Voices United in Education

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Hear the positive stories in education that don’t make the news. You’ll hear uplifting stories of student, parent and teacher impact in Escambia County. Meredith Hackwith Edwards interviews teachers, staff, parents, students, graduates, community mentors

Escambia County Public Schools


    • Jun 3, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 24m AVG DURATION
    • 149 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Voices United in Education

    Ep 148 | Affordable aftercare & meaningful connections

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 20:07


    Send us a textAngela Stephens, Youth and Family Services Director for the YMCA of Northwest Florida, shares how a unique partnership with the Vickery Community Center in Pensacola is not only giving parents After School Care options at significantly reduced costs, but truly uniting for the success of children and families in Escambia County. Guest: Angela Stephens https://www.ymcanwfl.org/afterschool-care Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodesHost: Meredith Hackwith Edwards

    Ep 147 | What is skateboarding teaching kids?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 18:10


    Send us a textSean Fell, owner of Waterboyz Surf & Skate Shop, shares what kids are learn from skateboarding & why he chose collaboration over competition when the downtown skate park was built. You'll also hear how his skate park, nonprofit &  summer camps bring together kids and community all year long.Guest: Sean Fell https://waterboyz.com/ | https://www.facebook.com/waterboyzsurfandskate | https://www.instagram.com/waterboyz/ Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodesHost: Meredith Hackwith Edwards

    Ep 146 | Is mentorship the best legacy?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 21:36


    Send us a textIn this episode, Sally Lee rejoins our podcast to celebrate the final chapter of her 25-year career in student mentorship and shares how it's not what you know, but what you can show. As the Student Services Coordinator for Take Stock in Children, she reflects on her life, stories of impact from the mentorship program and a legacy filled with Escambia County children who attended and graduated from college through the support of local mentors and free 4-year scholarships.Guest: Sally Lee https://www.takestockinchildren.org/ | https://www.escambiaschools.org/Page/746 Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodesHost: Meredith Hackwith Edwards

    Ep 145 | Girl's weightlifting: Building strong bodies & confidence

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 13:42


    Send us a textAlicia Gifford is the girls weightlifting coach at Escambia High School, helping students build strength of mind, body & character. In this episode, she debunks weightlifting myths, talks about the value of being a female coach, and shares how the students are building confidence. Guest: Alicia GiffordLearn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodesHost: Meredith Hackwith Edwards

    Ep 144 | Aviation Academy: The sky is the limit

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 27:16


    Send us a textMark Raab is the Aviation Academy Instructor at Booker T Washington High School, providing students with hands-on experience in an actual hangar with an aircraft and a wide range of future possibilities. In this episode, he shares what parents need to know about this 4 year academy and how it guides students toward a diploma, career certification, college scholarships and a strong sense of direction.Guest: Mark Raab https://www.escambiaschools.org/Page/4351 Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodesHost: Meredith Hackwith Edwards

    Ep 143 | Inspiring kids to eat their veggies

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2025 29:38


    Send us a textGreg Miller is the Farm Garden Playground Consultant at Picked at Perfection Urban Farm, working with our local schools to provide not just on-site pocket gardens or mini farms, but immersive teaching experiences to help kids reconnect with their food. In this episode, Greg shares how this unique partnership is reinforcing their learning and inspiring kids to eat what they plant, grow, harvest and prepare.Guest: Greg Miller https://www.pickedatperfection.com/ | https://www.facebook.com/pickedatperfection Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodesHost: Meredith Hackwith Edwards

    Ep 142 | Introducing: Accelerate your performance, a Studer Education Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 24:47


    Send us a textIt's swap week! Join us as we cross-promote another local podcast: Accelerate Your Performance is hosted by Dr. Janet Pilcher, Founder and President of Studer Education, headquartered here in Pensacola, Fl. Each week, Janet highlights tactical and actionable strategies that leaders in educational organizations can hardwire to meet successful student, service, and people outcomes. In this episode, Janet talks with Dr. Christi Barrett from Hemet Unified School District. They remind us that “Hope is not a plan,” as Christi opens up about Hemet's ongoing improvement journey, classroom initiates and the importance of trust with intentional actions.Featured podcast: Accelerate Your Performance hosted by Dr. Janet Pilcher https://studereducation.com/accelerate-your-performance-podcast/Guest: Dr. Christi Barrett https://tinyurl.com/3z8zf2a2 Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodesHost: Meredith Hackwith Edwards

