The Out of the Trenches Podcast

Episode #52: TJ Vari/Joseph Jones

Dr. Joseph Jones​ is the Superintendent of the New Castle County Vocational-Technical School District in Delaware. Joe is a former high school social studies teacher, assistant principal, and principal. He received his doctorate from the University of Delaware in educational leadership. Currently, Joe works closely with local and state leaders on student achievement and accountability and has spearheaded an aggressive and successful campaign to ensure student success. Joe is also an adjunct professor, teaching and designing curriculum, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels for various universities. He presents nationally on topics of school leadership and is the co-founder of the leadership development institute, TheSchoolHouse302.

Dr. T.J. Vari ​is the Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools and District Operations in the Appoquinimink School District in Delaware. He is a former middle school assistant principal and principal and former high school English teacher and department chair. His doctorate is in Innovation and Leadership. His efforts span beyond the K-12 arena into higher education where he holds adjunct appointments, teaching courses at the masters and doctoral level. He is a national presenter on topics of school leadership and the cofounder of TheSchoolHouse302, a leadership development institute. Both guests co-authored "Candid and Compassionate Feedback: Transforming Everyday Practice in Schools". And, with Salome Thomas-EL they co-authored "Passionate Leadership: Creating a Culture of Success in Every School as well as Building a Winning Team: The Power of a Magnetic Reputation" and the "Need to Recruit Top Talent in Every School". Follow them on Twitter @tjvari @TSH302 @josephjonessr FB: @TheSchoolhouse302 and visit their website: www.theschoolhouse302.com

Episode #51: Amy Valentine

Amy Valentine has been called a social rabble rouser, a turnaround strategist and a fighter of the status quo in K-12 education. She has served as a teacher, trainer, administrator, and executive director overseeing networks of schools. Amy is a staunch supporter of educators, a believer in the promise of new technologies, and remains above all an irrepressible optimist on system-level change. She leads Future of School, a national education organization, dedicated to bringing all kids’ learning opportunities into the 21st century. Amy has appeared onstage at DLAC and iNACOL and in dozens of panels, sharing insights on digital learning, equity and access. Amy's son Kai, joins this episode the last few minutes. Kai is a 7th grade student at Aspen View Academy (AVA), a charter school in Douglas County, CO. He enjoys playing basketball, baseball and swimming. 

Follow Amy on Twitter: @amyvalentine555 @futureof_school FB: Future of School Stories-p or visit her website: http://futureof.school

Episode #50: B.Beck, B.Hughes, J. Molitor& C.Dodge

Guests for this 50th episode celebration are: Jen Molitor is a Speaker and Author of The Happy Teacher’s Handbook- From Overwhelmed to Inspired- Helping Teachers Embrace Resiliency. She is a first year principal at a 4th/5th grade campus in Ohio. Find Jen on Twitter @TeacherRenegade 

Brad Hughes is an elementary school Principal in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. Brad recently launched his own podcast “Good news, Brad news”, on anchor.. Follow him on Twitter @Brad_Hughes   

Brandon Beck, Ed.D. is the Author of “Unlocking Unlimited Potential: Understanding the Infinite Power within to Guide any student toward success.” He has been a dual language teacher elementary teacher for 15 years in NY state. Follow him Twitter & IG @BrandonBeckEDU FB: Brandon Beck Visit his website: brandonbeckedu.com

Chris Dodge: is currently the Principal of The Orange Elementary Schools in Orange, MA, serving 500 students in grades PreK-6. He is a connected educator who utilizes social media to make family and community connections,  & as a form of ongoing, personalized professional development. Follow him Twitter & IG @PrincipalDodge1

Episode #49: Unlock the Middle: Chris Starczewski & Dean Packard

Unlock the Middle are two proud middle school principals co-hosting a videocast to celebrate and unlock all that is special about middle school. They live in Dudley/Charlton, MA. They are Chris Starczewski and Dean Packard. They get excited helping students, educators and parents learn and grow. Their videocast, Unlock The Middle, airs live on Sunday nights at 8pm (EST) on Twitter (@UnlockTheMiddle), Facebook (@UnlockTheMiddle) and their YouTube Channel (Unlock The Middle). Follow them on social at @unlockthemiddle and visit their website: https://sites.google.com/view/unlockthemiddle

