PODCAST · education
TandL Talks
by Nancy
TandL Talks is your front-row seat to real conversations with passionate educators making a difference in classrooms every day. From innovative instructional practices to the everyday wins (and challenges!) of teaching and learning, this podcast brings you authentic stories, practical strategies, and inspiring insights. Whether you're a teacher, leader, or coach, you'll walk away feeling connected, energized, and ready to take your next instructional step—with purpose and heart.
Episodes
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TandL Talks S3Ep1 - Welcome to the Clubhouse!
Host Nancy is joined by new co-hosts Mandy and Candice for aconversation about the journeys that brought them to Puyallup, the educators who shaped their lives, and the work that brings them joy. Together, they reflect on the power of relationships, the importance of belonging, and theincredible...
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TandL Talks S2Ep43 - ENCORE EPISODE - Inquiry Took The Wheel
What happens when social studies gets a glow-up? In this Encore Episode of TandL Talks, Nancy sitsdown with teacher leaders Lisa Williams and Alyssa LaBrash totalk about piloting a new elementary social studies curriculum and the powerfulshifts they've seen in their classrooms. From students...
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TandL Talks S2Ep42 - ENCORE EPISODE - The Math Person Myth
What happens when passionate educators come together to shape the future of mathematics learning?In this Encore Episode of TandL Talks, Nancy sits down with three members of the district's Math Cadre—Tracy Tsujii, Preston Gillihan, and Kim Douglas—to explore what great math instruction looks like...
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TandL Talks S2Ep41 - ENCORE EPISODE - Raising the Bar (and Watching Kids Rise)
What happens when high expectations, strong relationships,and relentless teamwork come together? In this Encore Episode, Spinning Elementary teachers Sarah Clerget and Kyleen Boyle share how collaboration, intentional routines, and a belief in every child help learners thrive. From literacy...
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TandL Talks S2Ep40 - ENCORE EPISODE - From Alevin to AHA!
What happens when classroom learning jumps off the page and into the real world? In this Encore Episode, Sunrise Elementary fourth-grade teachers share how the Puyallup Fish Hatchery field trip brought science to life, deepened students’ connection to their community, and created unforgettable...
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TandL Talks S2Ep39 - ENCORE EPISODE - The GLAD Glow-Up
What starts as uncomfortable…becomes transformational! In this ENCORE EPISODE of TandL Talks, educators share how trying GLAD strategies—imperfectly at first—led to powerful shifts in student voice, confidence, and learning. From kindergartners using academic language to classrooms where every...
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TandL Talks S2Ep38 - ENCORE EPISODE - Cancel Perfect, Create More!
Two incredible visual arts educators share how they’re redefining creativity, canceling perfection, and building classrooms where every student belongs. From powerful stories of student growth to the belief that creativity lives in all of us, this conversation will challenge how you think about...
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TandL Talks S2Ep37: ENCORE EPISODE: From Correction to Connection: A NeuralEd Glow‑Up
Missy Widman brings the power of Neural Education to TandL Talks—diving into connection, curiosity, and what really drives learning. This conversation will challenge your thinking and inspire your next move. Ready to go deeper? Visit neuraled.org to learn more.
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TandL Talks S2Ep36 - ENCORE EPISODE One Team, 91 Readers-The Power of Collective Efficacy in Kindergarten.
In this encore episode of TandL Talks, we head inside Edgerton Elementary to learn from a kindergarten team achieving remarkable results in early literacy. Through deep collaboration, shared ownership of all students, and intentional use of data, this team has dramatically increased the number of...
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TandL Talks S2Ep34 - Grit, Growth, and a Milk Crate Full of Bricks
In this episode of TandL Talks, we sit down with JJ Boyle and student leader Eli Sauceda from Walker High School’s Wolftech Robotics team. From starting with no team to competing at a high level, their story highlights perseverance, teamwork, and the power of learning through real challenges....
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TandL Talks S2Ep35 - Breaking Barriers, Building Futures - AVID at Rogers High School
What happens when students find their voice—and start leading? In this episode of TandL Talks, Nancy sits down with AVID Ambassadors from Rogers High School to explore how AVID is shaping confidence, connection, and future pathways. These student leaders share powerful insights on belonging,...
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TandL Talks S2Ep33 - Voice, Confidence, and the Road to Nationals
In this episode of TandL Talks, we hear directly from Puyallup High School Speech and Debate students who went to Nationals this year. These students share how they developed their voice, built confidence, and sharpened critical thinking skills through their experiences. More importantly, they...
