EdTech Journeys with Robert Yancey

Our Schools, Our Stories is back with a special episode featuring Dr. Youlonda Glaspie and Caroline Brown, as they share the story behind Blooming Into Success: Navigating Transitions in Education—a district-wide event designed to support families from Pre-K through 8th grade.Held at the Maxwell Center, this event offered expert-led workshops for parents, hands-on adventures for kids, and even a real planetarium experience—all focused on helping families feel confident and connected during key educational transitions.

Join us for a special episode of Our Schools, Our Stories: The Wayne County Public Schools Podcast featuring Spring Creek Elementary’s 2025 Teacher of the Year, Kelli Sasser!Kelli is making a difference through creativity, inclusion, and strong connections with students and families. In this episode, she shares how she’s creating a classroom where life skills meet meaningful learning—and how she’s inspiring others in the process.

In this episode of Our Schools, Our Stories: The Wayne County Public Schools Podcast, we sit down with Stacy Hersey, Media Coordinator at Northeast Elementary, whose passion for books is transforming the way students engage with reading.From creative challenges and book clubs to interactive library programs, Stacy is finding new ways to ignite curiosity, encourage lifelong reading habits, and make the library a hub of excitement. How do her innovative programs keep students coming back for more? Tune in to find out!#OurSchoolsOurStories #WayneCountyPublicSchools #ReadingMatters #SchoolLibraries #LifelongReaders 📖💡

In this episode of Our Schools, Our Stories: The Wayne County Public Schools Podcast, we sit down with Jamisha Raymond, a dynamic computer science and Adobe Graphic Design teacher, along with two of her talented students.One student shares his experience coding an app in his computer science class, while another takes us into the world of fashion, art, and history with a creative project inspired by the Harlem Renaissance.How do coding and design intersect in today’s classrooms? How are students using technology to solve problems and express creativity? Tune in to find out!#OurSchoolsOurStories #WayneCountyPublicSchools #Coding #GraphicDesign #HarlemRenaissance #FutureInnovators

Across the country, schools are facing teacher shortages, but here in Wayne County, we’re taking an innovative approach to growing our own educators. Today, we’re talking about the Wayne County Public Schools Teacher Apprenticeship Program, a powerful initiative that helps instructional assistants take the next step in their careers and become certified teachers.Joining us are Dr. Felicia Brown, Director of Human Resources, who champions this program, along with three teacher apprentices—Kayla Hetrick, Angela Lamb, and Karrie Smith—and their mentor, Marcy Paul. We’ll hear about their experiences, the impact of hands-on learning, and why programs like this are essential for building the future of education.

Step into history with Carver Elementary’sSTEAM Pioneer Gallery Walk! 👩‍🚀🎨⚙️In this episode ofOur Schools, Our Stories: The Wayne County Public Schools Podcast, hostRobert Yancey sits down withInstructional Coach Robin Casey, Principal Karla Smith, 4th-grade lead teacher Stephanie Lane, two student pioneers, and two proud parents to discuss how this incredible project brings historical figures to life!FromAlbert Einstein to Madam C.J. Walker, students research, write, and perform as real-life STEAM pioneers, creating an interactive and unforgettable learning experience. Tune in to hear how this projectinspires curiosity, builds confidence, and connects students to the past in exciting new ways!

In this episode, we’re thrilled to highlight a special event that brought families and learning together in an exciting way. We talk with Melissa Edgerton, principal of Meadow Lane Elementary, and Anna Bridgers, the school’s MTSS Interventionist, about their recent Family STEM Night. This event was packed with hands-on activities, prizes, and opportunities for students and their families to explore STEM together. Stay with us to learn how this night came to life and the incredible impact it had on the school community.

In this episode we’re shining a spotlight on one of the incredible programs from our Summer Enrichment offerings. We’ll be talking with Sharon Nethercutt, a CTE teacher at Norwayne Middle School, who led an amazing hands-on experience where students not only learned valuable skills, but also built something that will leave a lasting impact at their school. Stay tuned to hear all about this exciting project and the difference it’s making for our students and community.

