More to The Story | Hillsborough County Public Schools

Each year, we recognize an educator who represents the very best of our profession — someone who inspires students, uplifts colleagues, and reminds us why teaching is one of the most meaningful callings there is. On this episode, we’re joined by our district Teacher of the Year, Christi Atkinson, who is here to share her journey, her passion for teaching, and what this recognition means — not just personally, but for her students and school community.

For this episode, we’re talking about something that makes a powerful difference in a child’s education — family and community engagement. We know that student success doesn’t happen in isolation. It takes strong schools, supportive families, and a connected community all working together. When those pieces align, students are more engaged, more confident, and more likely to thrive both in and out of the classroom. Joining the discussion is Dr. Felita Lewis, Executive Director of Family and Community Engagement.

The role of a principal is complex. It requires vision, resilience, decision-making, and accountability. But the very best school leaders bring something more — they lead with heart. Joining the podcast for this episode is Latonya Anderson Rhodes, principal of Jennings Middle School. She’s here to share what it means to lead with compassion, high expectations, and an unwavering belief in students.

This episode is all about history, not just what’s in textbooks, but what’s lived, remembered, and carried forward. We’re joined by Shake Washington, who brings a powerful, full-circle perspective shaped by decades in education as a student, educator, school leader, and now a School Board member. He shares his journey, reflects on pivotal moments in history, and explains how those experiences continue to shape his leadership today.

In this episode, we’re focusing on something at the heart of our mission: ensuring every student is seen, supported, and able to thrive. We’re highlighting Exceptional Student Education (ESE) and how our district supports students with diverse learning needs from early childhood through graduation and beyond. Joining the conversation is Shannon Lesperance, Director of Exceptional Student Education.

For this episode, we’re talking about a big question many students — and families — are asking: What comes next after high school? For some students, that path may include college. For others, it may be a technical program, military service, or entering the workforce. The important thing is that students have guidance, support, and a plan that reflects their goals and interests. Joining me today to talk about how students can navigate those choices is Ansberto Vallejo, Supervisor of Adult and Community Education.

In this episode, we focus on an issue that is more important than ever—protecting our students and helping them stay safe in an increasingly digital world. We’re joined by School Board Member Lynn Gray, a long‑time advocate for student safety, who brings important perspective on topics such as human trafficking awareness and online protection. Together, we explore why these conversations matter, what families and schools should be paying attention to, and how education plays a critical role in prevention and awareness.

For this episode, we’re talking about leadership — the kind that sets vision, makes policy, and helps guide the 7th largest school district in the country. Joining us today is Nadia Combs, the Vice Chair of our School Board. She shares what drives her work and the importance of public education.

For this episode, we’re talking about something that touches every subject, every classroom, and every student — literacy. Literacy is so much more than the ability to read at an early age. It’s about comprehension, communication, critical thinking, and the ability to engage with the world — from elementary classrooms to advanced high school coursework and beyond. Tracie Bergman, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, joins us for this very important topic.

Families entrust us with their children every single school day. Creating safe, secure learning environments isn’t just a priority—it’s a responsibility we take seriously across every school in our district. In this important episode, we’re joined by John Newman, Chief of Security & Emergency Management and the Florida Department of Education’s 2026 Florida Safety Specialist of the Year, to talk about how we keep students and staff safe.

For this episode, we’re talking about one of the most important stages in a child’s education — early childhood. Dr. Emily Cimino, Director of Early Childhood shares the power of early childhood education — and the opportunities our district offers families.

In this episode, we explore the accelerated programs and academic pathways available to students at Hillsborough County Public Schools with Jazheel Lenegar, Executive Director of Instructional Support, and Brian Hoover, Director of Accelerated and Magnet Programs.

Join us for a 15-minute conversation with Hillsborough County Public Schools Superintendent Van Ayres. Born and raised in Tampa, educated in HCPS classrooms, and inspired by parents who were educators, Ayres’ path to leadership feels almost destined. Today, he’s at the helm of the nation’s seventh-largest school district—and sharing his story with us.