Best Escambia County Public Schools Podcasts (2024)

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Ep 118 | Got a teacher's heart? 24:37

11h ago24:37

24:37

Want to know why education is a great career path? Bill Slayton shares his teacher's heart and incredible perspective after a career of 52 years in education in Escambia County, which included 16 years on the School Board for District 5. In the largest and fastest growing district in our county, he has left a legacy centered on the students, not on…

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Ep 117 | Is my child's development delayed? 21:22

7d ago21:22

21:22

It’s hard to know the important milestones your child might be missing. Teresa Zwierzchowski, the Marketing and Communications Specialist at Help Me Grow Escambia, peels back the curtain on early intervention screenings, shares FREE services you may not know you have access to and what milestones you can screen for at home with your child. Guest: T…

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Ep 116 | What does the half-cent sales tax pay for? 19:52

21d ago19:52

19:52

Keith Leonard, Escambia County Public Schools Superintendent, talks about the history behind the half-cent sales, how it's been spent, future projects and just how much accountability there actually is for these funds. Guest: Keith Leonard Related Links: Half Cent Sales Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.o…

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Ep 115 | NIL: What's in it for the students? 19:13

28d ago19:13

19:13

Escambia County Public Schools Athletic Director Casey Thiele shares why the change in the Name Image Likeness (NIL) rules are important for high school athletes and students not in sports. You'll learn how free NIL resources can help your child avoid mistakes with their next side business and set them up to be confident, savvy young entrepreneurs.…

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Ep 114 | What schools are good here? 24:17

1M ago24:17

24:17

Denny Wilson is the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction for Escambia County Public Schools and he isn't afraid to answer the question: What schools are good here? In this episode, he shares which schools were awarded Schools of Excellence designation and how other schools are ranking. Guest: Denny Wilson, Escambia County Public S…

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Ep 113 | From Tate High to Officer of the Year 16:17

1M ago16:17

16:17

Tate High graduate, Adam Norre, who knew from a young age that he wanted to be in law enforcement. What he didn’t know is that just 3 years in, he would be named Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Officer of the Year. In this episode, Adam traces his path to becoming a Sheriff’s deputy and his hopes for what’s next. Guest: Adam Norre Learn more about…

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Ep 112 | Financial literacy: Setting up kids for stable futures 20:17

2M ago20:17

20:17

Jennifer Causey is a social studies teacher at Pine Forest High School whose econ class includes a mock investing challenge. She is working to end the cycle of poverty in Escambia county, by not just educating kids on money management basics, but making growing it accessible and fun. In this episode she shares what motivates her to dig in, when oth…

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Ep 111 | Coming together with Sue Straughn 23:24

2M ago23:24

23:24

Sue Straughn may be the most recognizable news anchor in Pensacola, but she has also been an outstanding advocate for children and education—earning a spot in the 100 Most Influential People by INWeekly, the Martin Luther King Junior "Living the Dream" Award, the Ambassador for Education by the Escambia County Public Schools Foundation and more. Li…

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Ep 110 | From inmate to outreach: Building up at-risk youth 32:48

2M ago32:48

32:48

Hassan Hills is the founder and Director of Youths Left Behind, a nonprofit working to build up at-risk kids in Escambia County. In this episode, he shares his own story of incarceration & how he’s working to reduce gang violence & increase opportunities for youths in Escambia County & meet one of the young teens positively impacted by organization…

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Ep 109 | What's the best way to talk with your kids about vaping? 26:55

2M ago26:55

26:55

Jasmine Simms is a Tobacco Prevention Specialist for Tobacco Free Florida. In this episode, she shares vaping myths, why you may not recognize a vape pen if you saw it & practical strategies to talk to your kids about it. Guest: Jasmine Simms Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/ Find additional links: h…

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Ep 108 | Learning to fail: Critical skill for success? 26:27