    Ep 141 | 4H: It's not what you think

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2025 16:04


    Send us a textHaylee Linam is the 4H Youth Development Agent for Escambia County. In this episode, Haylee does some myth busting about 4H and shares how it's different from FFA. She shares how student interest drives the 4H clubs and the unexpected ways STEM has become a part of the program. You'll also hear what membership looks like for students, exciting competition opportunities and the potential for scholarships.Guests: Haylee Linam https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/escambia/4-h-youth-development/youth/ Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodesHost: Meredith Hackwith Edwards

    Ep 140 | Mock Trial: More than a trial run at a law career

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2025 24:07


    Send us a textLisette Guttery, Instructional Coach at Pensacola High School and Stephanie White, attorney and Mock Trial coach, share how the community effort of Mock Trial helps students build confidence, critical thinking and public speaking skills. They share the surprising reasons that students NOT interested in a law career thrive in the program & share stories of students impacted by participation (including themselves)!Guests: Lisette Guttery & Stephanie White https://tinyurl.com/4xzacfef Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodesHost: Meredith Hackwith Edwards

    Ep 139 | Are you ready for summer camp?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2025 15:29


    Send us a textBrittany Hughes is the Marketing and Outreach Coordinator for Play Pensacola Parks & Recreation. In this episode, she debunks what you think of summer camp, how their 17 different camps are customized to the children's individual interests, needs and skills, and how scholarships can defray the costs.Guest: Brittany Hughes https://www.cityofpensacola.com/940/Summer-CampsLearn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodesHost: Meredith Hackwith Edwards

    Ep 138 | The Muskogee people: bringing oral history to the classroom

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2025 33:11


    Send us a textChief Dan Sky-Horse Helms of the Santa Rosa Creek Muskogee Tribe illuminates the oral history of the Native First People of the Panhandle. In this episode he shares how the tribe is collaborating with teachers to build a more complete curriculum, the journey to regaining this lost knowledge, and how the Cultural Education Center and Creek Fest are expanding the understanding of our local history by making it more visible, accessible and immersive to our children.Guest: Dan Sky-Horse Helms https://www.facebook.com/@santarosacreekband Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodesHost: Meredith Hackwith Edwards

    Ep 137 | Classrooms & military: mutual support?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2025 23:52


    Send us a textMonica Willis, Escambia County Public Schools Military Liaison, and Command Master Chief Jim Wallace at Naval Air Station Pensacola, share how our community rallies around our military families. They talk about the unique partnership between Escambia County Public Schools, the civilian benefit to military family presence and share real examples of classroom advantages.Guests: Monica Willis & Jim Wallace https://www.escambiaschools.org/cio#calendar5446/20250305/monthLearn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodesHost: Meredith Hackwith Edwards

    Ep 136 | Vaping: Are our kids at risk?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2025 21:25


    Send us a textDr. Okan Elidemir is the Chief of Pulmonology at Nemours Children's Health. In this episode, he shares cases of vaping injury, how addictive it is compared to regular smoking, and how to talk to your kids about consequences, peer pressure and managing stress.Guest: Dr. Okan Elidemir Nemours Pensacola https://tinyurl.com/yckx7cyw | https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/vaping-vs-smoking | Info on Evali https://tinyurl.com/6jxhmjy5 Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodesHost: Meredith Hackwith Edwards

    Ep 135 | Snowball Effect: Student success story (RECAST)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2025 22:40


    Send us a textThis is one of our most popular episodes, so we wanted to recast it! West Florida High School graduates and twin brothers, Jamal and Jamari Sharp are entrepreneurs, authors and philanthropists, but it wasn't always this way. Jamal shares how the two went from problem students to success stories, why they decided to call their snoball business BAM and what it means for them to be Pensacola business owners. For these two, it's truly a snowball effect.Guest: Jamal Sharp https://www.bamsnoballs.com/ | https://a.co/d/74ZwEoO Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodesHost: Meredith Hackwith Edwards

