Ryan Rarick and Lauren Merkley close out this season of the Teacher Fellows Podcast by diving into the role of the Utah State Board of Education and why educator experience is vital in public leadership.

Their guest is Kacee Weaver, a Teacher Fellow and veteran Weber County educator with 20 years of experience across charter, district, private, and nonprofit settings. Now a candidate for State School Board District 2, Kacee shares what motivated her run: a desire to fix repeated systemic mistakes and a firm stance against rhetoric urging families to leave public schools—which she views as a vital community service.

In this episode, Kacee discusses:

• Bridging the Gap: How the Fellowship clarified the flow of policy from the Capitol to the classroom.
• Trusting the Experts: The need for instruction aligned with research and student development.
• Removing Barriers: Addressing the unique challenges faced by economically disadvantaged and multilingual students.
• Student Well-being: The urgent need for program stability and addressing Utah’s high suicide rates through family collaboration.

Kacee concludes with a powerful call for educators to vote and find their voices. To learn more about her platform, visit kaceeforutahschools.com.

LAYOUT:

00:00 Welcome and Banter

00:41 Season Recap and Catch Up

01:28 Why Teacher Voice Matters

02:26 Meet Kacee Weaver

03:43 Why Run for School Board

06:56 Teacher Fellows to Policy

11:04 Fixing Utah Education

15:20 Making the Case for Public School

17:45 Call to Vote and Speak Up

19:45 How to Support Kacee

20:22 Host Takeaways

25:38 Closing and Next Season

GUESTS ON EPISODE:

• 📍 Kacee Weaver | Candidate for District 2 (North Weber, Ogden Valley, South Ogden)
• 🌐 kaceeforutahschools.com
• 🅾 @kaceeforutschools

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 (insta: @lmerkles) -- Taught AP English Language and Composition, Creative Writing in Granite School District, 2020 Utah Teacher of the Year
• Ryan Rarick (insta: @raricks_room) -- Education Pathway Teacher for Washington Country School District, 2026 ACTE Region V Teacher of the Year

Executive Producer:

• Kayla Towner (insta: @itsteachertowner) -- Taught elementary education K-6th, Education Technology Specialist, Project Manager, Podcast Editor & Producer, and the 2023 Honors in Education Award in Administration and the 2020 UCET Outstanding Young Educator Award.

Info Drop Spokesperson:

• John Arthur (insta: @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 Ryan Rarick (Education Pathway Teacher/Instructional Coach and 2026 UACTE Teacher of the Year) and Lauren Merkley (2020 Utah Teacher of the Year) discuss special education with Teacher Fellows Shannon Neeley, a ninth-grade special education math teacher who co-teaches and teaches solo, and Sydney Whatcott, a K–2 special education teacher who frequently pushes into classrooms and pulls small groups for academics and social skills. They note 7.5 million U.S. students qualify for IEPs, special educators have dropped 17%, and many students spend most of their time in general education. Shannon describes co-teaching models like parallel teaching, stations, and one teach/one assist, plus consultation on accommodations and behavior. Both guests address misconceptions about disability and low expectations, emphasizing access, high expectations, and student success, and share what they love: relationships and foundational growth (Sydney) and data, meetings, and protective IEP documentation (Shannon).

00:00 Welcome and Introductions

01:27 Why Special Education Matters

02:18 Meet Shannon and Sydney

03:18 What SPED Looks Like Daily

06:10 Co-Teaching That Works

12:07 Misconceptions and Mindsets

16:49 What They Love Most

20:57 Final Advice and Takeaways

26:25 Wrap Up and Subscribe

GUESTS ON EPISODE:

• Shannon Neeley - 9th Grade Special Education Math Teacher
  • Instagram:@spedmathwithmrsneeley
  • Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-neeley-a6053616b/
• Sydney Whatcott - Early Elementary Special Education Teacher
  • Instagram:@risewithroom15

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• USBE - Special Education Services

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 (insta: @lmerkles) -- Taught AP English Language and Composition, Creative Writing in Granite School District, 2020 Utah Teacher of the Year
• Ryan Rarick (insta: @raricks_room) -- Education Pathway Teacher for Washington Country School District, 2026 ACTE Region V Teacher of the Year

Executive Producer:

• Kayla Towner (insta: @itsteachertowner) -- Taught elementary education K-6th, Education Technology Specialist, Project Manager, Podcast Editor & Producer, and the 2023 Honors in Education Award in Administration and the 2020 UCET Outstanding Young Educator Award.

