This week's episode features John Gergely, a middle school ELA teacher, high school track coach, and proud husband and father. John has been teaching for 24 years, and coaching track for 23 of those years, almost all for Tallmadge. Shortly before entering the teaching profession he married his wife, Lisa, and this month they celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. He is the proud father of Seth (age 21) and Aaron (age 17). When not teaching you can find him in his garden nursing his peppers and tomatoes, or on his computer looking for information on his past family history. You might even find his favorite food, his grandma’s cabbage rolls, on the plate next to him as he researchers his family tree. Mr. Gergely became a teacher because of the strong tradition of teachers in his family. As a teacher he is most proud of “being able to make a difference and making students feel good about coming to school.” Mr. Gergely is a proud alumnus of Tallmadge High School and loves teaching for his alma mater. Most certainly after listening to this episode the first words to come out of your mouth will be “Isn’t that amazing? Oh yeah!” You can follow Mr. Gergely on Twitter @gergelytms. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mark-horner/support

Entering into year 10 is the Wizard of Roz, AKA Mr. Roz, AKA Mr. Rozborski...English teacher and Master of Technology. Father, Husband, and Teacher are three titles he wears proudly. Mr. Roz lives by the following two quotes: "Work smarter, not harder" and "don't sweat the small stuff." If there is one lesson this pandemic has taught him it is to "take some perspective of what my life is like and how I can be the  best version of myself." When not raising his two incredible kids, Claire and Benjamin, or taking his wife Allie out on a date, you will most likely find the Wizard of Roz eating some bacon, reading his favorite book-Beartown, by Frederick Bachmand, or rewathing The Office. Mr. Roz is such an influenctial teacher passing on his love of etimology and literature to all of his students, and impacting them for life. When asked what he is most proud of as a teacher Mr. Roz said "I’m proud to be a part of a positive community like THS and so incredibly grateful when students reach out after being in my class and tell me about their favorite memory, how they still use this idea or that resource, or that I am one of their favorite teachers. When I can leave a positive indelible impression on a student, I know I have done my best." What a great interview to begin season 2 with.  You can find Mr. Rozborski on Twitter @MrRozEnglish. Give him a follow and check out all the amazing things he is doing in the classroom. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mark-horner/support

In this episode I sit down with Mr. Jeff Ferguson, the superintendent of Tallmadge City Schools. I have know Mr. Ferguson for a long time. The first year I was moved up to the high school Mr. Ferguson was hired as the principal at THS. Before that he had been a coach and teacher at Tallmadge High School, and had also served as a teacher, coach, and administrator at a few other local schools.  As you listen to this interview you will hear the passion Mr. Ferguson has for our kids and our community. He loves Tallmadge. Enjoy this episode. I learned so much about Mr. Ferguson, and I know you will too. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mark-horner/support

This episode is the first in the Between2BlueDevils Alumni Edition. Throughout the summer I will be interviewing teachers and alumni who are changing the world!! Our first episode features Bryon Cook, who graduated from THS in 2013.  After high school he attended Baldwin Wallace, where he played football, and majored in Chemisty, and minored in Math. Following an extremely successful college career Bryon decided to pursue his dream of playing professional football. He worked extremely hard and ended up playing arena football for the Cedar Rapids River Kings and the Lehigh Valley Steel Hawks. Following his brief football career Bryon entered the coaching world where he currently coaches the wide receivers for the  Barberton Magics, under Coach Tony Gotto. He also coaches middle school basketball, and currently works as a trainer at the Power House Gym in Streetsboro, Ohio. In his spare time  Bryon is the co-host of his own pod cast called Cardelli N' Cook, a podcast all about professional wrestling. His story is a great one. But his story of life after high school isn't the only reason we chatted. Bryon is a passionate and motivated black man. Bryon shares with us what it is like growing up as a black man in America. We talk about some tough issues in this episode. And this is just the beginning. As a white male I have so much to learn and I am thankful Bryon answered questions honestly and passionatley. I hope this episode sparks thougths and conversations. I know my interview with Bryon has resonated with me since the day we met. It is time to listen. It is time to think. It is time to change.  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mark-horner/support

Hey seniors...this is just a small tribute to you, OUR STUDENTS! We miss you. We never imagined that March 13th would be the last time we could have you in our classrooms and our hallways. We didn't get a chance to say goodbye, to pass on advice, to share a favorite quote, or simply just to chat. So, this one is for you. Don't be a stranger. Come by THS anytime. You will always hold a special spot in our hearts. We love you! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mark-horner/support

These two are inseparable! You can find them in the hallway together, at a TSO concert together, hiking, camping, and “singing” together. These two math teachers are a “tandem” and their friendship began when they both started teaching at THS. They have a lot of stories and laughs to share with us this week! Enjoy and be sure to share the episode! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mark-horner/support

This man is a legend. He has taught in the district longer than almost every teacher. His journey as an educator has taken him from military bases, to college campuses, and into the high school classroom. He is a proud husband and father, a published author, and an incredible story teller. This episode is the longest interview to date, and yet it flies by. Spend some time and get to know this mathmatcis genius a little bit more.  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mark-horner/support

This interview with Mrs. Eads was originally recorded on March 13, 2020. Mrs. Eads has been teaching at THS for only a few short years but her impact on our students is undisputed. This creative and progressive art teacher has had an immediate impact or our students and the culture of THS. Students are drawn to her because of her desire to impact lives. When she isn't in the classroom creating you can find her on the golf course coaching our JV girls. Follow Mrs. Eades on Twitter at @THS_EadsArt and see some of the amazing things she and her students are creating. Props to artist Mark Tyner for the incredible song Duality. Find his music at https://soundcloud.com/marktyner --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mark-horner/support

Today’s episode features Tallmadge Middle School/High School choir teacher Mr. Peter Culver. Sit back and enjoy this fun interview with an amazing teacher! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mark-horner/support

Round 2 of our teachers grab bag! Listen in as your teachers grab a question out of the box and answer it. In honor of Easter the questions were in colorful plastic eggs. No prep just honest answers. Enjoy! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mark-horner/support