<![CDATA[Built By Educators: A CollabED Podcast]]>Built by Educators is a podcast about teaching, learning, and the real work that happens inside classrooms every day. Hosted by members of the CollabED community, each episode brings honest conversations between K-12 educators about the topics that matter most — from trauma-informed teaching and special education inclusion to student mentoring, life skills instruction, and educator wellness. This isn't scripted professional development or top-down advice. It's real dialogue between classroom teachers, school leaders, and education professionals who are doing the work. Together, we explore practical strategies, research-backed approaches, and hard-won lessons learned across grade levels and subject areas. Whether you're a new teacher looking for guidance, a veteran educator seeking fresh perspectives, or an instructional leader building a collaborative school culture — this podcast is for you. Topics include: classroom management, student engagement, social-emotional learning (SEL), teacher self-care, curriculum design, mentoring, collaboration, and professional growth. Built by Educators is a CollabED podcast — built by teachers, for teachers. Learn more at bbepodcast.org]]>www.bbepodcast.orgRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Mon, 06 Jul 2026 20:30:33 GMTThu, 19 Feb 2026 01:59:06 GMT60Educator Development & Collaboration Alliance Inc.<pre><code>Built by Educators is a podcast about teaching, learning, and the real work that happens inside classrooms every day. Hosted by members of the CollabED community, each episode brings honest conversations between K-12 educators about the topics that matter most — from trauma-informed teaching and special education inclusion to student mentoring, life skills instruction, and educator wellness. This isn't scripted professional development or top-down advice. It's real dialogue between classroom teachers, school leaders, and education professionals who are doing the work. Together, we explore practical strategies, research-backed approaches, and hard-won lessons learned across grade levels and subject areas. Whether you're a new teacher looking for guidance, a veteran educator seeking fresh perspectives, or an instructional leader building a collaborative school culture — this podcast is for you. Topics include: classroom management, student engagement, social-emotional learning (SEL), teacher self-care, curriculum design, mentoring, collaboration, and professional growth. Built by Educators is a CollabED podcast — built by teachers, for teachers. Learn more at bbepodcast.org</code></pre>episodicEducator Development & Collaboration Alliance Inc.mike@collabed.orgno<![CDATA[Meet Your New Host: Daniel Torres-Rangel on Built By Educators]]>In this special episode of Built By Educators, host Mike Williams introduces Daniel Torres-Rangel, the new host of the show. Daniel is an educator, instructional leader, and creative learning designer, the son of two career teachers who spent nine years teaching high school math and ESL before moving into school leadership and systems change work across public, charter, and private schools.

Daniel shares how he set out to be an aerospace engineer and found his way back to teaching, why he believes the classroom and the theater rehearsal room are the same kind of space, and what teaching English learners taught him about culture, relationships, and the affective filter. He and Mike talk about treating teachers as the professionals they are, building habits that make the profession sustainable, and what he hopes educators take away from the conversations ahead.

A warm, honest conversation for teachers, school leaders, and anyone who believes the people in front of the classroom matter most.

🎧 Listen to Built By Educators on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and YouTube.

#Teaching #Education #BuiltByEducators #TeacherPodcast #EducatorVoices

]]>bd91beeb-1c6e-487a-94bc-f2fc647cae08Fri, 26 Jun 2026 11:30:00 GMT<p>In this special episode of Built By Educators, host Mike Williams introduces Daniel Torres-Rangel, the new host of the show. Daniel is an educator, instructional leader, and creative learning designer, the son of two career teachers who spent nine years teaching high school math and ESL before moving into school leadership and systems change work across public, charter, and private schools.</p><p>Daniel shares how he set out to be an aerospace engineer and found his way back to teaching, why he believes the classroom and the theater rehearsal room are the same kind of space, and what teaching English learners taught him about culture, relationships, and the affective filter. He and Mike talk about treating teachers as the professionals they are, building habits that make the profession sustainable, and what he hopes educators take away from the conversations ahead.</p><p>A warm, honest conversation for teachers, school leaders, and anyone who believes the people in front of the classroom matter most.</p><p>🎧 Listen to Built By Educators on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and YouTube.</p><p>#Teaching #Education #BuiltByEducators #TeacherPodcast #EducatorVoices</p>no00:34:5117Meet Your New Host: Daniel Torres-Rangel on Built By Educatorsfull<![CDATA[Why Music Belongs in Every Classroom, with Wayne Splettstoeszer]]>In this episode of Built By Educators, host Mike Williams talks with Wayne Splettstoeszer, Director of Instrumental Music and Music Technology at Torrington High School in Connecticut, about nearly thirty years in music education and the real impact music has on students of every age.