Today, we’re diving into the exciting world of robotics and teamwork with Jan Bullock and Carrie Ocker, coaches of the First Lego League team at Meadow Lane Elementary. Their team recently competed at the Regionals, which were hosted right here in Wayne County at Norwayne Middle School. It was a fantastic experience where the students not only showcased their skills but also made new friends along the way. Stay with us to hear all about their journey, the challenges they faced, and the incredible memories they made.

‘Our Schools, Our Stories’ is about sharing the incredible range of things happening throughout Wayne County Public Schools—from the creativity and hard work of our students and staff to the powerful ways our community comes together. We want to capture it all, showcasing the people and programs making a difference every day. Whether you're a parent, teacher, student, or community member, we hope you’ll tune in. ‘Our Schools, Our Stories’ is your front-row seat to everything that makes Wayne County Public Schools a fantastic place to learn and grow. Thank you for listening, and we can’t wait to take you along on this new journey. Be sure to follow us for our first full episode coming soon!

Welcome to another episode of EdTech Journeys! Today, we're thrilled to have Stacy Lovdahl, an Innovative Learning Catalyst for the NC Department of Public Instruction, joining us to dive into the world of artificial intelligence in education. Stacy is at the forefront of integrating AI tools into classrooms across the state, ensuring that our teachers and students use technology safely and effectively. With a deep commitment to data privacy and a wealth of experience in AI applications, Stacy will share insights on how AI is transforming learning environments, the tools she recommends, and the guidelines she helps promote for safe AI usage in schools. Whether you're an educator, a parent, or just curious about the future of education, you're in for a treat.

Today we have a very special episode that shines a light on a groundbreaking initiative taking place right within the walls of our district’s high schools. In an era where technology intertwines with every aspect of our lives, four schools in our district have taken a leap into the future. Goldsboro, Southern Wayne, Eastern Wayne, and Charles B. Aycock High School have each established Student Tech Teams – groups of talented students who aren’t just learning about technology; they’re living it. From repairing Chromebooks to learning podcasting and video production, these students are at the forefront of educational technology. Joining us today are the incredible educators who guide these Tech Teams. They’re here to share the story of how these teams were formed, how they trained these young tech enthusiasts, and the profound impact this program has on their schools, the staff, and most importantly, the students themselves. Stay tuned afterward for our fabulous “Five in Five” segment where you can get to know the more personal side of Mrs. Valerie Jernigan, Mrs. Lesli Ducasse, Ms. Robin Wilson, and Mrs. Wendy Hair! 

Today, we’re joined by a panel of distinguished guests from our district: one of our EdTech Specialists, Heidi Barber, our CTE Director, Stephen Kelley, our District Math Lead, Andrew Bass, and our Title IV Enrichment Facilitator, Christy White. They're here to share insights into our diverse Summer Enrichment programs, designed to inspire and educate our students. From the innovative Audio Video Adventures to various CTE Career Camps, and the ever-popular Military-connected STEMKAMP, we'll explore how these opportunities are crafted to enhance curriculum and enrich student lives. We're also discussing the vital roles of accessibility measures like providing lunches and transportation, ensuring every student can participate. So, stay tuned as we unpack how this summer will be a time of growth and discovery for our students! Stay tuned to the end for a fast and furious 5 in 5!

In the ever-evolving landscape of educational technology, staying ahead means not just adapting to changes, but embracing them. This summer marks a significant milestone for our district as we transition to a new Student Information System, Infinite Campus. This change promises to revolutionize the way we manage student data, communicate within our educational community, and, most importantly, enhance the teaching and learning experience for our teachers and students alike. Join me as I sit down with Tony Smith, Director of Instructional Information Systems to learn more about Infinite Campus.

