The Second Question

Mike Earnshaw is a husband, father, educator, writer, blogger, podcaster and presenter from Illinois. He is an elementary principal that strives to provide a positive and enriching culture for his students and staff through authentic experiences. Mike is the author of the Edu Culture Cookbook, a book about building school culture for leaders. He is also the cohost of the podcast Punk Rock Classrooms available wherever you listen to podcasts. Connect with Mike on Twitter @MikeREarnshaw

Erik M. Francis, M.Ed., M.S., is an international author, educator, presenter, and professional development provider. He has over 25 years of experience in education working as a classroom teacher, a site administrator, an education program specialist for a state education agency, and a trainer of teachers and school leaders. Erik is the author of Deconstructing Depth of Knowledge: A Method and Model for Deeper Teaching and Learning published by Solution Tree. He is also the author of Now That's a Good Question! How to Promote Cognitive Rigor Through Classroom Questioning published by ASCD. He is consistently ranked as one of the World's Top 30 Education Professionals by the international organization Global Gurus. Erik is the owner of Maverik Education, providing professional development, consultation, and coaching on how to plan and provide teaching and learning experiences that are standards-based, socially and emotionally supportive, and student responsive. Connect with Erik on Twitter @Maverikedu12

Jillian is an invested elementary educator in Clearwater, Florida. Her passion is to infuse joy to students and those in educational leadership by focusing efforts on listening, serving, and growing. She uses her voice to foster hope to celebrate equity and empathy. She is a children's book author and illustrator of Liv's Seashells, Road to Awesome: A Journey for Kids, and Look at YOU, Piper Lou!, and Destiny's Amazingly Different Dreams. She is the founder + Chief Optimistic Originator of Imparted Joy, LLC, which provides services to help others ‘spark their stories' with confidence. Jillian believes the creative process of illustrating children's books brings JOY to life. The expressions, characters, and simple sketches enhance writings with warm emotion as they visually serenade the viewer into the story. The mission is to provide a meaningful experience on every page that captivates the heart. Each day is a FRESH opportunity to listen, be slow to criticize, and be quick to empathize. Keep dancing and dreaming with JOY. You can connect with Jillian on Twitter @JillDuBois22 or on her website www.impartedjoy.com

Carly Spina has 15 years of experience in Multilingual Education, including her service as an EL teacher, a third-grade bilingual classroom teacher, and a district-wide Multilingual Instructional Coach. She is currently a multilingual education specialist at the Illinois Resource Center, providing professional learning opportunities and technical assistance support to educators and leaders across the state and beyond. Spina enjoys connecting with other educators and leaders across the country and beyond and is an active member of the multilingual education professional learning community. Her first book, Moving Beyond for Multilingual Learners, was published in November 2021 by EduMatch Publishing and is available on Amazon. You can connect with Carly on Twitter @MrsSpinasClass or via email at: carlymspina@gmail.com

LaKeyseah (Kesa) Brennan is a high school English teacher in Columbia, South Carolina. She is passionate about creating positive relationships with students, and as an aspiring administrator, she sees the value of mentorship and connections. Kesa is joyful and enthusiastic! You are definitely going to want to connect with her! Twitter: @msbrennanEDU Email: kesa.brennan@gmail.com

Dave McPartlin is the Head Teacher at Flakefleet Primary School in Fleetwood, England. He is passionate about providing experiences for his students that allow them to dare to dream of what is possible for them in the world. His willingness to create these experiences led his students to compete for Christmas #1 and to receive a golden buzzer during a successful run on Britain's Got Talent! Dave talks about what helps create the culture where dreaming becomes action, and then becomes reality. Connect with Dave on Twitter @dave_mcpartlin

Dan Edwards is an elementary school principal in Leicester, England. He is an avid runner, writer, and speaker...dedicated to building and preserving community in his school. About Dan: From working in education, my experience has led me from a world of teaching a timetable of GCSEs and A-Levels to an even more complex career of holding leadership roles in both secondary and primary sectors, notwithstanding a long spell working in various education units in adolescent residential social care, to a brief sojourn teaching post-graduates as a visiting lecturer at universities. To then, finally, a principal of a large primary school. In addition to my role as principal, I am a regular columnist for a number of publications where I share my views and opinions on leadership, school culture and teaching and learning. Further to this written work, I regularly speak both nationally and internationally about leadership and organisational culture to a wide range of audiences. I also host a regular education forum on Twitter called #SaturdayEdChat. Connect with Dan on Twitter @DanEdwards_77

