No Name Paper: A Teacher Podcast

Meghan Wells

5.0 (1)
Education
Updated Weekly

A podcast exploring practical strategies, leadership, technology integration, and real-world insights for educators.

2d ago

226 (Replay): Teacher PD That Actually Sticks with Andrea Bitner

Episode 226 (Replay): Teacher PD That Actually Sticks with Andrea Bitner 📅 Originally recorded April 2025 Let’s be honest—most professional development doesn’t stick. In this replay episode, Meghan sits down with Andrea Bitner to talk about what actually makes professional learning meaningful—and why so many PD experiences fail to translate into real classroom impact. This conversation moves beyond “good ideas” and into what teachers really need: practical strategies, usable frameworks, and systems that support implementation—not just inspiration. Why so much professional development feels memorable—but not meaningfulWhat makes a PD book or session actually change classroom practiceThe gap between learning something and implementing itHow to move from ideas → action in your teachingWhy teacher time and capacity must be considered in PD designThe role of accountability and follow-up in professional learningHow to evaluate whether a resource is worth your timeThe importance of teacher voice and real classroom context in PDProfessional development only works if something actually changes afterward. “Memorable doesn’t mean meaningful.”“If nothing changes after the learning, it wasn’t effective PD.”“It’s not about how much you consume—it’s about what you use.”Andrea weighs in on common PD experiences: A PD session with no follow-up → Lose ItBooks written by current teachers → Use ItA strategy you can implement tomorrow → Use ItPD that feels inspiring but vague → Lose ItBook studies with accountability → Use ItFull system overhauls with no support → Lose It👉 The takeaway:If it doesn’t translate to action, it doesn’t matter. Choose one idea—and actually implement itBuild a simple system for trying and reflecting on new strategiesRevisit PD resources instead of constantly consuming new onesPrioritize practical, classroom-ready ideasAdvocate for PD that includes time to plan and applyIf you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the “must-read” books and strategies: 👉 You don’t need more ideas.👉 You need time, clarity, and support to use the ones you already have. Andrea Bitner is an educator and professional learning advocate focused on helping teachers turn ideas into action. Her work centers on making PD more meaningful, practical, and sustainable for real classrooms. No Name Paper: A Teacher PodcastWhere teaching is more than one size fits all. ✨ In This Episode, We Discuss:🧠 The Big Idea🔥 Mic Drop Moments🎲 Featured Segment: Use It or Lose It (PD Edition)⚡ Real Moves You Can Use Tomorrow❤️ For Teachers Right Now🔗 About Our Guest🎙️ About the Podcast

53 min
Jun 26

225: Learning, Imagination, and the Limits of “Innovation” with Jon Madian

Episode 225: Learning, Imagination, and the Limits of “Innovation” with Jon Madian What if the problem in education isn’t a lack of innovation—but a misunderstanding of learning itself? In this episode, Meghan sits down with Jon Madian—author, psychotherapist, and longtime innovator in educational technology—to explore the intersection of imagination, identity, and instructional design. From early work in the 1980s developing educational software to launching the Artist-in-Residence Reading Project in LAUSD, Jon brings a perspective rooted in creativity, psychology, and systems thinking. This conversation challenges traditional models of teaching and learning—and asks what it would take to truly design education around the learner, not just the content. The origins of the Artist-in-Residence Reading Project and its impact on student engagement Untitled - June 26, 2026.txtWhy artists inspire expression while traditional systems often focus on complianceThe concept of a Learning Genome and how it differs from surface-level personalizationWhy two students with the same outcome may need completely different instructional approaches Untitled - June 26, 2026.txtThe role of imagination, identity, and voice in learningHow AI is accelerating creative and conceptual work in educationWhy education often focuses on filling the bucket instead of lighting the fire Untitled - June 26, 2026.txtThe importance of social learning, conversation, and belongingWhy motivation struggles may be tied to how learning environments are designedHow classrooms could function as curriculum design studios instead of content delivery spacesEducation should not just deliver knowledge—it should help learners discover meaning, identity, and voice through the process of learning. “The difference between artists and teachers is that artists inspire expression.” Untitled - June 26, 2026.txt“We’ve been filling the bucket instead of lighting the fire.” Untitled - June 26, 2026.txt“The opposite of a profound truth is another profound truth.” Untitled - June 26, 2026.txt“All knowledge is built on psychology.” Untitled - June 26, 2026.txtJon weighs in on current trends in education: Personalized learning platforms → Depends on design (Innovation or Illusion)AI-generated lessons → InnovationAdaptive assessment tools → Potentially InnovativeTeacher-designed systems → Innovation (with time and support)Data dashboards → Mixed—can be misleadingOpen-source curriculum → Innovation (underutilized)👉 The takeaway:Technology isn’t the solution—design is. Create space for student voice and expressionShift from content delivery → idea exploration and discussionUse questioning to deepen thinking—not just check for answersBuild learning experiences that are social, not isolatedFocus on meaning and relevance, not just coverageIf students aren’t engaged, it may not be about motivation—it may be about how learning is being designed. LinkedInHeartbeat Learning (in development)No Name Paper: A Teacher PodcastWhere teaching is more than one size fits all. ✨ In This Episode, We Discuss:🧠 The Big Idea🔥 Mic Drop Moments🎲 Featured Segment: Innovation or Illusion?⚡ Real Moves You Can Use Tomorrow❤️ A Final Thought🔗 Connect with Jon Madian🎙️ About the Podcast

