Difficult Student

Todd Bloomer (Director of School Leadership) shares his inspiring journey from New York to Texas, emphasizing the importance of risk-taking, leadership, and self-care in education. Discover practical advice for educators and administrators to thrive and make a lasting impact.

3 essential keys to building meaningful relationships that improve classroom culture and student growth.

Teaching during fear and uncertainty, while trying to keep students safe, present, and learning in a divided world.

Educators Sally Calderon and Megan Stires share their experiences and insights into early childhood special education. They discuss their journeys into the field, the importance of building positive relationships with students and staff, and strategies for managing classroom behaviors.

Gracie Moon shares her journey in education, emphasizing the importance of empathy, understanding, and restorative practices in the classroom. She discusses her experiences as a student and educator, highlighting the need for a balance between structure and fun in learning.

Steve Carey discusses his journey in establishing Bold as Lions Academy, a co-op homeschool program in Keller, Texas. He shares insights on the flexibility of homeschooling, the importance of socialization, and the benefits of incorporating Jiu-Jitsu into the curriculum.

Eric Garcia, a district social worker, shares his experiences in alternate education. He emphasizes the importance of understanding students' backgrounds and the need for supportive educational environments. Eric discusses his book, 'Aidan's Wellness Adventure,' which aims to address mental health and representation in education.

Karen Mayer Cunningham (Special Education Boss), shares her journey into the field of education, driven by personal experiences with her child's disability. She discusses the complexities of the IEP process, the challenges faced by educators and families, and the importance of compassion and resources in special education.

Edgar Palacios (Education advocate & nonprofit founder) shares how Latino representation in schools, identity, vulnerability, and storytelling can inspire educators, empower youth, and drive lasting community change.

Dr. Michael Vallejo (Professor of Teacher Education) shares his journey into education, highlighting the transformative power of teaching and the importance of mentorship. He discusses the challenges faced by new teachers, the significance of building relationships with students, and the critical need for teacher wellness to prevent burnout.

Joey Sims shares his journey as a special education teacher, balancing family life, and the importance of building relationships with students. He discusses his experiences with ADHD, his teaching philosophy, and how he creates a supportive community in his school

SPED teacher and board trustee James Forsythe shares challenges and solutions for sustaining inclusion, building trust, and keeping teachers thriving amid shrinking resources and growing student needs.

In this episode, Dean of Students Kamilah Todd shares powerful insights on community schooling, teacher authority, and supporting students’ basic needs. From rural Louisiana to urban classrooms, we explore how trust, grace, and real-world connections can transform schools into safe, thriving spaces.

I sit down with Rob Stauffer, an international educator, to unpack why challenging behavior is communication, how to build belonging through smart grouping, and what vulnerability looks like in real classrooms. We discuss supporting autistic students, de-escalation through affirmation, and practical tips for new teachers and those considering teaching abroad.

Learn classroom management strategies to build positive student relationships, improve behavior, and create a safe, supportive learning environment.

In this solo episode, I open up about my real journey with health as an educator, father, and now grandfather. From growing up without strong examples of fitness, to juggling family and teaching in my 20s, to finally building consistent habits in my 30s and 40s.

A roundtable of educator-creators with guests Eric Glenn (MS math), Mash Makhlyagina (SPED advocate/coach), and Laura Vazquez (dual-immersion 6th grade) swap real-world stories about how social media has reshaped their teaching lives, community impact, and boundaries.

Julio Lopez shares his journey from being a PE teacher to administrator, highlighting the challenges in physical education and the lessons learned in leadership. We dive into how strong administrators support teachers, the importance of building relationships, and why having a good leader makes all the difference for school culture and student success.

In this video, I share my journey in education, from starting as a playground supervisor at 18 to becoming an assistant principal. It hasn’t been easy, but every setback opened new doors. If you’re feeling stuck or uncertain about your path, I hope my story encourages you to keep going

David Melendez shares his journey as a middle school choir teacher, discussing the importance of building connections with students, being authentic in the classroom, and the significance of self-reflection. He emphasizes the need for work-life balance and creating a comfortable environment for students.

Tisha Marina Bernard shares her journey in education, emphasizing the importance of restorative practices and community building in schools.

