The Teacher Fellows Podcast

Ryan Rarick, Kayla Towner, Lauren Merkley

The Teacher Fellows’ mission is to empower teachers to take the lead in education. We are developing the next generation of teacher leaders by equipping them with the skills and opportunities needed to mentor, network, advocate, and lead in schools and education. We know that teachers want to be involved in the broader education conversation, and we are here to help!

  1. May 13

    Kacee Weaver: Educator Running for State School Board

    Ryan Rarick and Lauren Merkley close out this season of the Teacher Fellows Podcast by diving into the role of the Utah State Board of Education and why educator experience is vital in public leadership. Their guest is Kacee Weaver, a Teacher Fellow and veteran Weber County educator with 20 years of experience across charter, district, private, and nonprofit settings. Now a candidate for State School Board District 2, Kacee shares what motivated her run: a desire to fix repeated systemic mistakes and a firm stance against rhetoric urging families to leave public schools—which she views as a vital community service. In this episode, Kacee discusses: Bridging the Gap: How the Fellowship clarified the flow of policy from the Capitol to the classroom. Trusting the Experts: The need for instruction aligned with research and student development. Removing Barriers: Addressing the unique challenges faced by economically disadvantaged and multilingual students. Student Well-being: The urgent need for program stability and addressing Utah’s high suicide rates through family collaboration. Kacee concludes with a powerful call for educators to vote and find their voices. To learn more about her platform, visit kaceeforutahschools.com.LAYOUT: 00:00 Welcome and Banter 00:41 Season Recap and Catch Up 01:28 Why Teacher Voice Matters 02:26 Meet Kacee Weaver 03:43 Why Run for School Board 06:56 Teacher Fellows to Policy 11:04 Fixing Utah Education 15:20 Making the Case for Public School 17:45 Call to Vote and Speak Up 19:45 How to Support Kacee 20:22 Host Takeaways 25:38 Closing and Next Season   GUESTS ON EPISODE: 📍 Kacee Weaver | Candidate for District 2 (North Weber, Ogden Valley, South Ogden)  🌐 kaceeforutahschools.com  🅾 @kaceeforutschools SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTIONS:  Want to be on the podcast? Fill out this form - Podcast Interview Survey Teacher Fellows Website:  teacherfellows.org Linkedin:  Utah Teacher Fellows  Twitter:  @TeachFellowsPod or  @HSG_UT Instagram: @TeacherFellowsPodcast or @hsg_ut Facebook: @utahteacherfellowsprogram Email us: socialmedia@hopestreetgroup.org   PART OF THE SHOW   Hosts: Lauren Merkley (insta: @lmerkles) -- Taught AP English Language and Composition, Creative Writing in Granite School District, 2020 Utah Teacher of the YearRyan Rarick (insta: @raricks_room) -- Education Pathway Teacher for Washington Country School District, 2026 ACTE Region V Teacher of the YearExecutive Producer: Kayla Towner (insta: @itsteachertowner) -- Taught elementary education K-6th, Education Technology Specialist, Project Manager, Podcast Editor & Producer, and the 2023 Honors in Education Award in Administration and the 2020 UCET Outstanding Young Educator Award.Info Drop Spokesperson: John Arthur (insta: @9thEvermore) -- Co-Director of the Teacher Fellows, 6th Grade Teacher in Salt Lake School District, 2021 Utah Teacher of the Year, 2021 National Teacher of the Year Finalist.