Episode#48: Lindsay Deacon

Lindsay Deacon is the Co-author of The EduCoach Survival Guide (2020), Coaching & Visible Learning Consultant at Corwin Press, previous School Improvement Coach and current 6th grade teacher at Portland Public Schools. She lives in Portland, OR. Lindsay has worked under Dr. Jim Knight’s leadership on his Instructional Coaching team and on Professor John Hattie’s Visible Learning team at Corwin Press. Outside of her professional work, Lindsay’s greatest passions are exercising and rereading A Game of Thrones. She also impersonates flight attendants from time to time. Follow Lindsay on Twitter & IG @TheRealLindsay2

Episode#47: Robert Breyer

Robert Breyer is the proud principal of Cameron Elementary School in Cameron, N. Carolina. He also makes time to coach aspiring leaders who are looking to make the transition from teacher to administration. He is the host of The Guiding Principals Podcast, where he encourages visionary school leaders to share the stories of their own leadership journey, and celebrates their successes along the way. Connect with Robert on his website at www.robertbreyer.com or via Twitter & IG @rbreyer51

Episode #46: Alexis Shepard

Alexis Shepard (aka The Afro Educator) is a 9th year educator in Upstate, South Carolina, with both middle level and elementary experience. After multiple encounters with burn-out, a desire to take steps towards self-care led to the creation of her brand, #TheAfroEducator​. Originally intended to facilitate connections with like-minded educators, a passion was ignited in Alexis to empower teachers towards wellness. In her work, Alexis seeks to create pervasive perceptions of wellness that will improve teacher outlook and sustainability. She champions teacher self-care through education, reflection, and dialogue. Alexis believes that by sharing stories, she can inspire and empower teachers to take control of their own narratives so that they can teach and live with joy. Follow Alexis on Twitter, Facebook & IG @theafroeducator

Episode #45: Jessica Cabeen

Jessica Cabeen was named the 2017 Minnesota Principal of the Year. Jessica is the Principal of Ellis Middle School in Austin, Minnesota. She is the author of "Leading with Grace", "Hacking Early Learning", “Unconvential Leadership” & co-author of "Balance like a Pirate". Follow Jessica on Twitter/IG @jessicacabeen & FB: principalinbalance  Visit her website: www.jessicacabeen.com to sign up for her monthly newsletter

Episode #44: William Winfield

William Winfield is a young millennial certified professional speaker, Educational consultant, Minister, Author, and DISC consultant. William is also a father of two wonderful sons, and beautiful daughter, a husband to Jennifer. William has over 5 years of experience in public speaking, mentoring and coaching. He is one of the most sought-after motivational speakers for inspiring and activating students and educators in America. His own life experiences such as being in Foster care, homelessness, losing a football scholarship, raised by a single mother, and being molested have prepared him well and have made him an expert in his field. His transparency, honesty and heart-felt desire to inspire people to achieve greatness is what sets William apart. Follow William on Twitter @willisblessed38 IG: @willisblessed FB: williamwinfield View his YouTube channel @williamwinfield which has episodes from his speaking.

Episode 43: Darrin Peppard

Dr. Darrin Peppard is a school district superintendent, speaker, author, and consultant focused on what matters most in leadership. Darrin’s an expert in school culture and climate as well as coaching and growing emerging leaders. He is known for his keen insight, culture-first leadership style, and dynamic personality. Darrin shares his experiences from over 25 years in education, specifically those learned as an education leader during the past 13 years. As a ‘recovering’ high school principal, Darrin talks about lessons learned and effective strategies to help leaders of all experience levels become more effective at their craft. #roadtoawesome #codebreaker Follow Darrin on Twitter: @DarrinMPeppard IG: @darrinpeppard FB: darrinmpeppard or visit his website: www.roadtoawesome.net