Teach Like A Rock Star Podcast

Rick Ramirez is a secondary educator, AVID sponsor, and a recent Teacher of the Year Award winner in El Paso, Texas. Subscribe on itunes | Subscribe on Google Born in El Paso, Texas, Rick Ramirez was raised without his biological father along with his 6 siblings in the projects while on every government assistance program available. Following high school, Rick joined the Marine Corps where he realized he wanted to be a teacher. He's a graduate from The University of Texas at El Paso, with a BA in history and education and a Master's in Educational Leadership and has received his principal's certification. In addition to teaching, Rick is a 3x Golden Glove champion and current trainer. Rick also started a non-profit organization designed to give back to the neighborhood he grew up in and still live in. Recently, he has been giving speeches to 7-12 graders for 1 1/2 years now as an aspiring educational consultant and youth speaker. Website | rickramirezspeaks.com Email | [email protected] Join Rick on Social Media: Facebook | /rickramirez915 Instagram | @rick_ramirez915 Twitter | @rickramirez Watch on YouTube >>

The Dynamic Duo of Teaching: Jacob Chastain and Kecia Dennis Subscribe on itunes | Subscribe on Google Jacob Chastain is the creator and host of the Teach Me, Teacher Podcast, and a Literacy Coach 6-8th / 7th ELA Teacher. Jacob sees himself as a professional teacher affirmer and explorer of all things education. His memoir about how teachers changed his life and how he uses those lessons in his teaching today can be found in his book coming out later this year. Email: [email protected] Twitter: @jacobchastain_ Facebook: /teachmeteache Instagram: @teachmeteacherhost TeachMeTeacherPodcast.com Kecia Dennis is a 10 year veteran teacher, set on teaching students not only valuable English skills, but how to change the world around them. She currently teaches at Richland Middle School. She's a mom of two exceptional daughters and a complete “word nerd.” Email: [email protected] Instagram: @readennis2read Watch on Youtube >>

Pamela Davis is a teacher with an amazing story of transformation and sacrifice. Subscribe on itunes | Subscribe on Google In this episode, Pamela share's her story of transformation and sacrifice. Over the last 12 months, she's lost over 150lbs and donated a kidney to save the life of a friend. Pamela graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with an ECE specialization. Having worked predominantly with low income students, Pamela's taught Prek for 10 years and kinder for 5. She has two kids of her own, a son and a daughter. Watch the video on YouTube >> Follow Pamela on Social Media: Twitter: @SASpursteacher Facebook: /pamela.martindavis Instagram: @spurskinderteacher

Dawn Warren is a Rock Star teacher In Magnolia ISD in Magnolia, TX. Subscribe on itunes | Subscribe on Google I know in education we're not supposed to play favorites. But, I do. Dawn warren is one of my favorite teachers that I've met. She's passionate about her content and even more passionate about making a difference in the lives of her kids. After teaching for over a quarter century, Dawn is an excellent educator. Yet, as you'll hear, she's still excited to be on the journey to becoming even better. Oh, and again with the favorites: Dawn is currently a history teacher at one of my favorite schools - Bear Branch Junior High in Magnolia ISD in Magnolia, Texas.

Jim McCarthy | Voiceover Dude & Media Coach Subscribe on itunes | Subscribe on Google "Like most VO folks, I started out in radio. I worked in Connecticut, Las Vegas and ended up settling in Nashville since 2005. Over that time I voiced and produced literally thousands of ads for almost every type of business from the local smoke shop on up to Coca Cola and Jose Cuervo." Watch the video on YouTube>> Follow Jim everywhere! Instagram: @jimmccarthyvos Twitter: @jimmccarthyvos Facebook: Mccarthy.media Web: www.jimmccarthyvoiceovers.com Subscribe to Jim's Podcast: JMVO Weekly Primer