  2. Apr 15

    Special Education: Insights

    Hosts Ryan Rarick (Education Pathway Teacher/Instructional Coach and 2026 UACTE Teacher of the Year) and Lauren Merkley (2020 Utah Teacher of the Year) discuss special education with Teacher Fellows Shannon Neeley, a ninth-grade special education math teacher who co-teaches and teaches solo, and Sydney Whatcott, a K–2 special education teacher who frequently pushes into classrooms and pulls small groups for academics and social skills. They note 7.5 million U.S. students qualify for IEPs, special educators have dropped 17%, and many students spend most of their time in general education. Shannon describes co-teaching models like parallel teaching, stations, and one teach/one assist, plus consultation on accommodations and behavior. Both guests address misconceptions about disability and low expectations, emphasizing access, high expectations, and student success, and share what they love: relationships and foundational growth (Sydney) and data, meetings, and protective IEP documentation (Shannon). 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 01:27 Why Special Education Matters 02:18 Meet Shannon and Sydney 03:18 What SPED Looks Like Daily 06:10 Co-Teaching That Works 12:07 Misconceptions and Mindsets 16:49 What They Love Most 20:57 Final Advice and Takeaways 26:25 Wrap Up and Subscribe GUESTS ON EPISODE: Shannon Neeley - 9th Grade Special Education Math Teacher Instagram:@spedmathwithmrsneeley Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-neeley-a6053616b/ Sydney Whatcott - Early Elementary Special Education Teacher Instagram:@risewithroom15 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: USBE - Special Education Services SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTIONS:  Want to be on the podcast? Fill out this form - Podcast Interview Survey Teacher Fellows Website:  teacherfellows.org Linkedin:  Utah Teacher Fellows  Twitter:  @TeachFellowsPod or  @HSG_UT Instagram: @TeacherFellowsPodcast or @hsg_ut Facebook: @utahteacherfellowsprogram Email us: socialmedia@hopestreetgroup.org   PART OF THE SHOW   Hosts: Lauren Merkley (insta: @lmerkles) -- Taught AP English Language and Composition, Creative Writing in Granite School District, 2020 Utah Teacher of the YearRyan Rarick (insta: @raricks_room) -- Education Pathway Teacher for Washington Country School District, 2026 ACTE Region V Teacher of the YearExecutive Producer: Kayla Towner (insta: @itsteachertowner) -- Taught elementary education K-6th, Education Technology Specialist, Project Manager, Podcast Editor & Producer, and the 2023 Honors in Education Award in Administration and the 2020 UCET Outstanding Young Educator Award.Info Drop Spokesperson: John Arthur (insta: @9thEvermore) -- Co-Director of the Teacher Fellows, 6th Grade Teacher in Salt Lake School District, 2021 Utah Teacher of the Year, 2021 National Teacher of the Year Finalist.

  3. Mar 25

    Educators on the Rise: UCET 2026

    In this special live recording from the Utah Coalition for Educational Technology (UCET) conference, hosts Ryan Rarick and Lauren Merkley sit down with students from the Career Tech High School (CTHS) Education Pathway. Following their poster presentation, these students discuss their practical experiences in the field and their motivations for entering the teaching profession. Student Perspectives: Tayleaha Pollock & Marlie Saxton: On the importance of patience, building relationships, and managing early childhood emotions. Charlotte Seals & Emily Burke: Reflections on the workload of an educator and the preparation required for success in Educators Rising competitions. Rebecca Winsor: The process of earning a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and pursuing a path in counseling. Evie Palmer: Learning through observation of various teaching styles and classroom environments. Crystal Vargas: Strategies for connecting with Spanish-speaking students and an interest in Special Education and behavior tech roles. The episode concludes with a look at the value of paraprofessional placements and the various pathways available to the next generation of Utah educators. 00:00 Welcome to UCET Live 00:47 Meet Tayleaha Future Teacher 02:10 Marlie on Patience and Community 03:42 Charlotte Shadows a Coach 05:54 Emily on Why Teach 08:08 Becca Preschool and Counseling Goals 10:09 Evie Turning Struggles into Purpose 12:27 Crystal Behavior Support Calling 14:30 Conference Wrap and Thanks GUESTS ON EPISODE: Students from CareerTech High School Education Pathway Tayleaha Pollock — 10th Grade — Undecided Marlie Saxton — 11th Grade — Elementary Charlotte Seals — 11th Grade — Elementary Emily Birck — 12th Grade — Elementary Rebecca Winsor — 11th Grade — Secondary (undecided content) Evie Palmer — 11th Grade — Elementary/Secondary Crystal Vargas — 12th Grade — Elementary SPED ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Career Tech High School - https://cths.washk12.org/ SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTIONS:  Want to be on the podcast? Fill out this form - Podcast Interview Survey Teacher Fellows Website:  teacherfellows.org Linkedin:  Utah Teacher Fellows  Twitter:  @TeachFellowsPod or  @HSG_UT Instagram: @TeacherFellowsPodcast or @hsg_ut Facebook: @utahteacherfellowsprogram Email us: socialmedia@hopestreetgroup.org   PART OF THE SHOW   Hosts: Lauren Merkley (insta: @lmerkles) -- Taught AP English Language and Composition, Creative Writing in Granite School District, 2020 Utah Teacher of the YearRyan Rarick (insta: @raricks_room) -- Education Pathway Teacher for Washington Country School District, 2026 ACTE Region V Teacher of the YearExecutive Producer: Kayla Towner (insta: @itsteachertowner) -- Taught elementary education K-6th, Education Technology Specialist, Project Manager, Podcast Editor & Producer, and the 2023 Honors in Education Award in Administration and the 2020 UCET Outstanding Young Educator Award.Info Drop Spokesperson: John Arthur (insta: @9thEvermore) -- Co-Director of the Teacher Fellows, 6th Grade Teacher in Salt Lake School District, 2021 Utah Teacher of the Year, 2021 National Teacher of the Year Finalist.