3M ago26:27

26:27

This trio of guests are leveraging a school elective that turns creative problem solving into a competition. Melissa Hughes, Cheri Stoker and Sophia Worley are part of the Ferry Pass Middle School's Odyssey of the Mind Program where seven of their eight teams advanced to the state level. Odyssey of the Mind is an international program designed to h…

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Ep 107 | How is one couple changing our schools? 25:54

3M ago25:54

25:54

Dr. Kimberly Thomas and Mr. Derrick Thomas are both principals at Escambia County Public Schools on the rise—C.A Weis Elementary School and Workman Middle School. They share their work/home relationship dynamic & their unique perspectives on successful school outcomes. Guests: Dr. Kimberly Thomas & Derrick Thomas Learn more about Escambia County Sc…

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Ep 106 | Pilots in training: Landing the job 20:22

3M ago20:22

20:22

According to Boeing, the pilot shortage means that over the next 20 years, we will need 200K new pilots in the US alone. Escambia High School has a unique solution facilitated by a unique leader. Greg Pyle is a flight academy instructor. After 20 years in the United States Air Force, six of which spent as a navigator flying a FB1-11 fighter jet, he…

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Ep 105 | Should we train kids to save lives? 18:39

3M ago18:39

18:39

A House Bill passed in 2021 requires all public school students receive basic first aid training, including CPR. Although simply watching a video satisfies this requirement, Dr. Mary Mehta, pediatric cardiologist, VP & Chief Medical Officer of Nemours Children’s Health Pensacola, explains why they are suppor`ting hands-on training throughout the co…

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Ep 104 | Can art inspire learning? 22:57

4M ago22:57

22:57

Kenneth Jordan II is an award-winning artist, graduate of WFHS and alumni of McArthur Elementary School who is lending his brilliance back to his old classroom. Known for his highly realistic portraits using crayons, he’s helping students recognize their feelings and do what he calls, “see their own hand.” Listen to how he illuminates the connectio…

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Ep 103 | Critical thinking: Can it be taught? 27:13

4M ago27:13

27:13

Theory of knowledge asks International Baccalaureate students, "How do you know what you know?" Dylan Patterson and Audrey Foss are recent IB graduates of Pensacola High School. They used their final CAS project as a way to bring civic education to middle schoolers. Together with Gloria Eligio, the IB college counselor, hear what inspired them, how…

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Ep 102 | How do you fix that? Not Your Grandfather’s Shop Class 21:13

4M ago21:13

21:13

Chad Cherry is the Building Construction teacher at Northview High School. In this episode, he shares how the building technologies academy is getting the next generation prepared for employment and homeownership through hands-on application of math, safety, critical thinking & interpersonal skills. Guest: Chad Cherry https://hbi.org/ Learn more ab…

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Ep 101 | Why Stuff the Bus? 22:36

4M ago22:36

22:36

45% of Escambia County households are below the ALICE threshold - ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income, Constrained, Employed. This squeeze is sharply felt for families during back to school time when expenses pile up quickly. In this episode, Chris McFarland, the Coordinator of Student Services for Escambia County Public Schools and Laura Gillia…

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Ep 100 | Teachers Rock (LITERALLY)! 22:22

4M ago22:22

22:22

West Florida High’s Juniors went from shock to awe when they found out their AP English teacher is in a band! Joey Truncale is the lead singer of the alternative rock band, Unicorn Wranglers. Grab a spot by the stage to hear how his unusual hobby has helped him better connect with and educate his students. Guest: Joey Truncale Learn more about Esca…

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Ep 99 | Costello’s: Serving Up Sandwiches & Setting Up for Success 17:26

5M ago17:26

17:26

Christie Costello owns Costello’s Butcher Shop & Deli in Pensacola. In this episode she shares not about what she’s selling, but what she is giving away – 100-150 sandwiches to hungry neighborhood kids. She also shares the unusual way this idea came to her, her history with the Pensacola food scene & how she’s also setting up the next generation of…

