Govs Teach Unplugged

Austin Peay State University Eriksson College Of Education

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The “Govs Teach Podcast” is your go-to source for all things at Austin Peay State University’s Eriksson College of Education! Tune in for the latest college news, inspiring student spotlights, insightful teacher interviews, and valuable tips & tricks for educators. Whether you're a future teacher or seasoned pro, we’ve got something for you!

12/01/2025

Navigating Ethical AI Use in Education with Dr. Allison Oliver

In the Season 1 wrap-up, Megan welcomes Dr. Allison Oliver, assistant professor of special education at Austin Peay State University. Drawing on her 17 years in public education, Dr. Oliver explores two transformative topics: ethical AI implementation and the future of special education. Discover how Dr. Oliver views AI as both a powerful teaching tool and a potential challenge, advocating for its use as a "thought partner" rather than a replacement for authentic learning. Learn about her new AI workshop for undergraduates that models responsible usage while promoting deeper thinking. The conversation shifts to Tennessee's critical special education teacher shortage, with Dr. Oliver — whose research focuses on educational equity and teacher development — passionately describing special educators as "super teachers" who close opportunity gaps. She outlines essential strategies for districts and teacher preparation programs, including APSU's revamped approaches, to better support and retain these vital educators. Dr. Oliver also shares how her commitment to serving marginalized populations through Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. aligns with her educational mission. ⁠APSU Eriksson College of Education⁠ More about Dr. Allison Oliver Explore APSU’s Undergraduate Special Education Degree Options Explore APSU’s Graduate Special Education Degree Options Association of Teacher Educators Teacher Educator Standards, (3rd Edition) Call for Proposals: Rural Education Conference Find Upcoming Events on Govs Connect Dr. Zack Barnes Quoted in Newsweek APSU GOVing Tuesday

23 min
10/31/2025

Connecting Online and On Campus with Meagan Potts

Meagan Potts, community engagement coordinator for the Office of Community Engagement and Sustainability at Austin Peay State University, joins Megan on this month’s episode. Meagan brings a unique blend of student support and gaming culture to her role in Student Affairs. She oversees critical initiatives, such as Alternative Break Trips and the Engage Living-Learning Community, where she strives to treat college students as young adults navigating some of life's most significant transitions. She earned a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Instructional Technology from the Eriksson College of Education, which equipped her with practical tools and strategies she uses in her day-to-day work. As advisor for the Govs Gaming student organization, Meagan bridges her professional and personal worlds. She shares more about the growth of esports at APSU, including a recent tournament victory against Middle Tennessee State University. Dive Deeper: ⁠APSU Eriksson College of Education⁠ Office of Community Engagement and Sustainability Master of Arts in Education in Curriculum and Instruction: Instructional Technology ⁠Govs Gaming Student Organization⁠ Austin Peay marks esports debut with tiebreaker win over MTSU Call for Proposals: Rural Education Conference APSU Full Spectrum Learning Advocates for Autism Student Organization Generative AI Use Among Saudi and Korean Language Learners in Higher Education: Examination Through a Modified TAM Framework Students’ perceptions of generative AI in EFL writing: Strategies, self-efficacy, satisfaction, and behavioural intention

22 min
10/01/2025

Exploring Education through Nature with Dr. Jena Collins

On this episode, Megan chats with Dr. Jena Collins, a new Full Spectrum Learning staff member and August 2025 doctoral graduate of the Eriksson College of Education at Austin Peay State University. Dr. Collins discusses her experience in special education and role in supporting neurodivergent students at Austin Peay, the rich opportunities for research and mentoring available through the doctoral program, and suggestions for inclusive and accessible field trip options. Dive Deeper: ⁠APSU Eriksson College of Education⁠ Dr. Zack Barnes Quoted in HuffPost Join us for our Homecoming Brunch Meet Dr. Jena Collins APSU Full Spectrum Learning APSU Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Program Plan Your Field Trip to Leadville, Colorado

23 min
09/01/2025

Cultivating a Love of Reading with Amanda Bradley

On this episode, Megan chats with Amanda Bradley, a new reading instructor in the Eriksson College of Education at Austin Peay State University. Amanda discusses her previous experience as a student at Austin Peay and her extensive experience as a teacher in the Cheatham County and Clarksville-Montgomery County school districts in Tennessee. Amanda provides tips and strategies for ELL and reading teachers and shares some of her favorite classroom memories. Amanda is full of energy, and we are excited to see the impact she makes at Austin Peay. Tune in to hear about Amanda’s “old lady job” and her suggestions for college students! Dive Deeper: ⁠APSU Eriksson College of Education⁠ English Language Learner Certificate Reading Graduate Degree Financial Peace University The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Tomorrow I’ll Be Brave Following a trailblazer's footsteps: L.M. Ellis's granddaughter completes her own historic journey at Austin Peay ‘Pillar of my motivation’: APSU graduate receives doctoral hood from mother during commencement

26 min
08/01/2025

Becoming a Teacher Apprentice with Kristen Johnson

On this episode, we chat with Kristen Johnson, a current student in the Grow Your Own Teacher Residency Program at Austin Peay State University. Kristen is set to graduate in August 2025, after which she will continue her dedicated work as a teacher at Norman Smith Elementary. Kristen highlights the immense benefits of the Grow Your Own program and candidly discusses the highlights of her teacher apprenticeship, including the strong bonds she formed with her cohort and the challenges she overcame, including re-learning how to write academic papers as a nontraditional student. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring educators and anyone interested in the transformative impact of teacher apprenticeship programs. Dive Deeper: ⁠APSU Eriksson College of Education⁠ Austin Peay State University Grow Your Own Teacher Apprenticeship Tennessee Educational Leadership Journal

