reTeachable moments

reTeachable moments

by Refocused Education

How To Self-Improvement

Season 1

Students Don't Owe Teachers Respect: Patience, Purpose & Mental Health with Tonette Campbell

What does it really take to become the teacher students remember? In this episode, veteran educator Tonette Campbell reflects on more than two decades in Baltimore City Public Schools, sharing lessons on patience, classroom relationships, teacher mental health, and finding purpose in education. From helping quiet students find their voice to creating healthier school cultures, this conversation is full of practical wisdom and honest reflection for educators at every stage of their careers.

Why Great Teachers Abandon Their Lesson Plans

What separates great teachers from everyone else? In this episode, veteran educator and retired military leader Mr. Bizelle shares decades of classroom wisdom—from why relationships matter more than rigid lesson plans to the importance of mentorship, adaptability, and believing in every student. If you've ever questioned yourself as a teacher or wondered how experienced educators continue growing year after year, this conversation is for you.

Everything I Learned About Business, I Learned Teaching Pre-K

What if the most valuable business lessons aren't learned in business school—but in a Pre-K classroom? Erica Bentley never planned to become a teacher. In fact, she accidentally interviewed for a Pre-K position after misreading a hiring fair sign. What followed was a career that reshaped how she viewed children, leadership, organization, and ultimately entrepreneurship. In this conversation, Erica shares hilarious classroom stories, practical teaching strategies, and the surprising ways education prepared her to build a thriving business after leaving the classroom.

Who Told You That? Helping Students Rewrite Their Story with Kendell Lenise

Teachers don't just teach content—they shape the stories students believe about themselves. In this episode, Jerel sits down with educator, life coach, and speaker Kendell Lenise (The Remix Coach) to discuss mental health, representation, emotional regulation, trauma-informed teaching, and why the words adults speak over children can last a lifetime. From overcoming cancer to returning to the classroom with renewed purpose, Kendell shares powerful stories that remind us why authentic relationships remain at the heart of great teaching.

Why Most Students Hate Math (And It's Not Their Fault)

What if students don't actually hate math—they've simply never been taught to truly understand it? In this episode, educator and entrepreneur Akil Parker, founder of All This Math and creator of Hismatics, shares his journey from classroom teacher to full-time educational entrepreneur. Together, we explore conceptual learning, culturally relevant teaching, Common Core misconceptions, entrepreneurship, educational equity, and why great teachers help students understand the world—not just memorize formulas. This conversation is packed with practical insights for teachers, instructional leaders, and anyone passionate about improving education.

The Truth About Respect in Today's Classroom

What keeps great teachers in the classroom? Veteran middle school educator Mr. Fletcher shares the story of how he discovered teaching wasn't simply a career—it was a calling. Together we explore classroom management, student relationships, burnout, fatherhood, respect, and why understanding students always comes before correcting them. If you've ever struggled with student behavior, questioned your purpose, or wanted practical advice from someone who's lived it, this conversation is for you. In this episode: How Fletcher discovered teaching Feeling called into education Choosing middle school Why school culture matters Fatherhood and teaching Building relationships before correcting behavior The difference between respect and compliance How to respond to student disrespect Working with students who refuse to work Returning after teacher burnout Advice for new educators

How Great Teachers Build Trust with Students, Parents & Communities | Robert A. Douglas

Former teacher, school leader, author, filmmaker, and community advocate Robert A. Douglas joins the reTeachable Moments Podcast for an honest conversation about what it really takes to make an impact in education. Rob shares the powerful story of the teacher who changed his life, how community involvement transformed his relationships with students and families, why many parent conflicts stem from survival rather than opposition, and the difficult realities educators face behind the scenes of school leadership. Together, we discuss classroom management, building authentic rapport, earning trust, supporting urban communities, and why the best teachers never stop seeing the humanity in the people they serve. Whether you're a new teacher, veteran educator, instructional leader, or aspiring administrator, this episode offers practical wisdom and meaningful perspective on creating lasting impact beyond academics. In this episode: Building authentic relationships with students Connecting with parents instead of confronting them Community engagement that changes school culture Classroom management through trust and respect The realities of school leadership and educational politics Supporting students beyond the classroom Why empathy is one of a teacher's greatest strengths #GetRefocused

The Best Teachers Make Students Feel Safe | Mike Levy

What makes students truly learn? According to Baltimore physics teacher Mike Levy, it begins long before the lesson—it begins with trust. In this episode, we explore the importance of classroom culture, psychological safety, student relationships, accountability, mentoring, and creating learning environments where students can thrive. Mike also shares stories from his journey into teaching, the mentors who shaped him, and why great teaching is about much more than delivering content. Whether you're a first-year teacher or a seasoned educator, you'll leave with practical insights and a renewed perspective on what students need most. Topics include: Transitioning from banking to education Building classroom culture Student engagement Psychological safety Classroom management Supporting disengaged learners Mentorship AI in education Teacher reflection Student relationships Legacy in teaching