I sit down with Sherry Asberry to talk about different aspects of teaching like how important it is to build strong relationships with our students, the role social emotional learning plays in the classroom, and some of our favorite strategies for creating a positive learning environment. We also share some personal stories, from becoming grandparents to how we take care of ourselves as educators.

Elizette Cuevas, a special education teacher, shares her journey into education, driven by her personal experiences as a mother of an autistic child. She emphasizes the importance of building relationships with students and their families, understanding the root causes of behavior, and the need for empathy in education.

Rafael Dominguez shares his journey as an educator and school climate advocate, emphasizing the importance of building relationships with students, creating a safe environment, and the transformative power of mentorship. He discusses the significance of consistency, love, and care in education, and how these elements contribute to a positive school culture.

Eric Garcia shares his journey from a troubled youth to a school social worker, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, community support, and the impact of personal experiences on professional growth. He discusses the challenges faced by students, particularly in the wake of the pandemic and ongoing immigration issues.

John Vergara and Sana Sunia discuss the multifaceted role of educators, emphasizing the importance of cultural representation, transparency, and emotional intelligence in teaching. Sana shares his journey from a campus supervisor to a fifth-grade teacher at a Christian school, highlighting the challenges and rewards of teaching in a diverse classroom.

Jairo Bautista shares his journey as a substitute teacher, discussing the challenges and rewards of working in education. He reflects on his experiences transitioning from a SPED assistant to a substitute teacher.

John Vergara and Laura Vazquez discuss the profound impact of immigration policies on communities, particularly focusing on the fear experienced by families and students. The discussion transitions into the importance of building relationships with students, emphasizing that educators must invest time in understanding their students' needs. The conversation concludes with strategies for fostering a positive classroom culture that supports student engagement and success.

What does it really take to build an inclusive, compassionate classroom where every student and every educator can thrive? Join Hir Patel as she unpacks her journey from first-gen student to mental-health specialist, spotlighting the unsung power of paraeducators, and share battle-tested tips on self-care, relationship-building, and leading with consistency even in toxic environments.

How can we bridge the gap in behavioral support for children of color? Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and CEO of Behavior Genius, Portia James, joins us for an insightful discussion sparked by her own formative experiences.

Kelly Cousineau shares her journey from a career in business to becoming an assistant principal and eventually a principal in a middle school. She discusses the challenges and joys of teaching, the importance of communication in leadership, and her experiences with imposter syndrome. Kelly emphasizes the significance of mentorship and support in education, as well as the continuous growth that comes with transitioning into administrative roles.Follow Kelly Cousineauhttps://www.tiktok.com/@homeonarborpointeFollow Mr. Vergara the Educatorhttps://www.tiktok.com/@difficultstudenthttps://www.instagram.com/thedifficultstudent/

Rodney Johnson Jr. (Instructional Coach) shares his journey into education, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, the role of male educators, and the need to teach life skills alongside academic subjects.Follow Rodney Johnson Jr.https://www.tiktok.com/@mr_jrm3https://www.instagram.com/greaterinme/Follow Mr. Vergara the Educatorhttps://www.tiktok.com/@difficultstudenthttps://www.instagram.com/thedifficultstudent/

Dr. Tara Armstead (Middle School Math Teacher shares her journey in education, highlighting the impact of her own traumatic experiences as a student and her commitment to ensuring that no child faces similar challenges.Follow Dr. Tara Armsteadhttps://www.instagram.com/dr_armstead/https://a.co/d/1LfDQY8Follow Mr. Vergara the Educatorhttps://www.tiktok.com/@difficultstudenthttps://www.instagram.com/thedifficultstudent/

Nanzi Muro shares her educational journey from Tijuana to San Diego, highlighting the challenges she faced as a bilingual student and the support she received from mentors and professors. She discusses her experiences in community college, the importance of accessible education, and her transition to university life, where she navigated cultural differences and personal struggles.https://www.instagram.com/clements_photography_photos/https://www.tiktok.com/@difficultstudenthttps://www.instagram.com/thedifficultstudent/

Juan Gomez shares his journey into education, driven by his own negative experiences in the school system. He discusses the importance of male role models in education, particularly for Latino students, and emphasizes the need for educators to connect with their students on a personal level. Follow Mr. Vergara the Educator https://www.tiktok.com/@difficultstudent https://www.instagram.com/thedifficultstudent/