Welcome to another enlightening episode! Today we are diving into the heart of elementary education with a special focus on STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, with a dash of the Arts to make it STEAM.  Joining me are two extraordinary elementary teachers who are not just embracing STEM; they’re leading the charge at their school. In today’s episode we will meet Ms. Jan Bullock and Ms. Carrie Ocker from Meadow Lane Elementary. Together, we will uncover the stories behind their initiatives, the impact on their students, and what the future holds for STEM education. So whether you’re an educator looking to bring more STEM into your classroom, or you're just someone passionate about the future of learning, you’re in the right place, so let’s get started.

In this episode, we shine a spotlight on the innovative use of Desmos, a dynamic interactive program revolutionizing math education. Join me as I sit down with a dedicated math teacher, Aletta Burton, who is harnessing the full potential of Desmos to enhance learning experiences for her students. From graphing calculators to interactive activities, she shares her insights, strategies, and the remarkable outcomes witnessed in her classroom. Discover how Desmos is reshaping the landscape of math education, fostering engagement, and empowering students to explore mathematical concepts with newfound confidence and enthusiasm. 

In this very special 1st Anniversary Bonus Episode we celebrate our first year of the EdTechJourneys podcast by shining our spotlight on the 4 student podcasts that have launched in our high schools. Join us as we travel to Goldsboro High School, Southern Wayne, Eastern Wayne, and Charles B. Aycock to share segments of their podcast episodes. Be sure to follow them to stay in the loop as they share true insight into what is really happening in our schools and making all the difference. Thank you for your support in our first year! Let the journey begin!

In this episode, we embark on an enlightening journey into the world of blended learning, guided by a dynamic 4th-grade teacher who is reshaping the educational landscape through innovative strategies. Join us as we delve into the classroom of Ms. Meko Artis, a forward-thinking educator, where blended learning takes center stage. Through the use of playlists and instructional videos, she's revolutionizing the learning experience for her diverse group of students, each on their unique path to mastery. Discover the secrets behind her approach as we uncover how blended learning caters to individual needs, fosters engagement, and empowers students to take ownership of their learning journey. It's a testament to the power of technology in transforming traditional classrooms into vibrant hubs of exploration and discovery.

In this episode, we dive into the transformative journey of a 5th grade teacher who decided to flip her classroom this year. Our guest, Mrs. Heather Watson from Northeast Elementary School, shares with us her insights into the initial challenges, triumphs, and remarkable results she’s witnessed after taking this bold step. Join us as we discuss this pedagogical shift, exploring her motivations, the strategies she employs, and the tangible benefits she observes in her students’ engagement and understanding.

Welcome to our Season 3 Premiere! In this entertaining and engaging episode, we're stepping into the dynamic and inventive realm of high school engineering. We'll be talking to a couple of incredibly talented students and their teacher, Maya Fulton from Wayne School of Engineering, who are making waves in their engineering classes. These students aren't just learning about engineering; they're living it, through hands-on projects that challenge their creativity and problem-solving skills. Today, they're here to share their experiences, the projects that have ignited their passion, and how these classes are shaping their visions for the future. So, whether you're an educator, a student, or just someone who loves to hear about the inspiring endeavors in education, this episode is for you. Let's get started and dive into the world of high school engineering!

The students of Eastern Wayne Elementary were recently gifted with a virtual meeting with the best-selling author Alan Gratz. He has penned many of our students' favorite books, including The Brooklyn Nine, Prisoner B-3087, Ground Zero, The League of Seven Series, Refugee, and the much-loved Elementary Battle of the Books title, Ban This Book. In this episode, I’m sitting down with Media Coordinator Christie Davis who brought this exciting opportunity to her school to learn more.

Join us for a captivating episode where we explore a unique project-based learning journey recently undertaken by the entire 5th-grade at Northwest Elementary School. Mrs. Courtney Howell, Mrs Erin Nelson, and their students joined me to talk about their extraordinary experience of creating a life-sized cardboard zoo, integrating science, math, and art. Discover the challenges they faced, the joys of learning, and the excitement of teaching others in their school-wide zoo exhibit. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in innovative education and student creativity. Now, let the journey begin!

