Mr. Vergara the Educator interviews Michael Goodman , Middle School Dean. This conversation delves into the challenges and experiences of being a Dean of Students, the impact of social media, and the importance of safety and discipline in a school environment. It delves into the challenges of managing student behavior, the importance of building relationships with students and parents, and the implementation of systems and procedures to promote a positive school culture. The conversation also to...
Jun 08, 2024•57 min
Dylan Alter shares the challenges and experiences of a first-year Middle School teacher. The conversation covers topics such as building relationships with students, the use of artificial intelligence in education, and the challenges and rewards of being a teacher. It also delves into the importance of creating a comfortable and relaxed classroom environment, the influence of social media on teaching, and the significance of setting expectations and goals the start of the new school year. Follow...
Jun 03, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 29
Mr. Vergara the educator interviews Dr. Edith Trevino. She shares her experiences growing up in Mexico and crossing the border to attend school in the United States. She discusses the challenges of learning English and adapting to a different culture. She shares her journey of joining the army, getting her doctorate degree, and becoming a teacher. Dr. E.T. emphasizes the importance of representation in education and the need for teachers to genuinely care about their students. Dr. ET addresses t...
May 27, 2024•59 min•Season 1Ep. 28
Mr. Vergara the Educator interviews Mr. Wooly Pierre, a veteran middle school math teacher, about the importance of men of color in education. They discuss the challenges of being a teacher, including low compensation and career advancement hurdles. They emphasize the need for mentorship and support for new teachers, especially black men, to encourage them to stay in the field. The importance of building relationships with students and cultural competency in the classroom are also explored. Foll...
May 21, 2024•58 min•Season 1Ep. 27
Mr. Vergara the Educator interviews Anjel Bonilla, an associate attorney, about her journey to becoming a lawyer. Anjel shares her journey of becoming a lawyer, highlighting the challenges she faced and the lessons she learned along the way. She discusses the importance of resilience and competitiveness in pursuing her goals, especially as a Latina in a field with limited representation. Anjel also talks about the rigorous process of studying for and taking the bar exam, as well as the uncertain...
May 15, 2024•36 min•Season 1Ep. 26
Mr. Vergara the Educator interviews Lulu Steele (4th year teacher, author, public speaker). Lulu shares her journey into education and the challenges she faced as a student. Lulu had negative experiences as a student and wanted to be a teacher who could support and understand student like her. Lulu also talks about her book, "Esperanza and Friends," which aims to provide support and strategies for children dealing with anxiety and trying to fit in. Finally, she shares her journey as a public spe...
May 07, 2024•55 min•Season 1Ep. 25
In this podcast episode, Mr. Vergara the Educator interviews his brother Vincent Vergara (HS Teacher / Football Coach). They discuss their childhood and explore their contrasting personalities that made growing up so adventurous. They share stories of reckless behavior, the influence of their parents, and how those experiences shaped their parenting and teaching styles. Despite their differences, they unpack why their childhood was so pivotal in making them resilient and how that resilience help...
May 01, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Season 1Ep. 24
In this podcast episode, Mr. Vergara the Educator interviews Dan Lewer (Teacher/Coach) about building relationships with students with difficult behavior. They discuss the importance of safety, showing love, and boosting self-esteem in the classroom. They also explore the role of administrators in handling crises and supporting teachers.
Apr 27, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 23
Angela Robles, a retired educator with over 28 years of experience, shares her educational journey, starting from struggling to learn in Tijuana, Mexico, to immigrating to the United States and facing language barriers. Angela discusses her journey in the education field and the challenges she faced. She shares her experiences working with students with difficult behavior and emphasizes the importance of understanding and meeting the needs of each individual student. Angela also highlights the i...
Apr 22, 2024•59 min•Season 1Ep. 22
Eric Glen, Middle School Math Teacher, discusses his role as a coach, teacher, and mentor, emphasizing the connection he forms with the students. The discussion touches on the misconception that teaching is solely about academics, emphasizing the importance of teaching life skills and character building. The conversation explores the importance of maintaining power and control in the classroom, handling student misbehavior, and building relationships with students and their families.
Apr 18, 2024•58 min•Season 1Ep. 21
Alex Mojarro is a Father, parenting a child with SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy). In this conversation, Alex shares his son Diego's diagnosis of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and the challenges they faced. Alex also discusses the emotional journey of receiving the diagnosis and shares his experiences as a parent of a child with a disability and offers advice to other parents in similar situations.
Apr 13, 2024•56 min•Season 1Ep. 20
Laura Vasquez, a sixth-grade dual immersion teacher, discusses her experience teaching in a dual language program. She highlights the significance of routines and procedures in the classroom and the use of questioning techniques to redirect students. Laura's approach to teaching is centered around respect, understanding, and individualized support. Laura emphasizes the importance of prioritizing relationships with students over content and shares tips for future educators
Apr 09, 2024•47 min•Season 1Ep. 19
Coach Octavio Fierros is a MS PE that works for the Los Angeles Unified School District.
Apr 05, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 18
In this conversation with Mr. Vergara the educator, Mash, a special education advocate and coach from Seattle, Washington, discusses the complexities of coaching teachers. They cover challenges such as evolving student needs, systemic flaws, and building inclusive classrooms. Mash emphasizes collaboration, support, and practical solutions for overwhelmed teachers while also stressing the importance of recognizing neurodiversity.
