Are you an educator searching for fresh ideas, proven strategies, and a renewed sense of inspiration for the school year ahead? The Teach BIG Podcast brings you stories from real classrooms and campuses that are turning challenges into triumphs.In this episode, we welcome Nelly Flores, Principal of Cavazos Elementary in Mission CISD, who shares powerful stories of leadership, perseverance, and community. Under her guidance, Cavazos Elementary soared to an “A” campus rating—not because of a focus on test scores alone, but because of teachers who teach with great craft, deep content knowledge, and inspiring leadership.Listeners will hear how Principal Flores brought her campus together, ignited teacher passion, and created a culture where students thrive academically and emotionally. Whether you’re a teacher, instructional coach, or administrator, this episode offers practical strategies and motivational insights you can take back to your own school community.✨ The Teach BIG Podcast is your space for innovation, encouragement, and real-world solutions that help educators—and students—shine.

Live from the Virtual Frontlines: Real Teachers. Real Stories. Real Impact.What do you do when you're 100 miles away and your student is in danger?“The screen might separate us—but behind every camera, there's a heartbeat, a home, and a story you’ll never forget.”In this powerful third installment of the TVAH Virtual School Podcast, we’re flipping the script—with our first-ever live studio audience of passionate educators from across the Texas Virtual Academy at Hallsville. These teachers aren’t just sharing lessons—they’re sharing lives.Listen in as they open up about the realities of teaching in a public virtual school—from managing engagement in digitalclassrooms to building deep emotional connections with students they’ve never met in person. You’ll laugh, tear up, and find new respect for the unseen heroes behind the screen: the background siblings, supportive parents, barking dogs, and even... unexpected chaos.Yes, you’ll hear what happened when someone broke into a student’s home—live, on camera—while a teacher was delivering a lesson.What do you do when you’re 100 miles away and someone needs help?You teach BIG. You act fast. You never forget.This episode explores the human side of virtual education, the vulnerability of our students, and the unshakable courage of teachers who show up every day—virtually, vocally, and with volume.Whether you're a parent, teacher, virtual educator, or someone who thinks you know what online school is all about—this is the episode that will change your mind and move your heart.“You’ll never look at a screen the same way again.”

“Virtual education isn’t a backup plan—it’s a breakthrough.” In this eye-opening episode of Teach BIG: Education Redefined, we sit down for Part 2 with trailblazing virtual educators Julie Smith and Andrea Walker to explore the powerful impact of online learning in today’s world. These two inspiring guests pull back the curtain on what virtual school really looks like—from certified teachers and school counselors to interactive projects, small group learning, field trips, and even cap-and-gown graduations. They dispel the myths, reveal the surprising benefits, and share real stories of how virtual education is transforming student success and reshaping the future of learning. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or curious learner, this episode will open your eyes to a thriving world of opportunity you didn’t know existed. “Tune in and discover how virtual classrooms are building real connections, real communities, and real change.”

“Virtual education isn’t a backup plan—it’s a breakthrough.” In this eye-opening episode of Teach BIG: Education Redefined, we sit down with trailblazing virtual educators Julie Smith and Andrea Walker to explore the powerful impact of online learning in today’s world. These two inspiring guests pull back the curtain on what virtual school really looks like—from certified teachers and school counselors to interactive projects, small group learning, field trips, and even cap-and-gown graduations. They dispel the myths, reveal the surprising benefits, and share real stories of how virtual education is transforming student success and reshaping the future of learning. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or curious learner, this episode will open your eyes to a thriving world of opportunity you didn’t know existed. “Tune in and discover how virtual classrooms are building real connections, real communities, and real change.”

Think video games are just a pastime? Think again.In this eye-opening episode of the Teach BIG podcast, we sit down with Renner Romig, a sharp and insightful high school junior who’s taking coursework in sports computer gaming. Renner opens the door to a world most parents and educators have never truly explored—a world where reading, writing, and vocabulary are not only alive and well but evolving in real time.From gamer tags to strategy forums, tournament scripts to immersive storylines, Renner explains how literacy is being redefined by the rise of E-Gaming. He breaks down the language of the digital arena—how new words are formed, old ones are transformed, and how communication is critical in a space where team-based problem-solving and rapid comprehension can mean the difference between winning and losing.You’ll also hear how E-Gaming has exploded into a legitimate global industry—so much so that colleges are now offering scholarships to top-tier players. Yes, scholarships. For gaming. The digital age has turned a controller into a career path.Whether you’re a skeptical parent, a curious educator, or simply someone who believes in connecting kids to their passions, this episode will shift your mindset. As Renner puts it, “Video games aren’t what they used to be—they’ve become platforms for learning, leadership, and language.”Don’t miss this fascinating conversation that just might change the way you see literacy—and the next generation of learners.

Step into the spotlight with Rali Romig, an insightful high school theater student, as she pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to read, write, and bring stories to life in the world of drama.In this episode, Rali shares how the theater classroom transforms words on a page into living, breathing settings and characters—giving students a chance to build confidence, creativity, and collaboration skills that last a lifetime.Parents and teachers alike will discover how theater is more than costumes and scripts; it’s a powerful way to ignite reading comprehension, strengthen writing craft, and help students find their voice—on stage and beyond.Tune in and hear why getting kids involved in the drama department might just be the most engaging literacy lesson they’ll ever experience.Listen now, and learn how to Teach BIG—on stage and off!