Subscribe on itunes | Subscribe on Google Mike and NIta Creekmore are a married couple both in the field of education. Mike has been in the field of counseling for about 11+ years and Nita has been in education for 15 years. Nita and Mike have 4 children and have a very busy life inside and outside of school. They love what we do. They love having a large family. Yet, they believe that having a work/life balance is so important. Watch on YouTube >>

Subscribe on itunes | Subscribe on Google Seth Hopkins-Federman’s career as a teacher started as a way to make sure he wasn’t a starving actor. Through the years, he has taught English and Reading at several different levels and has presented at both state and national conferences. He has finally found a way to substitute his love for the stage with a profound and passionate love for the classroom. He is currently working on his doctorate in Education Leadership with the goal of becoming a striving force in education reform or finding a way to successfully pay off all of the student loans. Watch on YouTube>>

Human Connection Matters! In 2019 this simple yet incredibly powerful message is arguably the single most important concept for our society to grasp. Joe Beckman speaks to the heart of this message. As a youth speaker for the last 17 years, Joe has shared his energy, humor, authenticity, and message on Human Connection to over 1 million students, educators, and parents. Joe’s message, or maybe better said, the delivery of Joe's message resonates deeply with his audiences. Which is why he's so often told, "dude...you're the best speaker our school has EVER brought in." ~ kid who thought the speaker was going to be dumb Joe lives in Minneapolis, MN, with his 3 children (Sophia, Finn and Jonah) and incredibly beautiful, patient, kind, patient, loving, and very very patient wife Jess. To learn more about Joe to inquire about a live event at your school or conference visit, www.joebeckman.com. Connect with Joe on Social Media: Fb | papagio2009 Ig | @joe_beckman Tw | @Joe_Beckman

Subscribe on itunes | Subscribe on Google Misty Malone is the founder of Genius Power Productions and the EMPOWER Educators Conference. She is a passionate advocate for educational change and student success. She is a risk taker and loves to develop leaders and educators in a variety of key areas that promote teacher support and student achievement. The EMPOWER Educators Conference is a celebration of educators that also develops and empowers them with ideas and resources to do what is best for students. She donates 100% of the net proceeds to the attendees to support their classrooms. Misty joined Education 5+ years ago with 10+ years of Leadership and Training and Development experience. As Training Director, Misty focused on building and developing trainers and curriculum for multiple industries and positions. She has studied and practiced Servant Leadership with incredible mentors. Misty is certified in Servant Leadership, Principles of Management, Coaching and Mentoring Skills for Leadership Success, and Professional Development Strategies.

Casey Olearnick is a lifelong learner and educator currently serving as an Assistant Principal at Oakville High School in the Mehlville School District. A father, husband, son, and brother, Casey enjoys music, learning, creating, and tabletop RPGs.

Kim Strobel is transforming education and helping teachers bring creativity, innovation, excitement, and achievement back into the classroom. She’s an education consultant, well-versed in best-practice strategies. But she’s also a teacher, so she knows what it takes to implement real change—and that a lot of professional development fails to deliver. That’s why her workshops and other teacher training opportunities focus on reinvigorating teachers’ purpose and passion, empowering them to step back into their classrooms with confidence and courage.

JON KONEN is a father, husband, K-6 elementary principal, and freelance writer in Great Falls, Montana. He has taught most all grade levels K-6, and has been a K-12 principal of a rural school. As a 5th grade teacher in 2010, he won the Presidential Award for Elementary Math and Science Teaching (PAEMST). As a principal, his school won the 2012 Blue Ribbon Award. In 2018, he won the National Distinguished Principal Award (NDP). He is the author of two guides, An Educator's Guide to Combat Bullying & Bully Prevention and Teacher Evaluation: A Transition Guide to Exemplary Performance. He has authored a children's picture book that will be released in February, 2019 titled, Benjamin's Visit to Principal's Reads' Office…Again!

Hi! My name is NIKKI HEIMAN and I’m a former special education teacher, now in educational leadership, and I provide professional development and support schools in achieving their goals for kids. I’m also a mother of 3 kids, one of whom was blessed with an extra 21st chromosome. Having him changed my life, I just did’t know it right away. I’m passionate about supporting all kids, including students with disabilities in reaching their full potential, which includes work in local advocacy, impacting public policy at the state and federal government levels as well as individual mindsets.

