Educating with E's

On this episode of Educating with Es, Dr. Bauer talks with Dr. Jamar Alston, the newest assistant principal at NPHS. Dr. Bauer explores why Dr. Alston became an educator, what he finds most unique about North Penn, and a Phillies ' prediction for the start of baseball season.

Some school heroes carry clipboards. Some carry shovels. This week on Educating with E’s, Superintendent Dr. Todd Bauer sits down with Ben Potser, North Penn School District’s Grounds Coordinator and 4E Award winner for Exceeding Expectations.For more than 20 years, Ben has quietly shaped the daily experience of students and staff across all 21 NPSD buildings. From prepping fields for Olympic Day to responding to floods, alarms, clogs, and the unexpected curveballs facilities life throws at 2:00 a.m., Ben is the steady hand behind the scenes, making sure every school day starts on solid ground.In this episode, Dr. Bauer and Ben talk about what it really takes to keep a district running smoothly, the pride in problem-solving before the first bell rings, and why leadership sometimes looks like a flashlight in one hand and a walkie-talkie in the other.Because at North Penn, exceeding expectations is not just an award. For Ben Potser, it is simply the way the job gets done.

Syeda Mirza is a paraprofessional at North Penn High School who has worked in the district for the past 17 years and our $es Award Winner for Engaging the Community.. She also serves as a club advisor for the Indian Cultural Club, Bengali Cultural Club, and Muslim Students Association. Syeda is an incredibly passionate educator, working tirelessly to build bridges for both her students and the community to come together and learn from one another. She is also a very welcoming person, encouraging all students, staff, and community members to attend club events and activities to learn about other cultures, food, fashion, music, and more. She also inspires students within the clubs to share their own cultures and skills to run the clubs successfully.

On this episode of Educating with Es, Dr. Bauer sits down with Alexa Merrill, an autistic support classroom teacher at Gwynedd Square and 4Es Award winner for elevating learning, who has spent more than five years making a lasting impact across the school community. Known for her extraordinary rapport with students, staff, administrators, and families, Alexa shares what drives her work, how collaboration shapes her classroom, and why being willing to help anywhere, anytime matters. It’s a conversation about mentorship, service, and the quiet leadership that helps a school family thrive.

In this episode of Educating with Es, Superintendent Dr. Todd Bauer sits down with Mrs. Teresa Young, beloved second-grade teacher at Bridle Path Elementary School and proud North Penn graduate. Teresa shares how growing up in North Penn shaped her dream to return as an educator and why teaching in the very district that inspired her still feels surreal.Listeners will enjoy a fun and heartfelt conversation as Teresa reflects on her path back home, her passion for connecting with young learners, and a few lighter topics too, like how she ended up being voted “Most Likely to Be a Soccer Mom”, her first-ever concert, and her official ruling on the best type of snow day.Warm, authentic, and full of North Penn pride, this episode shines a light on a teacher who truly embodies what it means to give back to the community that raised her. Tune in!

In this episode of Educating with Es, host Dr. Todd Bauer sits down with Dr. Nicole Kelly, Special Education Supervisor at the North Penn School District. Get to know Nicole’s journey in education, what drives her passion for supporting students and staff, and why her love for all things Philly sports runs deep.We also dive into some lighter topics, including the one candy she hopes never shows up in a Halloween basket again!Tune in for an engaging, insightful, and fun conversation that highlights the people and passions behind North Penn’s exceptional educational community.

In this episode of Educating with Es, Superintendent Dr. Todd Bauer sits down with Tara B.G. Houser, Chief Financial Officer for the North Penn School District. Listeners get to know the person behind the numbers as Tara shares stories about her family, her two dogs, and how her time as a collegiate rower shaped her approach to teamwork, discipline, and leadership.As always, Dr. Bauer keeps things engaging with a spotlight on local eats, a celebration of small wins across the district, and the ever-popular Question of the Pod.Pull up a chair, grab your favorite snack, and join us for another insightful and uplifting conversation about the people who make North Penn thrive.

It’s been a while—school life sure gets hectic! But just in time for graduation season, Dr. Bauer returns with a special episode featuring Emilie Ikeda, a 2012 graduate of NPHS and NPTV. Now a correspondent for NBC News, Emilie appears regularly on major platforms like NBC Nightly News and The Today Show. In this inspiring conversation, she looks back on her North Penn roots, shares how her high school experience shaped her career and life, and talks about the special connection that keeps bringing her back home.

This week on the Educating with Es Podcast, Dr Bauer talks to immigration experts Justin Mixon and Michael Ahlert, both local lawyers focusing on immigration and family law about the current immigration landscape.  Dr. Pamula Hart, Director of Curriculum and Equity, and Rita Whalen, Principal of Hatfield Elementary School, provide insight from the school district and building level.

It's the eve of the Superbowl, no, not the Birds, our annual Reading Superbowl coordinated for the 20th straight year by Reading Supervisor Cheryl Neubert. Hear Cheryl's NP story and all of our Superbowl Predictions!

"Be Like Mike: The Heart of a School Counselor" In this episode, we sit down with Mr. Michael Flynn, the 2024 North Penn 4-E Award winner and dedicated School Counselor at Penndale Middle School. With 12 years of experience in the North Penn School District, Mike has guided thousands of students on their paths to success while fostering a culture of belonging and support. We’ll explore how Mike embodies the district’s “4 Es”—Ensuring Belonging, Elevating Learning, Exceeding Expectations, and Engaging the Community. From hospital visits after work to checking in on students during lunch, his tireless dedication leaves a lasting impact on everyone he meets. Join us as we celebrate Mike Flynn’s compassion, commitment, and the incredible ways he makes North Penn a better place for students, staff, and families alike.

