In this engaging episode of the Teacher Fellows Podcast, hosts Ryan Rarick and Lauren Merkley broadcast live from the UEN booth at the UCET conference. They interview several students from the CareerTech High School Education Pathway program and Robert Proffitt, the Professional Learning Coordinator from Washington County School District. The episode delves into the students’ experiences working in preschools and as paraprofessionals in elementary schools, highlighting their aspirations, challenges, and growth. The discussion shifts to Robert Proffitt’s keynote and his transformative concept of 'pennies,' which symbolizes the impactful experiences that shape educators. The episode concludes with reflections on the importance of empathy, effective teaching practices, and continuous learning for both students and teachers.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

01:32 Meet the Juniors: Joseph, Brooklyn, and Emily

04:30 Student Reflections on Teaching Experiences

07:08 The Color Song and Final Thoughts from Juniors

08:12 Meet the Seniors: Abby and Alejandra

09:02 Educators Rising and Paraprofessional Experiences

11:01 Challenges and Rewards of Being a Paraprofessional

17:45 Meet the Seniors: Kyah and Kylee

21:20 Impactful Teachers and Future Aspirations

25:07 Final Senior Interviews: London and Lyla

25:38 The Importance of Educators Rising

27:07 Experiences as Paraprofessionals

29:00 Key Takeaways from UCET

30:20 Lessons Learned in the Classroom

32:10 Introducing Robert Proffit: The Coach of Coaches

33:20 The Pennies Activity: Honoring Life Experiences

35:59 Robert's Journey: From Teacher to Coach

44:51 Key Takeaways from Robert's Keynote

47:24 Final Thoughts and Podcast Wrap-Up

GUESTS ON EPISODE:

Keynote Presenter at UCET

• Robert Proffitt, the Professional Learning Coordinator from Washington County School District.

Students from CareerTech High School Education Pathway

• Joseph Butterfield — Junior
• Emily Birck — Junior
• Brooklyn Austin — Junior
• Abby Cox — Senior
• Kylee Goldsberry — Senior
• Alejandra Alcala — Senior
• Lyla Mecham — Senior
• Kyah Brown — Senior
• London Brown — Senior

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 (@lmerkles) -- Taught AP English Language and Composition, Creative Writing in Granite School District, 2020 Utah Teacher of the Year
• Ryan Rarick (@Coach_Rarick) -- Education Pathway Teacher for Washington Country School District

Production Team:

• Kayla Towner (@mrstowner9) -- Technology Specialist and Product Manager for Utah Education Network (UEN)

Info Drop Spokesperson:

• John Arthur (@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.

In this episode of the Teacher Fellows Podcast, hosts Ryan Rarick and Lauren Merkley invite Elyse Arrington, a secondary reading interventionist and language arts teacher from East High School in Salt Lake City, to discuss her work with restorative justice in education. Elyse shares her experiences with establishing a restorative youth court to address student infractions in a more supportive and rehabilitative way. She also introduces her innovative Hip Hop and Protest class, which integrates hip-hop culture into the English curriculum to engage students and validate their interests. The episode provides actionable insights for educators interested in implementing restorative practices and creative curricula in their schools.

00:00 Welcome and Introductions

00:25 Meet Elyse Arrington: Educator and Advocate

01:31 Podcast Overview and Listener Engagement

02:14 Diving into Restorative Justice

02:42 Understanding Restorative Justice in Schools

07:35 Youth Court: A Restorative Approach

14:01 The Impact of Restorative Justice

15:10 Hip Hop and Protest Class: A Unique Approach to Education

17:47 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

22:10 Closing Remarks and Podcast Information

GUESTS ON EPISODE:

• Elyse Arrington - Reading Interventionist, Language Arts Teacher, and Restorative Justice Practitioner in Salt Lake City School District

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• Connect with Elyse Arrington
  • Email: earrington.hiti@gmail.com
  • Instagram/Threads:@bebelyse

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 (@lmerkles) -- Taught AP English Language and Composition, Creative Writing in Granite School District, 2020 Utah Teacher of the Year
• Ryan Rarick (@Coach_Rarick) -- Education Pathway Teacher for Washington Country School District

Production Team:

• Kayla Towner (@mrstowner9) -- Technology Specialist and Product Manager for Utah Education Network (UEN)

Info Drop Spokesperson:

• John Arthur (@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.