50 min
Jun 19

224: What Actually Works for English Learners with Larry Ferlazzo

What if we stopped chasing quick fixes in education—and focused on what actually works? In this episode, Meghan sits down with longtime educator, author, and widely trusted voice in education, Larry Ferlazzo. With over two decades in the classroom and nearly twenty years as a community organizer before that, Larry brings a perspective grounded in practice—not theory. From English language learners to student motivation to the realities of today’s classrooms, this conversation strips away the noise and gets back to the fundamentals of teaching that truly make a difference. Why there are no “silver bullets” in education—and why that matters What schools may be overcomplicating right now (especially around test scores)The impact of out-of-school factors like income disparity and hope on student success Why over-reliance on edtech may be hurting more than helpingThe difference between background knowledge vs. funds of knowledge for English learnersHow to build motivation through autonomy, relevance, and relationshipsWhy extrinsic rewards can backfire over timeThe importance of clear, simple instructions in the classroomWhat really makes a difference for students in both traditional classrooms and juvenile settingsWhy relationships remain the foundation of learningWe often look for solutions inside the classroom—but the biggest factors impacting student success may be happening outside of it. “There are no silver bullets.” “We look for easy answers in schools instead of looking at society.” “Students won’t learn from people they don’t like.” “You can’t motivate students—but you can create the conditions where they motivate themselves.” Larry breaks down common classroom practices: Building background knowledge → High ImpactOverloading vocabulary lists → Low Impact (if not strategic)Student choice → High ImpactClear, simple instructions → High ImpactComplex tech for simple tasks → Low ImpactReward systems → Short-term gain, long-term risk👉 The takeaway:It’s not about doing more—it’s about doing what works. Build on students’ existing knowledge and experiencesKeep vocabulary instruction intentional and repeatedProvide choice to increase student ownershipUse clear, simple directions (and repeat them in multiple ways)Reduce unnecessary tech—focus on learning, not toolsPrioritize relationships firstLarry’s advice—especially for new educators: 👉 Focus on relationships. Because without them, there’s nothing to build on. Blog: larryferlazzo.edublogs.orgColumns: Education WeekSocial: Active across major platformsNo Name Paper: A Teacher PodcastWhere teaching is more than one size fits all. ✨ In This Episode, We Discuss:🧠 The Big Idea🔥 Mic Drop Moments🎲 Featured Segment: High Impact or Low Impact?⚡ Real Moves You Can Use Tomorrow❤️ A Final Reminder for Teachers🔗 Connect with Larry Ferlazzo🎙️ About the Podcast

40 min
Jun 12

223 (Replay): Creativity, Equity, and the Future of Learning with Hedreich Nichols

