Intro: Meet Katie & Aubrey — The Teachers Behind the Wheel
Release Date: 10/29/2025
♥️You Matter: A Love Letter to Humanity
Driving Education
Valentine’s Day is often about cards, candy, and grand gestures — but this episode is about something deeper. In this special Valentine edition of Driving Education, Katie walks through the halls of Hoover High School where she witnesses the You Matter movement in action reminding every single student, staff and faculty member that their inherent worth is seen---and the world needs every single person---because every person matters. Whether you’re leading a school, teaching in a classroom, taking a test, playing an instrument, serving lunch, coaching a team, or pushing a...
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Episode 10: Work Smarter, Not Harder: Driving Education with ALEX
Driving Education
In this episode of Driving Education, Katie sits down with Hailey Ridgeway from the Alabama State Department of Education — one of the brilliant minds behind ALEX (Alabama Learning Exchange). If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by standards, lesson planning, or finding high-quality resources that actually fit your students, this episode is for you. Hailey pulls back the curtain on how ALEX has evolved into a powerful, teacher-centered platform — designed to help educators work smarter, not harder. From unpacked standards and vetted resources to collaborative sandboxes, AI-supported lesson...
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Episode 09- Enjoying the Journey: Conversations with Dr. Mackey
Driving Education
In this episode of Driving Education, Katie welcomes Dr. Mackey for a joyful, thoughtful conversation about leadership, perspective, and what it means to show up fully — even when the road is hard. Dr. Mackey brings humor, honesty, and heart as he reflects on leadership, resilience, and the importance of choosing joy in the work of education. From lighthearted moments to meaningful insights, this episode reminds us that how we lead — and how we live — matters just as much as what we accomplish. In this conversation, you’ll hear about: Why joy is a leadership strategy, not a bonus ...
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Episode 08: The Mystery Behind the Milken: Driving Excellence in Education
Driving Education
In this episode of Driving Education, Katie and Aubrey pull back the curtain on one of the most prestigious honors in education — the Milken Educator Award. Often called the “Oscars of Teaching,” the Milken is surrounded by secrecy, surprise, and speculation. But behind the mystery is something much deeper: exceptional educators doing extraordinary work every single day — without knowing who is watching. This episode explores: Why the Milken Award is intentionally mysterious What the award truly recognizes (and what it doesn’t) The unseen impact of excellent educators How...
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Episode: 07: Leadership Without Limits
Driving Education
In this unforgettable episode of Driving Education, Katie sits down with Dr. Walter Gonsoulin — “Dr. G” — Superintendent of Jefferson County Schools, National Superintendent of the Year, and one of U.S. News & World Report’s 25 Best Leaders in America. Dr. G shares his extraordinary journey from a sixth-grade classroom in Louisiana to leading one of the largest school districts in Alabama — and onto the national stage. Along the way, he reveals a leadership philosophy rooted in humanity, trust, collaboration, and removing the “box” altogether. Listeners will hear...
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Episode 06: Burgers, Buy-In & the Road to Better Schools
Driving Education
Katie and Aubrey hit the road with former Alabama Teacher of the Year Jennifer Brown to visit Paul Bryant High School and see how Principal Hines has built a culture of trust, visibility, and growth. From walkthroughs to data tracking to student ownership, this episode is full of practical insight—and a little karaoke. In this episode: Visiting Paul W. Bryant High School in Tuscaloosa City Schools with Jennifer Brown How Principal Hines builds trust and visibility What daily walkthroughs look like—and why they work Students tracking their ACT pathway data Metacognition and...
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Episode 05: Preparing Kids for the Road Ahead: Why Durable Skills Matter
Driving Education
What if the “end game” of education isn’t test scores or standards—but preparing students to thrive in Alabama’s future workforce? Katie and Aubrey dive into that big question with Valerie Curtis, Director of the Jacksonville State Regional Inservice Center. Valerie shares how partnerships with industry, regional STEM ecosystems, and K–12 collaboration are shaping what students need right now to be ready for the jobs of tomorrow. They discuss: Why durable skills (communication, collaboration, adaptability, time management) matter more than ever How Alabama’s industries—from...
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Episode 04: The Heart Behind the Hardware: Conversations With Alabama’s Tech Leaders
Driving Education
In this episode of Driving Education, Katie and Aubrey ride along with Alabama’s top tech leaders to explore how instructional technology is really about people—not devices. You’ll hear from Angie Clark, Katie Maddox, and Molly Evans as they share stories of innovation, collaboration, unplugged backups, 3D printing prosthetics, and the human connections that make teaching powerful. Their message is clear: technology can enhance learning, but it will never replace the relationships that change students’ lives. Angie Clark, Region 7 Technology in Motion Specialist; Katie Maddox, Director...
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Episode 03-Students Driving Independence: The Let Grow Experience
Driving Education
In this inspiring episode of Driving Education, Katie and Aubrey take a deep dive into the Let Grow Experience—a simple but powerful approach that builds childhood independence and reduces anxiety. Katie shares how she piloted the Let Grow Experience with her first graders after learning that the antidote to anxiety is independence. The transformation in her classroom sparked interest across Alabama… including at Hoover High School, where student leaders decided to take the movement and run with it. This episode features an energizing, authentic conversation with Hoover High’s SGA...
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Episode 02-Driving Away Anxiety: Mental Health, Connection and Resiliency with Lisa Keane
Driving Education
In this powerful episode of Driving Education, Katie sits down with Lisa Keane — a licensed professional counselor, play therapist, and trauma expert — for a timely conversation about mental health in schools and what educators can do to support students and themselves. Lisa shares insight from her 18 years of experience working with children and families, explaining how attachment, regulation, and connection play critical roles in learning. Together, Katie and Lisa explore: Why anxiety is higher than ever among students How “felt safety” impacts learning and behavior The...
info_outlineWelcome to Driving Education! In this first ride, Alabama Teachers of the Year Katie Collins and Aubrey Bennett hop in the Apple Car (yes, it really has a giant apple on it 🍎) and share how this whole podcast adventure began.
From fantasy football and karaoke favorites to heartfelt conversations about what drives educators forward, Katie and Aubrey open up about their shared passion for teaching, connection, and mental health.
Come along as they tell the story behind Driving Education — a podcast born from curiosity, collaboration, and a Chevy Traverse full of heart. Buckle up… it’s going to be a meaningful ride.