CHUCK DERTINGER is ridiculously passionate about helping people live healthy, fit, and happy lives. Sure, he definitely has all the degrees, credentials, and certifications: Honors Degree in Business Masters Degree in Science - Exercise Physiology CSCS Credential Precision Nutrition Certified But, more important than that, he has thousands of clients who have revolutionized their exercise and nutrition habits; lost weight; got in shape; and, feel great about the way they look and feel. Originally from Canada, Chuck now lives in Texas with his wife, Alexandra, and any number of stray dogs they might be fostering at the time. Visit Chuck Online: LeanBodyCoaching.com

I've known Suzi Mitchell for just about 2 decades. Of all the educators I've met across the country, she's one of my favorites. Suzi currently serves as the CTE Director at Hays Consolidated Independent School District. Hays CISD provides a wide range of Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses designed to provide students with the skills needed to enter today’s workforce. Hays CISD provides students with rigorous and relevant instruction to help them succeed in our high-demand, high-skilled working environment of the 21st century. Students apply their academic skills along with their technical skills in the CTE classrooms. Career and Technical Education can provide students with a chance to explore various career options and provide them with enhanced earning potential while continuing their education. Many of our courses are articulated with Austin Community College which means students can earn college credit while in high school at no cost to the student.

Dr. Toni Hull is Principal of the Mesilla Valley Leadership Academy and Lynn Community Middle School in Las Cruces, New Mexico. She has 25 years of experience as an educator in NY and NM, including teaching science for 17 years, coaching teachers for 7 years and serving as an administrator for the last 4 years. Dr. Hull is a Teacher Ambassador Fellow for the US Department of Education and Woodrow Wilson MBA Fellow. She is also Assistant Professor of educational leadership for New Mexico State University.

JEFF SPRINGER, an educator for 31 years, is the founder of the G.O.A.L. TEAM (GETTING OTHERS TO ACHIEVE HIGHER LEVELS). The G.O.A.L. TEAM is a program directed at helping high school students and adults maximize their personal leadership potential. In 2008, Jeff began a new ministry called “Suit Up Ministries” and is available to speak in person to various organizations. Jeff attended Abilene Christian University where he played on the 1977 National Championship Football team, received his Bachelor of Arts in Teaching from Sam Houston State University and obtained his Masters of Sports Administration from the United States Sports Academy. Jeff, a former Texas High School Head Football Coach and eleven year veteran of the classroom, is presently the Principal at The Magnolia High School, a North Houston area High School. Jeff also serves as the Men’s Minister and Discipleship Coach at a church in Northeast Houston, as well. Springer, who resides in Magnolia, Texas, has been married for 32 years and has two children.