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Ep 98 | Are Your Girls Prepared? 16:15

5M ago16:15

16:15

Scottlin Williams is a meteorologist and the program manager for HERicane Escambia, a free summer camp that is a positive force for girls. In this episode, she shares who inspired her into meteorology, what the camp entails & how broadening representation in emergency management and public safety is good for everyone. Guest: Scottlin Williams Learn…

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Ep 97 | Who is the 2025 Principal of the Year? 17:20

5M ago17:20

17:20

Esi Shannon never expected to be Principal of the Year, but she always expected to be a teacher. In this episode, she shares the story of her career, reluctant leadership, creating joyous learning & the misunderstood struggles of educational leadership. Guest: Esi Shannon Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools…

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Ep 96 | Smart & Safe Internet Use 29:52

5M ago29:52

29:52

Information is moving at the speed of technology and our kids are learning it all, but how do we keep them safe? Brian Johnson is the Information Systems Security Manager for Escambia County Public Schools. In this episode, he shares insights into how we can support smart internet use for our kids & how the school system is supporting families. Gue…

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Ep 95 | Should Every Parent Worry About Fentanyl? 34:05

6M ago34:05

34:05

In 2022, Stephanie Shepard’s son died from a fentanyl overdose. Unfortunately, this is not unusual, as Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties has the highest opioid overdose rate in the state. Vowing that his death not be in vain, she founded Hope Above Fear, a non-profit dedicated to help educate, de-stigmatize and overcome addiction i…

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Ep 94 | Can Kids Learn to Be Leaders? 17:24

6M ago17:24

17:24

If kids could learn leadership skills, why would it matter? Amy McCrory and Shonna Gilmore have firsthand experience with student leadership. They are the principal and librarian at Bratt Elementary. In this episode, they share how their "Leader in Me" animal shelter drive not only made a concept a reality, but elevated academic performance. Guests…

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Ep 93 | Is Cheerleading a Sport? 17:38

6M ago17:38

17:38

Morgan White is the special needs teacher & cheer coach at Tate Highschool. In this episode she shares how she has taken the Aggies cheer team to number 1 in the state three times, overcomes outdated stereotypes of cheerleading & shares how cheer is not just a sport, but a distinctive system to set kids up to be stellar members of the community. Gu…

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Ep 92 | Who is the 2025 Teacher of the Year? 22:03

6M ago22:03

22:03

We all fondly remember that teacher who made a positive impact on us during our formative years. For many at Pine Meadow, I’ts 4th grade teacher, Cassi McGee, the 2025 ECPS Teacher of the Year. She returned to her first love of teaching after working as a stock broker & is now in her 21st year of teaching thriving in her element. Guest: Cassi McGee…

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Ep 91 | Wheelchair Accessible Gym? 23:21

7M ago23:21

23:21

Where can kids with physical disabilities go to exercise both their mindset and their bodies? Tara Blackwell was a softball superstar at Pine Forest High School in the late 90s-early 2000's. In her sophomore year of college, an accident left her paralyzed. Unable to find accessible fitness options, she made her own, founding Project 7, Pensacola’s …

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Ep 90 | An Apprenticeship that Pays? 30:15

7M ago30:15

30:15

It’s safe to say there are two things everyone likes: options and money. So how do you help your kid have both after they graduate from high school? College is expensive and time consuming, and job options are entry level with no upward trajectory. Rob Wise and Ben Weldon are in the talent acquisition department of the Ingalls shipbuilding employme…

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Ep 89 | Scholarships for Playing Video Games? 23:58

7M ago23:58

23:58

Esports programs are quickly becoming the number one requested program for new student enrollment. Monica Willis, the Grants Management Specialist and District Military Liaison for the county shares why esports may not be what you think it is. In this episode, she shares what esports teams, coaches & practice look like, how it’s facilitating relati…

