The Schoolyard Podcast

We all have that one classroom corner of shame—you know, the one overflowing with forgotten supplies, mystery re-gifts, and half-used markers. In the final episode of The Schoolyard Podcast, host Nancy Chung sits down with organization pro and 3rd-grade teacher Molly (@lessonswithlaughter) to tackle classroom clutter.Tune in for game-changing tips to transform your space from a chaotic catch-all to a streamlined sanctuary. From color-coding secrets to foolproof systems, this episode will help you reclaim your classroom—and your sanity!Molly is a 3rd grade teacher in sunny San Diego and a mom to two kids! She supports teachers with implementing classroom organization systems and building a positive classroom community + environment that bring them joy! You can find her on Instagram @lessonswithlaughter!

In this episode, Nancy is joined by Lynnette Cornett from School Specialty to discuss innovative ways to energize students through indoor activities during the winter season. Discover how to turn your school's indoor spaces into dynamic environments that support students of all abilities, integrating therapeutic support seamlessly into fun group activities. From sensory-rich obstacle courses to collaborative movement games, these ideas help students maintain focus, reduce anxiety, and build meaningful connections with peers.Lynnette Cornett holds an MA in Educational Leadership with certifications of Special Education Director and Building Principal PreK–12. She served as a special education teacher and 8 years as Special Education Director in Missouri, helping supervise a 475-member staff and 450 students with IEPs. She has overseen special education compliance, services and program development, professional development, diagnostics, staff evaluations, training and family liaison.

In this episode of The Schoolyard, Nancy explores the power of creativity in education with James Wells, Education Content Manager at Crayola. James, a former Educator of the Year, shares his insights on how creative approaches can transform learning, spark student engagement, and foster a love of learning. We discuss the importance of hands-on experiences, the impact of Crayola Creativity Week, and how to reignite that spark of imagination in today's classrooms.

In this heartwarming episode of The Schoolyard Podcast, Nancy is joined by two beloved educators, Lauran and Josh, whose humor, compassion, and joy have earned them “social media royalty” status. Together, they share the magical moments that make teaching so rewarding—from hilarious classroom mishaps to breakthrough connections with students.Listen in as they reveal what keeps them inspired, their unique teaching methods, and how their personal passions bring energy to their classrooms. Plus, we’ll dive into fun holiday-themed questions, guaranteed to leave you smiling. Celebrate the joy of teaching, the bonds we form, and the laughter that makes it all worthwhile!To learn more about Lauran and Josh, check out their Instagram accounts:Lauran: https://www.instagram.com/mrs.woolleyin5th/Josh: https://www.instagram.com/mrmonroeandnala/

In this episode of The Schoolyard Podcast, we welcome back Juan Edgar Gonzalez Jr. (@Teaching3rdwithmrg), a passionate elementary teacher and literacy advocate, to discuss the incredible influence teachers wield both in the classroom and online. From navigating the sweet spot between authenticity and optimism to sharing moments that inspire students and fellow educators, Juan reflects on how teachers can make a positive impact far beyond their immediate surroundings.Join us as we explore Juan’s journey into social media, his strategies for staying energized, and his advice for building an authentic, uplifting presence online. Whether you’re looking to start your own ripple effect or just need a reminder of the power you hold as an educator, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical tips!

In this episode of The Schoolyard Podcast, Nancy explores the transformative power of reflective teaching practices with special guest Kim Gameroz, M.Ed., founder of Teaching Inside Out. Learn how setting actionable teaching goals, adapting on the fly, and integrating Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) can boost student engagement and academic achievement while fostering emotional intelligence. Packed with real-world strategies and inspiring success stories, this conversation will help you reimagine your classroom as a dynamic space for growth—for both you and your students.Discover practical tips on managing challenging behaviors, creating "Aha!" moments, and leveraging reflection to continuously improve your teaching. Don’t miss Kim’s insights from her upcoming book Becoming The Bison and her experience helping educators nationwide feel valued and empowered. Whether you're a seasoned teacher or just starting out, this episode is your guide to unlocking the full potential of your classroom!

In this episode, Nancy is tapping into the excitement of the season, and how teachers transform ordinary lessons into extraordinary adventures. Joining her is Carlanda Miller, also known as The Magical Teacher. Carlanda Miller, is a distinguished educator with 13 years of experience across various grade levels and leadership roles. She leads nationwide Professional Development and delivers inspiring keynotes to students and educators. To learn more about Carlanda's efforts, check out her website and Instagram.

