4AZ

4AZ

by Tyler McDowell-Blanken
Education
Season 2
A New School Year, Reigniting the Spark, and Turning 40 with Dr. Erika McDowell
Dr. Erika McDowell, veteran educator and co-CEO of Black Wildflowers Fund, joins Tyler for our season finale. They discuss the start of a new school year, how to maintain (or reignite) the spark, and Erika’s 40th birthday. Connect with Erika: @erikathequeen Connect with Black Wildflowers: @blackwildflowersfund Connect with Us: @4azteach 0:00 Introduction 3:42 Chapter 40 10:08 Reigniting the Spark: Scenarios 35:25 Exit Ticket: 3 Items Song: “NO TIME TO WASTE, PT. 2” by DRV SF & Planner, I Guess.
S2 · E7
Jul 30, 2025
44:56
Being a First-Generation American, Grad School, and ‘White Girl Wednesday’ with Ephraim Amissah
University of Arizona master’s student Ephraim Amissah joins Tyler to discuss his journey into the teaching profession. He shares details about his family’s journey to the United States, his experiences overcoming mental health challenges, and the first semester of his graduate studies. Connect with Ephraim: @ephraimamissah Connect with Us: @4azteach 0:00 Introduction 1:00 College 10:36 Pursuing Education 13:30 ADHD 19:50 Overcoming Doubt 22:40 Mr. Amissah 24:50 Coaching Football 31:50 Grad School 36:50 Moms 41:55 Finding Your Confidence 43:19 Exit Ticket: Ephraim’s Playlist
S2 · E6
Jul 23, 2025
46:02
Assessment Strategies, Leading a School, and Finding Your Peace with Dr. Pamela Chandler
Dr. Pamela Chandler, principal of AZ Compass Prep, joins Tyler to discuss her journey from teacher to literacy coach to principal. She discusses assessment strategies, working in schools worldwide, and how she prioritizes connecting with students and staff above all else. Connect with Dr. Chandler: ‘Dr. Pamela Chandler, Ed.D’ on LinkedIn Connect with Us: @4azteach 0:00 Introduction 1:26 An Early Love for Education 9:52 Advice for Aspiring Principals 16:20 From Across the World to Arizona 21:00 Assessment Strategies and 21st Century Skills 41:30 Exit Ticket: Playlist and Chapter Title Song: “NO TIME TO WASTE, PT. 2” by DRV SF & Planner, I Guess.
S2 · E5
Jul 16, 2025
46:45
Dodgeball Drama, First-Year Lessons, and the ‘Millennial Midlife Crisis’ with Darien Mckinley
Peoria physical education teacher Darien Mckinley joins Tyler to break down his first year of teaching. Darien shares the joys, the challenges, and how he learned the value of pivoting. They also discuss the 'Millennial Midlife Crisis' and much more. Connect with Darien: @coach_dmckinley Connect with Us: @4azteach 0:00 Introduction 2:37 First-Year Lessons 32:49 ‘Millennial Midlife Crisis’ 49:22 Exit Ticket: Fill-in-the-Blank Song: “NO TIME TO WASTE, PT. 2” by DRV SF & Planner, I Guess.
S2 · E4
Jul 9, 2025
59:28
The Future of Education (and Everything Else) with Trevor Knox and Kevin Paulson
Tyler is joined by Arizona State University career coach Trevor Knox and Desert View High School history teacher Kevin Paulson to discuss the state of public education and its future. They also share their thoughts on the future of artificial intelligence, celebrity, dating apps, and more. Connect with Kevin: @k_paulson94 Connect with Trevor: @tknox20 Connect with Us: @4azteach 0:00 Introduction 2:33 Education 51:10 Everything Else 1:11:21 Exit Ticket: Something Positive Song: “NO TIME TO WASTE, PT. 2” by DRV SF & Planner, I Guess.