In this episode we have the privilege of speaking with Brooke Ash, an Interventionist from Northwest Elementary. Not only does she lead the MTSS process at her school, but she’s also significantly contributed to curriculum development for K-2 in the District, establishing herself as a pivotal figure in educational technology integration in Wayne County Public Schools. Today she’s here to share her insights on the impact of educational technology on teaching and learning. 

In this engaging episode of EdTech Journeys, we delve into the innovative world of elementary STEM education with a special focus on interactive learning. Our guest, a dedicated elementary teacher, shares her experiences and insights from the recent “wax museum” her students created for the Wayne County STEAM Festival in which they brought historical STEAM figures to life. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of teaching young learners, the importance of hands-on projects, and the integration of technology in education. This conversation offers a unique glimpse into how creative teaching methods can inspire a love for science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics in the next generation.

In this episode of EdTech Journeys, we delve into the world of high school Career and Technical Education with two dedicated CTE teachers who specialize in teaching Adobe software. They share insights into Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign courses, discussing the benefits of earning Adobe certifications, engaging projects, and the role of technology in preparing students for future careers. Join us as we explore the exciting impact of educational technology and students' creative and digital skills development. Stay through the end to have a little fun with our guests and our Five-in-Five segment!

This is a really fun episode in which Christy White and Andrew Bass discuss a very unique summer program offered in Wayne County Public Schools. STEMKAMP is done in collaboration with the Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, and is funded through a grant from DoD STEM, Goshen Education Consulting, and iBIO.

In this episode, we are joined by Iris Ellington, Virtual Instruction Consultant with NC Rethink Education. Iris shares her wealth of knowledge about Blended Learning and the NC Rethink Education initiative that Wayne County Public Schools has been a part of over the last three years. We discuss the strides made in improving classroom instruction and the impact that it brings. Join us in learning more! Now, let the journey begin!

This is an extra-long episode filled with charming anecdotes and insights you won't want to miss. Mrs. Edgerton is a dedicated, determined teacher who truly loves her students and is passionate about her field. Come meet her, gain insight into the world of exceptional children, and learn about some of the adaptive tools that enhance learning and the incredible differences these simple devices have made for her students and their families. And be sure to stay to the end for our 5-in-5 to get a glimpse into her personal thoughts and interests.

In this interesting episode, we get to know Dr. Marc Whichard, the new Superintendent of Wayne County Public Schools. He will share his thoughts about education, instructional technology, and his hopes for the future. And stick around to the end for our lively 5-in-5 to get to know him on a more personal level. Welcome to Season 2! Now, let the journey begin!

Join us on location at NCBOLD in Rocky Mount. Mr. Yancey talks with the organizers of DPI's "Professional Development Roadshow" as well as many of the attendees who share what they learned.

Meet Valerie Jernigan, Instructional Technology Facilitator at Goldsboro High School. Mrs. Jernigan has developed a Student Tech Team at GHS through a grant awarded from the North Carolina Business Committee for Education (NCBCE). Students are learning to repair Chromebooks, teach their peers about cyber safety, and even starting their own podcast!

Richard Nobers discusses his new Drone Technology course at Rosewood High School. His students are engaged and excited to learn. He also discusses future plans for this course and the students who are taking part.

In this episode, we meet Jamisha Raymond, a CTE teacher from Wayne School of Technical Arts. Mrs. Raymond teaches Coding with Minecraft and her students' abilities have really taken off.  Listen to this episode to learn more about Minecraft for Education and some of the accomplishments her students have already attained.

District Math Coordinator, Andrew Bass, came in to talk about his Hybrid Math I course for advanced 8th Grade Students. Created to fill a need in Wayne County Public Schools, Mr. Bass discusses how it all began, what his course looks like, and how he uses Blended Learning Strategies in the delivery of this course. By teaching this class, Mr. Bass provides opportunities for students who may not otherwise be able to take Math 1 at their middle school. 