Dr. Bauer sits down with Amby Murphy, ESL Teacher at Knapp Elementary School our 2024 4E Award Winner for Engaging Community. Amby exemplifies our 4Es. She Elevates Learning and engages our community with her outreach program for Parents of our English Language Learner students.   Amby works to create a welcoming environment from the minute our new students step foot at Knapp. She takes time to greet families and ensure that they have resources to be successful not only at Knapp, but also in the community. She spends countless hours throughout the year teaching at her evening ESL adult program which helps our parents learn English and acclimate to our community as a whole. Amby has built strong relationships that ensure the success of our North Penn students well beyond the classroom.

Dr. Bauer continues his conversations with another 2024 4Es Award recipient for Exceeding Expectations. In this episode is a lifelong resident, a Renaissance man, and the Routing Specialist for NP Transportation, Mr. Brent Talbot. If you or your child has taken a ride on an NPSD bus, Brent has been involved in getting it safely there. We learn about Brent's Local Eats and Small Wins and explore his myriad of talents and interests.

Dr. Bauer continues his conversations with another 2024 4Es Award recipients for Exceeding Expectations. On this episode is another unsung hero working behind the scenes to keep everything running in the world of technology. Ms. Vivan Cao is our Desktop and Device Specialist who has been with the NPSD for over 17 years. We find out Vivian's Local Eats and Small Wins, as well as her amazing journey from Vietnam to Lansdale.

Dr. Bauer kicks off the second season of Educating with E's podcast with none other than the man, the myth, the legend, Mr Bernie Jones, Supervisor of Security at NPHS. In this episode, we learn a little more about Bernie, his Local Eats, Small Wins, and best Halloween costume.

On this first episode of Educating E's for the 2024-25 school year, Dr. Bauer chats with Nina Fenstermaker, Curriculum Coordinator for ELA and Reading for the NPSD. All of your favorite segments are back, including small wins, local eats, and the Question of the POD. Listen to learn more about Nina and where the best-baked goods in the area can be found.

On this week's episode of Educating E's, Dr. Bauer chats with 38-year employee Luigi "Gino" Santoro who is retiring this year. Learn more about Gino's career, signature dance moves, and why everyone at NPHS knows and loves Gino. Also, some big news from the National School Public Relations Association and why a title change might be in order on episode 14 of Educating with E's.

In this episode of Educating with E's, Dr. Bauer talks to our healthcare providers at Everside Health, Mira Patel and Vanessa Amoah Oti-Akenten. We'll talk about the success of the NP Health Care Center in reducing costs for the North Penn School District health care plans and learn more about Mira and Vanessa. Of course, we'll include all your favorite segments: Small Wins, Local Eats, and the Question of the Pod.

This week, Dr. Bauer chats with NPSD Assistant Superintendent, Dr. D'Ana Waters. Learn more about Dr. Waters and her long tenure here at North Penn. Also, Dr. Bauer's family is getting a new dog. Let's help his family with some quality name suggestions! Drop a suggestion in the question of the week. Gather Round this podcast as we celebrate Small Wins, Local Eats, and spring break plans on episode 11 of Educating with E's.

This week, Dr. Bauer chats with NPHS Assistant Principal, Kenny Bui. Gather Round this podcast as we celebrate Small Wins, Local Eats, and Kenny shares his favorite Broadway show on episode 11 of Educating with E's.

This week, Dr. Bauer chats with 53-year NPSD employee Linda Law. Linda has been the only NPHS Athletic secretary in the history of NP. Get snuggly attached to this podcast as we celebrate Small Wins, Local Eats, and Bob saves a tooth on episode 10 of Educating with E's.

This week, Dr Bauer has a conversation with former North Penn School District Superintendent Dr Curt Dietrich. Get snuggly attached to this podcast as we also celebrate Small Wins and Local Eats on episode 9 of Educating with E's.

This week Dr Bauer has a conversation with the Penndale Middle School Assistant Principal, Dr. Marjorie Diegue. We also share your shout-outs and celebrate Small Wins and Local Eats and a brand new segment on episode 8 of Educating with E's.

This week Dr Bauer has a conversation with the Penndale Middle School Assistant Principal, Leaz Metelus, shares your shout-outs and celebrates Small Wins and Local Eats and a brand new segment on episode 7 of Educating with E's.

This week Dr Bauer has a conversation with the NPHS School Nutrition Services Team Leader, Julie Barnes, shares your shout-outs and celebrates Small Wins and Local Eats and a brand new segment on episode 6 of Educating with E's.

This week Dr Bauer has a conversation with the Walton Farm Elementary School Health and Physical Education Teacher, Fred Irvin, shares your shout-outs and celebrates small wins and Local Eats on episode 5 of Educating with E's.

This week Dr Bauer has a conversation with the Montgomery Elementary School Principal, Marie Kim, shares your shout-outs and celebrates small wins as the fall season on episode 4 of Educating with E's.

This week Dr Bauer has a conversation with the NPHS Community Hosted Internship Program, shares your shout-outs and celebrates small wins as the fall season begins at NPSD.

On this episode of Educating with E's is the new principal of Walton Farm, Mr. Dan Mina. Dr. Bauer discusses Dan's transition to North Penn, the Walton Farm community, and what Dan does when he's not leading his school community.

Educating with E's is a bi-monthly podcast with North Penn Superintendent, Dr. Todd Bauer. On our inaugural episode, Dr. Bauer provides some start of the year reflections and interviews our new principal at Inglewood Elementary School Stephannie Hannan.