  4. Feb 18

    Student Engagement: Control the Chaos

    In this episode of the Teacher Fellows Podcast, host Ryan Rarick, an Education Pathway Teacher and Instructional Coach, leads a discussion on authentic student engagement with guests CJ Hoyt, a math educator, and Carly Maloney, the 2024 Utah Teacher of the Year. Despite the absence of co-host Lauren Merkley due to illness, the episode explores personal experiences, strategies, and insights into maintaining high levels of student engagement throughout the school year. Key topics include the significance of curiosity and inquiry, the importance of student voice and choice, and effective engagement strategies like stations, stickers, and project-based assessments. The episode concludes with highlights from the fellows' Educator Day on the Hill at the Utah State Capitol, emphasizing the importance of teacher-legislator interactions. 00:00 Introduction and Updates 01:20 Meet the Guests: CJ Hoyt and Carly Maloney 02:28 Discussing Authentic Student Engagement 03:39 Defining and Observing Engagement 09:08 Evolving Understanding of Engagement 12:41 Strategies for Maintaining Engagement 17:07 Quick Engagement Strategies 19:21 Conclusion and Summary 21:50 Live from the State Capitol: Educator Day on the Hill   GUESTS ON EPISODE: Carly Maloney - 2024 Utah Teacher of the Year; Psych & English Language Development, Davis School DistrictCJ Hoyt - Middle School Math Teacher, Granite School DistrictGUESTS AT THE STATE CAPITOL:  Anna Bessesen - High School Computer Science Teacher, National Board Certified - Granite School DistrictBreAnn Busboom - German and CTE Teacher, Davis School DistrictAudryn Damron - Special Education Teacher, Granite School DistrictLindsay Hinkins - District Digital Learning Specialist, Carbon School DistrictADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Albert Bandura - Social Learning Theory SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTIONS:  Want to be on the podcast? Fill out this form - Podcast Interview Survey Teacher Fellows Website:  teacherfellows.org Linkedin:  Utah Teacher Fellows  Twitter:  @TeachFellowsPod or  @HSG_UT Instagram: @TeacherFellowsPodcast or @hsg_ut Facebook: @utahteacherfellowsprogram Email us: socialmedia@hopestreetgroup.org   PART OF THE SHOW   Hosts: Lauren Merkley (insta: @lmerkles) -- Taught AP English Language and Composition, Creative Writing in Granite School District, 2020 Utah Teacher of the YearRyan Rarick (insta: @raricks_room) -- Education Pathway Teacher for Washington Country School District, 2026 ACTE Region V Teacher of the YearExecutive Producer: Kayla Towner (insta: @itsteachertowner) -- Taught elementary education K-6th, Education Technology Specialist, Project Manager, Podcast Editor & Producer, and the 2023 Honors in Education Award in Administration and the 2020 UCET Outstanding Young Educator Award.Info Drop Spokesperson: John Arthur (insta: @9thEvermore) -- Co-Director of the Teacher Fellows, 6th Grade Teacher in Salt Lake School District, 2021 Utah Teacher of the Year, 2021 National Teacher of the Year Finalist.

