Spotlight 4 Success | "Teaching as a Gift" | TCSS

4/11/2025

The spark of curiosity that ignites a teaching career can transform countless young minds. Sarah Webb from David Crockett High School in Washington County, Tennessee shares how discovering an unknown fact about her hometown – that Jonesboro was one of the first cities in Tennessee – launched her mission to "pique children's interest in our past" and "cultivate the love of learning." Website: https://www.spotlight4success.com/

Previous Podcasts

Spotlight 4 Success | "Middle School is My Passion" | TCSS

4/9/2025

What happens when middle schoolers become historical investigators instead of passive fact-memorizers? Rosa Heintz reveals the powerful transformation occurring in social studies classrooms across Tennessee's Hamilton County Schools. Website: https://www.spotlight4success.com/

Spotlight 4 Success | "Why Teachers Keep Learning" | TCSS

4/9/2025

What drives a teacher to stay passionate after more than two decades in the classroom? Patrick Harry, a veteran educator from South Lincoln Pre-K-8 School, reveals the inspiration behind his 22-year journey teaching history and his recent venture into teaching science. Website: https://www.spotlight4success.com/

Spotlight 4 Success | "Songs From The Heart" | TCSS

4/8/2025

The power of music to preserve family history takes center stage as we sit down with Nancy Brennan-Strange, a talented singer and balladist performing at the Tennessee Council of Social Studies conference in Gatlinburg. Nancy's musical journey reveals how deeply personal connections can transform into artistic expression that resonates across generations. Website: https://www.spotlight4success.com/

Spotlight 4 Success | "The Sweet Dilemma of an Education Leader" | TCSS

4/7/2025

From field trips to federal policy, Dr. Mark Finchum offers a masterclass in Social Studies education leadership during this illuminating conversation from Gatlinburg, Tennessee. As Executive Director of the Tennessee Council of Social Studies (TCSS), Fincham draws on three decades of experience to share valuable insights about the organization's mission to serve educators across all social studies disciplines. Website: https://www.spotlight4success.com/

Spotlight 4 Success | "Interactive Notebooks in Middle School Education" | TCSS

4/7/2025

Ever wondered how to help students keep track of their learning throughout the school year? Two innovative educators from Hamilton County Schools have the answer: interactive notebooks. Katie Mara and Maureen Bergren joined us at the Tennessee Council of Social Studies conference in Gatlinburg to share their expertise on implementing interactive notebooks in middle school classrooms. What started as a presentation they were "bullied into" by their director has become a passion project that's transforming how students engage with social studies content. Website: https://www.spotlight4success.com/

Spotlight 4 Success | "When History Meets Policy: One Teacher's Mission to Support Educators" | TCSS

4/3/2025

The conversation reveals how Simmons rose from an interested elementary social studies teacher to becoming the president who oversaw Tennessee's hosting of the National Council for Social Studies conference in Nashville—what she calls "one of the highlights of my career." With her background in event planning, she successfully showcased Tennessee's rich historical landscape from Civil War to Civil Rights history to educators from across the nation. Spotlight 4 Success: https://www.spotlight4success.com/

Spotlight 4 Success | "Coaching Victory, Teaching History" | TCSS

4/3/2025

As a first-generation college graduate, Jordan's personal journey fuels his passionate approach to teaching history. His story illustrates the transformative power of education—not just as academic instruction, but as a gateway to previously unimagined possibilities. "It's given me a lot of opportunities that otherwise I may not have had," Jordan reflects, explaining his mission to show students paths they might not consider. From celebrating a student's acceptance to a rival university to coaching track and football alongside his teaching duties, Jordan consistently puts student growth above all else. Spotlight 4 Success Website: https://www.spotlight4success.com/

Spotlight 4 Success | "From Nursing to Education: Jami Fowler-White's Journey" | TCSS