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Ep 88 | Seriously - How Do You Set Goals for Kids? 30:08

7M ago30:08

30:08

Kids are a mystery. One day you can’t get them to sit still. The next day you can’t get them out of bed. Some homework is a breeze. Other homework is a battle. What is the best way to set goals with kids who are more focused on learning the latest TikTok dance than getting good grades? Larry Knight knows a thing or two about both kids and goals. He…

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Ep 87 | How to Change Your career Path into a Classroom? 21:30

7M ago21:30

21:30

75% of new teachers in Escambia County are Alternative Certification Teachers, which means they didn’t start out on the educational track and took a different route to the classroom. Rachel Rodriguez Schrimsher is the program support specialist at the Professional Learning Certification Program. Hear from her why this program is so popular, why it …

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Ep 86 | Fueling Hungry Minds 17:56

8M ago17:56

17:56

We all know how hard it is to work when you're starving or seriously low on the right kind of fuel. The same is true in the classroom; when your child's stomach is louder than the teacher and your child's energy level bottoms out. All learning stops at that point. Jaleena Davis, Director of School Food Services shares what foods your kids are actua…

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Ep 85 | Student in the Mirror: Dignity & Confidence 27:18

8M ago27:18

27:18

Clothing insecurity impacts a large number of Escambia County students. It’s a dynamic that can distract them from learning and hurt social development. One program at CA Weis Elementary School is helping kids dress confidently. It’s called Care Closet. Lisa Smith Coleman, community partnerships school director and Janeisha Robinson, family communi…

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Ep 84 | Want to Impress a Middle Schooler? 19:48

8M ago19:48

19:48

Talk to any parent of a middle schooler and you’ll hear about the struggle of early adolescence – them becoming their own person, their friend choices, and their need for deodorant. But don’t forget their academic motivation. How do you keep your kid engaged? Michelle Givens, Tate High graduate and teacher on special assignment at Flight Adventure …

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Ep 83 | How to Help Teachers Teach & Students Succeed? 21:56

8M ago21:56

21:56

Teachers are the eyes and ears of what their students need. But teachers didn’t become teachers just to observe. That's why you’ll find that behind every successful person is a story of a dedicated educator who took an outside the box approach to help them learn. But what happens when teachers have great ideas, but no resources to implement their t…

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Ep 82 | Afterschool is Ripe for Building Character 19:39

9M ago19:39

19:39

It’s said that afterschool hours of 3-6pm are primetime for risky youth behavior, but as a working parent, your options can feel limited. Kimberly Scott is helping head up a program that not only facilitates a safe space, but an atmosphere that enhances school performance. It’s Pensacola Little Theatre’s new program, “Character Building through Bui…

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Ep 81 | The Arts: Extra or Essential? 23:04

9M ago23:04

23:04

When we think about growing confident kids, we think of sports, academic achievement, even making friends, but what about children’s chorus? Alex Gartner, the Artistic & Executive Director at Pensacola Children's Chorus shares why the arts are the unsung heroes for holistic success. Hear how the “Sing to Succeed” program is striving to eliminate th…

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Ep 80 | STEM Avoidance to Confidence: STARBASE 23:58

9M ago23:58

23:58

One of the challenges parents face is helping their kids overcome academic setbacks. Statements like “I don’t like science” and “I’m just not good at math” can be bigger obstacles than the homework itself. Rita Miller, the Director of Department of Defense STARBASE Pensacola, explains how this immersive STEM experience program for 5th graders is cr…

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Ep 79 | What Is Kindergarten Readiness? 20:28

9M ago20:28

20:28

Playing catch up not only makes learning not fun, but parenting as well – extra parent teacher meetings, IEPs, tutoring and even being held back a grade, but what can a parent do? ReadyKids is doing something to support parent efforts with early literacy for kindergarten readiness. In this episode, Kristy Craig, West Florida High School graduate an…

