PODCAST · education
Everything But The Lesson Plan
by Franchesca Thompson
Everything But The Lesson Plan Hosted by Franchesca ThompsonTeaching doesn’t begin and end with lesson plans — it lives in our stories, identities, communities, and the moments after the bell. Everything But The Lesson Plan is a podcast for educators who want more than curriculum — more connection, more healing, more justice, and more purpose.Each week, we step beyond the textbook to talk about:Cultivating equity, inclusion, and belonging in all school spaces — staff rooms, community partnershipsBrought to you by Thrive 12 : www.thrive12.com
Episodes
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My Favorite Teacher with Ashley Anjalique
We all have that one teacher… the one who saw something in us before we saw it in ourselves. The one whose words, presence, or belief stayed with us long after we left their classroom. In this episode of “My Favorite Teacher,” we sit down with guests to uncover the powerful stories behind the...
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Assume Nothing — Building Schools Where Everyone Knows What's Expected
"Great leaders do not rely on assumption. They teach." — Dr. Chaun L. Johnson Most breakdowns in a school — a culture that never quite gels, a new teacher who feels lost, a vision that dies in a staff meeting — don't start with bad intentions. They start with an assumption. Someone assumed…
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Crushing Generational Boxes Through the Power of Words
“Nobody told me that.” Four words from a little boy in a Coney Island barbershop stayed with me. In this episode of Everything But the Lesson Plan, I reflect on a conversation between Stephon Marbury and that young boy—and what it reveals about the possibilities children are shown, and the ones...
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Five Minutes: Body Scan Meditation for Teachers
This is a short, guided body scan meditation for educators — a chance to notice and release the physical tension that builds up over a day of standing, talking, holding a room, and holding it together. Play it between classes, at your desk after dismissal, or before you walk back through your own...
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Navigating Parent -Teacher Conversations That Actually Build Trust
Difficult parent-teacher conversations are part of the job—but they don’t have to damage relationships. In this solo episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan, Franchesca Thompson breaks down how educators can navigate challenging phone calls with confidence, clarity, and compassion. Learn...
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Show Me the Data — What Actually Protects Students When DEI Is Rolled Back
"Instead of showing me your diversity statement, show me your hiring data, your discrimination claim stats, your salary tables, your retention numbers, your public action against racism." — Dr. Monica Cox The word “DEI” is disappearing from headlines, statements, and job titles. But disappearing...
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Revenge Bedtime Procrastination — Why You're Sacrificing Sleep to Reclaim Your Life
It's 11:47 PM. You are exhausted. Tomorrow starts early. And you are still scrolling. This episode,I talk about something almost every educator has done and almost no one names out loud: revenge bedtime procrastination — intentionally delaying sleep to reclaim a few hours of control after a day...
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The Heart of It — Sleep, Stress & the Science of Staying Well
What if the thing standing between you and your best classroom days isn't your lesson plan — it's your heart rate? In this episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan, host Franchesca Thompson sits down with Dr. Annie Tedga, a pediatric cardiologist and founder of Heart of Rapha Pediatric…
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No Child Should Wear Their Trauma
What does trauma look like… when it shows up in the clothes a child wears? In this deeply moving episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan, host Franchesca Thompson sits down with TEDx UGA presenter Mamie Harper to unpack a powerful mission: ensuring that children do not look like the trauma...
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Tech That Actually Teaches Beyond the Buzzwords in EdTech
In this episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan, Franchesca Thompson breaks down the difference between EdTech hype and tools that actually make an impact in the classroom. Featuring 5 powerful platforms—MagicSchool AI, Diffit, Curipod, SchoolAI, and Brisk Teaching—this episode helps educators...
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From Hope to Action Changing the Future for Our Youth
What happens when a community decides that young people deserve more than just survival—they deserve opportunity? In this powerful episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan, host Franchesca Thompson sits down with Patrice Wuerth, founder of Hearts to Nourish Hope, to explore how one organization…
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Mid-Summer Break Check-In
In this quick summer break check-in, Franchesca Thompson pauses to speak directly to teachers about rest, wellness, and remembering who they are outside of the classroom. This episode is a gentle reminder to breathe, release the guilt, and take care of the person behind the teacher before the...
