Candace is back this week as we talk with Kyle Larson, former ESL teacher and founder of a language learning platform designed specifically for secondary English learners. Kyle shares how teaching across Latin America, China, and the United States shaped his perspective on language acquisition, and how those experiences led him to design tools that better support newcomers and long-term English learners.

From the limits of memorization-heavy instruction to the role of reading and listening as the true engine of language growth, this conversation explores what actually moves the needle for emergent bilingual students. Kyle also discusses the realities teachers face—overwhelming diversity of language levels, shrinking staffing supports, and the need for practical tools that content teachers can actually use in real classrooms.

The episode wraps with a fast-paced “Keep It or Cut It” game on common language learning practices, including translation tools, vocabulary quizzes, grammar-first instruction, and AI in the classroom.

• How global teaching experiences influence language instruction

• Why input (reading + listening) drives language acquisition

• The disconnect between language acquisition theory and classroom practice

• Supporting long-term English learners beyond basic communication

• The role—and limits—of translation tools and translanguaging

• Why one-size-fits-all pacing fails language learners

• AI as a supplement to support differentiation, not replace teachers

• Low-tech, high-impact solutions for students with limited digital access

Kyle also shares how his platform and companion notebooks aim to individually pace students from newcomer status through reclassification, giving them immediate support through QR-connected tools while still maintaining the benefits of paper-based learning.

Website: languagelearning.com
Email: Kyle@language.io

In this episode, we discuss:Connect with Kyle Larson:

Teach Like a Pirate: Engagement, Creativity, and Courage with Dave Burgess

In this high-energy episode of The No Name Paper Podcast, Meghan Wells is joined by veteran educator Heather Sanders to interview the one and only Dave Burgess — author of Teach Like a Pirate, keynote speaker, and founder of Dave Burgess Consulting. Together, they dive into the power of engagement, teacher creativity, and the courage it takes to innovate in today’s classrooms.

Dave shares the origin story behind the Pirate movement, from walking conference halls dressed as a pirate to publishing a global bestseller from his kitchen table. The conversation explores how risk-taking, human-centered engagement strategies, and passion-driven teaching can transform classrooms and reignite educator purpose.

You’ll also hear an honest discussion about teacher burnout, observation pressures, and how administrators can build cultures that encourage innovation rather than compliance. Plus, the trio tackles the evolving role of AI in education—highlighting how it can amplify teacher creativity when used as a thoughtful brainstorming partner instead of a shortcut.

The episode wraps up with a fun “Would You Rather: Pirate Edition” game and a look ahead at Dave’s upcoming projects, new books, and speaking engagements.

If you’re an educator who wants to reconnect with the joy, creativity, and purpose behind your teaching, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical mindset shifts you can implement immediately.

• The origin story of Teach Like a Pirate and the engagement movement

• Why student engagement is the foundation of effective instruction

• Creativity, courage, and risk-taking in observed classrooms

• Supporting innovation through leadership and school culture

• Using AI as a brainstorming partner to enhance lesson design

• Personal development, growth mindset, and overcoming teacher self-doubt

• Publishing educator voices and writing your own professional “manifesto”

• Pirate-themed rapid-fire “Would You Rather” game with Dave Burgess

Dave Burgess – Author of Teach Like a Pirate, keynote speaker, and founder of Dave Burgess Consulting
Heather Sanders – Veteran educator and guest host focused on Visible Learning, adolescent brain research, and literacy-driven instruction

What does it actually take to make technology work for students—not just sound good in a strategic plan? In this episode of The No Name Paper Podcast, Meghan and Candace sit down with Sephali Thakkar, a National Board Certified educator and STEM leader with nearly three decades of experience supporting schools, districts, and connected learning communities.

Together, they unpack how digital equity goes far beyond devices, why mentorship should be reciprocal, and how educators can thoughtfully integrate AI without losing the human element of teaching. Sephali shares practical insights on coaching teachers through innovation, building collaborative networks across schools, and reframing failure as part of the learning process.

This conversation dives into the realities of implementation, the importance of intentional tech adoption, and how strong relationships and reflective practices shape both student success and teacher growth.

If you’ve ever wondered how to move from buzzwords to meaningful change in your school or district, this episode is for you.

• Moving from “equity” as a buzzword to real, actionable practices

• Why connectivity—not just devices—is the missing piece in digital equity

• The power of reciprocal mentorship between veteran and new teachers

• Teaching students metacognition, reflection, and ethical AI use

• Common mistakes districts make when adopting new edtech tools

• Why implementation and teacher support matter more than the tool itself

• How intentional collaboration and community partnerships expand learning opportunities

• Technology should remove barriers, not create new ones.

• Adult learning and student learning share more similarities than we think.

• Strong relationships and reflection cycles are essential for meaningful growth.

• Schools must align purpose, implementation, and capacity before adopting new tools.

• Equity means giving learners what they need—not giving everyone the same thing.

Sephali Thakkar is a National Board Certified educator and STEM advocate with over 26 years of experience in national and international education leadership. She works directly with schools and districts to support digital equity initiatives, connected communities, and one-to-one device implementation while championing high-quality instructional materials and inclusive innovation.

If this conversation resonated with you, reflect on your own journey as an educator and how you’re leveraging technology, equity, and innovation in your context.

Share your thoughts, reflections, or takeaways with us:
🎙️ speakpipe.org/NoNamePaper

And don’t forget to share this episode with an educator who’s navigating the evolving world of edtech and instructional leadership.

In This Episode, We Discuss:Key TakeawaysAbout Our GuestConnect with the Podcast