Info Drop Spokesperson:

• John Arthur (insta: @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 special live recording from the Utah Coalition for Educational Technology (UCET) conference, hosts Ryan Rarick and Lauren Merkley sit down with students from the Career Tech High School (CTHS) Education Pathway. Following their poster presentation, these students discuss their practical experiences in the field and their motivations for entering the teaching profession.

• Tayleaha Pollock & Marlie Saxton: On the importance of patience, building relationships, and managing early childhood emotions.
• Charlotte Seals & Emily Burke: Reflections on the workload of an educator and the preparation required for success in Educators Rising competitions.
• Rebecca Winsor: The process of earning a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and pursuing a path in counseling.
• Evie Palmer: Learning through observation of various teaching styles and classroom environments.
• Crystal Vargas: Strategies for connecting with Spanish-speaking students and an interest in Special Education and behavior tech roles.

The episode concludes with a look at the value of paraprofessional placements and the various pathways available to the next generation of Utah educators.

00:00 Welcome to UCET Live

00:47 Meet Tayleaha Future Teacher

02:10 Marlie on Patience and Community

03:42 Charlotte Shadows a Coach

05:54 Emily on Why Teach

08:08 Becca Preschool and Counseling Goals

10:09 Evie Turning Struggles into Purpose

12:27 Crystal Behavior Support Calling

14:30 Conference Wrap and Thanks

GUESTS ON EPISODE:

• Students from CareerTech High School Education Pathway
  • Tayleaha Pollock — 10th Grade — Undecided
  • Marlie Saxton — 11th Grade — Elementary
  • Charlotte Seals — 11th Grade — Elementary
  • Emily Birck — 12th Grade — Elementary
  • Rebecca Winsor — 11th Grade — Secondary (undecided content)
  • Evie Palmer — 11th Grade — Elementary/Secondary
  • Crystal Vargas — 12th Grade — Elementary SPED

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• Career Tech High School - https://cths.washk12.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

Hosts:

• Lauren Merkley (insta: @lmerkles) -- Taught AP English Language and Composition, Creative Writing in Granite School District, 2020 Utah Teacher of the Year
• Ryan Rarick (insta: @raricks_room) -- Education Pathway Teacher for Washington Country School District, 2026 ACTE Region V Teacher of the Year

Executive Producer:

• Kayla Towner (insta: @itsteachertowner) -- Taught elementary education K-6th, Education Technology Specialist, Project Manager, Podcast Editor & Producer, and the 2023 Honors in Education Award in Administration and the 2020 UCET Outstanding Young Educator Award.

Info Drop Spokesperson:

• John Arthur (insta: @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, host Ryan Rarick, an Education Pathway Teacher and Instructional Coach, leads a discussion on authentic student engagement with guests CJ Hoyt, a math educator, and Carly Maloney, the 2024 Utah Teacher of the Year. Despite the absence of co-host Lauren Merkley due to illness, the episode explores personal experiences, strategies, and insights into maintaining high levels of student engagement throughout the school year. Key topics include the significance of curiosity and inquiry, the importance of student voice and choice, and effective engagement strategies like stations, stickers, and project-based assessments. The episode concludes with highlights from the fellows' Educator Day on the Hill at the Utah State Capitol, emphasizing the importance of teacher-legislator interactions.

00:00 Introduction and Updates

01:20 Meet the Guests: CJ Hoyt and Carly Maloney

02:28 Discussing Authentic Student Engagement

03:39 Defining and Observing Engagement

09:08 Evolving Understanding of Engagement

12:41 Strategies for Maintaining Engagement

17:07 Quick Engagement Strategies

19:21 Conclusion and Summary

21:50 Live from the State Capitol: Educator Day on the Hill

GUESTS ON EPISODE:

• Carly Maloney - 2024 Utah Teacher of the Year; Psych & English Language Development, Davis School District
• CJ Hoyt - Middle School Math Teacher, Granite School District

GUESTS AT THE STATE CAPITOL:

