In this encore of one of our most downloaded episodes, we revisit a powerful conversation recorded at Pope Elementary with a panel of teachers known for their intentional systems, strong routines, and ability to make every instructional minute count. From first grade through fifth grade and Quest, these educators share concrete, high‑leverage moves—paired with the deeper beliefs that make those moves work.

You’ll hear how predictable structures actually create more room for joy, engagement, and connection, and how clarity, community, and respect build the foundation for meaningful learning. Whether you’re refining routines midyear, supporting staff as a leader, or simply craving a reset, this episode offers practical, ready‑to‑use strategies you can take straight back to your classroom or PLC.

In this episode of TandL Talks, Nancy sits down with science cadre members Carrie Garcia (4th grade) and Christine Livernash (2nd grade) to explore the power of elementary science instruction. Together they discuss curriculum maps and pacing, vertical alignment across grade levels, and how integrated science builds literacy, collaboration, and critical thinking. You’ll hear practical insights, classroom stories, and encouragement for any teacher who has ever thought, “I’m not a science person.” This conversation is a strong reminder that when students get to question, build, test, and discover, engagement and learning soar.

Native education is not an add-on—it’s a commitment. In this thoughtful TandLTalks conversation, Kayla Guyette shares what educators need to knowabout Indigenous history, sovereignty, and culturally responsive practices intoday’s classrooms. From dismantling common misconceptions to highlighting thereal impact of John McCoy (lulilaš) Since Time Immemorial (JML-STI), thisepisode offers practical wisdom, hope, and a clear message: representation,relationships, and truth-telling matter.

What happens when music teachers step into leadership to shape the future of learning?In this episode of TandL Talks, Nancy sits down with Colin Spears (Pope Elementary) and Morgan Myers (Ridgecrest Elementary), two teacher leaders serving on the elementary music curriculum adoption team. They share the teachers who shaped them, what surprised them about the adoption process, how student engagement guides their decisions, and why—no matter the curriculum—relationships and joy are the true heart of music education.This conversation is about music, yes—but also about voice, collaboration, and the power teachers have to shape both systems and lives.

In this TandL Talks episode, Nancy sits down with Kayla Hoots and Brian Carpenter, two powerhouse visual arts educators who remind us that art isn’t about perfection. It’s about meaning. Together, they explore how students discover their voices through music, clay, texture, and risk-taking, why creativity fuels problem-solving across every subject, and how arts classrooms become places of belonging, courage, and deep thinking. Whether you teach the arts or simply believe in helping students see themselves as capable creators, this conversation leaves a lasting imprint.

What happens when neuroscience meets classroom practice? In this episode, we’re joined by sisters Missy and Crystal Widmann to unpack the story behind Neural Education. We talk attention, UDL, productive failure, and why community—not compliance—is the key to sustainable learning for both students and adults.

https://www.neuraleducation.org/

How One Field Trip Builds Memories,Meaning, and Community

In this episode of TandL Talks,host Nancy shines a spotlight on one of the Puyallup School District’s mosttreasured learning spaces: the Karshner Museum and Center for Culture &Arts. Joined by Karen Higgins, Museum and Arts Coordinator, and Dawn Meyerhoff,the museum’s field trip teacher, Nancy explores how this one-of-a-kind museumcreates unforgettable learning experiences for students across grade levels.

From hands-on artifacts and globalexhibits to the legendary elephant foot that generations still remember, theconversation dives into what makes a Karshner Museum field trip so impactful.Listeners will hear how museum experiences align with Washington State learningstandards, build background knowledge, support diverse learners, and helpstudents see both themselves and others reflected in the learning.

You’ll also learn what a typical fieldtrip feels like from a student’s perspective, how families continue thelearning by returning together, and how community events keep culture, history,and the arts alive beyond the school day. Whether you’re a teacher planningahead, a family looking for a meaningful local experience, or someone who stillremembers your own childhood visit, this episode is a celebration of curiosity,connection, and community.

In this episode of TandL Talks, Nancy and co-host Ann Schumacher, elementary science instructional coach, sit down with Sunrise Elementary fourth grade teachers Jenna Kinne, Abby Seay, and Chelsea Wilkinson Walker to unpack one of the most beloved experiences in the district: the fourth grade salmon hatchery field trip.

From life cycle charts and “wait… the alevin are that small?!” moments to feeding frenzies at the tanks, they share how this trip turns science standards into something unforgettable.

The group dives into how the hatchery experience deepens student understanding of habitats, adaptations, and local ecosystems, and how it connects directly to social studies, the Puyallup Tribe, and a growing sense of place. They also talk about family engagement—parents chaperoning, younger siblings already excited for “their turn,” and the ripple effect of kids bringing their families back to the hatchery on weekends.

As one teacher shares, “The amount of parents that were like, ‘I didn’t even know this was over here,’ and they’ve lived here all their life… it was awesome.”

You’ll hear practical tips for making the most of the pre-trip lessons, what surprised students (and teachers!), and why this partnership between schools, the hatchery, and community volunteers is so special. If you care about field experiences, place-based learning, or just want a feel-good story about kids, salmon, and community, this one’s for you.