In this unforgettable episode of the Teach BIG Podcast, we sit down with the incredible Jill Romig — two-time Teacher of the Year and powerhouse Teach BIG consultant — to talk about what every educator faces but few openly discuss: the crummy moments.Jill shares her deeply personal and powerful story of professional development, walking us through one of her toughest training experiences and how it unexpectedly shaped her into the teacher, coach, and leader she is today. From moments of self-doubt to unstoppable breakthrough, Jill reminds us that growth doesn’t always feel good — but it always leads somewhere good.Whether you’re a new teacher finding your footing or a seasoned educator looking for renewed purpose, this episode will inspire you to embrace the messy middle, lean into the uncomfortable, and walk away stronger.Listen in as we explore:-How to turn a negative experience into bold leadership-Why resilience and reflection matter more than perfection-The story behind Jill’s journey to becoming Teacher of the Year-Teach BIG philosophy for shifting mindsets and impactThis is a must-listen episode for teachers, instructional coaches, and education leaders ready to find purpose in every part of the process — even the crummy ones.Tune in now, and don’t forget to subscribe and share with an educator who needs this message.#TeachBIG #JillRomig #TeacherPodcast #EducationLeadership #TeacherOfTheYear #TeacherPD #InstructionalCoaching #TeacherResilience #MindsetMatters #ClassroomInspiration #TeacherSupport #TurnPainIntoPurpose

In this inspiring episode of Teach BIG: Building Brilliance - Inside the Mind of an Early Childhood Curriculum Director, host Randi Whitney sits down with Danielle Dodson, the innovative Curriculum Coordinator at Strawberry Fields Preschool in Kemah, Texas. Together, they unpack what it truly means to expect BIG things from little people.Danielle shares how the preschool years are more than just cute crafts and circle time—they’re the most powerful cognitive window a child will ever experience. Did you know that children learn at a faster rate before the age of six than at any other stage in life? That means what we do now—matters deeply.This episode dives into how early literacy begins before kids can read or write. You'll hear how children at Strawberry Fields are taught to think like authors—long before they can form a full sentence on paper. With purposeful play, intentional language, and child-centered routines, Danielle shows us how to make learning fun and foundational.From the role of imagination to the structure of a solid early curriculum, you’ll walk away with practical takeaways, whether you're a teacher, parent, leader, or curriculum designer.Key Highlights: * Why early childhood education is the most strategic time to build brain architecture* How play fuels deep, lasting academic learning* What it means to "teach authorship" to pre-readers* How early exposure to literacy habits drives long-term academic success* The intentional planning behind every lesson at Strawberry Fields PreschoolWhether you're shaping young minds now or preparing to do so in the future, this conversation will inspire you to dream bigger, start earlier, and teach intentionally.Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or at TeachBIG.com✨ Because building brilliance begins before first grade.

Continuing the Conversation with Retired Associate Superintendent Mike FowlerIn Part Two of the Leading with Heart series on the Teach BIG Podcast, Randi Whitney continues her emotional and eye-opening conversation with retired Associate Superintendent Mike Fowler, digging even deeper into the shifting landscape of school leadership—and what it truly means to lead with both courage and compassion.This episode explores the evolution of discipline, teacher autonomy, parental involvement, and student connection from the 1980s and 1990s to the present day. Mike reflects on how relationships once built face-to-face have now been filtered through screens and systems, and how the pressures of modern education have reshaped not only policy, but people.“In those days, we didn’t need a handbook to know what was right—we had relationships.” – Mike FowlerYou’ll hear candid reflections on the hardest decisions he ever made, the moments he never forgot, and the surprising ways education has both advanced and regressed. From hallway conversations that changed a child’s life to district policies that changed the trajectory of a community, this is a rich and reflective episode for anyone invested in the heartbeat of our schools.“Leadership doesn’t come from a position. It comes from how you make people feel.”This is more than educational commentary—it’s a call to re-center human connection at the core of every classroom and campus. Whether you’re leading a school or raising a student, this episode will stir your heart and sharpen your vision.📣 Listen to Part Two of the Teach BIG Podcast: Leading with Heart on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or at www.teachbig.com.Let the lessons of the past help you lead into the future—with heart.#TeachBIGPodcast#LeadingWithHeartPartTwo #MikeFowlerWisdom #SchoolLeadershipEvolution#EducatorInspiration #ParentEngagement #TeacherSupport #TeachBIG#EducationThroughTheDecades #HumanFirstLeadership

Guests: Rylie Saylor & Danielle DodsonFeatured Institution: Strawberry Fields Early Childhood Preschool, Kemah, TXPodcast Description:What does it take to build a preschool curriculum that isn’t just play-based—but purpose-driven? In this insightful episode of Teach BIG: Unlocking the Mysteries of a Preschool Curriculum, Randi Whitney sits down with Rylie Saylor, Principal, and Danielle Dodson, Curriculum Coordinator of Strawberry Fields Preschool in Kemah, Texas—a school redefining early childhood education with intention, innovation, and heart.Together, they unpack what goes into creating a high-impact preschool curriculum that develops language, literacy, social-emotional strength, and cognitive readiness. From phonemic awareness routines that grow with the child to center-based learning that aligns with developmental science, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how Strawberry Fields merges structure with wonder in every lesson.Whether you're an early childhood educator, program leader, or curriculum designer, this episode will inspire you to rethink what’s possible in a preschool classroom—and why the earliest years deserve our highest expertise.🟢 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and TeachBIG.com