This week, we’re serving up a post-Thanksgiving slice of joy: a dynamic, big-energy conversation with Melissa Summerford — Teaching & Learning Coordinator with Kami, Google Innovator, Google Trainer, fashion icon, wig influencer, and proud Gen X educator who brings eighties mixtape magic into every room she enters. Get ready for humor, heart, real talk about classroom life, and a whole lot of sparkle.

In this lively and laughter-filled episode, Meghan and Candace sit down with Melissa to talk:

• Her incredible journey from paraprofessional → classroom teacher → instructional technologist → PD powerhouse

• How Gen X grit and fashionista confidence fuel her teaching and coaching

• The moment Book Creator + Kami became the “leather jacket” of her edtech toolkit

• Why flexible seating, student ownership, and letting go of control transformed her classroom

• How to build PD that actually feels human, joyful, and responsive

• Why quiet classrooms belong in the past

• The real mic-drop moment she uses to win over “we don’t do tech” teachers

• Why teachers should stop stressing about time — and how digital workflows can save sanity

• Navigating guilt when using tech a lot (and why we shouldn’t feel that way)

• How she blends edtech, fashion, wigs, and confidence into her personal brand

• What’s next for Melissa as she grows community, supports educators, and inspires confidence everywhere she goes

And of course…
🔥 The game: EdTech Tool or 80s Band?
She nails it, laughs through it, and brings full mixtape energy.

• “Go Your Own Way” isn’t just a song — it’s a classroom philosophy.
  Melissa explains how giving students choice, flexible seating, and ownership changed behavior, engagement, and joy.

• PD should feel human.
  Your agenda matters… but the people in the room matter more.

• Tech shouldn’t be punishment — it should be empowerment.
  Using tools like Kami, Canvas, and Book Creator helps teachers save time and kids show deeper thinking.

• Teachers: let go of the guilt.
  Blending digital + hands-on practice is healthy and powerful.

• Everyone has more to them than their job title.
  Melissa shares her alopecia journey, love of wigs, fashion passion, and why showing your whole self is a gift to others.

⭐ Episode Summary💡 Key Takeaways📲 Connect with Melissa Summerford

• X (Twitter): @SummerfordStars

• TikTok: @SummerfordStars

• Instagram: @SummerfordStars

• Facebook: Melissa Gomez Somerford

If you want to learn more about Kami, edtech workflows, or how to save time as a teacher, Melissa is your girl.