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TandL Talks S2Ep32 - Six Seven...and Other Things That Help Us Learn
What happens when we pause and really listen to students? In this episode of TandL Talks, students from Firgrove Elementary share what helps them learn—from hands-on experiences and math tools to collaborative conversations and supportive teachers. Their voices reveal powerful insights about...
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TandL Talks S2Ep31 - Why Dual Language Is a Gift That Lasts a Lifetime.mp4
What does it really mean for students to learn in two languages?In this episode of TandL Talks, we go inside our Spanish Dual Language program with two Dessie Evans teachers, Karina Wheeler and Christina Pizana, to explore the power of bilingual, biliterate learning. They share what dual language...
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Encore Episode 3: Seen, Heard, Valued: Elevating Paraeducator Leadership
In this encore episode of TandL Talks, Nancy and Genarevisit a powerful conversation with paraeducator leaders Ali, Nikki, and Jennifer. Together, they share their journeys into education, the impact of para-specific collaboration and mentoring, and why building strong, connectedparaeducator...
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TandL Talks S2Ep30 - Learning That Doesn’t Move in Straight Lines - AP Research PODs
In this episode of TandL Talks, Nancy sits down with AP Research teachers to unpack the Presentation and Oral Defense—an experience that challenges students to think deeply, reflect honestly, and defend their ideas with confidence. The conversation explores how curiosity, inquiry, and reflection...
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TandL Talks S2Ep29 - More Than Online: Inside Puyallup's Flexible Learning Options
What does flexible learning really look like in practice? In this episode of TandL Talks, two Puyallup Digital Learning teachers—one from P4 and one from POA—share how choice, personalization, and strong family partnerships shape teaching and learning every day. As the district prepares to...
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TandL Talks S2Ep28 - Teacher-Led, Student-Powered: Inside our Social Studies Adoption Journey
In this episode of TandL Talks, we sit down with two teacher leaders from our district’s social studies cadre to talk about what it really looks like to pilot new curriculum in real classrooms. They share insights from piloting InquirEd’s Inquiry Journeys in fourth and fifth grade, the power of...
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TandL Talks S2Ep27 - Routines, Relationships, and the Reading Roadmap - A Cadre Conversation
In this episode, Nancy sits down with three members of ourELA Cadre—Leslie Porter, Kodi BeVelle, and Sarah Simon—to explore the thinking behind the new K–1 Learning Launch. Together, they discuss why early-year routines, strong relationships, and intentional pacing matter so much for ouryoungest...
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TandL Talks Encore - Trust, Teamwork, and Transformative Results
In this encore episode of TandL Talks, we revisit oneof our most loved and most downloaded conversations — a deep dive into the collaborative culture at Stewart Elementary. Join Nancy as she sits down withthe first‑grade and Title/LAP team whose shared systems, strong relationships, and…
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TandL Talks S2Ep26 Full STEAM Ahead - Inside the District's Biggest Curiosity Party
In this episode of TandL Talks, Nancy sits down withSTEAM Celebration leads Ann Schumacher, Nicole Wonner, and Lonny Sulfaro to preview one of the most joyful learning events of the year. From rockets and reptiles to messy art, music, robotics, and square dancing, the team shares how this...
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The Magic of We - Collective Efficacy in Kindergarten Literacy
In this episode of TandL Talks, we step inside kindergarten at Spinning Elementary to learn from two exceptional educators whose collaboration embodies the true power of collective teacher efficacy. Kyleen Boyle and Sara Clerget share how they build the conditions for literacy success through...
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TandL Talks S2Ep24 - How Collaboration and Movement Transform Math Learning
Join Nancy and guests Alexa Williams and Stephanie Garretson as they take you inside the newly reimagined Marge Salmon Math Relay—an event filled with movement, collaboration, and joyful math identity. Learn how purposeful redesign, partnerships, and student experiences can transform math…
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TandL Talks S2Ep23 - Where Engagement Wins - Inside the CKLA Greek Olympics
In this episode of TandL Talks, Nancy sits down withthe dynamic second‑grade team from Firgrove Elementary to explore how they turned a CKLA unit into an unforgettable, high‑engagement Greek Olympics celebration. From handmade laurel wreaths and trash‑bag togas to long jumps, “horse” races, and a...