Elizabeth Anastasopoulos’ drive to understand the true function of food/nutrition in the body began in 2011. For two years, she participated as a figure competitor in the OCB. While she was successful on the stage both years, she found that the style of prep her coach used left her feeling weak, fatigued, and overly moody. She also experienced a shocking thirty-pound rebound shortly after her first set of shows. As a result, not only did she struggle to get lean the following year, her coach used more extreme methods to get her stage ready. It was after this second difficult prep that Elizabeth felt there had to be a better way to get ready for the stage. She decided she needed to take her health into her own hands and truly understand how food fueled the body by pursuing her certification as a NASM Fitness Nutrition Specialist (FNS). What she learned during her studies disturbed her, as she discovered the way she had been fed during the two years of prep could have had detrimental affects to her metabolism. Determined to prove one could get lean without using the extreme measures once practiced on her, Elizabeth hired Kim Porterfield, CN of The Institute of Eating Management (IEM) in Houston, Texas. Her husband had discovered Kim after having read and used the methods outlined in the book Get Lean by Lee Labrada and Keith Klein, CN, CCN (owner of IEM). His results with Kim were nothing less than outstanding, so Elizabeth decided to place her faith in Kim as well…she was not disappointed. For her final figure competition, Elizabeth stepped on stage looking and feeling her best. Elizabeth was impressed and inspired by Kim’s knowledge and genuine concern for the health of her clients so much so she was determined to thank Kim in person. She and her husband flew to Houston to meet Kim and Keith and it was from that first meeting with them that Elizabeth knew what path she wanted her career to take: she wanted to become a nutritionist, too. Encouraged by Kim and Keith, Elizabeth began pursuing her Diploma in Comprehensive Nutrition (DipCN) from Huntington College of Health Sciences. It was during her studies that she also took on a position as a nutritional adviser with Center Stage Figures and Physiques. Here, Elizabeth had the opportunity to put into practice what she had learned through Kim, through her NASM FNS, and her DipCN coursework. However, it wasn’t her passion to work strictly with competitors. Elizabeth knew she wanted to work with people who simply wanted to live healthier, more productive lives. Food, she learned, was medicine, and it was through food and proper nutritional education that she wanted to make a difference. She reached out to Keith and it was then he proposed to her the possibility of her becoming a Lean Body Coach. Elizabeth currently holds her CPT and FNS certifications from NASM and her DipCN from Huntington College of Health Sciences. However, she intends to continue her studies in order to become a Certified Sports Nutritionist.

TRINA MOORE is starting her 24th year teaching and still gets revved about the process of building a classroom culture. She was the 2010 Region 6 Teacher of the Year, has worked with PBS Student Reporting Labs, and has taught everything from sci-fi literature to drama to AV production. Trina likes to think she “gets it” when it comes to working with high school kids – mostly. She also feels REALLY awkward writing about herself in the third person.

KHALIAH GUILLORY is on a quest to fuel her passion and fulfill her purpose. At the core, she is a Performance Productivity Expert, Lover of Humanity, and Philanthropist. These are a few words that describe her contribution to the universe. Buoyed by her passion to inspire others by means of speaking, Khaliah founded KOG & Company (KOG) in 2015. KOG, is a people empowerment platform built to encourage the masses to operate outside of their fears and summon up the unmitigated gall to courageously pursue their purpose and passions in life. As Khaliah uses her voice for life-transformation success, her most thought provoking talks are “Unleash Your Dopeness™, “Diversity Deposits”, and “Mogul in Training”. Khaliah’s expertise and vast experiences as a leader working for Fortune 500 companies have awarded her Houston’s Next Generation of Leaders Award. This award recognizes professionals who demonstrate leadership within their communities. She graduated from the University of Central Florida, Nicholson School of Communication with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. In addition to all of the greatness that has transpired in her favor, 2017 seems to be Khaliah’s year. Khaliah has assumed a pertinent role as an Adjunct Professor in the MBA program at the University of Houston – Downtown and was elected an officer for the Advisory Board of the Texas Diversity Council. As Khaliah’s destiny is taking flight in more ways than one, her winning personality and candid take on diversity in life have landed her a spot hosting the Startup Master’s Podcast and a contributor for the international media platform, the Huffington Post. Because Khaliah understands that every human being was born with a certain measure of tenacity and strength, her mantra for 2017 is: “Unleash Your Dopeness™” with the intention of inspiring the masses to unlock the greatness inside of them.

MATT FOSTER is an educator, writer, content creator, and educational entrepreneur. As the Co-founder of TeamTom Education, LLC., he publishes “Insanely Innovative Leadership Ideas” at mafost.com and serves as the Learning Engineer at SpiralWarmUps.com. Matt is a lifelong learner and educator with elementary teaching experience and k-12 administrative experience. Matt is a dad, a family man, and a lover of the great outdoors.

Dr. Dayna Smith has been an educator for 23 years. She currently serves as Director of Special Programs for Orangefield ISD.