    Ep 134 | Are museums really for everyone?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2025 21:19


    Send us a textWendi Davis, Visitor Experience Manager at the UWF Historic Trust, shares how the downtown Children's Museum acts as a keeper of community story to become a prized community resource for kids (8 and under), parents and therapists. You'll hear how Playologists reimagine exhibits in order to encourage exploration and learning and the many ways you can get free admission.Guest: Wendi Davis https://historicpensacola.org/plan-your-visit/museums-properties/pensacola-childrens-museum/ | https://www.facebook.com/historicpcola Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodesHost: Meredith Hackwith Edwards

    Ep 133 | Pensacola has an archery park?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2025 16:11


    Send us a textTyler Newton is the President of the Panhandle Bowhunters and Archery Association. In this episode, Tyler talks about the Klondike Archery Park, an incredible but not well-known resource for college scholarship opportunities, family outdoor time and important life lessons in building patience and confidence.Guest: Tyler Newton https://myfwc.com/hunting/safety-education/shooting-ranges/klondike/ | https://www.facebook.com/panhandle.bowhunters Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodesHost: Meredith Hackwith Edwards

    Ep 132 | Leadership & data: an unlikely power couple

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2025 28:14


    Send us a textRobin Largue served as a coach and consultant for Studer Education, coaching superintendents, school boards & educational executive teams. She also worked with district partners across the county to better develop environments for learning, working and achieving. In the episode, Robin talks shares how hard-edged lines like data & goals work together with softer edged lines like leadership & relationships to develop positive environments for learning, working and achieving.Guests: Robin Largue Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodesHost: Meredith Hackwith Edwards

    Ep 131 | Pensacola Mess Hall: What happens IF?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2025 31:19


    Send us a textDr. Megan Pratt is the Executive Director and Nicole Dickson is the Program Presenter at the Pensacola MESS Hall. In this episode, they share how hands-on activities and stations—built around science, engineering and math—open kids and learners of all ages to explore and express themselves.Guests: Megan Pratt, PhD & Nicole Dickson https://pensacolamesshall.org/  Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodesHost: Meredith Hackwith Edwards

    Ep 130 | How to avoid FASFA paperwork pitfalls

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2025 24:28


    Send us a textMichael Johnston, Associate Vice President of Institutional Research and Enterprise, and Angelica Coonts, Assistant Director of Financial Aid at Pensacola State College share tips about completing FASFA (Free Application for Student Financial Aid). They cover common misconceptions, who is eligible, what kind of money it can bring in and one BIG tip that will save you tons of time!Guests: Michael Johnston & Angelica Coonts https://financialaid.pensacolastate.edu/ | 850-484-1680 | fava@pensacolastate.edu | FSA Account https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch | Complete FAFSA: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodesHost: Meredith Hackwith Edwards

    Ep 129 | What makes Global Learning Academy SO special?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2025 36:27


    Send us a textLalla Pierce is the principal at Global Learning Academy and Lauren Green is the social services navigator at Children's Home Society. In this episode, they share what makes this elementary school in the heart of downtown Pensacola, a hidden treasure. You'll hear about the unique culture they've cultivated as well as outside-the-box ways both parents and staff are meeting the needs of the students for a better tomorrow.Guests: Lalla Pierce & Lauren Green https://www.escambiaschools.org/gla Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodesHost: Meredith Hackwith Edwards

    Ep 128 | Foreign Exchange Teachers?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2025 26:01


    Caroline Gray is the ECPS employee services coordinator with the TPG Cultural Exchange. Johndel Aduka is one of the TPG charter members at O.J. Semmes. They share the behind the scenes of what it takes to qualify for the program, the interview process, cultural comparisons and Johndel's motivation for teaching in the US.Guests: Caroline Gray & Johndel Aduka https://www.tpgculturalexchange.com/ Want to interact with the resources and guests featured here in real life?! Join us at the 2nd annual FREE Podcastapalooza! There will be a live animal presentation by animal tales and food trucks like BAM snowballs, Kip's Hotdogs & MELT Pensacola.One lucky guest will win a $250 Amazon gift card! Mark your calendar for Saturday, February 1, 2025 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Booker T Washington High School. Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodesHost: Meredith Hackwith Edwards