Coach Chris Ortiz discusses his mission to introduce Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu into schools as a means of mentorship and personal development. Follow Coach Chris Ortiz https://www.tiktok.com/@coachortiz09 https://www.instagram.com/chrisortiz3946/ https://www.coachortiz.com Follow Mr. Vergara the Educator https://www.tiktok.com/@difficultstudent https://www.instagram.com/thedifficultstudent/

Eugene Williams Jr., a veteran educator with 27 years of experience, shares insights into the challenges and rewards of teaching. He discusses the influence of his family background in education, the importance of community in schools, and the impact of social media on students. Williams emphasizes the need for collaboration between parents, teachers, and students to create a positive learning environment. Follow Eugene Williams Jr. Insta:https://www.instagram.com/eugwilljr/ Website: https://www.eugenewilliamsjr.com/ Follow Mr. Vergara the Educator https://www.tiktok.com/@difficultstudent https://www.instagram.com/thedifficultstudent/

Mitchell Armstrong-Grundy, a behavior intervention specialist teacher, shares his journey into education, particularly focusing on his experiences working with children with autism. He discusses the importance of inclusion in education, the challenges faced in special education staffing, and the strategies used to support students with behavioral needs.

Alex Cruz, a school social worker, shares his journey. He discusses the challenges and rewards of his role in supporting students' mental health. He highlights the complexities of balancing the needs of students and teachers, especially in the wake of COVID-19, which exacerbated mental health issues among students.

Francisco Macias, a ninth-grade English teacher, shares his journey into education, influenced by his grandfather and a pivotal middle school teacher. He discusses the challenges and rewards of teaching at-risk youth, emphasizing the importance of building relationships and understanding students' backgrounds.

Struggling to connect with your audience online as an educator? This conversation with John Vergara and Ray Singletary offers actionable tips and strategies to help you: Build a stronger online presence Create content that truly engages your audience Overcome common challenges faced by educators on social media Develop a consistent strategy for long-term growth and impact Learn from their experiences and take your social media game to the next level!

In this conversation, Vincent Vergara shares his experiences and insights as a first-year dean in a school setting. He discusses the challenges of transitioning from a classroom teacher to Dean, the emotional toll of dealing with various student issues, and the importance of self-care.

Ms. Lemus shares her journey in education, detailing her role as the director of programs at a charter school serving homeless students. She discusses her early influences, including her family's background in education and her experiences working with various educational programs.

In this conversation, Molly Johnson and I, discuss the challenges and rewards of teaching, the importance of self-awareness and support in education, and we try to answer the question, "Can you find happiness in the classroom?

Mr. Vergara and Ray Singletary (Supervisor of Teacher Talent and Recruitment) delve into the critical role of relationship building in education, discussing personal experiences and the evolution of their teaching philosophies. They explore the importance of setting standards, facing conflicts with courage, and the pressures educators face in today's system.

In this conversation, Mr. Vergara and Jose Pacheco (School Counselor) discuss the challenges and rewards of working in education. They reflect on the importance of support systems, the need for prioritizing student needs, and the impact of burnout on educators.

Bernice Erazo shares her journey as a cycle-breaking mother, educator, and school leader. She discusses the impact of childhood trauma on parenting and education, the challenges faced in special education, and the importance of creating safe spaces for both students and educators. Bernice emphasizes the need for educator wellness and the role of breathwork in managing stress.

In this conversation, Gricelda Pelayo shares her 15 year journey in education, discussing her experiences teaching various grades and the challenges faced in the classroom. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with students, understanding their backgrounds, and the impact of trauma on learning.

In this conversation, Yvonne Juarez, an experienced elementary school teacher, shares her passion for teaching and the importance of creating a supportive and engaging classroom environment. She discusses the challenges faced by educators, including the impact of charter schools and teacher unions, as well as the effects of the pandemic on student learning. Yvonne emphasizes the need for empathy and understanding in teaching, the role of parents and community, and her motivation to run for school board to advocate for safety and positive changes in education.

Ray Singletary has worked in the field of education for 23 years. 12 directly in the classroom and 11 out of the classroom as a Math Specialist, Dean, and Principal. Currently he works for Human Resources as the Supervisor Of Teacher Talent and Recruitment.