Tristan Tarpley is the founder of Tarpley Holdings, which includes Market(r), Influenc(r), and Produc(r). According to Tristan, "When growth-stage businesses look for marketing (product development, advertising, positioning, branding, etc), they typically do 1 of 3 things: Build it in house from day one. They pool so many resources insourcing that they then don’t have the gas to put into the car, so to speak. They hire their friend that “does marketing.” They hire an agency. Agencies are kind of like Tylenol. Tylenol is great for its particular use case, but not for all use cases. And you don’t want to take too much Tylenol. My businesses enable a 4th option: Playing the role of the vertically-integrated doctor, pharmacy, and radiology department to diagnose, prescribe, and monitor and optimize—at a fraction of the cost."

Jason Yeaman is the principal at Vidor Middle School in Vidor ISD. In his own words: "I love being in the education field, being able to watch students be successful or influence a child in a positive manner makes my day. I enjoy watching my daughter dance and play softball. I love to see her succeed, I love to see her smile! I have been in education my whole career, I started at the Junior High level and pretty much stayed there until I got in administration. I have coached a variety of sports, I have a passion for Special Olympics and the Unified Sports portion of that program. I love to see those kids smile and enjoy playing the games they love with others."

Coach Josh Smalley, a hometown kid from Bridge City, realized his dream of coaching when he accepted the freshman coaching position at his high school alma mater in 1999, shortly after graduating from college. He would eventually accept his first head coaching position at nearby Orangefield in the late school year of 2012. “Coaching young kids is the best profession this side of heaven I can think of,” says Smalley, who is entering his second full season as head football coach and athletic director at Orangefield. “Working with young kids and seeing them grow as players and also outside the classroom is an awesome thing.”

Emanuelee "Outspoken Bean” is a performance poet, writer, compassionate mentor, electric entertainer, and an educator. Bean travels the country performing his original works and inspiring creative minds. Bean is a military brat but, calls San Antonio, Texas home and since high school Bean has been producing shows and performing continuously. That work ethic has taken him to Trinidad to Miami to South Dakota to Off-Broadway New York City and across the vast Houston Metropolitan where he inspires people from all walks of life to find and claim their voice. He is a 2011 Texas Poet Laureate nominee, ranked 9th in the Individual World Poetry Slam 2013, ranked 2nd in collaborative poetry at Group Piece Finals 2013 and, is ranked 11th at National Poetry Slam 2014 (both with Houston VIP). He started performing spoken-word in 2005. In his senior year at Prairie View A&M, Bean founded and coached the University’s first poetry slam team. In their first year, they won the title in their region and grabbed the 8th place ranking in the country at College Union Poetry Slam Invitational (CUPSI ’08). Bean has also worked with the Harris County Department of Education, Houston’s Young Audiences: Arts for Learning and Texas Commission for the Arts, Houston Grand Opera, and coached Miami’s youth poetry slam team, Tiger-tail WordSpeak in the summer 2016. He serves as the Project Coordinator, Lead Coach and mentor for Meta-Four Houston, a project under Writers in the Schools’ WITS Performance program. Where professional performance/slam poets encourage self expression and literacy among Houston’s youth through creative writing and performance.

JAIME CUNNINGHAM, originally from the thriving metropolis of Ottawa, Illinois, currently serves the students and families of Spring Independent School District as a Youth Service Specialist with Harris County Community Youth Services in Harris County, Texas. During our time together, you’ll hear Jaime say, “Well, I’m not a teacher.” But, I’ve worked with Jaime for years and I can tell you she is definitely a teacher. No, she may not have a traditional classroom and be responsible for teaching a particular content area, but of thousands upon thousands of educators I’ve met and worked with over the years, she’s at the top of the list. She’s one of the best. Listen in as we reminisce about “the good ol’ days,” chat about kids, teaching, and changing lives.

