On this episode of Educating with Es, Dr. Bauer talks with Dr. Jamar Alston, the newest assistant principal at NPHS. Dr. Bauer explores why Dr. Alston became an educator, what he finds most unique about North Penn, and a Phillies ' prediction for the start of baseball season.

Some school heroes carry clipboards. Some carry shovels. This week on Educating with E’s, Superintendent Dr. Todd Bauer sits down with Ben Potser, North Penn School District’s Grounds Coordinator and 4E Award winner for Exceeding Expectations.For more than 20 years, Ben has quietly shaped the daily experience of students and staff across all 21 NPSD buildings. From prepping fields for Olympic Day to responding to floods, alarms, clogs, and the unexpected curveballs facilities life throws at 2:00 a.m., Ben is the steady hand behind the scenes, making sure every school day starts on solid ground.In this episode, Dr. Bauer and Ben talk about what it really takes to keep a district running smoothly, the pride in problem-solving before the first bell rings, and why leadership sometimes looks like a flashlight in one hand and a walkie-talkie in the other.Because at North Penn, exceeding expectations is not just an award. For Ben Potser, it is simply the way the job gets done.

Syeda Mirza is a paraprofessional at North Penn High School who has worked in the district for the past 17 years and our $es Award Winner for Engaging the Community.. She also serves as a club advisor for the Indian Cultural Club, Bengali Cultural Club, and Muslim Students Association.

Syeda is an incredibly passionate educator, working tirelessly to build bridges for both her students and the community to come together and learn from one another. She is also a very welcoming person, encouraging all students, staff, and community members to attend club events and activities to learn about other cultures, food, fashion, music, and more. She also inspires students within the clubs to share their own cultures and skills to run the clubs successfully.

On this episode of Educating with Es, Dr. Bauer sits down with Alexa Merrill, an autistic support classroom teacher at Gwynedd Square and 4Es Award winner for elevating learning, who has spent more than five years making a lasting impact across the school community. Known for her extraordinary rapport with students, staff, administrators, and families, Alexa shares what drives her work, how collaboration shapes her classroom, and why being willing to help anywhere, anytime matters. It’s a conversation about mentorship, service, and the quiet leadership that helps a school family thrive.

In this episode of Educating with Es, Superintendent Dr. Todd Bauer sits down with Mrs. Teresa Young, beloved second-grade teacher at Bridle Path Elementary School and proud North Penn graduate. Teresa shares how growing up in North Penn shaped her dream to return as an educator and why teaching in the very district that inspired her still feels surreal.

Listeners will enjoy a fun and heartfelt conversation as Teresa reflects on her path back home, her passion for connecting with young learners, and a few lighter topics too, like how she ended up being voted “Most Likely to Be a Soccer Mom”, her first-ever concert, and her official ruling on the best type of snow day.

Warm, authentic, and full of North Penn pride, this episode shines a light on a teacher who truly embodies what it means to give back to the community that raised her. Tune in!

In this episode of Educating with Es, host Dr. Todd Bauer sits down with Dr. Nicole Kelly, Special Education Supervisor at the North Penn School District. Get to know Nicole’s journey in education, what drives her passion for supporting students and staff, and why her love for all things Philly sports runs deep.

We also dive into some lighter topics, including the one candy she hopes never shows up in a Halloween basket again!

Tune in for an engaging, insightful, and fun conversation that highlights the people and passions behind North Penn’s exceptional educational community.

In this episode of Educating with Es, Superintendent Dr. Todd Bauer sits down with Tara B.G. Houser, Chief Financial Officer for the North Penn School District. Listeners get to know the person behind the numbers as Tara shares stories about her family, her two dogs, and how her time as a collegiate rower shaped her approach to teamwork, discipline, and leadership.

As always, Dr. Bauer keeps things engaging with a spotlight on local eats, a celebration of small wins across the district, and the ever-popular Question of the Pod.

Pull up a chair, grab your favorite snack, and join us for another insightful and uplifting conversation about the people who make North Penn thrive.

It’s been a while—school life sure gets hectic! But just in time for graduation season, Dr. Bauer returns with a special episode featuring Emilie Ikeda, a 2012 graduate of NPHS and NPTV. Now a correspondent for NBC News, Emilie appears regularly on major platforms like NBC Nightly News and The Today Show. In this inspiring conversation, she looks back on her North Penn roots, shares how her high school experience shaped her career and life, and talks about the special connection that keeps bringing her back home.