Welcome to the Podcast
Empower Students Now
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 teaching background, her reasons for leaving public education, and how she found her true calling through...
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, Amanda shares a recording of her first mindfulness class from her practicum, which is part of her...
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 guest Jess, they explore the historical roots of teacher pay, referred to as "step and column". They...
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. Focusing on the controversial adoption of canned curriculums in secondary education, they explore the...
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 the school year comes to a close, they dive into the humor and the harsh realities depicted in the...
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 your many roles. With each breath, feel lighter, as if a gentle breeze is lifting the burdens from your...
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 culture in schools and its impact on the teacher shortage crisis. Jessica shares her diverse teaching...
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 instruction, and the impact of curriculum mandates on teacher autonomy. They reflect on previous...
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 guidebook on adult ADHD. Vanessa discusses her personal experience with an adult ADHD diagnosis, the...
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 difficulties. Shelly recounts her early educational challenges, the lack of support she faced, and the...
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 and parents, grappling with the complexities of teaching reading effectively and the impact on...
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. They address issues of sexual harassment and abuse in schools, highlighting several disturbing...