JEFF SPRINGER, an educator for 31 years, is the founder of the G.O.A.L. TEAM (GETTING OTHERS TO ACHIEVE HIGHER LEVELS). The G.O.A.L. TEAM is a program directed at helping high school students and adults maximize their personal leadership potential. In 2008, Jeff began a new ministry called “Suit Up Ministries” and is available to speak in person to various organizations. Jeff attended Abilene Christian University where he played on the 1977 National Championship Football team, received his Bachelor of Arts in Teaching from Sam Houston State University and obtained his Masters of Sports Administration from the United States Sports Academy. Jeff, a former Texas High School Head Football Coach and eleven year veteran of the classroom, is presently the Principal at The Magnolia High School, a North Houston area High School. Jeff also serves as the Men’s Minister and Discipleship Coach at a church in Northeast Houston, as well. Springer, who resides in Magnolia, Texas, has been married for 32 years and has two children.

Cameron Pratto is a founding member, senior coach and executive director of Urban Movement. Always a mover, Cameron's longest trained discipline throughout the years has been with Yoga. Having stumbled upon Parkour in mid-2008, the energy and purpose he soon discovered after training with some of the founders of the discipline (Chau Belle, Laurent Piemontesi and Yann Hnautra) became the catalyst for starting Urban Movement with some friends in 2011. He also eventually got to know some of the coaches at Parkour Generations (Dan Edwardes, Chris Rowat and Annty Marais), attended and hosted several of their workshops and certifications. Followed by also training with and learning from the founders of the MovNat Natural Movement Fitness system (Erwan LeCorre and Vic Verdier), Cameron now thrives in a movement lifestyle. He's always training, traveling, teaching and nurturing Urban Movement. Cameron is ADAPT Level 1 certified and has a dispensation from Parkour Generations to qualify other Level 1 coaches. He's also MovNat Level 3 & MovNat Combatives certified. In addition, Cameron holds a place on the MovNat Certification Team traveling the world teaching their workshops and certifications.

Mario Bye is currently the principal at Rudder High School in Bryan ISD.

Steve Satterwhite is a CEO, leadership consultant, and the author of "Above the Line: How the Golden Rule Rules the Bottom Line" - a riveting entrepreneurial story about how putting people first not only makes a difference in peoples' lives, but boosts revenue and profits. His inspiring and powerful story details the highs and lows of starting, building, and sustaining a company that's built on the simple belief that when you lift individuals up, your company thrives. Steve is Founder and CEO of Entelligence IT--one of the fastest growing technology service firms in the US. He has been featured in Forbes, Investors Business Daily, CNBC, M World and his manifesto was featured on the front page of Huffington Post. Steve's mission is to bring real, authentic leadership into businesses and organizations around the world. When he's not hatching plans to categorically transform the way leaders lead and company culture is created, he's spending time with his three beautiful children. To book Steve to speak or consult for your organization, visit www.stevesatterwhite.me

Charles Aguillon is the Director of Fine Arts and Academic Enrichment for Lake Travis ISD. A native of Victoria, he began his career in music education in 1993 as a Band Director for the San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District. In 1996, Mr. Aguillon joined the Georgetown Independent School District and served in various capacities including Georgetown High School Band Director, GISD Director of Fine Arts, and mostly recently, Associate Principal for Teaching and Learning at East View High School. He earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education from Texas State University-San Marcos as well as a Master of Arts in Education Administration and Supervision from the University of Phoenix where he has completed work towards a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. Mr. Aguillon currently serves on the State UIL Music Technical Advisory Committee as well as serving as President of the Texas Music Educators Association Region 32. As LTISD Director of Fine Arts and Academic Enrichment, Mr. Aguillon is responsible for providing structured support, guidance and coordination of the District’s performing and visual arts programs across K-12 including band, choir, orchestra, art, theater arts, and dance. He also administers the Lake Travis Performing Arts Center and its three main facilities: a 1,500 seat Concert Hall, a 200 seat Black Box Theater, and a 275 seat Recital Hall. At the elementary level, art and music education are offered at all campuses, allowing students to develop an understanding of the cultural and creative nature of music and art. At the secondary level, fine arts classes center on both curricular and extra-curricular activities. Students participate in a variety of activities through UIL and many other organizations. Mr. Aguillon also provides district level support for Languages Other Than English (LOTE) and UIL Academic programs. The Fine Arts Office is located in the Lake Travis Performing Arts center at Lake Travis High School.