Josh Tovar is a devoted family man and educator currently living and working in Garland, Texas, but originally from El Paso. Josh is committed to finding the most effective and innovative paths to success for the students at Memorial Parkway Academy. By developing strong relationships, he is able to help the students and families adjust and thrive in the educational space. Josh also uses social media to share and connect with educators and families. Follow him on Facebook and find him on Twitter @MPA_GOJAGUARS

Kristi Everhart is an educator and podcaster from the great state of Texas! She endeavors to amplify the stories of educators who try to get the the heart of teaching. Follow her podcast Our Heart for Teaching wherever you listen to podcasts, and connect with Kristi on Twitter @aheartforteaching

Joe Sanfelippo is an author, speaker, parent, husband, and expert communicator from Wisconsin. In his role as superintendent in Fall Creek, Joe sets his goal to amplify the mission of his staff and students, while ensuring that the good things that happen at school are shared outside of the educational space. You will definitely enjoy the positive messages here...and his answer to the Second Question! Connect with Joe on Twitter @joe_sanfelippo or on other social media as well. Also, look out for his new book to be published in 2022!

Brian Miller is an elementary principal, husband, father, writer, and outdoors-lover in beautiful Montana. He publishes a weekly reflection that you really want to read on his website Brian T. Miller Stories Matter (millerbrian.com). Connect with him through that venue!

Mel Aveling is an Australian educator who has made the bold leap of teaching internationally...first in Taiwan, and now in Colombia. Her passion for immersing in cultures, and using technology to move her math teaching forward is impressive and inspiring. Get to know Mel A, and connect with her on Twitter @fungooli

Dave Schmittou does as he would say, "all the things". He is a husband, father, writer, teacher, thinker, doer, runner, consultant...the list goes on. Dave is a man who makes you think, and he is one of my favorite people. In this episode we talk about his roles, advice he would give an educator that was trying to find their professional identity, and what he wants to do next...and I'd bet it's going to happen at some point! Connect with Dave on "all the things" at @daveschmittou

Ryan Scott is a husband, girl dad x4, educator, writer, podcaster, bourbon enthusiast, fitness proponent, and outdoorsman. I'm proud to call him my friend! His podcast The BigEd Idea is a proud new member of the Teach Better Podcast network! In this episode we talk about the switch between elementary and high school education, the one thing that would make an impact on kids from poverty, and the lessons he wants to impart on his daughters. You can connect with Ryan on Twitter @ryancscott1981 and The BigEd Idea podcast @didea_e Listen to The BigEd Idea on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen!

AJ Bianco is not only a husband, father, and middle school AP, he's also a sports enthusiast who hosts or co-hosts several podcasts (ReflectED, The Chase for 28). He is passionate about reflecting on his experiences and encourages others to do the same. He also looks just like Jimmy Garoppolo! Connect with AJ on all the socials @AJBianco

Hal Bowman is the MAN! He is a father, husband, inspirer, lover of educators, and overall a brilliant and accomplished guy. Hal is the direct reason this podcast exists...he took the time to teach and inspire not just me, but several other podcasters and writers to pursue our passions. In this interview we discuss reconnecting with our reason to become educators and the importance of making a difference for teachers and students. You can connect with Hal at halbowman.com and email hal@halbowman.com He is also on social media...just look him up by name!

Despite some technical glitches, I know you will enjoy listening to this episode with the dynamic Derrick Conley, an Executive Principal in Pine Tree ISD in Longview, Texas! Derrick knows culture-building, and his enthusiasm for students and teachers is evident. Connect with Derrick on Twitter @MrDerrickConley or via email at dconley@ptisd.org

Trevor Timmerberg's Twitter bio reads: Faith Driven - Education - Leadership - Service. Trevor is a HS Asst Principal in Louisville, Kentucky, a Commissioned Officer in the Army National Guard, a Doctoral Student, and so much more! Join me as we meet this fascinating and inspiring man who also finds time to do Ironman Triathlons! Connect with Trevor @Trevor_Tberg on Twitter

Kelle Lofton is a heart-filled leader who is looking to give back to the community through mentoring leaders as she works to implement a Leadership Academy for young students. Hear her story here...she's incredible! You can connect with Kelle at kelle.lofton@gmail.com

Priscilla Alfaro is the new principal at Wagner HS in San Antonio, TX. She is a mom, a wife, an educator, and a visionary, grounded in the lessons she learned from her favorite teacher...a story you won't want to miss. Hear Priscilla's leadership journey and reach out to connect with her at palfaro3@yahoo.com

Ray Porten is a phenomenal person...a family man, an educator, a blogger, a podcaster, and an awesome friend to many. Hear his story of love, education, and legacy...I promise you it will be worth the time spent! You can connect with Ray on all social media @raymondporten