  5. Jan 21

    Rethinking Assessments

    Rethinking Assessment In this episode of the Teacher Fellows Podcast, hosts Ryan Rarick and Lauren Merkley dive into innovative assessment practices and the importance of rethinking traditional approaches. They are joined by guest Anna Bessesen (and for a short time Eric Evans), experienced educator who shared insights on maximizing student engagement and mastery through project-based learning and self-assessment. Highlighting the shift from summative to formative assessments, the discussion explores how clear success criteria and iterative feedback can transform the learning experience for students. This engaging conversation provides practical strategies and reinforces the philosophy that learning is an ongoing, dynamic process. 00:00 Introduction and Hosts' Banter 00:49 Preview of Today's Topic: Rethinking Assessment 01:29 Meet the Guests: Anna and Eric 02:20 Defining Assessment 03:27 Rethinking Traditional Assessment Methods 07:06 Practical Changes in Assessment Practices 11:49 Teaching Students to Self-Assess 18:09 Time Management and Teacher Tips 19:44 Top Takeaways and Conclusion GUESTS ON EPISODE: Anna Bessesen - High School Computer Science Teacher, National Board Certified - Granite School DistrictInstagram:@themxbestADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Alfie Kohn - The Case Against Competition SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTIONS:  Want to be on the podcast? Fill out this form - Podcast Interview Survey Teacher Fellows Website:  teacherfellows.org Linkedin:  Utah Teacher Fellows  Twitter:  @TeachFellowsPod or  @HSG_UT Instagram: @TeacherFellowsPodcast or @hsg_ut Facebook: @utahteacherfellowsprogram Email us: socialmedia@hopestreetgroup.org   PART OF THE SHOW   Hosts: Lauren Merkley (insta: @lmerkles) -- Taught AP English Language and Composition, Creative Writing in Granite School District, 2020 Utah Teacher of the YearRyan Rarick (insta: @raricks_room) -- Education Pathway Teacher for Washington Country School District, 2026 ACTE Region V Teacher of the YearExecutive Producer: Kayla Towner (insta: @itsteachertowner) -- Taught elementary education K-6th, Education Technology Specialist, Project Manager, Podcast Editor & Producer, and the 2023 Honors in Education Award in Administration and the 2020 UCET Outstanding Young Educator Award.Info Drop Spokesperson: John Arthur (insta: @9thEvermore) -- Co-Director of the Teacher Fellows, 6th Grade Teacher in Salt Lake School District, 2021 Utah Teacher of the Year, 2021 National Teacher of the Year Finalist.

