Episodes

Escambia County Public Schools has earned its first-ever district-wide A grade and the story behind that achievement isn’t about chasing points - it’s about helping students see where they are, where they’re going and what they’re capable of achieving. Superintendent Keith Leonard shares how student buy-in, focused instruction and the commitment of teachers and staff helped drive ECPS forward. He shares, “We’re not worried about the points, we’re worried about the kid.” Guest: Keith Leonard Le...

Could a local rock band help students succeed? Jon Clark is the bass player and vocalist in the White Tie Rock Ensemble as well as the itinerant Fine Arts 5th grade orchestra teacher for ECPS. His family has invested over 40 years in Escambia County’s orchestra program. In this episode, he shares the origin story of both the band and his becoming a teacher as well as why orchestra is for everyone. Guest: Jon Clark https://www.facebook.com/WhiteTieRockEnsemble Learn more about Escambia County Sc...

Could math be FUN? Adana Elder, owner and Cherie Gough, Center Director of Mathnasium, a math-only learning center to help kids K-12 catch up, keep up and get ahead. In this episode, they share what math tutoring actually looks like and who it’s helping. Guest: Adana Elder & Cherie Gough https://www.mathnasium.com/math-centers/pensacola/news/story-your-local-mathnasium-pensacola Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/ Find additional links: https://www...

Is your child a strong reader? Do they need help in other academic subjects? Erica Anderson is the Literacy Director of the YMCA Bright Pathways Program of Northwest Florida, a NEW on-campus program for kids, K-5th grade. In this episode, she shares the impact the program and how it all works. Guest: Erica Anderson https://www.floridaymcas.org/locations/yreads/ymca-reads/ Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/ Find additional links: https://www.voices...

What’s causing our high school graduation rates to be at 89.5%? In this episode, Keith Leonard, School District Superintendent, unpacks how graduation rates are calculated, what it means for the future of our community and addresses skepticism. Guest: Keith Leonard Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/ Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodes Host: Meredith Hackwith Edwards

Looking for an AI proof job? Thinking about working on aircrafts? Want to land a job on the Space Coast? Mark Raab is the Aviation Academy instructor at Booker T Washington High School, the 2nd high school in Florida to offer industry certifications in both aerospace & aircraft assembly. In this episode, Mark gets us up to speed for certification and beyond. Guest: Mark Raab https://washingtonhs.escambiaschools.org/career-academies/aviation-maintenance The 2026 InWeekly Best of the Coast winn...

The NFL has been investing in flag football; it’s going to be a part of the Olympics and it’s been a competitive option for high school girls in Escambia County for nearly a decade. When Drew Lafontant isn’t at his day job as the Clinic Director for the Panhandle Comprehensive Treatment Center, he is proud head coach for the girls varsity flag football team at Booker T Washington High School. In this episode, he shares how the team is thriving and why flag football may be the next sport on your ...

What if we told you that there was a nationwide contest for literacy and of the nearly 10,000 schools, Scenic Heights Elementary won FIRST place? And what if we told you that those students are English speakers of other languages? April Mansfield and Michelle Skidmore are ESOL teachers at Scenic Heights Elementary School. In this episode, hear how they unknowingly made it to the playoffs of the Imagine Learning Literacy Bowl and the impact that winning has had on their students. Guests: April M...

Is there a secret to successful middle school years? It’s a changing and challenging time for students and parents. Cameron Peters is the Bailey Middle School PE teacher and the founder of a mentorship program for at-risk students called CAMP — Creating a Meaningful Purpose. In this episode, he shares how the program is helping students tap into their motivation and unlock their full potential. Guest: Cameron Peters https://www.instagram.com/camp.llc/ The Florida Department of Education just re...

Do you know Izzie Jenkins? If not, we’re pretty confident that you’ll be hearing more about this Pensacola High School IB Program graduate who was elected as State Secretary for Florida FFA. In this episode, she shares what it means to carry the torch for the nearly 100-year-old organization—growing from future farmers to future leaders—and how her experiences have shaped her outlook on what’s next for her as an adult. Guest: Izzie Jenkins https://www.facebook.com/floridaffa The Florida De...

Are you a recent high school graduate, but don't have the money to attend collge? Or, are you an adult who wants to finish your degree or get training for a new career path, but don’t know how to pay for it? Or, do you want to take classes for personal self improvement? Matt Hebert is a part of a program that should be your first call for financial help. He is the Program Director for TRIO Educational Opportunity Center at Pensacola State College. In this episode, he shares his perspective an...

What does it feel like to lead the Booker T Washington’s Varsity Basketball team into state victory for the first time in 26 years? Jade Brown is the Athletic Director, Head Coach of the Lady Cats AND the 2026 Florida Dairy Farmers Girls’ Basketball Coach of the Year! In this episode, she shares the values of both winning and losing, the strengths of her team and her philosophy as a coach. Guest: Jade Brown https://www.facebook.com/BTWLadyCatBasketball The Florida Department of Education j...