Wayne shares how a simple classroom website grew into a music technology curriculum now used by 100 schools across the United States, Canada, and Australia. He talks about why music reaches every kind of learner, from all-state musicians to students who rarely come to school, and tells the story of a special education student who found his voice through podcasting. The conversation covers choice boards, student engagement, teaching with technology, preparing new teachers, and why music and arts programs deserve protection when budgets get tight.

A practitioner-led conversation for music teachers, classroom teachers, school leaders, and anyone who believes the arts belong at the center of a child's education.

🎧 Listen to Built By Educators on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and YouTube.

#MusicEducation #Teaching #BuiltByEducators #EdTech #TeacherPodcast

]]>52e23546-6659-46b2-bb50-79c1d1e47fa7Fri, 19 Jun 2026 11:30:00 GMT<p>In this episode of Built By Educators, host Mike Williams talks with Wayne Splettstoeszer, Director of Instrumental Music and Music Technology at Torrington High School in Connecticut, about nearly thirty years in music education and the real impact music has on students of every age.</p><p>Wayne shares how a simple classroom website grew into a music technology curriculum now used by 100 schools across the United States, Canada, and Australia. He talks about why music reaches every kind of learner, from all-state musicians to students who rarely come to school, and tells the story of a special education student who found his voice through podcasting. The conversation covers choice boards, student engagement, teaching with technology, preparing new teachers, and why music and arts programs deserve protection when budgets get tight.</p><p>A practitioner-led conversation for music teachers, classroom teachers, school leaders, and anyone who believes the arts belong at the center of a child's education.</p><p>🎧 Listen to Built By Educators on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and YouTube.</p><p>#MusicEducation #Teaching #BuiltByEducators #EdTech #TeacherPodcast</p>no00:53:0016Why Music Belongs in Every Classroom, with Wayne Splettstoeszerfull<![CDATA[Engaging High School Students: Play, Purpose & Student-Centered Learning | Dr. Desiree Cameron]]>How do you reach a high school student who has already decided they don't care — and what does it take to build a school culture where both students and teachers thrive? In this episode of Built by Educators, host Mike Williams sits down with Dr. Desiree Cameron — classroom teacher, theater educator, curriculum coordinator, university instructor at NYU, Pepperdine, and UCLA, and current high school principal in California — for a deep conversation about engaging high school students in meaningful learning. Dr. Cameron shares why play-based learning isn't just for kindergarten, how purpose-driven instruction can unlock even the most disengaged student, and why getting to know what a student loves outside of school is often the key to everything inside it. She also gets candid about teacher wellness, what real support from school leadership looks like, and how administrators can create a culture where professional growth and student success go hand in hand. Topics covered in this episode: • Student engagement strategies for high school educators • Play-based and purpose-driven learning at the secondary level • Building relationships with disengaged students • Teacher wellness and avoiding burnout in high-pressure schools • What real instructional leadership looks like from administration • Creating school culture that supports both educators and students • Adolescent brain development and what it means for classroom practice Her closing message is just three words — and it might be the most important thing you hear all week. Built by Educators is a CollabED podcast. Learn more at bbepodcast.org]]>a9bdcaee-a0cb-4c47-86cf-a9ce791e970cFri, 01 May 2026 11:15:00 GMT<pre><code>How do you reach a high school student who has already decided they don't care — and what does it take to build a school culture where both students and teachers thrive? In this episode of Built by Educators, host Mike Williams sits down with Dr. Desiree Cameron — classroom teacher, theater educator, curriculum coordinator, university instructor at NYU, Pepperdine, and UCLA, and current high school principal in California — for a deep conversation about engaging high school students in meaningful learning. Dr. Cameron shares why play-based learning isn't just for kindergarten, how purpose-driven instruction can unlock even the most disengaged student, and why getting to know what a student loves outside of school is often the key to everything inside it. She also gets candid about teacher wellness, what real support from school leadership looks like, and how administrators can create a culture where professional growth and student success go hand in hand. Topics covered in this episode: • Student engagement strategies for high school educators • Play-based and purpose-driven learning at the secondary level • Building relationships with disengaged students • Teacher wellness and avoiding burnout in high-pressure schools • What real instructional leadership looks like from administration • Creating school culture that supports both educators and students • Adolescent brain development and what it means for classroom practice Her closing message is just three words — and it might be the most important thing you hear all week. Built by Educators is a CollabED podcast. Learn more at bbepodcast.org</code></pre>no00:54:5815Engaging High School Students: Play, Purpose & Student-Centered Learning | Dr. Desiree Cameronfull<![CDATA[Special