouTube channel. For more information about this podcast, and our other podcasts, visit polkschoolsfl.com/podcasts/.
This episode was made through a generous partnership with Kelly Education.
Jessica Solano and Mallory Williamson explore opportunities available to teachers at the free upcoming Emerge Symposium. All PCPS teachers are welcome to RSVP to the event, coming to Polk State College on Feb. 26! RSVP at bit.ly/3AcMFeB.
The Ignite Project, a Polk County Public Schools Podcast, is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and as a video on our YouTube channel. For more information about this podcast, and our other podcasts, visit polkschoolsfl.com/podcasts/.
This episode was made through a generous partnership with Grand Canyon University.
Renard Thomas, a Reading Coach at Auburndale Central Elementary, chats with Jessica Solano on the benefits of mentoring young students, and the simple, practical ways that he engages with students to guide them towards better learning.
The Ignite Project, a Polk County Public Schools Podcast, is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and as a video on our YouTube channel. For more information about this podcast, and our other podcasts, visit polkschoolsfl.com/podcasts/.
This episode was made through a generous partnership with Suncoast Credit Union.
Join our hosts and meet the newest member of the Teacher Engagement team for look back at our favorite tips from teachers who've joined us on the show.
The Ignite Project, a Polk County Public Schools Podcast, is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and as a video on our YouTube channel. For more information about this podcast, and our other podcasts, visit polkschoolsfl.com/podcasts/.
This episode was made through a generous partnership with Grand Canyon University.
Odile Perez, an ESOL teacher at Garner Elementary, joins Mallory Williamson on a mission to peel back the layers that cocoon our kids and help us better understand how to teach the whole child.
The Ignite Project, a Polk County Public Schools Podcast, is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and as a video on our YouTube channel. For more information about this podcast, and our other podcasts, visit polkschoolsfl.com/podcasts/.
This episode was made through a generous partnership with Kelly Education.
Brandy Cannoy, a fifth grade teacher at Jesse Keen Elementary, journeys with Jessica Solano into the heart of reaching “that kid” through unexpected methods.The Ignite Project, a Polk County Public Schools Podcast, is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and as a video on our YouTube channel. For more information about this podcast, and our other podcasts, visit polkschoolsfl.com/podcasts/.
This episode was made through a generous partnership with Suncoast Credit Union.
Takia Nowell, a LEA Facilitator at Palmetto Elementary, joins Jessica Solano in an engaging discussion about trauma-informed teaching. Takia brings her doctoral studies and 20 years experience in ESE and social work to the table.
The Ignite Project, a Polk County Public Schools Podcast, is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and as a video on our YouTube channel. For more information about this podcast, and our other podcasts, visit polkschoolsfl.com/podcasts/.
This episode was made through a generous partnership with Grand Canyon University.
Resources we mentioned:
* https://zonesofregulation.com/index.html
* https://consciousdiscipline.com/
* https://gonoodle.com/
Twin brothers Blake and Johnathan Riedel know a thing or two about friendly competition. But on today's podcast they sit down with Jessica Solano to explore the journey of self-growth and learning to compete only with themselves.
The Riedel brothers are each in their second year of teaching. Blake teaches Business Education at Winter Haven High, and Johnathan teaches Television Production at McLaughlin Middle School.
The Ignite Project, a Polk County Public Schools Podcast, is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and as a video on our YouTube channel. For more information about this podcast, and our other podcasts, visit polkschoolsfl.com/podcasts/.
This episode was made through a generous partnership with Kelly Education.
Bethany Agostinelli, a School Based Math Coach at Wahneta Elementary, shares with Teacher Engagement Coordinator Mallory Williamson how she hacked the system and gained access to a world of grant-funded activities.
If you'd like to learn more about the grants Polk Education Foundation has to offer, visit https://polkschoolsfl.com/pef/ or contact their office at 863-534-0519.
The Ignite Project, a Polk County Public Schools Podcast, is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and as a video on our YouTube channel.
For more information about this podcast, and our other podcasts, visit polkschoolsfl.com/podcasts/. This episode was made through a generous partnership with Suncoast Credit Union.
Sherrie Blackwood, a 7th and 8th grade Civics teacher at Citrus Ridge: A Civics Academy, shares with Teacher Engagement Coordinator Mallory Williamson how she used a house system to ignite parents and build community at her school. Note: The house system that has been incorporated at Citrus Ridge was inspired by the original work done at The Ron Clark Academy. Several Citrus Ridge teachers and administrators had the opportunity to visit the school and see the system for themselves. For more information on the house system and PD for Ron Clark Academy, visit https://ronclarkacademy.com/.The Ignite Project, a Polk County Public Schools Podcast, is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and as a video on our YouTube channel. For more information about this podcast, and our other podcasts, visit polkschoolsfl.com/podcasts ```
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This episode was made through a generous partnership with Grand Canyon University. To learn more, contact Carolina Burdier, University Development Counselor at www.gcu.edu/udc/carolina.burdier.