    Ep 127 | What's the impact of social media on kids' brains?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2025 32:18


    Dr. Ben Renfroe is a neurologist at the Child Neurology Center of Northwest Florida who is passionate about setting kids up for successful adulthood. In this episode, he shares the impact that social media is having on your child's brain health and gives parents some tools to change behavior and help with social development, communication skills and learning.Guest: Dr. Ben Renfroe https://childneurologycenter.com/ | https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bedtime-math/id637910701 | Screentime guidelines https://tinyurl.com/4vzj8c5h Want to interact with the resources and guests featured here in real life?! Join us at the 2nd annual FREE Podcastapalooza! There will be a live animal presentation by animal tales and food trucks like BAM snowballs, Kip's Hotdogs & MELT Pensacola.One lucky guest will win a $250 Amazon gift card! Mark your calendar for Saturday, February 1, 2025 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Booker T Washington High School. Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodesHost: Meredith Hackwith Edwards

    Ep 126 | Is art more than an elective?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2024 20:18


    Alicia Gifford is 1 of 13 people in the world selected for the prestigious Art 21 Educator Program and the first from Florida. She shares her experience and how she has witnessed art connect creativity, critical thinking and profound conversation skills in her students.Guest: Alicia Gifford https://tinyurl.com/2nxx6w6w Want to interact with the resources and guests featured here in real life?! Join us at the 2nd annual FREE Podcastapalooza! There will be a live animal presentation by animal tales and food trucks like BAM snowballs, Kip's Hotdogs & MELT Pensacola.One lucky guest will win a $250 Amazon gift card! Mark your calendar for Saturday, February 1, 2025 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Booker T Washington High School. Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodesHost: Meredith Hackwith Edwards

    Ep 125 | Kids are worrying more! Now what?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 24, 2024 34:59


    Melanie Fryou is the pediatric medical social worker at Nemours Children's Health and Erica Mack is a registered clinical social work intern at Greenhouse Counseling. In this episode, they share findings from a study on “why kids worry” and provide practical tips, techniques and local resources for parents to help their kids worry less.Guests: Melanie Fryou & Erica Mack https://www.ghcpensacola.com/ |Why Kids Worry Study https://tinyurl.com/2f6buarc | Nemours Pensacola https://tinyurl.com/mr3845b8 | https://kidshealth.org/ | https://childmind.org/ Want to interact with the resources and guests featured here in real life?! Join us at the 2nd annual FREE Podcastapalooza! There will be a live animal presentation by animal tales and food trucks like BAM snowballs, Kip's Hotdogs & MELT Pensacola.One lucky guest will win a $250 Amazon gift card! Mark your calendar for Saturday, February 1, 2025 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Booker T Washington High School. Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodesHost: Meredith Hackwith Edwards

    Ep 124 | Do clothes make the student?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2024 19:26


    Coach Marquette Oliver is the SOAR academy director and an assistant football coach at Pine Forest High School where he also played and led his team in 2 state championships and 1 national championship. In this episode, he shares how he is elevating his players on the field, in the classroom and in life through Standing on Business Mondays, where students dress in suits and ties on Mondays. You'll hear how this simple act is changing the trajectory of these young men's lives and why it matters so much to Coach Oliver.Guest: Marquette OliverWant to interact with the resources and guests featured here in real life?! Join us at the 2nd annual FREE Podcastapalooza! There will be a live animal presentation by animal tales and food trucks like BAM snowballs, Kip's Hotdogs & MELT Pensacola.One lucky guest will win a $250 Amazon gift card! Mark your calendar for Saturday, February 1, 2025 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Booker T Washington High School. Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodesHost: Meredith Hackwith Edwards

    Ep 123 | NJROTC in 8th grade?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2024 26:10