Education & Inclusion: What Real Classroom Support Looks Like]]>What does inclusion actually look like when you close the classroom door — and who is responsible for making it work? In this roundtable episode of Built by Educators, special education professionals come together for an unfiltered conversation about the realities of supporting diverse learners in today's K-12 schools. From IEP implementation and co-teaching dynamics to the question every educator has asked — "Whose student is this?" — the panel unpacks inclusion, shared responsibility, and what it takes to genuinely meet every student where they are. This episode isn't about labels, compliance paperwork, or being right. It's about real classrooms, real challenges, and the mindset shifts that make collaborative teaching actually work. Topics covered in this episode: • What inclusion really looks like in practice vs. what the policy says • Shared responsibility between general education and special education teachers • Communication strategies for co-teaching and collaborative planning • Shifting school culture from "your students" vs. "my students" to "our students" • How educators can advocate for better support and resources • Meeting diverse student needs without burning out Built by Educators is a CollabED podcast. Learn more at bbepodcast.org]]>fcf7f062-f88c-4d1e-abdf-1ed94b819d80Wed, 22 Apr 2026 01:22:42 GMT<pre><code>What does inclusion actually look like when you close the classroom door — and who is responsible for making it work? In this roundtable episode of Built by Educators, special education professionals come together for an unfiltered conversation about the realities of supporting diverse learners in today's K-12 schools. From IEP implementation and co-teaching dynamics to the question every educator has asked — "Whose student is this?" — the panel unpacks inclusion, shared responsibility, and what it takes to genuinely meet every student where they are. This episode isn't about labels, compliance paperwork, or being right. It's about real classrooms, real challenges, and the mindset shifts that make collaborative teaching actually work. Topics covered in this episode: • What inclusion really looks like in practice vs. what the policy says • Shared responsibility between general education and special education teachers • Communication strategies for co-teaching and collaborative planning • Shifting school culture from "your students" vs. "my students" to "our students" • How educators can advocate for better support and resources • Meeting diverse student needs without burning out Built by Educators is a CollabED podcast. Learn more at bbepodcast.org</code></pre>no00:57:3714Special Education & Inclusion: What Real Classroom Support Looks Likefull<![CDATA[Trauma-Informed Teaching: How Educators Can Support Students Through Adversity | Dr. Timothy Shampoe]]>How can teachers recognize and respond to trauma in the classroom — without becoming overwhelmed themselves? In this episode of Built by Educators, host Mike Williams speaks with Dr. Timothy Shampoe about trauma-informed teaching and the critical intersection of education, child welfare, and community support. Dr. Shampoe shares research-backed insights on reframing student behavior, creating safe and supportive classroom environments, and understanding the experiences of students in foster care. This conversation goes beyond theory. Dr. Shampoe offers practical, actionable advice for K-12 educators navigating complex student needs — including why the way we interpret behavior matters more than the behavior itself. Topics covered in this episode: • What trauma-informed teaching looks like in practice, not just in PD sessions • Reframing challenging student behavior through a trauma-aware lens • Creating classroom environments that feel safe, stable, and predictable • Supporting students in foster care — what teachers need to know • Teacher wellness and self-care when the work gets heavy • Building a community of learners in classrooms with diverse needs Built by Educators is a CollabED podcast. Learn more at bbepodcast.org]]>4649efcf-865d-42fb-a30f-2431730f31dbFri, 27 Mar 2026 13:30:22 GMT<pre><code>How can teachers recognize and respond to trauma in the classroom — without becoming overwhelmed themselves? In this episode of Built by Educators, host Mike Williams speaks with Dr. Timothy Shampoe about trauma-informed teaching and the critical intersection of education, child welfare, and community support. Dr. Shampoe shares research-backed insights on reframing student behavior, creating safe and supportive classroom environments, and understanding the experiences of students in foster care. This conversation goes beyond theory. Dr. Shampoe offers practical, actionable advice for K-12 educators navigating complex student needs — including why the way we interpret behavior matters more than the behavior itself. Topics covered in this episode: • What trauma-informed teaching looks like in practice, not just in PD sessions • Reframing challenging student behavior through a trauma-aware lens • Creating classroom environments that feel safe, stable, and predictable • Supporting students in foster care — what teachers need to know • Teacher wellness and self-care when the work gets heavy • Building a community of learners in classrooms with diverse needs Built by Educators is a CollabED podcast. Learn more at bbepodcast.org</code></pre>no00:56:5413Trauma-Informed Teaching: How Educators Can Support Students Through Adversity | Dr. Timothy Shampoefull<![CDATA[Teaching Life Skills: Focus, Communication & Emotional Regulation | Margaret Boersma]]>What life skills do students actually need to succeed — and how do teachers fit them into an already packed school day?