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Ep 78 | Summer Slide or Summer Strong? 22:58

10M ago22:58

22:58

No one wants their kid kicking off their next school year to a slow start, but how do you prevent your child from the summer slide in their reading skills? Torrey Jones, Tate High graduate and Executive Director of Freedom Schools, discusses how a free, six-week summer program is helping K-8 grade students in Escambia County start their next school…

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Ep 77 | FREE Classroom Supplies? Tools for Teachers 29:30

10M ago29:30

29:30

Every parent wants their child to have the best quality education possible, including having the proper tools and resources, but how do we ensure every classroom has what it needs without teachers buying their own supplies? David Gardner & Jo McArthur share how they’ve united to solve this widespread problem by establishing the Tools for Teachers i…

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Ep 76 | Can Global Education Create Local Unity? 28:02

10M ago28:02

28:02

Ever wonder how we can make the world a better place? It starts here. Vanessa Mays, Executive Director of Global Corner, talks about how bringing the whole world to the classroom brings skills and solutions to our hometown. Learn more about Global Corner on Facebook. Guest: Vanessa Mays Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.…

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Ep 75 | Derrick Brooks: From Pensacola to the NFL 27:28

10M ago27:28

27:28

Every parent needs a little pick me up now and then – a real reminder you’re on the right path as a parent and your kid is gonna be ok. More than ok. Derreck Brooks, NFL Superstar and Washington High School class of 1991, shares his roots in Escambia County, why success is a team sport and how his charity is setting kids up for a winning future. Gu…

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Ep 74 | Wanted: Passionate Paraprofessionals 21:31

11M ago21:31

21:31

Many local people express a desire to help others when asked about their hopes for their future careers, but getting there can often be a winding path. Cathy Rudd, principal of Escambia Westgate School and Dr. Keri Fogle, director of the Para-to-Teacher Tuition Support Program, talk about how this unique program could be a fit for people wanting to…

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Ep 73 | How Do We Help Grieving Kids? 31:38

11M ago31:38

31:38

"I'm fine!" Grief is complex. It's more than sadness and can manifest is all kinds of ways. It can impact school. But it's never too late to connect grieving kids with each other in order to open up and find healthy ways to cope with the grief. Crista Brandt, the Director of Valerie's House opens up about her grief journey and shares how peer-to-pe…

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Ep 72 | Can a Greenhouse Grow Minds? 17:48

11M ago17:48

17:48

We attribute fundraising and caretaking as characteristics of successful adults, but one student at Northview High School is showing out for his generation. Tyler Riggs has not only operated the school's greenhouse for the last 3 years, but got a $1,100 grant for much-needed upgrades. Student Tyler Riggs and teacher Brandon Korinchak share their co…

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Ep 71 | Scholarship for High-Achieving, Low-Income Students 16:26

11M ago16:26

16:26

How do you, as a parent, help your academically strong child get to college when you're struggling to make ends meet? Elise Glidden, counselor at Booker T. Washington High School, explains Questbridge, a special college scholarship program for high-achieving, low-income students that matches the students with prestigious universities. You'll hear t…

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Ep 70 | Homework? Tutor Me to the Rescue 21:16

11M ago21:16

21:16

Let's face it, helping with your child's homework can raise more questions than solving problems. Thankfully, there’s a solution. Tutor Me is a FREE 7 day a week virtual tutoring service available to all students in Escambia County. Jen Montoya and Rashena White will get you up to speed on how you can free yourself from the homework blues. Guests: …

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Ep 69 | The future of Public Education in Escambia County 24:01

12M ago24:01

24:01

Some people like putting a face to name. In this episode, we like putting a voice to a title, to let you, the parent, get to know the people behind the email signatures and more importantly, our mission to be united for every child to succeed. So with that, meet Mr. Keith Leonard, the interim superintendent of Escambia County Public Schools. A teac…

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Escambia County Public Schools Podcasts

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