Teya Sparks is the founder of Sharespace, a Coworking Space and Incubator for the Person Behind the Project (You). She is an expert in Human Mojo and a mother of 2 awesome kids - Evan and Nash.

MANDY TRICHELL is a personal trainer in Houston, Texas with a ton of teacher clients. According to Mandy, “Alter your perception. Take control. Mod your body. The only thing preventing you from kicking ass is the belief that you can’t. It’s my job to show you that you can.” Well, that just about says it all.

RICH REDMOND is an influential touring/recording drummer/percussionist based in Nashville, Tennessee and Los Angeles, California. His versatile, dynamic, and rock solid drumming is the sound behind many of today’s top talents: Jason Aldean, Ludacris, Kelly Clarkson, Bryan Adams, Joe Perry, Jewel, Miranda Lambert, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Pam Tillis, Susan Ashton, Deana Carter, Kid Rock and many, many others. As the drumming powerhouse behind Grammy nominated mega star JASON ALDEAN, Rich has recorded TEN #1 singles with over 7 million albums sold and over 13 million single downloads. As a high-energy live showman, Rich plays sold out shows of 25-30,000 fans nightly in amphitheaters, arenas and stadiums across North America. Rich has appeared many times on TV on shows such as: The Voice, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien, Conan, Jimmy Fallon, The Jimmy Kimmel Show, Craig Ferguson, Good Morning America, The Today Show, The Michael and Kelly Show, Ellen, Austin City Limits, The CMA Awards, The ACM Awards, The CMT Awards, The ACA Awards, numerous GAC and CMT Specials, and of course, The Grammy Awards. As a member of the production team known as New Voice Entertainment (NV), Rich is constantly developing new talent such as Thompson Square, whose first single “Are you Gonna Kiss Me Or Not”? was a #1 single and the most played song on radio in 2011. Rich earned his Master’s Degree at The University of North Texas where he toured/recorded with the prestigious 1:00 Lab Band. Rich was voted “Best Country Drummer” and “Best Clinician” by Modern Drummer Magazine in 2010 and “Best Country Drummer” by Drum! Magazine in 2011. Rich now combines his classical training and ‘street smarts’ musicianship to bring his passion filled drumming to the world.

Beth Fuller is the 2012 Kentucky Elementary Teacher of the Year Also, Beth is the 2012 recipient of the Gheens Institute for Innovation Creativity and Entrepreneurship Award for Ruff Ruff Readers. Beth is the author of What Did You Learn Today: Implementing Family Message Journals K-12 and Oliver Overcomes Obstacles: Our Resilient Hero.

I'll let Krissy Vernosdale tell you all about herself: "You don’t have to read many blog posts here to know what I am passionate about. Bottom line: I want school to be one of the most exciting places a child ever visits. Better than Disney World, as cool as flying to the moon, and most of all? When they leave our learning space, I want them to remember our time together and take part of it with them. Everyday is about building connections. Every moment counts. As WB Yeats said, “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” Light it. I want every child to have the best life possible. I strive to make school a place where kids can imagine, create, dream, and explore. I don’t believe in telling kids what to think, I believe in teaching them HOW to think. I also believe deeply that you can learn something from every person you meet. Oh, and that the world was meant to be a colorful place where we constantly try to notice the good in others around us. I am currently the Innovation Coordinator at The Kinkaid School in Houston, Texas. It’s great to do work that I love and be surrounded by colleagues that inspire and support me. My day consists of supporting teachers, troubleshooting technology, creating, making, and teaching. Have I mentioned I love my job?"

Before Eric Jarvis was spotted at the 2013 Grammy’s, he was on the Teach Like A Rock Star Podcast! Eric is a native Houstonian, fifth-generation Texan, and lifelong musician. He has worked on over 50 records with various artists (local to international) and continues to produce, arrange, record, mix and/or perform on records in Texas and elsewhere. Listen in as Eric traces much of his current success back to the foundation that was created with the help his teachers and his experiences in the classroom.

