The Teacher As...

In this episode, Melissa interviews Lt. Al North , a firefighter in Rhode Island. They discuss the job of a firefighter and the parallels to teaching. Some themes that emerged were planning and prepa…

In this episode, Melissa talks to educator Kerry Gallagher about her groundbreaking work with students, teachers, and families. Kerry explains that she strives to blow up the existing models to provi…

In this episode, Melissa talks to Nancy Barile, punk rocker and amazing educator. Nancy shares how punk rock has shaped the way she approaches her teaching practice.

In this episode, Melissa talks to three different music educators about their work teaching and inspiring students. Bri Knox works in a rural area in Wisconsin, Mel Steiger works in a suburb of Bosto…

Melissa continues this short series of episodes talking to musicians and music teachers. In this episode Melissa talks to Dr. Robyn L. Bell. Dr. Bell is an established conductor and  the director of …

In this episode, Melissa interviews Nico de Villiers. Nico is a vocal coach, a pianist, and a podcaster. He talks about listening acutely and supporting students when teaching or coaching. 

In this bonus episode, Melissa and Tricia share that they are very happy to still be coteaching since it was in question most of the summer. They share what is working, what is challenging, and some …

In this episode, Melissa talks to Ann Elise Record about her work with teachers, the power of running records, and the importance of helping students think creatively and flexibly about math.

In this episode, Melissa interviews her former theater professor, Whitney White, know as Whizz to his students. Whizz shares his philosophy and pedagogy of teaching which includes encouraging student…

In this Zooming In episode, Jack Mangan shares his experiences as a writer who has collaborated with many different talented professionals. Teachers of writing will especially enjoy this chat with Ja…

In this episode, Nicole Kang talks about the idea of teachers focusing on computational thinking and using coding for a purpose. Nicole is an educator, coder, and entrepreneur who is letting her pass…

In this episode, Melissa interviews Kristy Sumner. Kristy leads paranormal investigations with her company Soul Sisters. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, this interview will hopefully inspire yo…

In this episode, Melissa talks with Dave Burgess, the author of Teach Like a Pirate and successful publisher of over 100 books about educational practice. Dave talks about how he went from teacher, t…

Melissa interviews her dad, Lester Fleishman, who was a music educator who helped two different towns go from having no music program to having successful bands, including a marching band. Sit back a…

In this episode, Melissa interviews Angela Stockman, who is a researcher and author of three books including Make Writing and Hacking the Writing Workshop. Angela shares the research method she uses …

In this episode, Melissa talks with Leah Henry, a project based learning facilitator and coach. Leah shares the importance of always learning as educators and how we can help students investigate the…

Melissa interviews Matt Paxton from the TV shows Hoarders and Legacy List with Matt Paxton. Matt talks about working with people who have suffered trauma and how compassion and humor are vital. 

In this episode Melissa talks with Paul Solarz, teacher and author of Learn Like a Pirate. Paul shares projects that he is zooming in on right now as well as his overall focus on student-led learning…

In this episode, Melissa and her principal, Julia Hendrix, discuss the importance of building relationships and the challenges of starting this particular school year. Julia shares ideas for strength…

In this bonus episode, Melissa and Tricia talk about co-teaching in their fourth grade classroom this year. Both are new to co-teaching and on this adventure together. This will be a monthly bonus ep…