As the school year wraps up, your TPR hosts Erin, Pete, and Fred gather one last time before summer to reflect on the amazing guests, meaningful conversations, and memorable moments from Seasons 8 and 9. From music-based coding and AI in the classroom to embracing play and student-centered learning, this episode revisits the stories and ideas that inspired us all year long.

We talk about the power of curiosity, how the show continues to bring clarity and purpose to our roles as educators, and share personal summer plans, favorite books, and blockbuster movies we’re excited for. It's a heartfelt, fun-filled episode full of gratitude, laughs, and a reminder to recharge and celebrate the season ahead.

🌞 Take a break. 🎧 Revisit your favorite episodes. 📚 Grab a book. 🎬 Catch a movie. And most importantly—have a wonderful summer!

What happens when cutting-edge tech meets creative expression? In this episode of The Teacher’s Pep Rally, we sit down with innovators Dr. Brian Magerko and Jason Freeman from Georgia Tech—the minds behind EarSketch, a free, web-based platform that teaches coding through music composition. With over a million students reached, EarSketch is not only transforming how we teach Python and JavaScript—it's also opening doors for blind and visually impaired students through inclusive design and AI-powered tools.

You’ll hear about:

• The power of music as a gateway into coding and computational thinking

• How accessibility is being reimagined in STEM education

• Why creativity, equity, and ethics must lead our tech integration in classrooms

Whether you're a STEM teacher, music educator, or just passionate about student voice and innovation, this is a must-listen!

EarSketch Information is here

In this special episode of The Teacher’s Pep Rally, we invite educators to get the inside scoop on Main Street PD, an inspiring professional development experience happening this summer in Orlando, FL! 💡

Hosts Erin and Pete (Fred was there in spirit!) welcome an incredible lineup of session leaders, including Marnie Stockman & Nick Coniglio (authors of Lead It Like Lasso), Thomas Hummel (co-creator of Eduaide.AI), and Dave Tarnoff (computer science professor and Intermation creator). Together, they dive into the heart of Main Street PD—an event designed to spark joy, ignite innovation, and help educators reignite their passion through curiosity, confidence, courage, and constancy.

From building your trusted network (hello, Diamond Dogs 🐾) to turning AI into your classroom co-pilot 🤖, to using “one little spark” to launch big ideas—this episode is packed with laughs, insights, and a peek behind the curtain of a PD experience like no other. 🎢✨

🎙️ New Episode! Coaching in the Classroom - A Student-Centered Approach with Dr. Linda Hopper

What if the secret to transforming your classroom isn’t more test prep—but more heart? 💡 In this inspiring episode, we welcome Dr. Linda Hopper, former teacher turned business coach and author of Coaching in the Classroom, who shares her powerful message: when we empower students to become self-aware and emotionally intelligent, real learning happens.

Dr. Hopper reveals how shifting from a traditional teaching mindset to a coaching mindset changes everything—from student engagement to teacher well-being. Learn how simple tools like breathwork, reflective questions, and strength-spotting can unlock student potential and reignite your passion for teaching. 🚀

Ready to coach your students into confidence, connection, and purpose? Tune in and be reminded why you chose this path in the first place. 🎧✨

Get ready for an inspiring, energizing, and crucial conversation on the Teacher’s Pep Rally Podcast! This episode features a powerhouse panel of passionate changemakers working to reshape the future of education.

Join hosts Erin, Fred, and Pete as they sit down with:

Demetrius Dove – National advocate and future educator representing over 44,000 aspiring teachers.

Carmen Lamielle – Georgia’s Aspiring Educator State President fighting for paid student teaching.

Dr. Jacob Hackett – Equity-driven professor at Georgia State University championing mentorship and teacher residencies.

Skyler Nunley – Lobbyist and educator, strengthening Georgia’s teaching community through grassroots advocacy.

Together, they tackle the real challenges aspiring teachers face—from financial stress to lack of mentorship—and spotlight bold, innovative solutions like virtual classroom simulations, student-led policy change, union-supported advocacy, and teacher residency models that mirror the medical field.

This isn’t just a conversation—it’s a call to action. Whether you're a future teacher, a veteran educator, or simply passionate about making education better, this episode will leave you hopeful and fired up to be part of the change.

We’re back! After a jam-packed season, the Teacher’s Pep Rally Podcast crew—Erin, Fred, and Pete—are catching up on life, learning, and laughter. This episode is a behind-the-scenes reality check as we share the chaos, triumphs, and daily grind of being educators.

Pete’s world is a whirlwind with school theater productions, music festivals, and an incredible Finding Nemo production that’s taking creativity to the next level.

Fred reflects on a career fair experience, highlighting how impactful educators can be in shaping students' passions.

Erin shares exciting news about her promotion and previews an upcoming professional development conference in Orlando that you won’t want to miss!

Along the way, we discuss teacher self-care, school safety protocols, the power of music education, and even the unexpected joys of LEGO and 80s toy restoration!

This episode is full of real talk, big laughs, and a whole lot of heart. Join us as we reconnect and recharge—because educators, we’re all in this together!

Listen now on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube!
What’s YOUR favorite way to decompress after a long day of teaching? Drop us a comment!

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On this episode of The Teacher’s Pep Rally Podcast, we’re diving into the high-energy world of middle school band with the incredible Rachel Allen! A dedicated band director since 2005, Rachel doesn’t just teach music—she builds a community of young musicians, ignites their passion, and helps them find their rhythm both in and out of the classroom.

From teaching multiple instruments to navigating hilarious band mishaps (yes, we’re talking about spit valves and mystery objects stuck in tubas!), Rachel shares her real and relatable experiences that will have you laughing and nodding along.

Tune in to hear:
- The secret to making band the class kids look forward to every day
- How music education supports literacy, math, and student well-being
- The power of building a band family that keeps kids engaged in school
- Hilarious behind-the-scenes stories only a band director could tell!

Whether you're a music educator, former band kid, or just love inspiring teacher stories, this episode will remind you why the arts matter and why great teachers change lives.

Please subscribe, leave a review, like it, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

In our latest episode of The Teacher’s Pep Rally, we had the privilege of speaking with Max Gertz, an educator and EdTech enthusiast who believes in the transformative power of equity in education.

Max shared his journey—from an English teacher captivated by the potential of technology to his role in shaping virtual learning opportunities for thousands of students. His passion for ensuring that every learner has access to the resources and support they need was both inspiring and thought-provoking.

We explored how technology can break barriers, giving students from diverse backgrounds the chance to engage, thrive, and take ownership of their learning. Whether it’s through virtual learning programs, innovative assessment tools, or accessibility-driven design, Max reminded us that true equity in education is about more than access—it’s about opportunity, success, and empowerment for all students.

This episode is a must-listen for educators, leaders, and anyone invested in making education more inclusive and impactful.

Please subscribe, leave a review, like it, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.