Teacher Engagement Leader Jessica Solano talks with Dr. Shaime Cortes Vega, a Reading Coach at James E. Stephens Elementary, about the joys of reigniting a love for reading – at ALL ages!
The Ignite Project, a Polk County Public Schools podcast, is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and as a video on our YouTube channel. For more information about this podcast, and our other podcasts, visit polkschoolsfl.com/podcasts
Things we mentioned:
Shaime's Instagram - @drcorteswrites
Good reads - Equipped for Reading Success by David Kilpatrick, Speech to Print by Dr. Louisa Phonics, Spelling Through Phoneme-Grapheme Mapping by Kathryn Grace
Resourceful website - https://www.reallygreatreading.com/
This episode was made through a generous partnership with Kelly Education.
Teacher Engagement Leader Jessica Solano talks with Maude Graham, a 2rd grade teacher and 2021 Polk Teacher of the Year. They discuss Maude's journey through her teaching career and the different "hats" she would wear, and the life lessons she has learned along the way.
The Ignite Project, a Polk County Public Schools Podcast, is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and as a video on our YouTube channel. For more information about this podcast, and our other podcasts, visit polkschoolsfl.com/podcasts
This episode was made through a generous partnership with Grand Canyon University. To learn more, contact Carolina Burdier, University Development Counselor at www.gcu.edu/udc/carolina.burdier.
Teacher Engagement Coordinator Tomeka Thompson talks with Jan Urankar, a Reading teacher from Ridge Community High. They discuss Jan's mission to help all students graduate high school and how she encourages students and staff members to further that mission.
The Ignite Project, a Polk County Public Schools Podcast, is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and as a video on our YouTube channel. For more information about this podcast, and our other podcasts, visit polkschoolsfl.com/podcasts
This podcast episode is made thanks to the generous partnership of Suncoast Credit Union.
Teacher Engagement Coordinator Tomeka Thompson talks with Alissa Lee, a 1st grade teacher from Floral Avenue Elementary. They discuss the importance of experienced, veteran teachers mentoring the newer teachers to keep that culture of excellence in our classrooms.
The Ignite Project, a Polk County Public Schools Podcast, is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and as a video on our YouTube channel. For more information about this podcast, and our other podcasts, visit polkschoolsfl.com/podcasts
This episode was made through a generous partnership with Grand Canyon University. To learn more, contact Carolina Burdier, University Development Counselor at www.gcu.edu/udc/carolina.burdier.
Teacher Engagement Leader Jessica Solano talks with Firdaws Ali, a 3rd grade teacher from Kathleen Elementary. They discuss inclusive design and how important it is for ALL students to feel welcome and at home in the classroom. Further reading on Inlcusive Design can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/4x43dp7w
The Ignite Project, a Polk County Public Schools Podcast, is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and as a video on our YouTube channel. For more information about this podcast, and our other podcasts, visit polkschoolsfl.com/podcasts
This podcast episode is made thanks to the generous partnership of Suncoast Credit Union.
Teacher Engagement Analyst Mallory Williamson talks with Ashlyn Cobb, a teacher from Doris Sanders Learning Center . They discuss the importance of including students with disabilities in as many areas of general education as possible, and the many benefits of doing so.
The Ignite Project, a Polk County Public Schools Podcast, is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and as a video on our YouTube channel. For more information about this podcast, and our other podcasts, visit polkschoolsfl.com/podcasts
This episode was made through a generous partnership with Grand Canyon University. To learn more, contact Carolina Burdier, University Development Counselor at www.gcu.edu/udc/carolina.burdier.
Teacher Engagement Leader Jessica Solano talks with Michelle Dinwiddie, an ELA teacher from Lake Gibson High. They discuss transformational teaching and how blending socio-emotional learning with intellectual learning benefits students and teachers.
The Ignite Project, a Polk County Public Schools Podcast, is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and as a video on our YouTube channel. For more information about this podcast, and our other podcasts, visit polkschoolsfl.com/podcasts
This podcast episode is made thanks to the generous partnership of Suncoast Credit Union.
Teacher Engagement Leader Jessica Solano talks with Krista Stanley, the 2021 Florida Teacher of the Year from Okeechobee County . They discuss Krista's message of encouragement to all teachers in Florida and beyond. For more information on The Opportunity Myth, check out this link: https://opportunitymyth.tntp.org/
The Ignite Project, a Polk County Public Schools Podcast, is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and as a video on our YouTube channel. For more information about this podcast, and our other podcasts, visit polkschoolsfl.com/podcasts
This episode was made through a generous partnership with Grand Canyon University. To learn more, contact Carolina Burdier, University Development Counselor at www.gcu.edu/udc/carolina.burdier.