Daniel Martinez is a father, and educator, a writer, and all around great guy...one of my best friends, and former APs from here in beautiful San Antonio, Texas. He is currently principal of both Karnes City Primary and Sides Elementary in Karnes City, Texas (about 70 miles SE of San Antonio). We talk about the move from urban to rural education, and Daniel tells about not one...but two people as we discuss the Second Question! You can reach Daniel at dmartinez@kcisd.net

Alex Valencic is a husband, educator, Eagle Scout, and Proud Pretzel working as the Professional Learning Coordinator for the Freeport, Illinois schools. Alex has a wide variety of interests, and is uniquely reflective and collaborative. He also has a unique spin on his answer to the Second Question! Connect with Alex @alextvalencic on all social media platforms.

Dave Frangiosa is a husband, father, and high school science educator from New Jersey. He is passionate about education and specifically has been exploring the improvement of grading policies. In this episode we talk about his ideas and how education is improved when the effort and work are examined on the way to content mastery. Dave can be reached on Twitter @DavidFrangiosa

Dr. Dana Goodier is a Colorado educator, a parent, a writer/blogger, and host of Out of the Trenches, a podcast that brings you interesting guests that tell their stories of changing mindset as they move out of the trenches where they are, to where they need to be! You can connect with Dana on Twitter @danagoodier www.danagoodier.com Out of the Trenches Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-out-of-the-trenches-podcast/id1514020148

Daliene Hendon is a student, educator, and community engager here in San Antonio, Texas. In our interview she talks about the spark that got her interested in participatory governance, and she tells us about her involvement with an organization called Girls on the Run, which seeks to empower young girls as they transition into teenagers. Connect with Daliene on Twitter @dalienehendon or by email at dalienehendon@txstate.edu For more information on Girls on the Run, you can visit the national website at www.girlsontherun.org; or the local website here in Bexar County at www.gotrsanantonio.org

Join me as I talk tech with Debbie Tannenbaum...Tech Coach, blogger, author, and now business owner from Northern Virginia! Debbie tells us how overcoming her own fears propelled her to do things she never thought she would. Great message from a dynamic educator! #transformation You can connect with Debbie on Twitter @TannenbaumTech

I wanted to take this week to share some celebrations and reflections on the first 17 episodes of The Second Question! Look for the podcasts I mention on your favorite podcast platforms: * Livin That Online School Life by Ray, Owen, and Leo Porten * This Ranger Life by the students at Salinas Elementary * The Texan Connection by Daryl Porter, Jeff Springer, and me! @ConnectionTexan on Twitter

Happy Administrative Professionals Week! In this episode I get to interview the women who are the face and the voice of Salinas Elementary School, the administrative support staff that run the office, answer the phones, greet visitors, take temperatures daily, register new families, order supplies, comfort students, love on parents, keep teacher classrooms supplied with any and all materials, and generally maintain the high standards of customer service that our community deserves. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to these women, and to all administrative professionals that are the front line of service to our schools and communities! I was so glad to be able to interview three of my favorite people...Secretary Linda Bowker, PEIMS Clerk Yvonda Quarles, and Receptionist/ISS Aide Liz Daley. These women tell of their dedication to service to our community...and they each answer the Second Question!

Kristin Saunders is a dynamic and successful elementary school principal, and one of my favorite colleagues and friends. In this episode she talks about managing through some chaos and some of the "wonderful side effects" that come from leading through change. Kristin can be reached at: ksaundersm@judsonisd.org

Dan is a national educational consultant who provides staff development and consultative services to educators K-12. Dan is passionate about helping individuals shift their perspective on behavior, understanding the best ways to provide support given the challenges posed in today's society. He regularly presents on topics impacting school climate, brain-based instruction, developmentally appropriate educational practices and presentation skills. Dan's overwhelming strength is his skill as a presenter. Although his sessions are exceedingly interactive and engaging, his greatest asset lies in his ability to offer participants rich insight into the connectedness between educational practices and student behavior. After receiving his master's degree in education, Dan worked in both private residential and public school settings. His work as a self-contained behavior unit teacher, Educational Diagnostician, and Director of a Learning Resource Center afforded him experience at all levels, in both general and special education settings. Dan's consultative experience comes from his work as an Educational Specialist for the Education Service Center in San Antonio, Texas. While there, he designed a three-year program certifying individuals to serve as behavior specialists throughout the region. He also regularly provided technical assistance in the areas of behavior, special education, dropout prevention, school climate and developmentally appropriate practices. After working at the Education Service Center, Dan sought out a job returning to the school setting allowing him to work directly with children. For seventeen years, Dan was a behavior consultant for the Alamo Heights Independent School District in San Antonio, Texas. Though he provided support for all schools, his primary responsibilities were at the Howard Early Childhood Center working with the district's youngest learners. While there, he provided in class lessons, small group and individual support, as well as presentations to staff and parents. Dan retired from the school system in May of 2020 after thirty years of work in education. Though he is now slowing down, working to have a better balance between his work and home life, he still provides presentation and consultative support as an independent consultant. https://danstromain.com Author of two books Teach Skills and Break Habits: Growth Mindsets for Better Behavior in the Classroom Dan published this book in 2018. It is designed for PK-5 grade teachers to help them move away from a model of rewarding and punishing towards a model of teaching and practicing behaviors. Positive Behavior Principles: Shifting Perspectives and Aligning Practices in Schools This new book, just released, is designed for PK-12 grade educators and features nine principles for positively shaping behaviors in the school setting. The book also has Graphic Summary Sheets that can be purchased to complement the principles. Note: Dan has NOT presented in Halifax, even though I said it at least three times in the interview! :-)