In this episode, Nancy is joined by Diego Napoles who has redefined what it means to be an educator, creating a stress-free, deeply engaging classroom. Diego shares the innovative strategies that have transformed his teaching—and the lives of his students. This is a conversation you won’t want to miss!To learn more about Diego, check out his website, www.mrnapoles.com and follow him on instagram @mr_napoles

In this episode, Nancy explores how educators can create learning environments that not only teach but inspire, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset to thrive in their future careers. For this conversation, Nancy is joined by ToniJo Niccoli.ToniJo Niccoli is the Principal of the Career Elevation and Technology Center (CETC) and New Meridian High School (a small alternative high school) in the St. Vrain Valley School District (Longmont, CO--30 minutes north of Denver). Drawing on two decades of educational experience, ToniJo is a committed champion for students, ensuring that every student has access to the outstanding learning opportunities offered on her campus.She leads one of the state's premier Career and Technical Education (CTE) centers, and her leadership is centered on providing students with state-of-the-art educational programs aligned with St. Vrain’s rigorous graduation requirements and postsecondary workforce readiness competencies.

In this episode, Nancy is joined by School Specialty subject matter expert, Dr. Sue Ann Highland. Join them as they embark on a classroom revolution that will transform the way your students learn and interact.

In this episode, join Nancy as she chats with Fletcher Nelson and Carolyn Kim to explore ways to streamline your planning, maximize your classroom time, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Whether you're a veteran teacher or just starting out, we hope these insights will help you approach the new year with confidence.To learn more about Fletcher, check out his Instagram at @_thirdgradeswagTo learn more about Carolyn, check out her Instagram at @aprimarykindoflife

In this episode, Join Nancy and our guest Brooke Brown as they explore how STEAM education is bridging the gap between classroom learning and real world innovation.Brooke Brown is a national board certified teacher, presenter, and curriculum author who specializes in STEM, Makerspaces, coding and robotics with 20 years of teaching experience. Brooke has a passion for creating hands-on innovative resources to meet the needs of students while fostering memorable, engaging, play-based learning experiences.. You can learn more about Brooke on her website teachoutsidethebox.com, on Instagram and TikTok.

We’ve all heard of the phrase “play hard, work hard” right? But what if “playing” was part of the “work?” In this episode, Nancy is joined by two School Specialty Subject Matter Experts, Kathy Decamps (PE) and Jennifer Fernandez (Early Childhood) and dive into the world of Play-Based Learning. Together, they explore what play-based learning looks like across different age groups and highlight its transformative benefits for student engagement, social skills, and cognitive development.

For the first episode of the season two, Nancy is joined by the colorful and creative women behind @happilyeverelementary, Stephanie Osmunson & Loreal Hemenway! Check out their conversation about all things back to school! To learn more about Stephanie and Loreal, check out their instagram at @happilyeverelementary

In this episode, Nancy is joined by Shannon Olsen, the author of “Our Class is a Family” and many more, to explore the enchanting world of children's literature.To learn more about Shannon Olsen, you can find her at:Website: lifebetweensummers.comTPT: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Life-Between-SummersInstagram: www.instagram.com/lifebetweensummers

In the dynamic realm of education, where every student's path is distinct, effective intervention programs shine as guiding lights, illuminating the route to success. In this episode, Nancy talks to Soo Goda and Nicole Hill about designing effective student intervention programs and environments.Soo Goda began her career 31 years ago as a Bilingual Education teacher. She has served as a Spanish Dual Language Immersion teacher, Instructional Coach, and as co-administrator for her District, and was recognized as co-administrator of the year for her county in 2021. She is currently serving as the District Coordinator of Expanded Learning TK-6.Nicole Hill, a return guest from Episode 3, has an impressive 16-year background in education, where she has held various roles such as a classroom teacher, specialist, and administrator. She is certified as an educator in multiple areas, Pre-K to 12th grade, in Texas and Europe, and within communities that were each uniquely diverse in terms of their demographics, size, and campus needs. Her expertise spans curriculum and instruction, professional development, and leadership.

In this compelling episode, Nancy sits down with Marcella Bianco from CATCH Global Foundation to discuss how we can halt the vaping issue sweeping through our youth and how to address the pressures that this can put on educators.CATCH Global Foundation (“CATCH”) is a leading expert in the development and dissemination of school-based children’s health and wellness programs that are evidence-based and evidence-informed. CATCH offers curriculum aligned with national standards for grades Pre-K through 12 that focuses on health and physical education, social-emotional learning, youth vaping prevention, sun safety, and oral health. Additionally, CATCH provides professional development training to thousands of educators each year and reaches over 3 million youth annually in the United States and internationally. CATCH was founded in 2014 with support from the UTHealth Houston School of Public Health and Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living, and MD Anderson Cancer Center. Visit CATCH.org to learn more.

