S8 E116: Redefining School: Pathways, Purpose, and Preparing for the Future
The Teacher's Pep Rally Podcast
Release Date: 11/17/2024
The Teacher's Pep Rally Podcast
We’re back! After a jam-packed season, the Teacher’s Pep Rally Podcast crew—Erin, Fred, and Pete—are catching up on life, learning, and laughter. This episode is a behind-the-scenes reality check as we share the chaos, triumphs, and daily grind of being educators. Pete’s world is a whirlwind with school theater productions, music festivals, and an incredible Finding Nemo production that’s taking creativity to the next level. Fred reflects on a career fair experience, highlighting how impactful educators can be in shaping students' passions. Erin shares exciting news about her...
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On this episode of The Teacher’s Pep Rally Podcast, we’re diving into the high-energy world of middle school band with the incredible Rachel Allen! A dedicated band director since 2005, Rachel doesn’t just teach music—she builds a community of young musicians, ignites their passion, and helps them find their rhythm both in and out of the classroom. From teaching multiple instruments to navigating hilarious band mishaps (yes, we’re talking about spit valves and mystery objects stuck in tubas!), Rachel shares her real and relatable experiences that will have you laughing and...
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In our latest episode of The Teacher’s Pep Rally, we had the privilege of speaking with Max Gertz, an educator and EdTech enthusiast who believes in the transformative power of equity in education. Max shared his journey—from an English teacher captivated by the potential of technology to his role in shaping virtual learning opportunities for thousands of students. His passion for ensuring that every learner has access to the resources and support they need was both inspiring and thought-provoking. We explored how technology can break barriers, giving students from diverse...
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In this exciting episode of the Teacher’s Pep Rally Podcast, we turn the spotlight on our very own Fred Aebli as he shares his passion for helping students learn to code! 🖥️💡 Fred takes us on an inspiring journey through his tech-filled career—from falling in love with Star Wars as a kid to becoming a Marine, a computer science educator, and the mastermind behind . 🚀✨ His mission? To break down barriers and show that coding isn’t just for math wizards—it’s a language of creativity, problem-solving, and empowerment for everyone. 🔹 Why is coding so important in...
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In this episode of the Teacher's Pep Rally Podcast, we had the honor of speaking with Arturo Guajardo, Director of K-12 Partnerships at . With over 31 years of experience as a bilingual educator and educational technology expert, Arturo shared his personal journey as an English language learner and his passion for creating inclusive learning environments. His heartfelt anecdotes highlighted the importance of connection and communication, particularly for students and families navigating language barriers. Arturo introduced the device, an innovative translation tool that supports 84+...
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Get ready for an inspiring episode of the Teacher's Pep Rally Podcast as we tackle the mid-year slump that educators everywhere know all too well! Hosts Erin King, Pete Bush, and Fred Aebli dive into the challenges of recharging motivation and maintaining momentum in the second half of the school year. With honesty, humor, and heartfelt advice, they share practical strategies for navigating this “gray period,” from creating achievable goals to incorporating movement, music, and fun into the classroom. The hosts also reflect on the power of authentic leadership, the importance of self-care,...
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As we close out an incredible 2024 on The Teacher's Pep Rally Podcast, Erin, Fred, and Pete gather to reflect on a season filled with heartfelt conversations, inspiring guests, and impactful moments. From exploring the vital role of early childhood education to the power of design thinking in solving real-world problems, this season delivered rich discussions that resonated with educators and listeners worldwide. Fred shares his journey through an exciting tech incubator program, highlighting lessons in innovation, ideation, and resilience. Pete reflects on his busy season of school...
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Calling all educators, aspiring mentors, and lifelong learners! 🎙️ The latest episode of the Teacher's Pep Rally Podcast is here, and it's one you can't afford to miss: "Mentors in Education" with the inspiring Earl Foster! In this episode: ✨ Earl shares heartfelt stories about the mentors who shaped his journey and how he’s paying it forward to guide new teachers. ✨ We dive into the power of building trust, offering supportive honesty, and celebrating wins (big and small) in our schools. ✨ Discover practical tips for creating learner-centered classrooms and designing curriculum...
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In this heartfelt episode, the Teacher's Pep Rally welcomes Natalie Legg, a dedicated pre-kindergarten teacher and advocate for early childhood development. With six years of experience, Natalie shares her passion for teaching young learners and emphasizes the critical role of play in education. She delves into how play not only nurtures creativity and social-emotional skills but also lays a foundation for lifelong learning. From sensory activities like exploring pumpkin guts to fostering social interactions through imaginative centers, Natalie showcases the magic of early...
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In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Chris Shearer, a seasoned principal with over 22 years of experience in educational leadership. Currently leading a high-performing high school, Chris shares his passion for challenging the status quo, fostering inclusivity, and helping students unlock their potential. Together, we explore what school looks like in 2024 and how education can evolve to better serve diverse student needs. Chris delves into innovative approaches like experiential learning, competency-based education, and preparing students for alternative career pathways beyond...
info_outlineIn this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Chris Shearer, a seasoned principal with over 22 years of experience in educational leadership. Currently leading a high-performing high school, Chris shares his passion for challenging the status quo, fostering inclusivity, and helping students unlock their potential.
Together, we explore what school looks like in 2024 and how education can evolve to better serve diverse student needs. Chris delves into innovative approaches like experiential learning, competency-based education, and preparing students for alternative career pathways beyond traditional college routes. His insights into cultivating a caring school culture, grading practices, and supporting both students and educators are inspiring and refreshing.
Whether you're an educator, parent, or advocate for education reform, this conversation will leave you reflecting on the purpose and future of schools. Don’t miss this empowering discussion!
Listen now and join the conversation!



Let's rally together and remind people why teaching is awesome!