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TandL Talks S2Ep22 - The Journey to Leadership Starts Now
In this episode of TandL Talks,Nancy welcomes longtime colleague, mentor, and beloved Washington educator Dr.Glenn Malone into the TandL Clubhouse. With more than 40 years servingstudents, teachers, leaders, and future administrators, Glenn brings unmatchedwisdom, humility, and heart to this...
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TandL Talks S2Ep21 - The Power of Teacher Voice in Music Education
Two elementary music teachers step into district leadership and share what they’re learning along the way. Hailey Wharton and Ashley Neufeld talk joy, equity, curriculum adoption, and the moments when students suddenly realize, “We made music.” A heartfelt look at why teacher voice matters.
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TandL Talks Encore - The Magic In Minutes-Inside Classrooms That Maximize Learning Time
In this encore of one of our most downloaded episodes, we revisit a powerful conversation recorded at Pope Elementary with a panel of teachers known for their intentional systems, strong routines, and ability to make every instructional minute count. From first grade through fifth grade and…
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TandL Talks S2Ep20 - Hands-On, Minds-On - The Science Advantage
In this episode of TandL Talks, Nancy sits down with science cadre members Carrie Garcia (4th grade) and Christine Livernash (2nd grade) to explore the power of elementary science instruction. Together they discuss curriculum maps and pacing, vertical alignment across grade levels, and how...
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TandL Talks S2Ep19 - You Belong Here - Native Education in Our Schools
Native education is not an add-on—it’s a commitment. In this thoughtful TandLTalks conversation, Kayla Guyette shares what educators need to knowabout Indigenous history, sovereignty, and culturally responsive practices intoday’s classrooms. From dismantling common misconceptions to highlighting...
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TandL Talks S2Ep18 Finding the Rhythm: Teacher Voice in Curriculum
What happens when music teachers step into leadership to shape the future of learning?In this episode of TandL Talks, Nancy sits down with Colin Spears (Pope Elementary) and Morgan Myers (Ridgecrest Elementary), two teacher leaders serving on the elementary music curriculum adoption team. They...
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TandL Talks S2Ep17 - Not Perfect. Powerful. How Art Instruction Builds Voice
In this TandL Talks episode, Nancy sits down with Kayla Hoots and Brian Carpenter, two powerhouse visual arts educators who remind us that art isn’t about perfection. It’s about meaning. Together, they explore how students discover their voices through music, clay, texture, and risk-taking, why...
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TandL Talks S2Ep16: Learning That Sticks - Neuroscience in action
What happens when neuroscience meets classroom practice? In this episode, we’re joined by sisters Missy and Crystal Widmann to unpack the story behind Neural Education. We talk attention, UDL, productive failure, and why community—not compliance—is the key to sustainable learning for both…
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TandL Talks S2Ep15 - The Elephant Foot Effect
How One Field Trip Builds Memories,Meaning, and Community In this episode of TandL Talks,host Nancy shines a spotlight on one of the Puyallup School District’s mosttreasured learning spaces: the Karshner Museum and Center for Culture &Arts. Joined by Karen Higgins, Museum and Arts Coordinator…
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TandL Talks S2Ep14 Tiny Fish, Big Impact-Inside the 4th Grade Hatchery Field Trip
In this episode of TandL Talks, Nancy and co-host Ann Schumacher, elementary science instructional coach, sit down with Sunrise Elementary fourth grade teachers Jenna Kinne, Abby Seay, and Chelsea Wilkinson Walker to unpack one of the most beloved experiences in the district: the fourth grade...
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TandL Talks S2Ep13 - Every Kid is a Math Person
In this episode of TandL Talks, Nancy sits down with three members of the district’s math cadre —Tracy Tsujii (3rd grade, Waller Road), Preston Gillihan (5th grade, Mountain View), and Kim Douglas (kindergarten, Firgrove) — for a post-cadre debrief while the learning is still fresh and the...
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TandL Talks S2Ep12 - How Teacher Leaders Shape K–5 Curriculum
What really happens when teachers step into district-level leadership roles? In this episode of TandL Talks, host Nancy and co-host Gena sit down with four powerhouse instructional coaches — Abby Olson (ELA), Alexa Williams (Math), Anne Schumacher (Science), and Crystal Widmann (Social Studies) —...
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TandL Talks S2Ep11 - Elementary Music Magic
In this episode of TandL Talks, Nancy sits down with Stephanie Magnusson, a beloved elementary music teacher whose 32-year career has inspired generations of students to find their voice through song, rhythm, and movement. Stephanie shares stories from her classroom and reflects on the joy of...