LAYOUT:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

02:07 Overview of Professional Organizations

03:02 Deep Dive into UCET

04:16 The Role of Technology in Education

11:17 Personal Experiences and Stereotypes

15:02 Benefits of Joining Professional Organizations

19:04 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

23:57 Closing Remarks and Podcast Information

GUESTS ON EPISODE:

• Kierra Beddes - Digital Teaching and Learning Specialist, Jordan School District; UCET President.
• Kelli Cannon - Digital Teaching and Learning Specialist, Jordan School District; UCET Board Member.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• Connect with Kerra Beddes
  • Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kierabeddes/
  • Twitter/X: https://x.com/KBeddes
• Connect with Kelli Cannon
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mskelcan/
• Connect with Jordan DTL:
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordandigitallearning/
  • Twitter: https://x.com/DTL_JSD
• Connect with UCET
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ucetorg/
  • Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ucet
  • Twitter: https://x.com/ucet
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ucetorg

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

Info Drop Spokesperson:

• John Arthur (@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.

Hosts:

• Lauren Merkley (@lmerkles) -- Taught AP English Language and Composition, Creative Writing in Granite School, 2020 Utah Teacher of the Year
• Ryan Rarick (@Coach_Rarick) -- Education Pathway Teacher for Washington Country School District

Production Team:

• Kiera Beddes (@KBeddes) -- Digital Teaching & Learning Specialist for Jordan School District
• Kayla Towner (@mrstowner9) -- Technology Specialist and IT Manager for Utah Education Network (UEN)

LAYOUT:

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:50 Hosts' Bios and Backgrounds

03:16 Reflecting on Favorite Moments

06:37 Themes of Belonging and Community

09:58 Balancing Technical Skills and Human Connection

14:09 Practical Tips for New Teachers

17:14 Listener Engagement and Conclusion

GUESTS ON EPISODE (Our Hosts):

• Lauren Merkley - 2020 Utah Teacher of the Year, previously an English Teacher at Granite School District
• Ryan Rarick - Education Pathway Teacher and Instructional Coach, Washington School District

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• Connect with Lauren Merkley
  • Instagram: @lmerkles
  • Twitter/X: @lmerkles
  • Email: lauren@hopestreetgroup.org
• Connect with Ryan Rarick
  • Instagram: @raricks_room
  • Twitter/X: @Coach_Rarick
  • Email: ryan.rarick@hopestreetgroup.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

Info Drop Spokesperson:

• John Arthur (@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.

Hosts:

• Lauren Merkley (@lmerkles) -- Taught AP English Language and Composition, Creative Writing in Granite School, 2020 Utah Teacher of the Year
• Ryan Rarick (@Coach_Rarick) -- Education Pathway Teacher for Washington Country School District

Production Team:

• Kiera Beddes (@KBeddes) -- Digital Teaching & Learning Specialist for Jordan School District
• Kayla Towner (@mrstowner9) -- Technology Specialist and IT Manager for Utah Education Network (UEN)

LAYOUT:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:55 Discussing Divisive Topics in the Classroom

02:29 Navigating Political Discourse

04:18 Teaching Civil Dialogue

09:58 Encouraging Empathy and Argumentation

14:54 Handling Classroom Challenges

19:24 Final Takeaways and Conclusion

GUESTS ON EPISODE:

• John Brumbaugh - History Teacher, Davis School District
• Adam Sturm - History Teacher, Davis School District

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• Connect with Adam Sturm
  • Email: adsturm@dsdmail.net
• Constitution 101 Course by National Constitution Center - The Constitution 101 course provides learners of all ages with a basic understanding of the Constitution’s text, history, structure, and case law. Drawing on primary source documents, learners will study the historical and philosophical foundations of America’s founding principles from a range of diverse voices. Participants will also learn how to think like constitutional lawyers—cultivating the skills necessary to analyze constitutional questions. Each module includes primary source readings, landmark Supreme Court cases, and Interactive Constitution essays. This course is entirely self-paced, so you can complete it on your schedule.