The COVID19 pandemic created both academic disruption and social deficit. Terri Fina, Principal at Holm Elementary, is getting her students back on track through the Amazing Shake—a social skills competition created by Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, Georgia. In this episode, she shares the impact its making and how her students fared at the state finals. Guest: Terri Fina https://www.theamazingshake.com/ The Florida Department of Education just released district and sc...

Send us Fan Mail What’s it REALLY like to be a new teacher? Are you on your own? Layla Holiday is an alternatively certified teacher at Workman Middle School and Rachel Rodriguez Schrimsher is a traditionally educated teacher and the Program Specialist for the Professional Learning Certification Program. In this episode, they share their different experiences getting their teacher certification and their experiences in their first year of teaching. Guests: Rachel Rodriguez-Schrimsher & ...

Send us Fan Mail Who doesn’t love the aroma of coffee? How about a local success story brewed in the bitterness of COVID? What about a coffee shop for creatives? In this episode, Summer Sevi, ECPS 5th grade teacher turned coffee roaster and founder of Alla Prima Coffee Roaster, along with Monica Willis, ECPS Grant Management Specialist, talk about how Summer is using this new season in her life to show up for art students and teachers in an even bigger way. Guests: Monica Willis & Summe...

Send us Fan Mail What if your child got a new book in the mail every month? What if they got to pick the books? What if they came with workbooks, too? The University of Florida has a FREE at-home literacy program for VPK - 5th graders. Shelli Payne is the Senior Engagement specialist for New Worlds Reading Initiative. In this episode, she shares how kids are building their confidence and their at-home libraries. Guest: Shelli Payne https://www.newworldsreading.com/en/ | List of books: https...

Send us Fan Mail Is there a NEW & OLD way of approaching etiquette? How does it support academics? Brianna English is the Assistant Principal and Priteyja Olige Brannon is the Curriculum and Expanded Curriculum Coordinator at CA Weiss Elementary School. In this episode, they share how the Elite and Elegant Ambassadors etiquette program is a different way to look at education. Guests: Priteyja Olich Brannon & Brianna English https://www.facebook.com/weiselem Learn more about Escambia County Scho...

Send us Fan Mail According to Albert Einstein "Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new." Trinity Barnett is the 2025-2026 teacher of the year, using art to build confidence and create comfort around experimentation. In her life and classroom, she models how mistakes can lead to inspiration. In this episode, you’ll hear her unusual path to education and her imaginative approach to art for all. Guest: Trinity Barnett Learn more about Escambia County School District: http...

Send us Fan Mail Laura Wiggins is a 1st grade teacher at Kingsfield Elementary who completed Pensacola High School’s IB program thanks to School Choice. In this episode, she shares how her path went from rural northwest Florida to Senegal, and from “I’m never becoming a teacher” to it becoming her first choice. You’ll hear how the right people and a yellow school bus gave her the wings she needed to create her own path while also honoring her family’s legacy. Guest: Laura Wiggins https://pensac...

Send us Fan Mail What do you talk about with a 7th grader? Do mentorship programs work? Two organizations in Escambia County are united in providing mentorships and college scholarships to deserving local students. In this episode, Alexandra Bach, Student Services Coordinator for Take Stock in Children in Escambia County and Dayre Lias, retired Air Force Colonel and Big Lagoon Kiwanis Club member, share how this partnership is helping kids succeed in school and life. Guests: Alex Bach & D...

Send us Fan Mail In 2026, one of the largest music education professional learning events in the US awarded Ferry Pass Middle School and Ransom Middle School with Music Enrollment Awards for having over 45% of students enrolled in choir, band, or orchestra. In this episode, Barbie Spears, Fine Arts Specialist for ECPS and a 31-year veteran of the classroom, shares the stories behind this incredible statistic along with answering why it matters. Guest: Barbie Spears https://www.escambiaschoo...

Send us Fan Mail How was your day? What did you learn today? Are you tired of eye rolls from your kids? In this episode, Lynn Knighton, publisher of Greater Pensacola Parents magazine, shares how she has learned to facilitate car conversations with kids and how her magazine has created a virtual village where parents find valuable information and resources. Guest: Lynn Knighton lynn@greaterpensacolaparents.com | https://greaterpensacolaparents.com/ | https://www.facebook.com/greaterpe...

Send us Fan Mail Is your child struggling with mental health issues? How do you know? How can you help them? Shawn Salamida is the President of Lakeview Center and Dustin Perry is the Director of Residential Services and leader of the Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program for teens. In this episode, they talk about why this program can work when others have failed and how we’re united in children’s mental health. Guests: Shawn Salamida & Dustin Perry https://elakeviewcenter.org/mental-he...

Send us Fan Mail Why are we turning classrooms into pit lanes? Chad Cherry is West Florida High School Electrathon Racing team coach, helping students work together to build and race lithium battery powered cars. In this episode, he shares how what many would consider a distraction is actually inspiring kids to do more. Guest: Chad Cherry BCherry@ecsdfl.us | https://www.electrathonamerica.org/ | https://www.facebook.com/westflhs Vote for Voices United in Education as "Best Podcast" 2026 in ...