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TandL Talks S2Ep10 - Teacher to Coach to Teacher
In this episode of TandL Talks, Nancy and Gena sit down with Priscilla Milam, a phenomenal secondary math teacher who spent three years as an instructional coach before returning to the classroom at Puyallup High School. Together, they explore what it really means to step into teacher leadership,...
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TandL Talks S2Ep9 - Using GLAD Strategies
In this episode of TandL Talks, Nancy sits down with five inspiring educators to explore how GLAD (Guided Language Acquisition Design) brings lessons to life across grade levels.From pictorial input charts to expert groups, they share howco-created visuals and real images boost comprehension,...
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TandL Talks S2Ep9 - Using GLAD strategies
In this episode of TandL Talks, Nancy sits down with five inspiring educators to explore how GLAD (Guided Language Acquisition Design) brings lessons to life across grade levels. From pictorial input charts to expert groups, they share how co-created visuals and real images boost comprehension,...
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TandL Talks S2Ep8 - Teacher Leaders
🎙️ Episode: Leading from the Classroom — Building the Next Generation of Teacher Leaders In this episode of TanDL Talks, host Nancy explores what it means to lead from the classroom and how teachers can build the skills that open doors to districtwide leadership roles. Joined by Candace McGregor...
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TandL Talks S2Ep7 - Advanced Placement for All!
Tan Talks sits down with Matt White—AP TOSA, data-loving cheerleader for “AP for all,” and former class clown turned teacher’s pet—to unpack what Advanced Placement really is and why it matters from kindergarten to commencement. We connect K–5 moves (science-of-reading routines, math fluency,...
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TandL Talks S2 Ep6 - Serving on a Cadre
In this week’s episode, Nancy sits down with Clairese Jorgensen, a fourth-grade teacher at Dessie Evans Elementary and a member of the district’s elementary math cadre. Clairese shares her journey from paraeducator to teacher leader and reflects on how serving on a cadre has strengthened her...
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TandL Talks S2Ep5 - Writing instruction
✍️ How do we make writinginstruction more doable—and more joyful—for teachers and students? In thisepisode of TandL Talks, teachers Erin Langston and Meen Mensonides sharetheir biggest takeaways from the August Teaching & Learning Summit. Fromconnecting reading and writing, to seeing the power of...
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TandL Talks S2 Ep4 - Para Mentoring
Three powerhouse paraeducators—Ali Meyers, Nikki Levy, and Jennifer Parks—share how mentorship, job-alike PLCs, and deep learning like LETRs training are transforming culture and classrooms. Their stories highlight the shift from “just a para” to professional leader, showing how paraeducators are...
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TandL Talks S2Ep3 - LETRs training
In this episode of TandL Talks, Nancy and Gena sit down with first-grade teacher Leslie Porter from Mountain View Elementary to talk about her journey through LETRS training. Leslie shares her biggest “aha” moments about the science of reading, how she’s transformed daily instruction with tools...
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TandL Talks S2Ep2 - Para to Teacher
In this episode of TandL Talks, we sit down with educators Deja Bee and Kat Miller who made the inspiring journey from paraeducator to classroom teacher. Hear their stories of perseverance, passion, and the power of growing into leadership while staying rooted in service to students.
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TandL Talks S2Ep1 Social Emotional Learning
In this episode of TandL Talks, Carson Elementary’s Anthony Mason shares how social-emotional learning creates safe, connected classrooms where students thrive. From building trust to sparking meaningful conversations, Anthony shows how SEL practices make a lasting impact on kids’ learning and...
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TandL Talks S1 Ep2 Rerun
✨ Ready to start the year strong? Revisit our convo with Sherrie Bakke, 1st grade teacher at Meeker, as she shares smart ways to maximize classroom time. So many ideas you can use right away!
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TandL Talks Ep 1 - JML-STI
Welcome to TandL Talks—the podcast for, about, and featuring fabulous educators! In our very first episode, we dive into two powerful tools shaping instruction across the district: the JML-STI social studies curriculum and Tier 1 Navigation. You’ll hear how teachers are using these resources to...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
TandL Talks is your front-row seat to real conversations with passionate educators making a difference in classrooms every day. From innovative instructional practices to the everyday wins (and challenges!) of teaching and learning, this podcast brings you authentic stories, practical strategies, and inspiring insights. Whether you're a teacher, leader, or coach, you'll walk away feeling connected, energized, and ready to take your next instructional step—with purpose and heart.
HOSTED BY
Nancy
CATEGORIES
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