S2 · E3
Jul 2, 2025
1:17:07
ASU Tales, Designing a Classroom, and the First Lunch Detention with Erin Lewis
Third-grade teacher Erin Lewis joins Tyler to reflect on her experience studying at Arizona State University. She shares the best parts of being an education major, the challenges of college, and how she’s approaching the start of her career after completing student teaching. Erin reveals her mentors' best advice, handing out her first lunch detention, and classroom design ideas. Connect with Erin: @erin.camilleeee Connect with Us: @4azteach 0:00 Introduction 1:45 Interior Design to Elementary Education 5:49 From Kentucky to the Valley 7:43 Internships 10:04 Developing Classroom Expectations 16:35 Designing Your First Classroom 17:58 Challenges of Studying Education 22:44 Studying Teaching 25:30 Myths of Studying Education 28:10 First Lunch Detention 31:01 Landing Your First Teaching Job 34:36 Erin’s Advice 38:45 Finding Community 40:44 Exit Ticket: Erin’s Go-Tos Song: “NO TIME TO WASTE, PT. 2” by DRV SF & Planner, I Guess.
S2 · E2
Jun 25, 2025
43:39
Kendrick, 'The Pop Out' Turns One, and Culturally Relevant Teaching with Desmond Powell
Season 2 is here! Desmond Powell of Hip 2 Da Games joins Tyler to reflect on the first anniversary of Kendrick Lamar's concert, 'The Pop Out.' They discuss culturally relevant teaching strategies, how themes of Lamar's work translate to the classroom, and Desmond's Grand National Tour live experience. Connect with Desmond: @desmondpowell_ Connect with Hip 2 Da Games: @hip2dagames Connect with Us: @4azteach 1:40 'The Pop Out' Turns One 21:26 Culturally Relevant Teaching Strategies 44:51 Exit Ticket: Kendrick and SZA Live Song: “NO TIME TO WASTE, PT. 2” by DRV SF & Planner, I Guess.
S2 · E1
Jun 18, 2025
52:01
Season 1
Justice and Joy | A Conversation with Dr. Erika L. McDowell
It's our Season One finale! Tyler welcomes Erika L. McDowell to learn about her career in education as a theatre teacher, administrator, and co-CEO of Black Wildflowers Fund. They also discuss her time as a Howard University student, becoming a college professor, and the Electric Slide. Connect with Erika: @erikathequeen Connect with Us: @4azteach 0:00 Introduction 2:15 Discovering a Passion for Education 5:12 Howard University 10:50 Starting a Career 18:45 Entrepreneurship 23:15 Philly versus Jersey 27:10 Spreading Your Wings 36:55 Becoming a Professor in Buffalo 40:10 Black Wildflowers 48:15 Audre Lorde 48:43 Exit Ticket
S1 · E9
Aug 21, 2024
56:40
Under Pressure | Tyler's Story and What's Next for 4AZ
Join Tyler as he reflects on his journey into education. He discusses the challenges of finding community as a high school student, moving to Tucson, and transitioning from journalism to teaching. Tyler also shares details about his experience in higher education and what’s next for 4AZ, including a reveal of next week’s season finale guest. Connect with Tyler: @tylerjmcdowell Connect with Us: @4azteach 0:00 Introduction 1:00 High School 6:16 UofA 13:58 Teach For America - Memphis 19:40 Ballet and Tucson 23:35 Marana 28:28 Cactus 30:55 ASU 39:05 Next Week’s Finale and 4AZ Season 2
S1 · E8
Aug 14, 2024
40:40
Restoring the Feeling | A Conversation with Sean Freeman
Tyler welcomes Sean Freeman to learn about his life as a Tempe High School teacher and head football coach. Sean shares his experience growing up in Mesa, rebuilding a storied athletic program, and how he builds relationships. They also discuss LeBron James, project-based learning, and why Sean stays in education. Connect with Sean: Coach_FreemanCC Connect with us: @4azteach 0:00 Introduction 2:28 Growing up in Mesa 3:50 Becoming a Coach 5:45 Project-Based Learning 8:45 Reviving Tempe Football 12:10 Coaching Resilience 16:42 Relationship Building 21:16 Finding Community 25:20 Advice for Rookies 28:00 Why He Stays 29:35 Exit Ticket
S1 · E7
Aug 7, 2024
33:42
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