Livia Chan is an educator passionate about community, teaching, leading, and lifelong learning. She truly believes in the power of connection and thoroughly enjoys building relationships by reaching out with kindness and gratitude. Livia lives by the belief that it is through every interaction that we have the opportunity to appreciate and uplift others to help make their day a brighter one. Her other passions include family, friends, and ringette, which she is heavily involved in as a volunteer coach, Executive member, referee, and player. For over 20 years, Livia has continued to experience the joy of teaching in the Greater Vancouver area in BC, Canada, and loves her role as a Head Teacher and classroom teacher. She previously served on the District Staff Development Team in Learning Technologies supporting K-12 educators. Currently, Livia is honored to be the Digital Content Editor and Ambassador for the Teach Better Team and loves being a part of this family! Her motto is “Working together to better ourselves, each other, and the world around us.” Twitter: @LiviaChanL Email: livia@teachbetter.com Livia's Blog can be read here: https://www.teachbetter.com/blog/many-gifts-to-discover/ What is Ringette?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qsSys5mkec

Todd Bloomer is the proud principal of Winston Churchill High School in beautiful San Antonio, Texas. Todd is a passionate educator who wants to create a culture where voices are valued, and staff, students, and families are motivated to be part of the school community. Listen as Todd tells us how he goes about building community, and how he views himself as the leader of the band...a band that cannot be successful without all it's parts. At the end of the interview, Todd gives a lovely tribute to his favorite teacher as he answers The Second Question! Todd is author of #theBluePrint and is a regular contributor to his school district blog space. You can read his blog posts at blogs.neisd.net/leadershipconversations Todd is also eager to connect with other educators on Twitter @sachurchill His school Instagram is peopleofwc

Join me as we discuss political advocacy with Raise Your Hand Texas Regional Advocacy Director, Sophie Torres. Sophie is a San Antonio native, and former VP in the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. She currently works to support public education through political advocacy here in the State of Texas. Sophie encourages you to learn more about the organization Raise Your Hand Texas by visiting the website www.raiseyourhandtexas.org Text alerts for advocacy information can be enabled by texting Raise My Hand to 40649 Sophie can be reached at storres@ryht.org I hope you especially enjoy Sophie's heartwarming tribute to her favorite educator!

Dan Brooks is a talented and passionate educator who serves as principal of Woodlake Hills Middle School in beautiful San Antonio, Texas. Dan shares his observations about adolescents in school, and how to particularly reach African-American boys to help them feel successful at school. Dan can be reached at dbrooks427@gmail.com if you would like to connect with him...and I suggest you do that! He's a great guy to know!

Join me as I interview the warm and engaging Brad Hughes all the way from Kitchener, Ontario, Canada! Brad and I talk about building school culture, and he gives a great three year plan for a new administrator as they begin their career. Brad also gives a heartfelt tribute to his favorite teacher as he answers the Second Question. Brad is an elementary school principal with 25 years' experience in education. He is currently at Forest Hill Public School in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, designated a HERO Generation school in the Waterloo Region District School Board. Prior to becoming a school leader, Brad taught for 16 years in classrooms from Kindergarten to eighth grade, most recently teaching middle school Visual Arts, French and Special Education. Brad is a certified Self-Reg School Champion and has an ongoing commitment to reframing the joys and challenges of school life through a Self-Reg lens. Brad and his wife Jennifer are proud parents of a son and daughter both in university. He describes himself as an optimist and recovering perfectionist who is passionate about #LeadingWithLove and improving the lives of kids by supporting the adults that serve them. Brad can be reached on Twitter @brad_hughes His podcast is The Good News, Brad News podcast available everywhere you listen to podcasts! https://open.spotify.com/show/6wACUZ1BlOeOBy4A31UJKg