4/1/2025

What happens when a nursing student discovers her true calling through an unexpected substitute teaching gig? Jami Fowler-White, Principal of Scenic Hills Elementary in Shelby County Schools, shares the fascinating detour that launched her 28-year career in education on this episode of Spotlight for Success. From teaching at her childhood elementary school to coaching teachers across Memphis to her current administrative role, Jami's professional evolution exemplifies dedication to student success. She candidly discusses the challenges she overcame, including taking maximum course loads after switching majors while maintaining her scholarship, and how these experiences shaped her educational philosophy. Spotlight 4 Success Website: https://www.spotlight4success.com/

Spotlight 4 Success | "From Youth Pastor to Teacher Educator" | TCSS

4/1/2025

What happens when a struggling first-year teacher discovers the transformative power of professional learning communities? Dr. Joshua Kenna's educational journey takes us from his humble beginnings as an alternatively certified social studies teacher in Florida to his current role as a teacher educator and conference coordinator for the Tennessee Council of Social Studies. Spotlight 4 Success Website: https://www.spotlight4success.com/

Spotlight 4 Success | "How a British Commander's Threat Ignited a Turning Point" | TCSS

3/31/2025

David Doan of the Overmountain Victory Trail Association takes us back to 1780, when the Revolutionary War had reached a stalemate and the British implemented their Southern Strategy. What followed was an extraordinary grassroots military campaign as the previously neutral Overmountain Men mustered at Fort Watauga and marched to confront Ferguson's forces. The resulting Battle of Kings Mountain lasted just 65 minutes but eliminated one-third of British forces in the South—a devastating blow that altered the course of the war. For More Episodes, please visit: https://www.spotlight4success.com/

Spotlight 4 Success | "America's Revolutionary Turning Point" | TCSS

3/31/2025

Journey back to America's fight for independence as we sit down with David Carr from the Sons of the American Revolution at the Tennessee Council of Social Studies conference in Gatlinburg. What emerges is a fascinating portrait of a revolution far more complex—and personal—than most history books suggest. David reveals how the Revolutionary War in the South functioned essentially as a Civil War, with Patriot and Loyalist neighbors literally taking up arms against each other. One haunting account describes a Patriot who, after the Battle of Kings Mountain, discovered he had killed his own neighbor during the fighting. These aren't just historical footnotes—they're powerful reminders of how deeply divided communities became during America's birth. For More Episodes, please visit: https://www.spotlight4success.com/

Spotlight 4 Success | "Remember, Honor & Teach: The Three Pillars That Heal" | TCSS

3/28/2025

The power of remembrance takes on new meaning in this touching conversation with Cindy Tatum of Wreaths Across America. After 26 years teaching at Milan High School, Tatum found an unexpected second calling that combines her educational expertise with a deeply personal mission. As a Gold Star mother who lost her son, Corporal Daniel Lee Tatum, USMC, on December 24, 2007, she brings heartfelt understanding to her role developing curriculum for an organization dedicated to honoring those who served. Feel free to check out our website for more: https://www.spotlight4success.com/

Spotlight 4 Success | "When Memorization Takes a Backseat" | TCSS

3/27/2025

How do we move beyond textbook-driven social studies instruction to create truly engaging learning experiences? Bruce Stubblefield, the 9-12 Curriculum Director for Hamilton County Schools, offers a compelling vision during our conversation at the Tennessee Council of Social Studies Conference in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Spotlight 4 Success on Buzzsprout: https://spotlight4success.buzzsprout.com

Spotlight 4 Success | "Fresh Ideas for Better Test Scores" | TCSS

3/20/2025

Huebener's remarkable journey from music business executive to minister to innovative educator provides a fascinating backdrop for his educational philosophy. "A lot of effective teaching is diverse methodology," he explains, detailing how his classroom innovations like "Fly Swatter Review" and "Beach Ball Review" turn mundane study sessions into memorable learning experiences. These aren't just games—they're strategic teaching tools that remove the shame from the learning process while boosting retention and understanding. Spotlight 4 Success on Buzzsprout: https://spotlight4success.buzzsprout.com

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