My Why Ayers Institute

Each "My Why" episode uncovers the journey of one educator: a teacher or leader who has chosen to devote his or her life to the education profession. Each story is different, yet each is an exploration of motivation, purpose, and hope.

In this episode, we hear from Mr. Eric Bowman, the 2020 Mid-Cumberland and Middle Tennessee Principal of the Year from Hendersonville, Tennessee. Eric has 16 years of experience as an educator including as a social studies teacher, district evaluator, assistant principal, and now is in his 4th year as a middle school principal. The middle school he leads has twice been recognized by the Tennessee Department of Education as a 'Reward School.'

"Let your light shine before others."
SHOW NOTES:

A professional learning guide document is available for this podcast episode. Use it for individually or with your professional learning community.


CREDITS:

Producer & Host - Rachael Milligan
Director - Karen Marklein
Engineer & Editor - Forrest Doddington

Each "My Why" episode uncovers the journey of one educator: a teacher or leader who has chosen to devote his or her life to the education profession. Each story is different, yet each is an exploration of motivation, purpose, and hope.

In this episode, we hear from Mrs. Melissa Miller, the 2019 Tennessee Teacher of the Year and an Elementary Teacher in the Franklin, Tennessee. Melissa is a National Board-Certified Teacher with 20 years of experience. She has the opportunity to inform education policy at the state level as a member of the Tennessee Commissioner of Education’s Teacher Advisory Council.

"What we do changes the world!"
SHOW NOTES:

A professional learning guide document is available for this podcast episode. Use it for individually or with your professional learning community.


CREDITS:

Producer & Host - Rachael Milligan
Director - Julia Osteen
Engineer & Editor - Forrest Doddington

Each "My Why" episode uncovers the journey of one educator: a teacher or leader who has chosen to devote his or her life to the education profession. Each story is different, yet each is an exploration of motivation, purpose, and hope.

In this episode, we hear from Mr. Greg O'Loughlin, English/Humanities Teacher and Executive Director of The Educators' Cooperative in Nashville, Tennessee. Greg holds a BA in Communications from SUNY Empire, an MAT from Belmont University, and was a fellow in the Summer Institute at Columbia University’s Klingenstein Center.

"Teaching increases our capacity for empathy."
SHOW NOTES:

A professional learning guide document is available for this podcast episode. Use it for individually or with your professional learning community.


CREDITS:

Producer & Host - Rachael Milligan
Director - Julia Osteen
Engineer & Editor - Forrest Doddington

Each "My Why" episode uncovers the journey of one educator: a teacher or leader who has chosen to devote his or her life to the education profession. Each story is different, yet each is an exploration of motivation, purpose, and hope.

In this episode, we hear from Mr. Steve Lindsey, principal at Lexington High School in Henderson County, Tennessee. Mr. Lindsey has both undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Tennessee at Martin. Prior to becoming an administrator, he taught chemistry and physical education and was an assistant coach for 9 years as well as head football coach for 9 years. Mr. Lindsey has been a principal at both the elementary and high school levels. He is married to Melissa and has 2 children and 3 grandchildren.

"Pray daily and follow God's plan."
SHOW NOTES:

A professional learning guide document is available for this podcast episode. Use it for individually or with your professional learning community.


CREDITS:

Producer & Host - Rachael Milligan
Director - Julia Osteen
Engineer & Editor - Forrest Doddington

Each "My Why" episode uncovers the journey of one educator: a teacher or leader who has chosen to devote his or her life to the education profession. Each story is different, yet each is an exploration of motivation, purpose, and hope.

In this episode, we hear from Dr. Roger Wiemers, a professor in the Doctor of Education Program at Lipscomb University. Dr. Wiemers is originally from San Antonio, Texas and has lived all over the world focusing on missions and education. He enjoys teaching and has a love for the philosophical and reflective approaches to teaching and learning.

"Our messy lives teach us grace."
SHOW NOTES:

A professional learning guide document is available for this podcast episode. Use it for individually or with your professional learning community.


CREDITS:

Producer & Host - Rachael Milligan
Director - Julia Osteen
Engineer & Editor - Forrest Doddington

Each "My Why" episode uncovers the journey of one educator: a teacher or leader who has chosen to devote his or her life to the education profession. Each story is different, yet each is an exploration of motivation, purpose, and hope.

In this episode, we hear from Mrs. Cicely Woodard, a middle school Math teacher and the 2018 Tennessee Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Woodard was a member of the inaugural National Public Education Foundation Teacher Cabinet, the Tennessee Teacher Advisory Council, the Tennessee Assessment Task Force, and coordinator of the Tennessee Educator Fellowship with the State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE).

"To prepare students for their futures."
SHOW NOTES:

A professional learning guide document is available for this podcast episode. Use it for individually or with your professional learning community.


CREDITS:

Producer & Host - Rachael Milligan
Director - Julia Osteen
Engineer & Editor - Forrest Doddington