The Art of Empowering Students: An Interview with Jen Chieco
In this episode, Amanda welcomes Jen Chieco, a former teacher who transitioned into becoming a life coach who specializes in empowering teens. They discuss Jen's...
Finding Calm Amongst the Chaos of Life
Amanda returns after a long hiatus, excited to start a new season focused on mindfulness, neurodiversity, equity, and student engagement. In this special episode,...
Fixing the Oppressive Foundations: Teacher Prep, Induction, and Pay
In this episode of the Empower Students Now podcast, hosts Amanda and Trina dive deep into the complex and often controversial topic of teacher pay. Joined by special...
Educators or Pawns? Unpacking the Realities of Being a K-12 Teacher in America
In this thought-provoking episode, co-hosts Trina, Amanda, and Jess delve into the challenges and frustrations faced by educators in today's educational landscape....
Teaching in Turbulent Times: Our Take on SNL’s ‘Y’all Won’
In this episode of the Empower Students Now podcast, Amanda and co-hosts Trina English and Jessica Martin react to the recent Saturday Night Live sketch "Y'all Won." As...
A Mother’s Day Meditation
Close your eyes, dear mother, and allow the world to soften around you. Breathe in deeply, inviting calm into your space, and exhale slowly, releasing the weight of...
Unpacking the Impact of School Climate and Culture on the Teacher Shortage Crisis
In this podcast episode, the hosts Amanda and Trina, both teachers, are joined by guest Jessica Martin, a teacher, author, and entrepreneur. They discuss climate and...
Our Public Education System is in Crisis and the Solutions are Obvious
In this podcast episode, Trina and Amanda discuss major challenges in the American public education system, including the teacher shortage crisis, the state of reading...
Navigating Adult ADHD: A Personal and Professional Journey
Show Notes In this episode of "Empower Students Now," host Amanda interviews Vanessa Jones, an English teacher, writer, and voice actor who has recently authored a...
The Revealing Reality Struggling Readers Face within the U.S. Education System
In this episode of Empower Students Now, host Amanda interviews her sister Shelly Gonsalves, who opens up about her lifelong struggle with reading and learning...
Forgotten Narratives from Frontline of the Reading Wars
In this episode, hosts, Amanda and Trina, discuss the significant challenges of reading instruction in education. They delve into their personal experiences as teachers...
Courageous Teachers Speak Out Against a Serious Problem Being Overlooked in K-12 Schools
In this episode, hosts Amanda and Trina, along with guest Manuwella Allen (Mani), discuss gender equity in education, with a focus on the intersection of race and...
Gender Equity Issues in K-12 Schools are Neglected and It’s Harming Our Students and Staff
In this podcast episode, Trina shares her expertise around gender equity in K-12 schools. She discusses the lack of support and unjust treatment of female students in...
True Educational Equity Reforms are NOT Happening in Schools and Repercussions are Severe
In this episode, hosts Trina and Amanda discuss the topic of educational equity and the confusion surrounding its definition. They criticize the narrowing down of the...
An ESL Teacher’s Stand Against Canned Curriculum and the Shocking Consequences
In this episode, Amanda and Trina interview two teachers who pushed back against using canned curriculum and discuss the sensitive nature of the stories shared by...