Join me for a great conversation with Dr. Jeff Springer (see bio below). Show note: Jeff and I had about a 45 minute pre-interview conversation for this 23 min or so interview...he is a great guy for a chat! Hear about the acronym PLAY...how Jeff is the King of the Hashtag...and the importance of mentorship. Also, listen to Jeff's answer to the Second Question. Jeff gives a lovely tribute to his favorite teacher of all time! Jeff can be reached at his website: www.cultivatingplay.org or by email at: jeff@cultivatingplay.org An educator for 34 years, is the founder of the G.O.A.L. TEAM (Getting Others to Achieve Higher Levels). The G.O.A.L. TEAM, was created for helping high school students and young adults to maximize their personal leadership potential. Jeff, a former Texas High School Head Football Coach and eleven-year veteran of the classroom, is also formerly the Principal at Magnolia High School (2002-2016). In 2013 Jeff was selected as the State of Texas TASSP State Principal of the year. Besides founding Spring Strategies LLC, that provides educational executive coaching, Jeff also serves part time as the Minister of Men at Wildwood UMC, is a University Student Teacher Supervisor, and is also the founder of Suit Up Ministries, a nonprofit men's ministry. Jeff attended Abilene Christian University where he played on the 1977 National Championship Football team, received his Bachelor of Arts in Teaching from Sam Houston State University and obtained his Masters of Sports Administration from the United States Sports Academy. In the spring of 2020, Jeff completed his Doctorate in Education with an emphasis in Transformational Leadership from Concordia University. Jeff is passionate about people and “play.” Developing others and helping them see their value and completeness is what drives Jeff in all his relationships. Jeff loves being a husband, dad and a grandfather. He is always seeking for ways to acknowledge men that strive to be the daily active devoted dads they are called to be. Jeff who resides in Montgomery, Texas, has been married for 39 years and has two children, and three grandchildren.

Join me as I interview elementary school principal Mr. Juan (JJ) Perez, of Jim Martin Elementary school in Northside ISD (San Antonio, TX)! Mr. Perez shares his educational journey, and tells about how he would spend $10K on his school if it dropped into his lap. How would you spend it? He also gives us a tribute to his favorite educator as he answers The Second Question. JJ can be reached by phone at 210-398-1410 or by email at juan.perez@nisd.net. You can follow his school on Twitter @NISDmartin or on Facebook.

Dr. Christophor Galloway is an amazing educator who tells a great story of his non-traditional journey into the world of public education.  Chris is an author, an educator, a husband and dad, and an innovator that is committed to providing a path to leadership through mentoring and training for other educators.  A true leader in our wonderful profession. Chris can be reached via Twitter @ChrisJGalloway

In this episode I interview a good friend and former colleague, Chad Broussard - a South Louisiana guy who is currently the Assistant Principal of Academics and Student Life at Fordham Prep, a Jesuit school in Bronx, NY. Chad has worked in public, charter, and private schools, and brings us the perspective of how these systems coexist and what we can learn from each other. Chad can be reached at broussardc@fordhamprep.org

We often look at students with special needs with a deficit perspective, sometimes forgetting that gifted and talented students also have special needs. In today's interview, TAG teacher, Meredith Jacobsen talks about her perspective on the needs of students who are gifted and talented, and how we can/should program for those students. She also answers the Second Question...and honors one of her elementary school teachers (who she hopes gets to listen to this tribute!). Meredith can be reached on Twitter @heyyyy_MissJ

Lucas Barrientes is the young, dynamic pastor of Mosaic Church SA here in San Antonio, Texas. Lucas has heart and a passion for supporting public schools and honoring the students, staff, and families connected with schools. In our interview, Lucas talks about the For San Antonio initiative from his church...an initiative that seeks to flip the traditional thinking about what churches are against, and focuses on what they are for. Listen to Lucas discuss how public schools and faith communities can partner to improve and enhance our communities. And of course, Lucas answers the Second Question! Connect with Pastor Lucas on Facebook by searching for Mosaic Church SA.

The number three has always been special to me...you'll hear why...and I'm excited to have my first interview guest...my son, Easton Silverman, a soon-to-be teacher! Easton and I talk about starting out as a teacher, his student teaching experience so far, and he gives me his answer to the Second Question.

Join me in my story about doing things a second time, and how sustainability in education is key. I also tell about how education became my second major, and share the answer to The Second Question...as provided by an amazing young man as a tribute to his 4th grade teacher.

For the first episode of The Second Question, I talk about a few firsts in my life...and then answer the Second Question.