  6. 12/03/2025

    From Burnout to Balance: Tools for Teachers

    In this episode of the Teacher Fellows Podcast, hosted by Ryan Rarick, the focus is on understanding and overcoming teacher burnout. Despite the absence of co-host Lauren Merkley, Ryan leads a valuable discussion with guests Lindsay Hinkins and Rachel Robins from Utah's fifth cohort of Teacher Fellows. The conversation covers the causes of burnout, such as decision fatigue and emotional exhaustion, and offers practical strategies for mitigating it. Key suggestions include setting boundaries, finding support, and practicing mindfulness. The episode concludes on a hopeful note, discussing positive shifts in the profession and the growing awareness and dialogue around teacher well-being. 00:00 Introduction and Topic Overview 01:12 Meet the Guests: Lindsay Hinkins and Rachel Robins 03:29 Defining Teacher Burnout 04:29 Causes of Burnout and Early Career Challenges 07:52 Strategies to Overcome Burnout 09:15 The Importance of Boundaries and Support 11:53 Mindfulness and Mental Health Practices 17:47 Positive Reinforcement and Admin Support 19:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts GUESTS ON EPISODE: Lindsay Hinkins - District Digital Learning Specialist, Carbon School DistrictInstagram: @lindsayhinkins Rachel Robins - Secondary ELA, Washington County School DistrictInstagram:@therealmrsrobinsADDITIONAL RESOURCES: “The Let Them Theory” book by Mel Robbins SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTIONS:  Want to be on the podcast? Fill out this form - Podcast Interview Survey Teacher Fellows Website:  teacherfellows.org Linkedin:  Utah Teacher Fellows  Twitter:  @TeachFellowsPod or  @HSG_UT Instagram: @TeacherFellowsPodcast or @hsg_ut Facebook: @utahteacherfellowsprogram Email us: socialmedia@hopestreetgroup.org   PART OF THE SHOW   Hosts: Lauren Merkley (insta: @lmerkles) -- Taught AP English Language and Composition, Creative Writing in Granite School District, 2020 Utah Teacher of the YearRyan Rarick (insta: @raricks_room) -- Education Pathway Teacher for Washington Country School District, 2026 ACTE Region V Teacher of the YearExecutive Producer: Kayla Towner (insta: @itsteachertowner) -- Taught elementary education K-6th, Education Technology Specialist, Project Manager, Podcast Editor & Producer, and the 2023 Honors in Education Award in Administration and the 2020 UCET Outstanding Young Educator Award.Info Drop Spokesperson: John Arthur (insta: @9thEvermore) -- Co-Director of the Teacher Fellows, 6th Grade Teacher in Salt Lake School District, 2021 Utah Teacher of the Year, 2021 National Teacher of the Year Finalist.

  7. 11/19/2025

    AI in Education: Exploring FutureMe

    In this episode of the Teacher Fellows Podcast, hosts Ryan Rarick and Lauren Merkley interview David Ma, CEO of Hope Street Group. David shares his unique journey from China to the U.S., through Google and Facebook, leading to his current role at Hope Street Group, a nonprofit focused on democratizing career and education opportunities. The discussion highlights Hope Street Group's new product, FutureMe, an AI-driven career exploration tool designed to help students discover potential career paths. David explains how FutureMe works, its impact on student engagement, and its alignment with Utah's data privacy requirements. The conversation also touches on the importance of ambitious thinking and the potential for AI to level the educational playing field. 00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome 00:52 Introducing the Guest: David Ma, CEO of Hope Street Group 01:48 David Ma's Journey: From China to Tech Giant 07:08 Hope Street Group's Mission and Vision 09:25 FutureMe: Revolutionizing Career Exploration 11:33 Implementation and Impact of FutureMe 20:31 Ensuring Safety and Privacy in AI Tools 22:14 Final Takeaways and Reflections 25:43 Quick Highlight for Hope Street Group’s Future Ready AI Challenge 26:53 Conclusion and Upcoming Opportunities GUESTS ON EPISODE: David Ma - CEO of Hope Street GroupLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidtma/ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: 🚀 Full Demo: hopestreetgroup.org/launch-demo SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTIONS:  Want to be on the podcast? Fill out this form - Podcast Interview Survey Teacher Fellows Website:  teacherfellows.org Linkedin:  Utah Teacher Fellows  Twitter:  @TeachFellowsPod or  @HSG_UT Instagram: @TeacherFellowsPodcast or @hsg_ut Facebook: @utahteacherfellowsprogram Email us: socialmedia@hopestreetgroup.org   PART OF THE SHOW   Hosts: Lauren Merkley (insta: @lmerkles) -- Taught AP English Language and Composition, Creative Writing in Granite School District, 2020 Utah Teacher of the YearRyan Rarick (insta: @raricks_room) -- Education Pathway Teacher for Washington Country School District, 2026 ACTE Region V Teacher of the YearExecutive Producer: Kayla Towner (insta: @itsteachertowner) -- Taught elementary education K-6th, Education Technology Specialist, Project Manager, Podcast Editor & Producer, and the 2023 Honors in Education Award in Administration and the 2020 UCET Outstanding Young Educator Award.Info Drop Spokesperson: John Arthur (insta: @9thEvermore) -- Co-Director of the Teacher Fellows, 6th Grade Teacher in Salt Lake School District, 2021 Utah Teacher of the Year, 2021 National Teacher of the Year Finalist.