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More Than an Award: Michelle Mickens' Story of Perseverance
What does it really take to build a career in education? In this inspiring episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan, Franchesca Thompson sits down with educator Michelle Mickens, Ed.S., to explore the perseverance, resilience, and purpose that shaped her journey from a first-year teacher to...
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When It’s Not the Student… It’s the Spillover
In this Season 11 episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan, Franchesca Thompson explores the reality of emotional regulation in education—what happens when stress, pressure, and burnout spill into our responses with students. Through real stories, reflective moments, and practical strategies…
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My Favorite Teacher with Dr. Semia Howze
We all have that one teacher… the one who saw something in us before we saw it in ourselves. The one whose words, presence, or belief stayed with us long after we left their classroom. In this episode, “My Favorite Teacher,” we sit down with guests to uncover the powerful stories behind the...
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Mindful Moment: Gratitude Practice
This short guided meditation helps you slow down and reconnect with the small, positive moments in your day. Instead of focusing on big achievements, you’ll be gently guided to notice simple victories and everyday experiences that often go overlooked. Through calm breathing and mindful…
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When Pain Becomes the Turning Point
Pain is something we all experience—but what if it’s not the end of your story? In this deeply personal episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan, host Franchesca Thompson sits down with author Dr. Johnecia Mason, whose book Rodney’s Gift: Transforming Pain into Purpose explores the kind of...
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Becoming: The Teacher Journey with Dr. Marcia Credle
What does it truly mean to become a teacher? In this episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan, Franchesca Thompson sits down with Dr. Marcia Credle to explore the journey behind the profession—the moments, mentors, challenges, and personal experiences that shape an educator into who they...
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Lead With Humanity
Teacher leadership isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about understanding the people you serve. In this episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan, Franchesca Thompson explores the powerful leadership principle of meeting teachers where they are. Whether supporting overwhelmed first-year...
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Yoga Outside the Mat: Living the Practice Daily
Yoga is more than poses — it’s a philosophy for living. In this episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan, Franchesca Thompson sits down with yoga instructor and mindfulness coach Chanda Floyd-Bryant to explore how yogic principles like mindfulness, self-compassion, and intentional breathing can...
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What We Should Know About the Silent Stress Teachers Face
In this powerful episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan, Franchesca Thompson sits down with medical specialist Eric Whiteside to uncover the hidden impact of chronic stress on educators’ health. From understanding what blood pressure numbers really mean to exploring how stress, sleep…
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Orchestrating Education: Where People, Process, and Technology Meet Purpose
What makes a school thrive isn’t just strong instruction — it’s the experience people have inside the building every day. In this episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan, Franchesca Thompson sits down with education leader Marcus Wilson for a real, down-to-earth conversation about what it truly...
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Differences, Not Deficits: Reframing Disability in Today’s Schools
Differences, Not Deficits This episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan challenges how we view students with disabilities and shifts the focus from what’s missing to what’s possible. Host Franchesca Thompson explores inclusive practices, new technology, real success stories, and how schools can...
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Celebrating the People Who Hold the School Together
What happens when schools stop focusing only on performance and start prioritizing the people behind the work? In this uplifting episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan, host Franchesca Thompson sits down with Dr. Brown-Van to explore how meaningful celebration transforms school climate,...
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Beyond the Lesson Plan: Teaching as an Act of Love
Teaching to Transform: Applying bell hooks’ Work in Today’s Classrooms What if teaching was about more than standards, scores, and survival? In this powerful episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan, host Franchesca Thompson explores the timeless wisdom of cultural critic and educator bell hooks...
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Teaching Through the Storm Choosing Hope
Sometimes life doesn’t wait for the “right moment.” It hands you both your dream… and your hardest battle at the same time. In this deeply moving episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan, Franchesca Thompson sits down with Mr. Gardner, a new engineering teacher who was diagnosed with cancer...
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What Students Are Asking for Without Saying It: Teaching in 2026
Teaching has changed—and our students are telling us what they need, whether we’re ready or not. In this host-only episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan, Franchesca Thompson unpacks what teaching in 2026 really looks like beyond standards, pacing guides, and test scores. From the pandemic's...