• Anna Bessesen - High School Computer Science Teacher, National Board Certified - Granite School District
• BreAnn Busboom - German and CTE Teacher, Davis School District
• Audryn Damron - Special Education Teacher, Granite School District
• Lindsay Hinkins - District Digital Learning Specialist, Carbon School District

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• Albert Bandura - Social Learning Theory

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 (insta: @lmerkles) -- Taught AP English Language and Composition, Creative Writing in Granite School District, 2020 Utah Teacher of the Year
• Ryan Rarick (insta: @raricks_room) -- Education Pathway Teacher for Washington Country School District, 2026 ACTE Region V Teacher of the Year

Executive Producer:

• Kayla Towner (insta: @itsteachertowner) -- Taught elementary education K-6th, Education Technology Specialist, Project Manager, Podcast Editor & Producer, and the 2023 Honors in Education Award in Administration and the 2020 UCET Outstanding Young Educator Award.

Info Drop Spokesperson:

• John Arthur (insta: @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.

Rethinking Assessment

In this episode of the Teacher Fellows Podcast, hosts Ryan Rarick and Lauren Merkley dive into innovative assessment practices and the importance of rethinking traditional approaches. They are joined by guest Anna Bessesen (and for a short time Eric Evans), experienced educator who shared insights on maximizing student engagement and mastery through project-based learning and self-assessment. Highlighting the shift from summative to formative assessments, the discussion explores how clear success criteria and iterative feedback can transform the learning experience for students. This engaging conversation provides practical strategies and reinforces the philosophy that learning is an ongoing, dynamic process.

00:00 Introduction and Hosts' Banter

00:49 Preview of Today's Topic: Rethinking Assessment

01:29 Meet the Guests: Anna and Eric

02:20 Defining Assessment

03:27 Rethinking Traditional Assessment Methods

07:06 Practical Changes in Assessment Practices

11:49 Teaching Students to Self-Assess

18:09 Time Management and Teacher Tips

19:44 Top Takeaways and Conclusion

GUESTS ON EPISODE:

• Anna Bessesen - High School Computer Science Teacher, National Board Certified - Granite School District
  • Instagram:@themxbest

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• Alfie Kohn - The Case Against Competition

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 (insta: @lmerkles) -- Taught AP English Language and Composition, Creative Writing in Granite School District, 2020 Utah Teacher of the Year
• Ryan Rarick (insta: @raricks_room) -- Education Pathway Teacher for Washington Country School District, 2026 ACTE Region V Teacher of the Year

Executive Producer:

• Kayla Towner (insta: @itsteachertowner) -- Taught elementary education K-6th, Education Technology Specialist, Project Manager, Podcast Editor & Producer, and the 2023 Honors in Education Award in Administration and the 2020 UCET Outstanding Young Educator Award.

Info Drop Spokesperson:

• John Arthur (insta: @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, hosted by Ryan Rarick, the focus is on understanding and overcoming teacher burnout. Despite the absence of co-host Lauren Merkley, Ryan leads a valuable discussion with guests Lindsay Hinkins and Rachel Robins from Utah's fifth cohort of Teacher Fellows. The conversation covers the causes of burnout, such as decision fatigue and emotional exhaustion, and offers practical strategies for mitigating it. Key suggestions include setting boundaries, finding support, and practicing mindfulness. The episode concludes on a hopeful note, discussing positive shifts in the profession and the growing awareness and dialogue around teacher well-being.

00:00 Introduction and Topic Overview

01:12 Meet the Guests: Lindsay Hinkins and Rachel Robins

03:29 Defining Teacher Burnout

04:29 Causes of Burnout and Early Career Challenges

07:52 Strategies to Overcome Burnout

09:15 The Importance of Boundaries and Support

11:53 Mindfulness and Mental Health Practices

17:47 Positive Reinforcement and Admin Support

19:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

GUESTS ON EPISODE:

• Lindsay Hinkins - District Digital Learning Specialist, Carbon School District
  • Instagram: @lindsayhinkins
• Rachel Robins - Secondary ELA, Washington County School District
  • Instagram:@therealmrsrobins

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• “The Let Them Theory” book by Mel Robbins

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 (insta: @lmerkles) -- Taught AP English Language and Composition, Creative Writing in Granite School District, 2020 Utah Teacher of the Year
• Ryan Rarick (insta: @raricks_room) -- Education Pathway Teacher for Washington Country School District, 2026 ACTE Region V Teacher of the Year

Executive Producer:

• Kayla Towner (insta: @itsteachertowner) -- Taught elementary education K-6th, Education Technology Specialist, Project Manager, Podcast Editor & Producer, and the 2023 Honors in Education Award in Administration and the 2020 UCET Outstanding Young Educator Award.