DAVID GRACE spent his formative years in school dedicated to athletics, surrounded by his mentors – teachers and coaches. In college, David was a four-year letter winner playing middle linebacker for the Texas A&M University-Kingsville Javelina football team. After receiving his Bachelor’s Degree of Science in May of 2006 and his Master’s Degree of Science in December of 2007, he then decided to pursue his new-found passion for music. Today, David continues to use all that he learned from those teachers and coaches – sacrifice, perseverance, dedication, work ethic, integrity, and more – as he travels the nation sharing his music with fans from coast-to-coast.

Dennis Dill is a badass teacher in Florida.

With a bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Central Florida and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from American College of Education, Dana Davie has been teaching at McKeel Academy in Lakeland, Florida since 2008. She believes that it is her responsibility to teach each student according to their individual needs and interests; to provide students with many opportunities to experience learning within an 21st century learning environment, through the use of computers and other technology tools; and, to make learning fun and exciting for EVERYONE!

Tim Kenney is a math teacher at Mandarin Oaks Elementary School in Duval County, Florida where he is also the founding president of the Duval Elementary Math Council, which strives to promote mathematics, assist with professional development and create mathematical communities within our schools. In addition, he is a recipient of the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

Tina Sabuco is the Artistic Director and Foundress of ARTS ALIVE! Inc. Tina and I talk about how she blends her drama and dance backgrounds to offer an expressive arts program for students of all ages and abilities. Her students include babies and their parents, children of all ages, seniors with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and special needs populations. Also, Tina is impassioned about teacher education. She combines unique teaching methodologies with her extensive teaching experience to provide workshops in arts education for classroom teachers. She has contributed to several books on early childhood dance and creative movement and taught “Arts and the Child” to education majors as an adjunct professor at the University of Houston Clear Lake. Most importantly, Tina is one of my favorite people on the planet. I’m sure you’ll see why . . .

Juan "Juan Ito" Gill comes to us from Miami-Dade County Schools in Florida. Juan shares his story starting from his early years growing up in Cuba to today as a 2nd grade teacher at Gulfstream Elementary School. He teaches at a school with amazing leadership where the cooperative spirit of the staff nurtures a love of learning in their students with the intention of creating productive citizens. Not only is Juan a Rock Star in the classroom, but outside, as well, as the singer for the band Franklin’s Wheel. During our time together Juan and I not only talk about kids and teaching, but we even talk about and listen to a song he wrote for one of his student’s who tragically passed away. For more on Franklin’s Wheel, you can visit their website, or like them on facebook, or download music on iTunes.

Jason Hallman made his way to the classroom by following a path that is very different from that of most teachers. Listen in as Jason and I cover everything from the influence and impact of his teachers to how following his passion has lead him to develop one of the most successful high school auto academies in the nation. Don’t miss this one!

Mabry Allen and I had a GREAT time talking about teaching! We covered it all – everything from growing up in “small town Texas” to his experience as a 1st year teacher to the amazing work he’s currently doing with his PALs and Teen Leadership classes at Cy-Springs High School in Cypress, Texas. Mabry even shares some insight into how he creates a loving and supportive family in his classroom. I love hanging out and chatting with educators that are still so FIRED-UP about teaching kids!!

YVONNE TAYLOR is a remarkable woman – she’s an educator, a writer, an editor, a mentor, a business owner, a mom, and more. We spent time talking about the teachers that helped her become who she is today as she moved around the globe as part of a military family. And, we discussed how she is now using her passion for writing as a vehicle for making the world a better place – not just for her readers, but also for those young adults she serves as a writing coach, teacher, and mentor. Want to learn the ingredients of a world class college application essay? Trust me, she has the recipe.

Dennis Welch breaks it down as only Dennis can do: books, writing, following your passion, forgiveness, kids, and even describes his role with the metal band “Testament.”