035: Gen X Sparkle, PD Magic, & EdTech Confidence with Melissa Summerford

This week, we’re serving up a post-Thanksgiving slice of joy: a dynamic, big-energy conversation with Melissa Summerford — Teaching & Learning Coordinator with Kami, Google Innovator, Google Trainer, fashion icon, wig influencer, and proud Gen X educator who brings eighties mixtape magic into every room she enters. Get ready for humor, heart, real talk about classroom life, and a whole lot of sparkle.In this lively and laughter-filled episode, Meghan and Candace sit down with Melissa to talk:Her incredible journey from paraprofessional → classroom teacher → instructional technologist → PD powerhouseHow Gen X grit and fashionista confidence fuel her teaching and coachingThe moment Book Creator + Kami became the “leather jacket” of her edtech toolkitWhy flexible seating, student ownership, and letting go of control transformed her classroomHow to build PD that actually feels human, joyful, and responsiveWhy quiet classrooms belong in the pastThe real mic-drop moment she uses to win over “we don’t do tech” teachersWhy teachers should stop stressing about time — and how digital workflows can save sanityNavigating guilt when using tech a lot (and why we shouldn’t feel that way)How she blends edtech, fashion, wigs, and confidence into her personal brandWhat’s next for Melissa as she grows community, supports educators, and inspires confidence everywhere she goesAnd of course…🔥 The game: EdTech Tool or 80s Band?She nails it, laughs through it, and brings full mixtape energy.“Go Your Own Way” isn’t just a song — it’s a classroom philosophy.Melissa explains how giving students choice, flexible seating, and ownership changed behavior, engagement, and joy.PD should feel human.Your agenda matters… but the people in the room matter more.Tech shouldn’t be punishment — it should be empowerment.Using tools like Kami, Canvas, and Book Creator helps teachers save time and kids show deeper thinking.Teachers: let go of the guilt.Blending digital + hands-on practice is healthy and powerful.Everyone has more to them than their job title.Melissa shares her alopecia journey, love of wigs, fashion passion, and why showing your whole self is a gift to others.⭐ Episode Summary💡 Key Takeaways📲 Connect with Melissa SummerfordX (Twitter): @SummerfordStarsTikTok: @SummerfordStarsInstagram: @SummerfordStarsFacebook: Melissa Gomez SomerfordIf you want to learn more about Kami, edtech workflows, or how to save time as a teacher, Melissa is your girl.