Info Drop Spokesperson:

• John Arthur (insta: @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 interview David Ma, CEO of Hope Street Group. David shares his unique journey from China to the U.S., through Google and Facebook, leading to his current role at Hope Street Group, a nonprofit focused on democratizing career and education opportunities. The discussion highlights Hope Street Group's new product, FutureMe, an AI-driven career exploration tool designed to help students discover potential career paths. David explains how FutureMe works, its impact on student engagement, and its alignment with Utah's data privacy requirements. The conversation also touches on the importance of ambitious thinking and the potential for AI to level the educational playing field.

00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome

00:52 Introducing the Guest: David Ma, CEO of Hope Street Group

01:48 David Ma's Journey: From China to Tech Giant

07:08 Hope Street Group's Mission and Vision

09:25 FutureMe: Revolutionizing Career Exploration

11:33 Implementation and Impact of FutureMe

20:31 Ensuring Safety and Privacy in AI Tools

22:14 Final Takeaways and Reflections

25:43 Quick Highlight for Hope Street Group’s Future Ready AI Challenge

26:53 Conclusion and Upcoming Opportunities

GUESTS ON EPISODE:

• David Ma - CEO of Hope Street Group
  • Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidtma/

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• 🚀 Full Demo: hopestreetgroup.org/launch-demo

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 (insta: @lmerkles) -- Taught AP English Language and Composition, Creative Writing in Granite School District, 2020 Utah Teacher of the Year
• Ryan Rarick (insta: @raricks_room) -- Education Pathway Teacher for Washington Country School District, 2026 ACTE Region V Teacher of the Year

Executive Producer:

• Kayla Towner (insta: @itsteachertowner) -- Taught elementary education K-6th, Education Technology Specialist, Project Manager, Podcast Editor & Producer, and the 2023 Honors in Education Award in Administration and the 2020 UCET Outstanding Young Educator Award.

Info Drop Spokesperson:

• John Arthur (insta: @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 are joined by Brooke Anderson, a data scientist from Jordan School District, and Stephan Seabury, a social studies teacher and James Madison Fellow for 2023. They discuss the importance of integrating data with policy to enhance the teaching profession. They explore how data can be reframed to empower teachers, the role of storytelling in making data impactful for policymakers, and actionable steps teachers can take to engage in policy-making processes. The guests emphasize the need for accessible, transparent data and the critical role of context in interpreting it.

00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome

01:14 Meet the Guests: Brooke Anderson and Stephan Seabury

02:23 Brooke Anderson on Data Science in Education

03:11 Empowering Teachers with Data

05:23 Using Data in Policy Conversations

09:20 How Teachers Can Get Involved in Policy

14:58 Making Data Transparent and Accessible

22:09 Concluding Thoughts and Takeaways

25:37 Closing Remarks and Podcast Information

GUESTS ON EPISODE:

• Brooke Anderson - K12 Data Scientist in Jordan School District, Data Analyst for the Teacher Fellows
• Stephan Seabury - History Teacher for Providence Hall High School, Teacher and Community Engagement for the Teacher Fellows

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Utah State Legislature Website - https://le.utah.gov/

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 (insta: @lmerkles) -- Taught AP English Language and Composition, Creative Writing in Granite School District, 2020 Utah Teacher of the Year
• Ryan Rarick (insta: @raricks_room) -- Education Pathway Teacher for Washington Country School District, 2026 ACTE Region V Teacher of the Year

Executive Producer:

• Kayla Towner (insta: @itsteachertowner) -- Taught elementary education K-6th, Education Technology Specialist, Project Manager, Podcast Editor & Producer, and the 2023 Honors in Education Award in Administration and the 2020 UCET Outstanding Young Educator Award.

Info Drop Spokesperson:

• John Arthur (insta: @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.