Episode 223 (Replay): Creativity, Equity, and the Future of Learning with Hedreich Nichols 📅 Originally released August 28, 2025 What does a Grammy-winning vocalist have in common with an instructional tech specialist and equity consultant? In this replay episode, Meghan sits down with Hedreich Nichols—an educator, artist, and advocate who brings creativity, cultural competence, and authenticity into every space she enters. From performing on world stages to working with educators on equity-centered practices, Hedreich shares a powerful perspective on what it means to truly engage learners, embrace change, and rethink what’s possible in today’s classrooms. What education can learn from the arts about presence, creativity, and engagementWhy Hedreich believes learning should always be fun—“Want a bet?”The real-world equity implications of edtech, including access to Wi-Fi and device managementWhy schools can’t ignore AI—“the baby is here and you can’t push it back”How AI misuse may point to deeper issues with assignment design and rigorThe story behind her book Finding Your Blind Spots and the role of lived experience in shaping perspectiveHer identity as a “post Jim Crow” baby and how that informs her workA powerful moment involving her son and Black History MonthWhy “cringe is the new cool” and how risk-taking builds authentic learningThe importance of teachers saying “I don’t know” and leaning into student brillianceCreativity and equity aren’t extras in education—they are essential to building classrooms where all students can thrive. “The baby is here—you can’t push it back.”“Cringe is the new cool.”“Want a bet?”“Sometimes ‘I don’t know’ is the most powerful thing a teacher can say.”Bring energy and presence into your instructionDesign assignments that require thinking—not just answersBe honest with students and model learning alongside themPrioritize access and equity when using technologyLet students’ voices and ideas shape the learning experienceYou can find Hedreich across platforms by searching:Hedreich (H-E-D-R-E-I-C-H) Nichols InstagramTikTokFacebookLinkedInBlueSkyXHedreich Nichols is a Grammy-winning vocalist, former instructional tech specialist, equity-centered curriculum consultant, author, and speaker. She brings artistry, advocacy, and authenticity to every space she enters and is the co-host of the Unmuted podcast. No Name Paper: A Teacher PodcastWhere teaching is more than one size fits all. If you want, I can also: Add a 1-line replay disclaimer for Spotify (top line)Tighten this for Apple Podcasts vs Spotify formatting differencesOr pull 2–3 clip captions from this episode (this one has GREAT ones) ✨ In This Episode, We Discuss:🧠 The Big Idea🔥 Mic Drop Moments⚡ Real Moves You Can Use Tomorrow🔗 Connect with Hedreich Nichols👤 About Our Guest🎙️ About the Podcast

48 min
Jun 4

222: Replay Innovation 2026 with George Couros

In this replay of December 13,2025, we sit down with George Couros — speaker, consultant, former principal, and author of The Innovator’s Mindset, Innovate Inside the Box, and his upcoming book Forward Together. George is one of the most influential voices in education today, known for his blend of practical innovation, storytelling, humor, and deep belief in what schools can become when we center people, relationships, and possibility. In this episode, George gets real about change, leadership, student-centered learning, teacher well-being, technology, and the joy of creating new opportunities. He shares personal stories from his time as an educator, insights from his writing, and why sometimes the biggest innovations start with simply rethinking how we show up each day. We also play a rapid-fire game called “Innovate It!”, where George reimagines classic classroom routines in creative and thoughtful ways. Spoiler: You're going to want to steal at least five of these ideas. This is a funny, heartfelt, energizing episode filled with wisdom every educator will appreciate. George’s unexpected path into education (yes, Billy Madison is involved) How innovation is really about people — not tools Why it’s essential for educators to rethink their own habits and environments Creating student-led, community-centered schools The difference a strong leader can make in a teacher’s life Why teachers should not stay in places that make them miserable The importance of guiding students in digital literacy, social media, and AI How portfolios and public-facing work help students grow What inspired George’s new book Forward Together Using humor and storytelling to talk about heavy topics His best advice for teachers navigating change A rapid-fire round of “Innovate It!” rethinking: Parent-teacher conferences Seating charts Substitute plans School assemblies Book reports Classroom job charts …and more! George Couros is a leading educator, speaker, and author who challenges schools to foster meaningful innovation rooted in relationships. His work centers on empowering students, honoring teacher expertise, and helping communities navigate change with curiosity and courage. You can learn more about George’s work and writing at: 👉 https://georgecouros.com Follow the No Name Paper Podcast for more conversations with inspiring educators, leaders, and creators shaping the future of teaching and learning. 🧠 What We Talk About📚 About Our Guest — George Couros🔗 Connect With Us

