Chalk Dust Podcast

Today I am talking with Andrew Brinker, a high school Environmental Science teacher in Fort Worth, TX. I met Andrew in 2019 when I was recruiting teachers for a National Science Foundation research project, and we have been working together ever since. Andrew’s work on the Trinity River Turtle Survey has been featured in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and KERA, to name a few, as we

Today I am talking with Lauren Waldman, a high school social studies teacher in Dallas, TX. I first met Lauren as a high school student when she was on a campus visit at TCU. The next fall she enrolled in my introductory education class, and I was so glad to see she had enrolled. I taught Lauren in a couple more classes at TCU, and she spent a year working for me as a graduate teac

Today I am talking with Ilse Espino Ortega, a middle school math teacher in Fort Worth, TX. I met Ilse in the Spring 2016 semester when she took my introductory education class. At the time, Ilse was exploring education as a major, and I am so glad she decided to choose teaching as her career. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Middle School Math Education and a Master’s in Math Ed

Today I am talking with Dr. Steve Przymus, an Assistant Professor of Education at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, TX. I met Steve in 2016 when he joined the faculty in the College of Education. Steve has extensive experience teaching at the middle and high school level, both in the United States and abroad. He now leverages that experience as a teacher, as well as his own

Today I am talking with Allie Castellano, a first grade teacher in Fort Worth, TX. I met Allie in 2012, my first year at TCU when she was a first year student. A few years later, Allie worked for me as a teaching assistant when she was a graduate student. From the very beginning, I knew Allie was going to be one of those teachers who made a huge impact in her students’ lives, and

Today I am talking with Clint Allen, a middle school social studies teacher in Arlington, TX. I met Clint in 2019 when I spoke at the induction ceremony for the National Junior Honor Society at the Oakridge School. Clint started off as a youth minister, but he has spent the last several years teaching in both public and independent schools. Clint is an inspirational educator and I

Today I am talking with Karina Hinz Barrigas, a middle school English/Language Arts teacher in Fort Worth, TX. I’ve known Karina since 2014 when she was a student in my introductory education course at TCU. Since then, Karina has taken additional courses from me, and I was even her student teaching supervisor. Karina stayed at TCU for an additional year, and she worked for me as

Today I am talking with Samuel Moseley, an educator living in Fort Worth, TX. I’ve known Samuel since 2012 when he was a student in my educational technology class at TCU. Samuel started off as a high school English teacher, but he has also taught middle school Language Arts, and he is currently a coordinator for programs of choice at his alma mater, Southwest High School. Samuel

Today I am talking with Sydney Heckes, a teacher in Frisco, TX. I’ve known Sydney since 2013 when he was a student in my introductory education class at TCU. I knew from the very start Sydney was going to be a superstar teacher, and it was so much fun watching her flourish as a student and teacher in the College of Education. She also worked for me during her Master’s program a

Today I am talking with Mallory Birckhead Graham, a middle school English teacher living in Virginia. I’ve known Mallory since 2007 when she was a student in my educational technology class at the University of Virginia. In addition to being an amazing student and future teacher, Mallory was our twin boys’ very first babysitter! I am really looking forward to catching up with M