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My Favorite Teacher with Alyssa
Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school, and why was she/he your favorite? In this episode, Alyssa shares the time when she met her favorite teacher. Good teachers make a difference in the lives of students. Let’s hear how this happened for Alyssa Thompson. About Alyssa Thompson...
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Developing a Kinder Inner Dialogue During Stressful Times
In this 5-minute guided meditation, we focus on self-compassion—learning how to quiet self-criticism and replace it with a kinder inner voice during stressful moments. Podcast Legal Disclaimer The views, information, or opinions expressed during Everything But The Lesson Plan are solely those of...
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Apply Your Makeup: Preparing Women Educators for Executive Leadership
What does it really take for women educators to step into executive leadership — with confidence, clarity, and conviction? In this episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan, host Franchesca Thompson sits down with Dr. Alfreda Howard, educator, executive leader, and author of Apply Your Makeup: A...
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Not Every Path Is a 4-Year Degree: How Teachers Can Guide Students to Real Careers
In honor of Career, Technical, Education Month and Black History Month, this episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan challenges the idea that success only comes through a four-year college degree. I discuss how educators can guide students toward real career pathways—including trades,...
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The 3AM Teacher Wake-Up: Sleep Apnea, Stress, and Burnout
Why do so many teachers wake up between 2–4 AM with racing thoughts and a heavy heart? In this powerful episode, Franchesca Thompson and sleep expert Emma Cooksey uncover the hidden connection between stress, anxiety, unresolved emotions, and disrupted sleep — and what educators can do to finally...
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Beyond the Dropout: How Belief, Support, and Equity Change Lives with Dr. Lester
On this episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan, host Franchesca Thompson sits down with Dr. Terence Lester, author of From Dropout to Doctorate: Breaking the Chains of Educational Injustice. Terence shares his remarkable journey from leaving high school to earning his doctorate, offering...
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Feedback, Grammar & The Future of Writing Instruction
Everything But The Lesson Plan is back with an episode every teacher needs. Host Franchesca Thompson sits down with renowned literacy consultant and author Patty McGee to unpack what it really takes to support students as writers—without burning out. From giving feedback that’s clear, kind, and...
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The Power of Pause with Daryll Wharton
In this episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan, host Franchesca Thompson sits down with guest host Daryll Wharton, founder of Teacher Recess, to discuss how educators can recharge through self-care and community. From practical wellness strategies to the power of connection, Daryll reminds us...
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Future Proof: AI, Learning & the Global Workforce
In this episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan, host Franchesca Thompson sits down with AI expert Ben Tasker to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping education and the global workforce. From classrooms to careers, AI is changing what skills matter, how students learn, and how…
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Overcoming Doubt: The Silent Battle We Can Win
In this deeply personal and uplifting episode, host Franchesca Thompson explores the quiet but powerful force of doubt—and how it tries to keep us small. From classroom struggles to personal crossroads, Franchesca shares honest stories, real-life strategies, and gentle encouragement to help...
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The Educator’s Voice with Dr. Wilburn
The Educator’s Voice – Classroom Stories with Dr. WIlburn Step inside the classroom walls and hear what really happens between the bells. In this heartfelt episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan, host Franchesca Thompson launches a brand‑new segment—“The Educator’s Voice.” No scripts, no...
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Who Says I Can’t Read? How Early Action Matters by Grade 4
Too many children are falling behind—and the transition from “learning to read” to “reading to learn” around 3rd-4th grade is make-or-break. In this episode, Dr. Gwendolyn Lavert, PhD, shares her research, experience, and hope: how early foundational skills, effective interventions, and...
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Success Beyond the Scores with Allandra Russell
In this episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan, host Franchesca Thompson sits down with Allandra Russell, founder of The Teachers’ Hub and Turning Pages, to unpack a powerful truth: real growth cannot always be measured by a test. At some point, we’ve all been guilty of chasing scores, but the...