1h 2m
May 28

221: Breaking Cycles (For Students—and Ourselves) with Justin Pickens

🎧 Episode 221: Breaking Cycles (For Students—and Ourselves) with Justin Pickens What does it actually mean to break cycles in education? In this episode, Meghan sits down with Justin Pickens—educator, coach, and motivational speaker—to unpack a phrase we hear all the time in schools… but rarely define. From growing up in generational poverty and adversity to becoming an award-winning teacher and coach, Justin shares how his experiences shaped the way he shows up for students—and why breaking cycles isn’t just about kids. It’s about educators, too. This conversation moves beyond inspiration into real classroom decisions: expectations, empathy, burnout, and what teachers can actually do without sacrificing themselves in the process. Justin’s journey from adversity and foster care to educationWhy “breaking cycles” is both a student issue and an adult issue The role of hope in changing student outcomesHow trauma, environment, and expectations intersect in schoolsWhy over-empathy can sometimes limit student growthThe difference between supporting students vs. enabling themTeacher burnout, margin, and the reality of modern lifeWhy students today experience constant input—and how that impacts learningHow to support students without giving from your own pocketThe importance of resourcefulness and teaching independenceBreaking cycles isn’t just about changing student outcomes— it’s about changing how we think, teach, and take care of ourselves as educators. “Hope is the most powerful word in the world besides love.” “Sometimes we’re over-empathetic—and that can limit students.” “My greatest asset in life was growing up with hardships.” “The extra mile educator doesn’t need extra time—just extra intentionality.” Justin reacts to real classroom scenarios: “Build relationships” with no time → Depends on intentionalityOne teacher consistently showing up → Real ImpactPunishment without context → Just WordsCelebrating small wins → Real ImpactStudent voice and ownership → Real Impact (with balance)👉 The takeaway: Impact isn’t about what we say—it’s about what we consistently do. Be intentional with your time, not just your effortCelebrate small wins—quick, consistent recognition mattersTeach students how to solve problems—not just depend on youLook for resources and systems before spending your own moneyBuild independence alongside supportProtect your own margin and mental bandwidthJustin offers a reminder for educators who may be feeling burned out or discouraged: Watch for the cycle of blaming, complaining, and defensiveness (BCD)Protect your joy and purposeReflect on what you can control—and what you can shiftWebsite: www.justinpickens.comEmail: Justin@justinpickens.comSocial: Search “Justin Pickens”No Name Paper: A Teacher Podcast Where teaching is more than one size fits all. ✨ In This Episode, We Discuss:🧠 The Big Idea🔥 Mic Drop Moments🎲 Featured Segment: Real Impact or Just Words?⚡ Real Moves You Can Use Tomorrow❤️ For Teachers Right Now🔗 Connect with Justin Pickens🎙️ About the Podcast