  8. 10/15/2025

    Empowering Teachers Through Data and Policy

    In this episode of the Teacher Fellows Podcast, hosts Ryan Rarick and Lauren Merkley are joined by Brooke Anderson, a data scientist from Jordan School District, and Stephan Seabury, a social studies teacher and James Madison Fellow for 2023. They discuss the importance of integrating data with policy to enhance the teaching profession. They explore how data can be reframed to empower teachers, the role of storytelling in making data impactful for policymakers, and actionable steps teachers can take to engage in policy-making processes. The guests emphasize the need for accessible, transparent data and the critical role of context in interpreting it. 00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome 01:14 Meet the Guests: Brooke Anderson and Stephan Seabury 02:23 Brooke Anderson on Data Science in Education 03:11 Empowering Teachers with Data 05:23 Using Data in Policy Conversations 09:20 How Teachers Can Get Involved in Policy 14:58 Making Data Transparent and Accessible 22:09 Concluding Thoughts and Takeaways 25:37 Closing Remarks and Podcast Information GUESTS ON EPISODE: Brooke Anderson - K12 Data Scientist in Jordan School District, Data Analyst for the Teacher FellowsStephan Seabury - History Teacher for Providence Hall High School, Teacher and Community Engagement for the Teacher FellowsADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Utah State Legislature Website - https://le.utah.gov/ SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTIONS:  Want to be on the podcast? Fill out this form - Podcast Interview Survey Teacher Fellows Website:  teacherfellows.org Linkedin:  Utah Teacher Fellows  Twitter:  @TeachFellowsPod or  @HSG_UT Instagram: @TeacherFellowsPodcast or @hsg_ut Facebook: @utahteacherfellowsprogram Email us: socialmedia@hopestreetgroup.org   PART OF THE SHOW   Hosts: Lauren Merkley (insta: @lmerkles) -- Taught AP English Language and Composition, Creative Writing in Granite School District, 2020 Utah Teacher of the YearRyan Rarick (insta: @raricks_room) -- Education Pathway Teacher for Washington Country School District, 2026 ACTE Region V Teacher of the YearExecutive Producer: Kayla Towner (insta: @itsteachertowner) -- Taught elementary education K-6th, Education Technology Specialist, Project Manager, Podcast Editor & Producer, and the 2023 Honors in Education Award in Administration and the 2020 UCET Outstanding Young Educator Award.Info Drop Spokesperson: John Arthur (insta: @9thEvermore) -- Co-Director of the Teacher Fellows, 6th Grade Teacher in Salt Lake School District, 2021 Utah Teacher of the Year, 2021 National Teacher of the Year Finalist.

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

The Teacher Fellows’ mission is to empower teachers to take the lead in education. We are developing the next generation of teacher leaders by equipping them with the skills and opportunities needed to mentor, network, advocate, and lead in schools and education. We know that teachers want to be involved in the broader education conversation, and we are here to help!

Information

  • Creator
    Ryan Rarick, Kayla Towner, Lauren Merkley
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    52
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2021 The Teacher Fellows
  • Show Website
    The Teacher Fellows Podcast