    Dr. Heather Schultz, the assistant principal at Workman Middle School and Master Chief John Spaulding, the Naval Science instructor at Booker T Washington High School, share how students are taking advantage of the only middle school NJROTC program in Escambia County—one with a unique partnership between the schools. Learn how this program not only builds up students academically and socially, but also provides college scholarships.Guests: Dr. Heather Schultz & Master Chief John Spaulding https://www.escambiaschools.org/domain/1512 Want to interact with the resources and guests featured here in real life?! Join us at the 2nd annual FREE Podcastapalooza! There will be a live animal presentation by animal tales and food trucks like BAM snowballs, Kip's Hotdogs & MELT Pensacola.One lucky guest will win a $250 Amazon gift card! Mark your calendar for Saturday, February 1, 2025 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Booker T Washington High School. Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodesHost: Meredith Hackwith Edwards

    Ep 122 | Achieve Escambia: The resource concierge?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2024 23:50


    Ruthie Noel is the Executive Director of Achieve Escambia. In this episode she explains the unique role this organization plays in the community and why their number should be in your phone. We talk navigating local resources, finding paths to financial aid and advocating for families.Guest: Ruthie Noel https://www.achieveescambia.org/ | https://escambiachildrenstrust.org/familyresourceguide24-25/ | https://readykidsfl.org/readyrosie | https://www.fastweb.com/ | https://www.reachhigher.org/students/ | https://www.parentuniversitysav.org/pensacola Want to interact with the resources and guests featured here in real life?! Join us at the 2nd annual FREE Podcastapalooza! There will be a live animal presentation by animal tales and food trucks like BAM snowballs, Kip's Hotdogs & MELT Pensacola.One lucky guest will win a $250 Amazon gift card! Mark your calendar for Saturday, February 1, 2025 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Booker T Washington High School. Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodesHost: Meredith Hackwith Edwards

    Ep 121 | School Board: A calling to serve

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2024 34:40


    Patty Hightower is the longest serving school board member in Escambia County history, representing District 4 for 20 years. She will also be the first one to encourage you to run. In this episode, she talks about her experience running for and serving on the School Board. She answers behind the scenes questions and proudly highlights the success and changes over the last two decades.Guest: Patty HightowerWant to interact with the resources and guests featured here in real life?! Join us at the 2nd annual FREE Podcastapalooza! There will be a live animal presentation by animal tales and food trucks like BAM snowballs, Kip's Hotdogs & MELT Pensacola.One lucky guest will win a $250 Amazon gift card! Mark your calendar for Saturday, February 1, 2025 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Booker T Washington High School. Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodesHost: Meredith Hackwith Edwards

    Ep 120 | Bullying: How are schools handling it?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2024 26:32


    Kerri Coots, Director of Alternative Education, answers real parent questions about bullying in schools. You'll hear her share stories to encourage change, tips to help parents of both the bully and the bullied, and why she believes promoting acts of kindness is path to sustainable harmony.Guest: Kerri Coots https://www.escambiaschools.org/Page/2852 | School violence reporting index https://tinyurl.com/8ru9yry9 | Report bullying https://tinyurl.com/5n92cv26Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodesHost: Meredith Hackwith Edwards

    Ep 119 | Sensory spaces: More than a playground?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2024 24:06


    Cathy Rudd is the Principal and Lindsay Sullivan is the Occupational Therapist at Westgate, an Escambia County Public School for students with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorder. In this episode, they share how the Lacey A. Collier Sensory Complex uses the Snoezelen® concept to increase functional communication, develop gross and fine motor skills, de-escalate inappropriate behaviors, and increase desired learning behaviors.Guest: Cathy Rudd & Lindsay Sullivan https://www.escambiaschools.org/domain/886 | Snoezelen® success stories Escambia County https://tinyurl.com/3x4e2yk7Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodesHost: Meredith Hackwith Edwards

    Ep 118 | Got a teacher's heart?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2024 24:37


    Want to know why education is a great career path? Bill Slayton shares his teacher's heart and incredible perspective after a career of 52 years in education in Escambia County, which included 16 years on the School Board for District 5. In the largest and fastest growing district in our county, he has left a legacy centered on the students, not only building the leaders of tomorrow, but finding the teachers of the future.Guest: Bill SlaytonLearn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodesHost: Meredith Hackwith Edwards