44 min
May 22

220: PLCs That Actually Work with Kurtis Hewson

Episode 220: PLCs That Actually Work with Kurtis Hewson So you may know what a PLC is—or at least think you know what a PLC is. In this episode, Meghan sits down with Kurtis Hewson, co-founder of Jigsaw Learning and co-author of Collaborative Response, to unpack what meaningful collaboration actually looks like in schools—and why so many PLCs fall short. From compliance-driven meetings to action-focused collaboration, this conversation gets into the systems schools need to move from talking about students… to actually responding to them. Why many PLCs become compliance-driven instead of impactfulThe difference between collaboration and compliance in schoolsKurtis’s Collaborative Response framework and how it differs from traditional PLC modelsThe four layers of team structures that support student successWhy schools often become reactive (“whack-a-mole”) without strong systems How to shift from “my students” to “our students”The importance of using data to drive action—not just discussionHow structured collaboration can reduce unnecessary referrals and overwhelmWhy not all meetings should happen weekly—and why that mattersWhat makes a meeting worth attending (and one teachers try to avoid)“Good leaders solve problems. Great leaders create systems to solve problems.” Kurtis breaks down three core components: Collaborative Structures & Processes → How teams actually meet and work togetherData & Evidence → Using information to inform decisionsContinuum of Supports → A clear system for how students are supportedMost schools have: PLCs (planning)Support teams (intervention)Case meetings (individual students)👉 But many are missing the collaborative team meeting layer This is where: teachers focus on problems of practice, not just individual studentsideas are shared across classroomsteachers leave with specific actions to try immediatelyKurtis reacts to real scenarios: Reviewing data without changing instruction → FakeShared responsibility for students → RealMeetings with no outcome → FakeAdjusting instruction based on student needs → Real👉 The takeaway:If nothing changes after the meeting… it wasn’t collaboration. Start meetings with celebrations and what workedFocus on one clear problem of practice at a timeLeave every meeting with a specific action to tryUse timers and roles to keep meetings efficientShift from student stories → solution-focused thinking“We do good things—say them out loud.” Website: jigsawlearning.caResources: jigsawinsider.comPodcasts:✨ In This Episode, We Discuss:🧠 The Big Idea🔑 Inside the Collaborative Response Model🔥 The Game Changer: The Missing Layer🎲 Featured Segment: Real PLC or Fake PLC?⚡ Real Moves You Can Use Tomorrow💡 Key Takeaway🔗 Connect with Kurtis Hewson

47 min
May 14

219: Connection Before Content with Josh Tovar

🎧 Episode ___: Connection Before Content with Josh Tovar What happens when schools stop focusing on systems—and start focusing on people? In this episode, Meghan sits down with Josh Tovar, principal of Memorial Pathway Academy in Garland, Texas—a non-traditional high school serving newcomer students and those who haven’t found success in traditional settings. With over 30 years in education and a personal story shaped by immigration, adversity, and resilience, Josh brings a leadership approach rooted in one core belief: 👉 Connection before content From supporting students learning English for the first time to helping over-age, under-credited students find a path to graduation, Josh shares what it really takes to build a culture where students feel seen, supported, and successful. Josh’s personal journey from immigrant student to school leaderThe realities students face beyond the classroom—and how that impacts learningWhy connection must come before contentHow school culture can reduce discipline issues dramaticallyWhat traditional schools often miss about struggling studentsThe importance of visibility, relationships, and leadership presenceHow to motivate students who are behind in credits or disengagedWhy celebration and recognition are essential to student successThe role of professional development in supporting both teachers and studentsHow to shift from low expectations to high-impact outcomes“If you win over the kids… the adults will follow.” Serves newcomer students speaking multiple languagesSupports students who are over-age and under-creditedFocuses on individualized pathways to graduationBuilt on a culture of belonging, safety, and high expectationsAchieving near 100% graduation pathways for eligible students “The problem in education is not the kids—it’s the adults.” “The sin of low expectations.” “If kids believe in you, they’ll walk on fire for you.” Josh breaks down real classroom scenarios: Greeting students at the door → ConnectionSilent classrooms → CompliancePunishment without conversation → ComplianceMessy but engaged classrooms → Connection👉 The takeaway: relationships drive behavior, not rules. Greet students and build relationships intentionallyCelebrate wins—big and small—publicly and consistentlyBe visible as a leader in classrooms and eventsCreate a culture where students feel safe to try and failSet high expectations—and support students to meet themX / Instagram: @MPAspotlightsSchool updates: @GoJaguarsPodcast + speaking: MPASpotlightsNo Name Paper: A Teacher PodcastWhere teaching is more than one size fits all. ✨ In This Episode, We Discuss:💡 Key Takeaway🧠 Inside Memorial Pathway Academy🔥 Mic Drop Moments🎲 Featured Segment: Connection or Compliance?⚡ Real Moves You Can Use Tomorrow🔗 Connect with Josh Tovar🎙️ About the Podcast

54 min

Trailer

Intro

No Name Paper and Podcast exploring teaching from all the perspectives.

03/21/2025

•

1 min

A podcast exploring practical strategies, leadership, technology integration, and real-world insights for educators.

Creator

Meghan Wells
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

67
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Meghan Wells
Show Website

No Name Paper: A Teacher Podcast