Mar 20, 2024•53 min•Season 1Ep. 17
This conversation explores strategies for building strong teacher-student relationships within physical education. Tom Gelardi delves into the importance of establishing routines, using social media for engagement, and adapting PE for various settings. He stresses the use of videos, personal development for classroom management, and the value of building positive connections with students. Tom also addresses challenges faced by PE teachers and the need to change educational stereotypes.
Mar 16, 2024•53 min•Season 1Ep. 16
Karen Bures, the executive director of a nonprofit afterschool program, discusses her experience in the education system and the inspiration behind starting her after school program. The program focuses on skill building, social-emotional learning, and academic support. Karen highlights the positive impact the program has had on students' self-regulation and academic engagement. In this conversation, Karen and John discuss the ineffectiveness of suspending students and the need for alternative a...
Mar 09, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 15
In this conversation with Mr. Vergara the Educator, Dylan Alter, a first-year eighth-grade US history teacher in Naples Florida, discusses his experience and insights. Dylan also talks about the challenges and rewards of teaching eighth graders, particularly their uncertainty about their future careers. He emphasizes the importance of encouraging students to pursue their dreams while also teaching them the value of hard work and consistency. Dylan discusses the role of social media in shaping st...
Mar 05, 2024•55 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Octavio Fierros, a middle school physical education teacher, discusses his experiences and challenges in the field with Mr. Vergara the Educator. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships with students and understanding their behavior. Octavio shares creative strategies for engaging students and encouraging physical activity, even during remote learning. He highlights the importance of building relationships with students and creating a safe and welcoming environment in the PE class...
Mar 01, 2024•48 min•Season 1Ep. 13
In this conversation with Mr. Vergara the Educator, Rhea Davis, an Educational Advocate and former special education teacher, discusses the importance of advocacy for parents and the challenges within the education system. She shares her experience starting her own business to provide accessible advocacy services for families. Rhea emphasizes the need for parents to understand their rights and navigate the special education process effectively. She also highlights the significance of building re...
Feb 24, 2024•44 min•Season 1Ep. 12
In this conversation with Mr. Vergara the Educator, Victorio Gutierrez shares his journey of running for the District 5 board member seat in LAUSD. He talks about the importance of prayer and feeling a calling to run for office. He emphasizes that he is not backed by unions and will not ask for their money or endorsement. Victorio addresses the issues of indifference and lack of transparency in the district and the need for change. He also discusses the importance of addressing homelessness, saf...
Feb 19, 2024•47 min•Season 1Ep. 11
In this conversation with Mr. Vergara the Educator, Jenny Hernandez, a middle school dean, discusses her role and the challenges she faces in building relationships with students and addressing their behavior. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the reasons behind student actions and creating a safe space for them to express themselves. Jenny also shares her approach to consequences and apologies, highlighting the need for trust and rapport with students. She discusses the balance bet...
Feb 14, 2024•54 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Michelle Thomas is a principal at a primary center in Texas. In this conversation we talk about transitioning from a teacher to a principal at the same school, developing a school mission and vision, how to handle misbehavior in the classroom, creating systems and routines for success, and much more
Feb 04, 2024•55 min•Season 1Ep. 9
April Williams is an administrator in Los Angeles. She discusses her experiences and insights in education. She shares her background and role as a middle school college and career coach, focusing on supporting students during the transition from middle school to high school. April and I discuss the challenges we face in our roles as administrators and the importance of creating a safe space for students. We also explore the strategies we use to build relationships with students and support teac...
Jan 31, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 8
George Vlahakis is a HS History Teacher working out of the city of Illinois. He has been a HS Teacher for the last 15 years. In this conversation, Mr. Vlahakis shares his experience and strategies for effective classroom management. He discusses the implementation of a hand signaling procedure to reduce disruptive behavior and create a more orderly classroom environment.
Jan 25, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 6
Molly Johnson discusses her experiences as a teacher and the importance of building relationships with students. She shares her insights on managing stress in the classroom and maintaining work-life balance. Molly also emphasizes the need for a shift in education to focus on empathy, resilience, and inspiring students. She highlights the impact of trauma on student apathy and the role of teachers in breaking the cycle.
Jan 14, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Brandon Piasecki, a teacher passionate about science, discusses his journey from Teach for America in Mississippi to teaching fifth-grade science in Stockton, California. He addresses combating student apathy using music, technology, and creativity in lessons. Brandon shares insights on navigating social media as an educator and handling negative comments on TikTok. Topics include behavior management, creating a positive classroom culture, balancing consequences, mental health benefits of runnin...
Jan 07, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Season 1Ep. 4
Summary In this episode, Mr. Vergara interviews Jose Pacheco, a middle school counselor, about the impact of building positive relationships with students. They discuss the cultural differences between schools in different regions, the importance of infusing culture in counseling, and the inspiration behind Jose's career in education. They also explore the role of counselors in handling difficult student behavior and reaching checked-out students. The conversation highlights the significance of ...
Dec 21, 2023•44 min•Season 1Ep. 3
Summary In this conversation, John and Sergio discuss the importance of building positive relationships with students and teaching good character. They also explore the use of restorative practices in resolving conflicts and promoting empathy. Sergio shares his experiences as an educator and offers tips for preventing teacher burnout. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by educators, particularly in terms of evaluation and recognition. It also explores the importance of effective co...
Dec 18, 2023•49 min•Season 1Ep. 2