Teacher Engagement Coordinator Tomeka Thompson talks with Joanna Garcia, a Biology teacher from Bartow Senior High. They discuss the concepts of grit and growth mindset and how recognizing and utilizing these concepts helps increase student achievement.
The Ignite Project, a Polk County Public Schools Podcast, is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and as a video on our YouTube channel. For more information about this podcast, and our other podcasts, visit polkschoolsfl.com/podcasts
This podcast episode is made thanks to the generous partnership of Suncoast Credit Union
Teacher Engagement Analyst Mallory Williamson talks with Andrea Peters, the acting Senior Coordinator of Teacher Training in the Department of Professional Development. They discuss the TIPS program, and give a refresher on best practices for teaching for both new and veteran teachers.
The Ignite Project, a Polk County Public Schools Podcast, is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and as a video on our YouTube channel. For more information about this podcast, and our other podcasts, visit polkschoolsfl.com/podcasts
This episode was made through a generous partnership with Grand Canyon University. To learn more, contact Carolina Burdier, University Development Counselor at www.gcu.edu/udc/carolina.burdier.
Teacher Engagement Leader Jessica Solano talks with Niurka Zapata, a 5th grade teacher from Kathleen Elementary. They discuss creating a culture in schools that promote collaboration among staff and students to increase achievement.
The Ignite Project, a Polk County Public Schools Podcast, is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and as a video on our YouTube channel. For more information about this podcast, and our other podcasts, visit polkschoolsfl.com/podcasts
This podcast episode is made thanks to the generous partnership of Suncoast Credit Union.
Teacher Engagement Leader Jessica Solano talks with Adam Smith, an over 20 year veteran teacher from Frank Brigham Academy. They discuss real world techniques for developing relationships for students to improve behavior, as well as build up the students in your class.
The Ignite Project, a Polk County Public Schools Podcast, is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and as a video on our YouTube channel. For more information about this podcast, and our other podcasts, visit polkschoolsfl.com/podcasts
This podcast episode is made thanks to the generous partnership of Suncoast Credit Union.
Teacher Engagement Analyst Mallory Williamson sits down with Marlene Olszewski, a 4th grade teacher from Wendell Watson Elementary, to discuss the mentor/new teacher relationship that they built over their years working together and why the relationships benefit both parties.
The Ignite Project, a Polk County Public Schools Podcast, is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and as a video on our YouTube channel. For more information about this podcast, and our other podcasts, visit polkschoolsfl.com/podcasts
This episode was made through a generous partnership with Grand Canyon University. To learn more, contact Carolina Burdier, University Development Counselor at www.gcu.edu/udc/carolina.burdier.
Teacher Engagement Leader Jessica Solano talks with Brandi Miller, a 1st grade teacher at Walter Caldwell Elementary. They discuss utilizing technology to connect students with people around the world, taking their learning to outside the four walls of the classroom. Join us and be fired up today.
The Ignite Project, a Polk County Public Schools Podcast, is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and as a video on our YouTube channel. For more information about this podcast, and our other podcasts, visit polkschoolsfl.com/podcasts
On this episode of The Ignite Project, Teacher Engagement Leader Jessica Solano talks with Cleo Johnson, a 4th grade teacher from Jesse Keen Elementary, about the power a positive school culture can have on the retention and engagement of teachers, both new and experienced. They discuss specific ways that teachers can support each other and take charge of the culture on their campus to make it into the school they want it to be. Join us and be fired up today.
The Ignite Project, a Polk County Public Schools Podcast, is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and as a video on our YouTube channel. For more information about this podcast, and our other podcasts, visit polkschoolsfl.com/podcasts
On this episode of The Ignite Project, Teacher Engagement Leader Jessica Solano talks with Amber Screen, a 5th grade teacher from Philip O'Brien Elementary, about having empathy for everyone. They discuss coworkers who feel defeated, parents who feel overwhelmed, and students that just need to be understood. Join us and be fired up today.
The Ignite Project, a Polk County Public Schools Podcast, is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and as a video on our YouTube channel. For more information about this podcast, and our other podcasts, visit polkschoolsfl.com/podcasts
Coming soon – A Polk County Public Schools podcast made for teachers, by teachers. Teachers of all experience levels need each other’s enthusiasm and passion to fuel an ongoing desire to do what it takes to meet the needs of our students, and that’s what this podcast is all about. Be energized by their enthusiasm to ignite a love for teaching while they challenge others to join them in their work. Join us September 30, 2020.