    Ep 117 | Is my child's development delayed?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2024 21:22


    It's hard to know the important milestones your child might be missing. Teresa Zwierzchowski, the Marketing and Communications Specialist at Help Me Grow Escambia, peels back the curtain on early intervention screenings, shares FREE services you may not know you have access to and what milestones you can screen for at home with your child.Guest: Teresa ZwierzchowskiLearn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodesHost: Meredith Hackwith Edwards

    Ep 116 | What does the half-cent sales tax pay for?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2024 19:52


    Keith Leonard, Escambia County Public Schools Superintendent, talks about the history behind the half-cent sales, how it's been spent, future projects and just how much accountability there actually is for these funds. Guest: Keith LeonardRelated Links: Half Cent Sales Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodesHost: Meredith Hackwith Edwards

    Ep 115 | NIL: What's in it for the students?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2024 19:13


    Escambia County Public Schools Athletic Director Casey Thiele shares why the change in the Name Image Likeness (NIL) rules are important for high school athletes and students not in sports. You'll learn how free NIL resources can help your child avoid mistakes with their next side business and set them up to be confident, savvy young entrepreneurs.Guest: Casey ThieleRelated Links: Florida High School Athletic Association | Escambia AthleticsLearn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodesHost: Meredith Hackwith Edwards

    Ep 114 | What schools are good here?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2024 24:17


    Denny Wilson is the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction for Escambia County Public Schools and he isn't afraid to answer the question: What schools are good here? In this episode, he shares which schools were awarded Schools of Excellence designation and how other schools are ranking.Guest: Denny Wilson, Escambia County Public SchoolsLearn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodesHost: Meredith Hackwith Edwards

    Ep 113 | From Tate High to Officer of the Year

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2024 16:17


    Tate High graduate, Adam Norre, who knew from a young age that he wanted to be in law enforcement. What he didn't know is that just 3 years in, he would be named Escambia County Sheriff's Office Officer of the Year. In this episode, Adam traces his path to becoming a Sheriff's deputy and his hopes for what's next.  Guest: Adam NorreLearn more about Escambia County School District.Host: Meredith Hackwith Edwards

    Ep 112 | Financial literacy: Setting up kids for stable futures

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2024 20:17


    Jennifer Causey is a social studies teacher at Pine Forest High School whose econ class includes a mock investing challenge. She is working to end the cycle of poverty in Escambia county, by not just educating kids on money management basics, but making growing it accessible and fun. In this episode she shares what motivates her to dig in, when others short change this issue, and where to start if you're feeling behind.    Guest: Jennifer Causey: $500 stipend for FL Educator for completing free personal finance PD | On Demand Personal Finance courses for teachers, including homeschool teachers (all free) | Debt Free MillennialsGuest: Humphrey Yang: YAHOO Finance | Personal FinanceLearn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/Host: Meredith Hackwith Edwards

    Ep 111 | Coming together with Sue Straughn

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2024 23:24


    Sue Straughn may be the most recognizable news anchor in Pensacola, but she has also been an outstanding advocate for children and education—earning a spot in the 100 Most Influential People by INWeekly, the Martin Luther King Junior "Living the Dream" Award, the Ambassador for Education by the Escambia County Public Schools Foundation and more. Listen as Sue, an Escambia High graduate, shares her unique vantage point into the community from both the news desk and her front porch.Guest: Sue StraughnLearn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/Host: Meredith Hackwith Edwards

    Ep 110 | From inmate to outreach: Building up at-risk youth

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2024 32:48


    Hassan Hills is the founder and Director of Youths Left Behind, a nonprofit working to build up at-risk kids in Escambia County. In this episode, he shares his own story of incarceration & how he's working to reduce gang violence & increase opportunities for youths in Escambia County & meet one of the young teens positively impacted by organization, Michael Jeter.Guests: Hassan Hills & Michael Jeter https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSedX3-CRDfgUDU4jyofvim31qE8nj4tLfDeS4zjWEij-CHKjQ/viewform | https://youthsleftbehind.org | https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=10008055689641 Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://ecsd-fl.schoolloop.com/ Host:  Meredith Hackwith Edwards 