In today’s episode, Nancy is joined by Joe McCormick and Quyen Nicol, aka @topfloorteachers to talk about “Engagement Without Compromising Academic Rigor". Studies show that when students dive into activities that get their hands moving, they're not just engaged – they're absorbing information like sponges. Join us as we learn how to make learning exciting without sacrificing academic rigor.___Joe McCormick is a passionate educator with a knack for innovative teaching methods and a commitment to student success. With over a decade of experience in the education field, Joe brings a wealth of knowledge and creativity to the classroom. His expertise lies in engaging students in meaningful ways. Joe is known for his dynamic teaching style, which fosters critical thinking skills and encourages active participation among his students. As a co-founder of @topfloorteachers, Joe is dedicated to sharing best practices and resources with fellow educators to inspire excellence in teaching and learning.Quyen Nicol is an enthusiastic educator with a strong dedication to creating inclusive and stimulating learning environments. Quyen excels at tailoring instruction to meet the diverse needs of every learner. Her compassionate approach and patient demeanor enable her to build strong rapport with students and empower them to reach their full potential. Quyen is a co-founder of @topfloorteachers, where she advocates for personalized learning strategies and provides valuable insights to support educators in their professional growth journey. Her mission is to ensure that all students have access to quality education.

Artificial Intelligence, or AI, has emerged as a groundbreaking force in our world within a relatively short span of time. With its increasing presence in educational settings, educators and students alike are confronted with a host of challenges, from embracing novel teaching methodologies to grappling with fears of job displacement and contending with complex issues like data privacy and algorithmic bias.In this episode, Nancy will be talking about some of these integrations and opportunities with the queen of AI apps and programs, Emily Anderson Karst aka @Joyfulnoiseteaching.

In this episode, Nancy talks to Nichole Schlagel, current principal of the Academy of Arts and Knowledge, to chat through neurodiversity in schools and how it contribute unique threads that weave a rich and diverse learning experience for all.

Buckle up and get ready for an episode that will take you on an educational joyride that transforms students into the trailblazers of tomorrow, as we talk to Henri Crockett. Henri Crockett is the co-founder and president of the Crockett Foundation. A South-Florida based non-profit organization that serves youth through educational programs with the mission to help build character, develop leaders, and improve the community, one child at a time. A Florida State University graduate, he also played in the NFL for seven years, notably starting in Super Bowl XXXIII with the Atlanta Falcons. The Crockett Foundation believes that kids deserve every opportunity to explore, engage and experience the changing world around them. Using programs focused around Coding and Science Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM), The Crockett Foundation supports kids as they prepare for the jobs of the future.

It's time to turn the everyday into extraordinary learning opportunities! On this episode, Nancy is joined by Dr. Erica Colón and talk about encouraging and facilitating hands-on learning for students by leveraging real life events. ---Dr. Erica Colón is a distinguished educator and author known for her influential work in science curriculum and instruction. As a National Board Certified Teacher with extensive experience teaching various science disciplines across grades 6-12, she profoundly understands the importance of student engagement.Her commitment to enhancing science education led her to establish Nitty Gritty Science, LLC, in 2012, where she serves as the founder and CEO. Through this venture, Dr. Colón creates and publishes captivating science resources and curriculum materials that have gained widespread recognition and adoption in classrooms worldwide. Beyond her educational contributions, Dr. Colón is active on social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, where she shares insights, science demos, learning strategies, and engaging content under the handle @nittygrittyscience. She is currently working on her next book Science In The Wild, which will be available in the summer of 2024! Explore her work and resources at www.nittygrittyscience.com.

To start the new year, Nancy is joined by Juan Edgar Gonzalez Jr. and Rebecka Peterson in Houston, Texas, for the Extra Yard For Teachers Summit, to discuss the love of literacy and numeracy!Juan Edgar Gonzalez Jr, also known as Mr. G, is an elementary teacher from Houston, TX. He is well-known and well-loved for his love of literacy. Juan is one of the main speakers and one of the biggest teacher conferences in the nation and uses his social media, teaching3rdwithmrg to connect with teachers all over the world. His mission through this work is to spotlight the great work all educators are doing in classrooms and to inspire everyone to read more books!Rebecka Peterson @rebeckapeterson_, is a high school math teacher from Tulsa, Oklahoma, who just happens to be named the 2023 National Teacher of the Year! As National Teacher of the Year, Rebecka plans to use her platform to highlight teachers’ stories of the good that’s happening in education. Rebecka administers and has contributed 1400 posts to the “One Good Thing” blog and credits daily posting on the blog to help her recognize the beautiful and positive experiences occurring in her classroom.