Dr. Ashley McBride and Lauren Boucher (from NCDPI) stopped by to chat about all the benefits available to our staff with their ISTE Memberships. This year, every certified educator in the state of NC was given a professional membership in the International Society for Technology in Education. ISTE is the world’s most dynamic edtech community, and teachers can make use of a wide variety of resources available.

In this informative episode, Robin Wilson, Instructional Technology Facilitator at Eastern Wayne High School, discusses cyber safety for students. She speaks about being responsible with the information you share, the importance of always being aware of your digital footprint, and protecting both your personal information and your reputation online. Ms. Wilson shares tips to help all of us make better decisions about how we use technology and social media. 

Laura Taylor is heading up a new hybrid Teacher Cadet Program district-wide. Students work face-to-face and online as they learn more about becoming future educators. Listen to learn more about how Blended Learning makes it possible to spread this program to every high school in the district.

Lesli Ducasse, Instructional Technology Facilitator at Southern Wayne High School speaks of the importance of students becoming content creators and some ed tech tools for them to use. Some of Lesli's favorite programs for students: Adobe Express for Education Canva for Education Google Drawings Google Slides

Melissa Sanders is a 4th-grade teacher at Meadow Lane Elementary School. This year, after participating in the NC Rethink Education Blended Instructor course, she felt compelled to start implementing the strategies learned. She's had great success with her students. They are all growing and because her kids always have something else to do, rigor stays high and her students stay on-task, removing behavior problems from her class. Mrs. Sanders is finding great success in serving as a facilitator in her classroom as students work on project-based learning tasks, and managing small-group instruction made possible with strategies like choice boards and playlists. Melissa participated in NC Rethink Ed's Blended Instructor Training. Learn more about this course here:NC Rethink Ed Blended Instructor Course Learn more about the NC Rethink Ed Blended Learning Initiative here:NC Rethink Ed You can also visit the NC Rethink Ed learning hub on GoOpen where you can find a wide variety of resources, including blended learning courses already created you can download, personalize, and implement today!  NC Rethink Ed Hub on GoOpen

Welcome to EdTech Journeys, the podcast where we explore the ever-evolving world of educational technology and its impact on teaching and learning. Our mission is to help educators in the Wayne County Public Schools system and beyond stay up-to-date with the latest EdTech trends, tools, and best practices in Eastern North Carolina. In each episode, we'll sit down with experts in the field, teachers, and administrators to discuss their experiences and share insights into how blended learning and technology integration are transforming education here in Wayne County. So whether you're a seasoned EdTech pro or just starting your journey, join us as we embark on a new adventure in learning. Transcript: Welcome to Ed Tech Journeys, the Wayne County Public Schools podcast, where we explore the ever-evolving world of educational technology and its impact on teaching and learning. Our mission is to help educators stay up to date with the latest Ed Tech trends and best practices. In each episode, we'll sit down with experts, teachers, and administrators to discuss their experiences and share insights into how blended learning and technology integration are transforming education. Join us as we embark on a new adventure in learning. This is Ed tech journeys with Robert Yancy. Hello, and welcome to Ed Tech Journeys, the podcast that explores the intersection of technology and education. I'm your host, Robert Yancey, and I'm excited to share our podcast with you today. Our podcast focuses on blended learning and technology integration and how our teachers are using it in Wayne County Public Schools, a school district located in eastern North Carolina. As a district, we're constantly exploring new tools and platforms to enhance our educational approach. Ultimately, our goal is to create a personalized student-centered learning experience that prepares our students for success in the 21st century. This podcast will serve as our platform to share what teachers across the district are doing, what's working well in their classrooms, and to learn from each other. It's also an opportunity for the community to get more insight into what kinds of learning opportunities our schools are providing for students and to hear about all our students' successes.  That's all for this special teaser episode. If these topics pique your interest, please subscribe today. Now, let the journey begin.