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:

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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.