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 (@lmerkles) -- Taught AP English Language and Composition, Creative Writing in Granite School District, 2020 Utah Teacher of the Year
• Ryan Rarick (@Coach_Rarick) -- Education Pathway Teacher for Washington Country School District

Production Team:

• Kayla Towner (@mrstowner9) -- Technology Specialist and Product Manager for Utah Education Network (UEN)

Info Drop Spokesperson:

• John Arthur (@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.

LAYOUT:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions

01:28 Podcast Format and Today's Topic

02:34 Building Relationships of Trust

05:53 Building a Community in Schools

07:25 Transitioning from Classroom to Leadership

13:56 Vision and Mission in Schools

18:45 Distributive Leadership and Teacher Empowerment

21:57 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

26:06 Closing Remarks and Podcast Information

GUESTS ON EPISODE:

• Sean Thorpe - Instructional Coach, Granite School District
• Emily Wilson - Assistant Administrator, Canyons School District

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• Connect with Sean Thorpe
  • Twitter/X: @thethorpians
• Connect with Emily Wilson
  • Email: emewillson@gmail.comant Administrator, Navigator Pointe Academy

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

Info Drop Spokesperson:

• John Arthur (@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.

Hosts:

• Lauren Merkley (@lmerkles) -- Taught AP English Language and Composition, Creative Writing in Granite School, 2020 Utah Teacher of the Year
• Ryan Rarick (@Coach_Rarick) -- Education Pathway Teacher for Washington Country School District

Production Team:

• Kiera Beddes (@KBeddes) -- Digital Teaching & Learning Specialist for Jordan School District
• Kayla Towner (@mrstowner9) -- Technology Specialist and IT Manager for Utah Education Network (UEN)

LAYOUT:

• 00:00 Welcome and Guest Introductions
• 02:46 Exploring the Concept of Belonging
• 04:33 Building Community in the Classroom
• 08:45 Practical Strategies for Fostering Belonging
• 19:11 Final Thoughts and Takeaways
• 25:10 Conclusion and Podcast Information

GUESTS ON EPISODE:

• Alaina Marti - Social Studies Teacher, Salt Lake School District
• Brenda Straley - CTE Teacher, Jordan School District

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• Connect with Brenda Straely
  • Instagram: @jatc_teachereducation
  • Instagram: @jatc.behavioralhealth

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

Info Drop Spokesperson:

• John Arthur (@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.

Hosts:

• Lauren Merkley (@lmerkles) -- Taught AP English Language and Composition, Creative Writing in Granite School, 2020 Utah Teacher of the Year
• Ryan Rarick (@Coach_Rarick) -- Education Pathway Teacher for Washington Country School District

Production Team:

• Kiera Beddes (@KBeddes) -- Digital Teaching & Learning Specialist for Jordan School District
• Kayla Towner (@mrstowner9) -- Technology Specialist and IT Manager for Utah Education Network (UEN)

LAYOUT:

• 6 Min Introduction
• 17 Min The Heart of the Conversation
• 3 Min Conclusion - Reflection and Outro

GUESTS ON EPISODE:

• Michelle Smith - ELA Teacher, Davis School District, Executive Board Member of the Davis Education Association
• Fatai Tu'ifua, Ms. Fatai - Elementary Teacher, Canyons School District, 2024 Teacher of the Year for East Midvale Elementary

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• Connect with Michelle Smith
  • Email: smdenmic@yahoo.com
• Connect with Ms. Fatai
  • Email: fatai88tuifua@gmail.com

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

Info Drop Spokesperson:

• John Arthur (@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.

Hosts:

• Lauren Merkley (@lmerkles) -- Taught AP English Language and Composition, Creative Writing in Granite School, 2020 Utah Teacher of the Year
• Ryan Rarick (@Coach_Rarick) -- Education Pathway Teacher for Washington Country School District

Production Team:

• Kiera Beddes (@KBeddes) -- Digital Teaching & Learning Specialist for Jordan School District
• Kayla Towner (@mrstowner9) -- Technology Specialist and IT Manager for Utah Education Network (UEN)