    Ep 109 | What's the best way to talk with your kids about vaping?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2024 26:55


    Jasmine Simms is a Tobacco Prevention Specialist for Tobacco Free Florida. In this episode, she shares vaping myths, why you may not recognize a vape pen if you saw it & practical strategies to talk to your kids about it.Guest: Jasmine Simms https://tobaccofreeflorida.com/ | https://tobaccofreeflorida.com/reasons-quit-smoking-stories/Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://ecsd-fl.schoolloop.com/ Host:  Meredith Hackwith Edwards 

    kids vaping jasmine simms
    Ep 108 | Learning to fail: Critical skill for success?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2024 26:27


    This trio of guests are leveraging a school elective that turns creative problem solving into a competition. Melissa Hughes, Cheri Stoker and Sophia Worley are part of the Ferry Pass Middle School's Odyssey of the Mind Program where seven of their eight teams advanced to the state level. Odyssey of the Mind is an international program designed to help students grow as confident learners and team members. Listen as they share five benefits this program brings to the classroom and beyond.     Guests: Melissa Hughes, Cheri Stoker & Sophia Worley | National https://www.odysseyofthemind.com/ | Local https://www.emeraldcoastodyssey.org/Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://ecsd-fl.schoolloop.com/ Host:  Meredith Hackwith Edwards 

    Ep 107 | How is one couple changing our schools?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2024 25:54


    Dr. Kimberly Thomas and Mr. Derrick Thomas are both principals at Escambia County Public Schools on the rise—C.A Weis Elementary School and Workman Middle School. They share their work/home relationship dynamic & their unique perspectives on successful school outcomes.Guests: Dr. Kimberly Thomas & Derrick Thomas https://www.escambiaschools.org/cawes#calendar14913/20240625/month | https://www.escambiaschools.org/jhwms Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://ecsd-fl.schoolloop.com/ Host:  Meredith Hackwith Edwards 

    Ep 106 | Pilots in training: Landing the job

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2024 20:22


    According to Boeing, the pilot shortage means that over the next 20 years, we will need 200K new pilots in the US alone. Escambia High School has a unique solution facilitated by a unique leader. Greg Pyle is a flight academy instructor. After 20 years in the United States Air Force, six of which spent as a navigator flying a FB1-11 fighter jet, he has combined his love of aviation with his passion for teaching a special dual enrollment program—created in partnership with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Hear how the program sets students up with a technologically engaging career and minimal student loans.Guest: Greg Pyle https://www.escambiahighschoolnjrotc.com/events/the-national-flight-academy/ Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://ecsd-fl.schoolloop.com/ Host:  Meredith Hackwith Edwards 

    Ep 105 | Should we train kids to save lives?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2024 18:39


    A House Bill passed in 2021 requires all public school students receive basic first aid training, including CPR. Although simply watching a video satisfies this requirement, Dr. Mary Mehta, pediatric cardiologist, VP & Chief Medical Officer of Nemours Children's Health Pensacola, explains why they are suppor`ting hands-on training throughout the county. Hear the scenarios that this training prepares families for & why it's the right combo of practical and empowering.Guest: Dr. Mary Mehta https://www.nemours.org/Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://ecsd-fl.schoolloop.com/ Host:  Meredith Hackwith Edwards 

    Ep 104 | Can art inspire learning?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2024 22:57


    Kenneth Jordan II is an award-winning artist, graduate of WFHS and alumni of McArthur Elementary School who is lending his brilliance back to his old classroom. Known for his highly realistic portraits using crayons, he's helping students recognize their feelings and do what he calls, “see their own hand.” Listen to how he illuminates the connection between art, uniqueness and resourcefulness for students in Escambia County.       Guest: Kenneth Jordan II | The Painter's Dialectic https://podcasts.apple.com/gt/podcast/the-painters-dialectic/id1680020823 | https://www.instagram.com/crayolasensei/ | https://www.crayolasensei.art/ Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://ecsd-fl.schoolloop.com/ Host:  Meredith Hackwith Edwards 

