• BTB Ep. 4 Superintendent Dr. Denise Wilcox
    Dec 22 2025

    Summary

    In this conversation, Dr. Denise Wilcox and Gabriel Cappozzo discuss the importance of empowering teachers and fostering their passion for education. They emphasize that when educators are given a voice, they can collaborate and problem-solve effectively, leading to significant improvements in student learning and long-lasting positive change within the educational system.

    Takeaways

    Empowering teachers is crucial for educational success.

    Passionate educators can drive significant change.

    Collaboration among teachers enhances problem-solving.

    A supportive environment fosters innovative teaching methods.

    Giving teachers a voice leads to better student outcomes.

    Long-lasting change in education comes from within the staff.

    Teachers' passion can transform the learning experience.

    Empowerment leads to a shift in educational practices.

    Like-minded collaboration is essential for growth.

    Positive change in education requires a collective effort.

    Keywords

    education, teacher empowerment, student learning, passion in teaching, positive change, collaborative problem solving

    Titles

    Empowering Educators for Lasting Change

    The Role of Passion in Teaching

    Sound bites

    "Passion drives the educational experience."

    "Teachers' ideas can transform education."

    "Voice and empowerment lead to better outcomes."

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Dr. Denise Wilcox

    04:55 Reflecting on the School Year

    08:37 Building a Positive Culture

    09:53 Celebrating Staff and Community

    13:10 Return from Winter Break - Reimagining Learning Initiatives

    16:28 The Impact of Accountability

    20:46 Encouraging Rest and Reflection

    21:30 Strengthening Community Relationships

    22:48 Dishing with Dr. D

    25:27 Fun and Personal Insights

    28:24 Best Advice I've Ever Received

    29:07 Here's What I'm Binging:)

    29:48 How do you Decompress

    30:20 What's a Childhood Memory; Those Were The Days!

    31:10 Bringing You On A Fieldtrip

    32:28 Quick Fire Round

    36:27 Closing Thoughts and Future Initiatives

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    47 mins
  • Beyond The Bell Ep.3: Steven Bigden-Russell
    Dec 14 2025

    Summary

    In this conversation, Steven Bigden-Russell reflects on the profound impact of relationships in life, sharing a memorable lesson he learned from a childhood encounter. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships and cherishing the wisdom imparted by others.

    Keywords

    relationships, life lessons, personal growth, advice, memories

    Takeaways

    Life is fundamentally about relationships.

    Building relationships is essential; tearing them down is not an option.

    Memorable lessons from childhood can shape our adult lives.

    Cherishing advice from others can guide us through life.

    The voice of wisdom from the past can resonate throughout our lives.

    Personal growth is often tied to the relationships we nurture.

    Life lessons can come from unexpected places.

    Reflecting on past experiences can provide clarity in the present.

    The importance of gratitude towards those who influence us.

    Relationships are a continuous journey of building and maintaining.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

    01:58 Current Role and Responsibilities in the District

    03:37 Initiatives and Challenges in Data Coordination

    05:07 Journey into Education and Career Transition

    08:05 Passion for Education and Teaching Philosophy

    08:44 Years of Service

    09:33 Transition from Classroom to District Office

    10:14 Transitioning from Classroom to District Office

    11:33 Collegiality Leads to Connection

    11:44 Positive Interactions and Mentorship in the Workplace

    13:47 Core Philosophy and Team Dynamics

    15:30 Community Connection and Longevity in the District

    16:32 Encouragement for Future Educators

    16:39 Building a Family Mentality in Education

    20:56 Advice for the 1st through 3rd Grade Teacher!!

    25:29 Advice for New Teachers: Navigating Challenges

    27:57 What's Your Hobby

    28:39 Th Best Advice I've Ever Received

    29:49 You've got to Eat Here!

    32:39 NEWCHAPTER

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    33 mins
  • BPD3 Beyond The Bell: Ep2 Stephanie Guadarrama
    Dec 9 2025

    In this episode of the Beach Park District 3 Teacher Spotlight podcast, host Gabriel Cappozzo interviews Stephanie Guadarrama, an EL para and co-president of the TA Union. They discuss Stephanie's journey in education, her passion for teaching, and the importance of advocating for students. Stephanie shares her experiences working in the Beach Park School District, her leadership role in the union, and her innovative approaches to curriculum that promote student self-advocacy. The conversation highlights the significance of community, personal growth, and the impact of educators on students' lives.

    Keywords

    education, teacher spotlight, Beach Park, union leadership, student advocacy, curriculum development, EL education, personal journey, teaching inspiration, community engagement

    Takeaways

    Stephanie Guadarrama has been with Beach Park for seven years.

    She is co-president of the TA Union, advocating for staff.

    Her passion for education stems from a family legacy in teaching.

    Stephanie's journey reflects a full circle from student to educator.

    She emphasizes the importance of advocating for students' names and identities.

    The union's collaboration with the district is unique and positive.

    Stephanie is pursuing her bachelor's degree online while working.

    She believes in the power of creative curriculum to engage students.

    The importance of self-advocacy among students is a key theme.

    Community engagement is vital in education and personal growth.

    Titles

    Empowering Educators: The Journey of Stephanie Guadarrama

    From Student to Advocate: A Teacher's Story

    Sound bites

    "I'm 100% an advocate for it."

    "It felt like full circle for me."

    "It's in my DNA, it's in my blood."

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Stephanie Guadarrama

    00:40 Building Relationships and Representation

    08:14 What Shaped Me

    11:18 Current Classroom Focus

    13:43 I Want To Be Like Ms. G Someday

    14:54 What I Love Most about Education

    15:52 Lets Talk About Culture

    18:24 What Keeps You In Beach Park D3

    20:19 Who I am Outside of Work

    20:55 What Gets You Through The Day

    21:18 Hobby When You're not at Work

    21:40 Guess What I'm Binge Watching

    21:57 Best Concert I've Ever Seen

    22:08 My Walk Up Song

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    25 mins
  • BPD3 Beyond The Bell: Ep.1 Brooke Turk
    Nov 30 2025

    In this episode of Beyond the Bell, host Gabriel Cappozzo interviews Brooke Turk, a dedicated educator with over 21 years of experience in Beach Park District 3. Brooke shares her journey in education, her early influences, and her current challenges in teaching. She emphasizes the importance of community, problem-solving, and communication in education. Brooke also discusses her philosophy of teaching, her inspirations, and offers advice for new teachers. The conversation highlights the unique culture of Beach Park and the supportive environment that fosters growth and collaboration among educators.


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    18 mins