You are in for a treat with this special holiday episode! Nancy is joined by Jere Chang and Ty Cook to discuss the “Joys of Teaching” Get ready to be inspired and entertained as we dive into their hilarious and inspiring stories, unique teaching approaches, and the power of humor in education.For more info on Jere Chang and Ty Cook, visit their instagrams.@mschanggifted@cook_in_the_classroom

Early childhood classrooms are like magical wonderlands where creativity and fun go hand in hand. These classrooms are not just about teaching ABCs and 123s; they are about igniting a child's imagination and nurturing their unique talents.On this episode episode, Nancy is joined by guests Cecilia Cruise and Jennifer Fernandez to discuss ways to create the most dynamic early childhood classrooms.

The teacher shortage problem across the nation is indeed a pressing issue. Many schools are struggling to find qualified teachers, leading to larger class sizes and increased workload for existing teachers. This, in turn, contributes to teacher burnout.In this episode, Nancy is joined by Dr. Richard Warren Jr. and discuss the teacher burnout and teacher shortages across the nation.--Dr. Richard Warren Jr., is an award-winning educator, renowned speaker, and dynamic professor. Follow Dr. Warren on Instagram to learn more about his efforts.

In this episode, our guests Cecilia Cruse, Sue Ann Highland join Nancy to discuss the benefits of sensory spaces for both students and teachers and how to implement them into the classroom. Cecilia Cruse is the Special Needs Subject Matter Expert for School Specialty and she has dedicated herself to the health and well-being of others throughout a 38 year career as a registered and licensed Occupational Therapist. Dr. Sue Ann Highland is the National Education Strategist for School Specialty and derives her expertise from over 25 years in education.

Physical well-being is crucial for teachers and students alike, as it directly impacts their overall performance and productivity. When teachers are healthy, they can effectively engage with their students and create a positive learning environment. Similarly, when students are physically fit, they can concentrate better and actively participate in classroom activities. In this episode, Nancy chats with our Maya Evans, a certified school psychologist, a personal trainer, and CEO and Founder of Mental and Muscle.Check out @mentalandmuscle on instagram to learn more about Maya and her efforts.

Adaptive art is a wonderful way to bring people together through creativity and self-expression. It focuses on making art accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their abilities or limitations. Tune in to listen to Nancy chat with Susan Loesl, an Adaptive Art Specialist and Art Therapist. To learn more about Susan Loesl, check out the American Art Therapy Association.

In this episode, Nancy and our guest Kimberley Gorelik discuss the benefits of family engagement and how that can fuel student involvement.To learn more about Kimberley's work, visit weareteachers.com and check out her book Hacking Parenthood: 10 Mantras You Can Use Daily to Reduce the Stress of Parenting (Hack Learning Series).

Imagine a classroom where students become inventors, engineers, and dreamers, all in one! In this episode Nancy and Naomi Hartl discuss robotics and how it's empowering young minds to think critically, problem-solve, and collaborate like never before.

Nancy, and guests Loreal Hemenway and Stephanie Osmunson, the educators behind @happilyeverelementary, are passionate about setting a positive tone for back to school time. In this episode, they discuss setting the tone for back to school and the significance of creating an inviting and inclusive classroom environment.

In this episode, join Nancy as she discusses extended learning and its benefits for students with Nicole Hill from School Specialty.

Join Nancy and her guest Claire LaBeaux the Chief Marketing Officer at NASEF (the Network of Academic and Scholastic Esports Federations) as they dive into the exciting world of esports and why it's a game-changer in schools!

Creating a classroom environment that promotes social-emotional wellness and a sense of belonging is crucial for the overall development and success of students. When students feel like they belong, they are more likely to engage in their learning, build positive relationships with their peers, and develop a strong sense of self-worth. In this episode, Nancy chats with Dr. Sue Ann Highland, who is the National Education Strategist for School Specialty about building social emotional learning spaces.

Welcome to the Schoolyard Podcast! A show created by educators for educators. Join our host, Nancy Chung, as we discuss topics that focus on subjects which cover a wide mix of areas across the education landscape. Learn new tips & tricks, stories from peers, hot topics, and answers to questions we’re all wondering through conversations between Nancy and our featured guests.