    Ep 103 | Critical thinking: Can it be taught?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2024 27:13


    Theory of knowledge asks International Baccalaureate students, "How do you know what you know?" Dylan Patterson and Audrey Foss are recent IB graduates of Pensacola High School. They used their final CAS project as a way to bring civic education to middle schoolers. Together with Gloria Eligio, the IB college counselor, hear what inspired them, how IB works and what's next.Guest: Gloria Eligio, Audrey Foss & Dylan Patterson https://www.youngcitizensdevelopment.org/ | https://www.escambiaschools.org/domain/1423 | https://open.spotify.com/show/5WCwUCgxXhFV2ll4ixyIJP | https://www.instagram.com/educationwithaudreyfoss/ | https://www.instagram.com/youngcitizensdevelopment/ Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://ecsd-fl.schoolloop.com/ Host:  Meredith Hackwith Edwards 

    Ep 102 | How do you fix that? Not Your Grandfather's Shop Class

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2024 21:13


    Chad Cherry is the Building Construction teacher at Northview High School. In this episode, he shares how the building technologies academy is getting the next generation prepared for employment and homeownership through hands-on application of math, safety, critical thinking & interpersonal skills.Guest: Chad Cherry https://hbi.org/ Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://ecsd-fl.schoolloop.com/ Host:  Meredith Hackwith Edwards 

    Ep 101 | Why Stuff the Bus?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2024 22:36


    45% of Escambia County households are below the ALICE threshold - ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income, Constrained, Employed. This squeeze is sharply felt for families during back to school time when expenses pile up quickly. In this episode, Chris McFarland, the Coordinator of Student Services for Escambia County Public Schools and Laura Gilliam, the President of the United Way of West Florida, share why Stuff the Bus is more than a feel-good event for those involved and how you can both give and get the supplies your child needs.     Guests: Chris McFarland & Laura Gilliam https://www.uwwf.org/stb | https://uwwf.galaxydigital.com/https://www.uwwf.org/sites/uwwf/files/Supply%20List%201%20up%20for%20boxes.pdf| Call 211 for social service information | Call 988 for suicide prevention hotline | Escambia County Public Schools Community Involvement Office 850.469.5675Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://ecsd-fl.schoolloop.com/ Host:  Meredith Hackwith Edwards 

    Ep 100 | Teachers Rock (LITERALLY)!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2024 22:22


    West Florida High's Juniors went from shock to awe when they found out their AP English teacher is in a band! Joey Truncale is the lead singer of the alternative rock band, Unicorn Wranglers. Grab a spot by the stage to hear how his unusual hobby has helped him better connect with and educate his students.Guest: Joey Truncale https://www.theunicornwranglers.com/                 Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://ecsd-fl.schoolloop.com/ Host:  Meredith Hackwith Edwards 

    Ep 99 | Costello's: Serving Up Sandwiches & Setting Up for Success

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2024 17:26


    Christie Costello owns Costello's Butcher Shop & Deli in Pensacola. In this episode she shares not about what she's selling, but what she is giving away – 100-150 sandwiches to hungry neighborhood kids. She also shares the unusual way this idea came to her, her history with the Pensacola food scene & how she's also setting up the next generation of chefs & entrepreneurs to give back. Guest: Christie Costello https://www.facebook.com/KTF2021 | https://www.facebook.com/costellosbutcheranddeli | https://ktf4love.org/  Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://ecsd-fl.schoolloop.com/ Host:  Meredith Hackwith Edwards 

    Ep 98 | Are Your Girls Prepared?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2024 16:15


    Scottlin Williams is a meteorologist and the program manager for HERicane Escambia, a free summer camp that is a positive force for girls. In this episode, she shares who inspired her into meteorology, what the camp entails & how broadening representation in emergency management and public safety is good for everyone.Guest: Scottlin Williams https://myescambia.com/our-services/public-safety/beready/HERricane Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://ecsd-fl.schoolloop.com/ Host:  Meredith Hackwith Edwards 

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