22 min
06/30/2025

Reinventing Teacher Education with Dr. Lisa Barron

Dr. Lisa Barron served as the interim dean of the Eriksson College of Education, concluding her tenure in June 2025 after a 15-year career at Austin Peay State University. Dr. Barron is a nationally recognized expert on teacher apprenticeships, as Austin Peay State University and the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System worked together to launch the Grow Your Own Teacher Residency, which became the first federally registered teacher apprenticeship in January 2022. In this interview, Dr. Barron chats about her time teaching in Tennessee public schools and at Austin Peay, how she has seen teaching change over time, the benefits of teacher apprenticeships, and what’s next after her retirement from Austin Peay. Dive Deeper: ⁠APSU Eriksson College of Education⁠ Austin Peay State University Grow Your Own Teacher Apprenticeship National Center for Grow Your Own ⁠RISE Above: Supporting Teacher Candidates with Autism Through Specialized Coaching ⁠APSU doctoral students complete transformative study abroad experience in South Korea Austin Peay’s MPH program receives $27K for childhood literacy initiative

25 min
05/29/2025

Fusing Technology and Creativity with Dr. Barbara Tucker

Dr. Barbara Tucker is the technical services director in the Office of Information Technology at Austin Peay State University. Dr. Tucker holds an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and an MAED in Curriculum and Instruction from the Eriksson College of Education, embodying the university's commitment to lifelong learning. With over 15 years at APSU, she discusses her journey from student worker to IT leader and highlights the increasing integration of technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), and Augmented Reality (AR) on campus. Beyond her work in IT, Dr. Tucker is a self-published children's author of "The Adventures of Bibi and Beaux" series. On this episode, Dr. Tucker bravely shares the inspiring story behind her books, which were born from her personal cancer journey. Dive Deeper: APSU Eriksson College of Education The Adventures of Bibi and Beaux: The Diagnosis The Adventures of Bibi and Beaux: The Treatment APSU Eriksson College of Education celebrates excellence at annual awards ceremony Forbes features APSU’s pioneering teacher apprenticeship program APSU Office of Information Technology

31 min
04/28/2025

Empowering Neurodivergent Students with Emmanuel Mejeun

In honor of Autism Acceptance Month, we’re joined by Emmanuel Mejeun, Director of Austin Peay’s Full Spectrum Learning (FSL) Program. Originally from Haiti, Emmanuel’s journey from student to leader has helped shape FSL into a standout support system for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. In this episode, Emmanuel shares how his personal story fuels his professional mission, how FSL empowers neurodivergent students through events like the Reverse Career Fair, and what it means to create a space where students can truly be themselves. We also chat about his doctoral studies, his passion for music, and the growth of the program under his leadership. Tune in to hear how Emmanuel and FSL are changing the game for inclusion in higher education. Dive Deeper: APSU Full Spectrum Learning APSU Eriksson College of Education Mia Ayarza Student Spotlight Why Some Math Teachers Don’t Want Professional Development on AI

35 min
03/28/2025

Embracing Early Childhood Educators and Doctoral Studies with Dr. Noelle Cannon

Dr. Noelle Cannon, director of the Tennessee Early Childhood Training Alliance (TECTA) at Austin Peay State University, joins us to discuss her impactful work in providing professional development and support to early childhood educators across Tennessee. Learn about TECTA's free orientations and tuition assistance scholarships that help individuals achieve their educational goals, from CDA credentials to advanced degrees. Dr. Cannon also shares her experience as a graduate of APSU’s Ed.D. program in Educational Leadership, highlighting how the program has shaped her professional approach. Discover how TECTA and the Ed.D. program empower educators, expand access to higher education for early childhood professionals, and enhance the quality of early childhood education throughout the state. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on shaping the future of early childhood education in Tennessee! Dive Deeper: APSU Tennessee Early Childhood Training Alliance (TECTA)⁠⁠ ⁠⁠APSU Doctor of Education (Ed.D) Program Information⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠APSU Doctor of Education (Ed.D) Program Video ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠APSU Eriksson College of Education⁠⁠ ⁠Introductory Statistics A Contextualized Approach – 4th Edition⁠ ⁠Sarah Earls Student Spotlight ⁠2025 Teacher Morale Index⁠

23 min
02/28/2025

Bridging Rural Roots and Higher Ed with Dr. Cheryl Lambert

In this compelling conversation, we sit down with Dr. Cheryl Lambert, department chair of Teaching and Learning and Coordinator of the Center for Rural Education at Austin Peay State University. Dr. Lambert shares her journey from rural roots to higher education leadership and discusses the connection between rural communities and educational advancement. Dive Deeper: APSU Center for Rural Education APSU Eriksson College of Education Dr. Cheryl Lambert Jon White Student Spotlight Inclusive Leader Mini-Grants

30 min

10 Episodes

The “Govs Teach Podcast” is your go-to source for all things at Austin Peay State University’s Eriksson College of Education! Tune in for the latest college news, inspiring student spotlights, insightful teacher interviews, and valuable tips & tricks for educators. Whether you're a future teacher or seasoned pro, we’ve got something for you!

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Austin Peay State University Eriksson College Of Education
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10
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