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The Silent Crisis: Teacher Burnout in Today’s Schools with Tangela Leggett
In this powerful episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan, host Franchesca Thompson sits down with education consultant Tangela Leggett to confront the reality of teacher burnout. From the systemic pressures facing today’s educators to the unique struggles in high-needs schools, Tangela unpacks...
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Breathe in the Fresh Air
In this 5-minute guided meditation, join me from the shores of Cancún as we slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the healing rhythm of fresh air. Feel the calm of ocean waves, the warmth of sunlight, and the quiet peace that comes from simply being present. This short practice is your...
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The Big 100: Turning the Mic Around
It’s our 100th episode! To celebrate, Ms. Thompson hands over the mic to her former student Michelle Moses, who interviews her about the journey, the lessons learned, and what’s next for Everything But The Lesson Plan. From behind-the-scenes stories to reflections on impact, this milestone…
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Teacher Retention & Recruitment with Kenneth L. Johnson, Jr.
In this episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan, I sit down with Kenneth L. Johnson Jr., an educational leader dedicated to recruiting and supporting passionate teachers. We talk about the urgent need for educators, the pathway to becoming one, and why teaching is more than a profession—it’s a...
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Beyond Borders: Advancing STEM Education Globally with Dr. Kimberly West
In this inspiring episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan, host Franchesca Thompson sits down with Dr. Kimberly West, founder of Teach STEM Global, to unpack why advancing STEM education globally matters now more than ever. From the lens of an educator, Dr. West shares how teachers can break…
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The Educator's Voice with Kayron Spellman
The Educator’s Voice – Classroom Stories with Kayron Spellman Step inside the classroom walls and hear what really happens between the bells. In this heartfelt episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan, host Franchesca Thompson launches a brand‑new segment—“The Educator’s Voice.” No scripts, no...
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The Real Work of SEL with Winona Jones-Archie
In this episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan, host Franchesca Thompson sits down with educator and SEL strategist Winona Jones-Archie to unpack what Social and Emotional Learning really means beyond the behavior charts and buzzwords. From the post-pandemic realities facing students to the...
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No Teacher Left Behind – Supporting At-Risk Readers with Regina Wright
In this episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan, host Franchesca Thompson sits down with literacy expert Regina Wright to tackle a challenge many educators face: supporting at-risk readers in the general education classroom. From breaking down who “at-risk” students really are, to exploring...
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My Favorite Teacher with Sadiyah Ali Nur
Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school, and why was she/he your favorite? In this episode, Sadiyah shares the time when she met her favorite teacher. Good teachers make a difference in the lives of students. Let’s hear how this happened for Ms.Sadiyah Ali Nur. About Sadiyah Ali Nur...
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Retirement is More Than Just Saving: Creating a Vision for the Life You Want to Live with Lisa Matthews
In this episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan, financial expert Lisa Matthews joins Franchesca to explore why retirement is more than just saving—it’s about creating a vision for the life you want. From dreaming big to planning smart, this conversation helps educators prepare for a future...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Everything But The Lesson Plan Hosted by Franchesca ThompsonTeaching doesn’t begin and end with lesson plans — it lives in our stories, identities, communities, and the moments after the bell. Everything But The Lesson Plan is a podcast for educators who want more than curriculum — more connection, more healing, more justice, and more purpose.Each week, we step beyond the textbook to talk about:Cultivating equity, inclusion, and belonging in all school spaces — staff rooms, community partnershipsBrought to you by Thrive 12 : www.thrive12.com
HOSTED BY
Franchesca Thompson
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Everything But The Lesson Plan have?
Everything But The Lesson Plan currently has 140 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Everything But The Lesson Plan about?
Everything But The Lesson Plan Hosted by Franchesca ThompsonTeaching doesn’t begin and end with lesson plans — it lives in our stories, identities, communities, and the moments after the bell. Everything But The Lesson Plan is a podcast for educators who want more than curriculum — more connection,...
How often does Everything But The Lesson Plan release new episodes?
Everything But The Lesson Plan publishes regularly with 140 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Everything But The Lesson Plan?
You can listen to Everything But The Lesson Plan on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Everything But The Lesson Plan?
Everything But The Lesson Plan is created and hosted by Franchesca Thompson.
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