In this episode of Built by Educators, hosts Mike Williams and Kaley Clavell talk with veteran educator Margaret Boersma about the essential skills students need beyond academics: focus, communication, emotional regulation, and self-awareness. They explore how technology is reshaping student attention spans, why anxiety is rising in classrooms across K-12 schools, and what practical strategies teachers can use right away to help students build these critical competencies.

Margaret shares classroom-tested activities and discusses why teaching the whole child — not just the content — is the key to long-term student success.

Topics covered in this episode:
• Why life skills instruction belongs in every classroom, not just advisory periods
• The impact of technology on student focus and attention spans
• Practical strategies for teaching communication, cooperation, and emotional regulation
• Understanding rising student anxiety and how educators can respond
• Social-emotional learning (SEL) activities that work for any grade level

Resources mentioned:
• "Reclaiming Our Students" by Hannah Beach & Tamara Neufeld Strijack
• "The 5 Second Rule" by Mel Robbins
• "Harmony Hare and Her Three Voices" by Tammy Vallieres
• Margaret Boersma's "The Thriving Teacher Guide" — email MB@mboresma.com Built by Educators is a CollabED podcast. Learn more at bbepodcast.org

]]>80f4842c-a994-402c-90ee-e02847c7217fFri, 13 Mar 2026 14:34:23 GMT<p>What life skills do students actually need to succeed — and how do teachers fit them into an already packed school day?<br /><br />In this episode of Built by Educators, hosts Mike Williams and Kaley Clavell talk with veteran educator Margaret Boersma about the essential skills students need beyond academics: focus, communication, emotional regulation, and self-awareness. They explore how technology is reshaping student attention spans, why anxiety is rising in classrooms across K-12 schools, and what practical strategies teachers can use right away to help students build these critical competencies.<br /><br />Margaret shares classroom-tested activities and discusses why teaching the whole child — not just the content — is the key to long-term student success.<br /><br />Topics covered in this episode:<br />• Why life skills instruction belongs in every classroom, not just advisory periods<br />• The impact of technology on student focus and attention spans<br />• Practical strategies for teaching communication, cooperation, and emotional regulation<br />• Understanding rising student anxiety and how educators can respond<br />• Social-emotional learning (SEL) activities that work for any grade level<br /><br />Resources mentioned:<br />• "Reclaiming Our Students" by Hannah Beach &amp; Tamara Neufeld Strijack<br />• "The 5 Second Rule" by Mel Robbins<br />• "Harmony Hare and Her Three Voices" by Tammy Vallieres<br />• Margaret Boersma's "The Thriving Teacher Guide" — email <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:MB@mboresma.com" target="_blank">MB@mboresma.com</a> Built by Educators is a CollabED podcast. Learn more at <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://bbepodcast.org" target="_blank">bbepodcast.org</a></p>no01:14:4812Teaching Life Skills: Focus, Communication & Emotional Regulation | Margaret Boersmafull<![CDATA[Student Mentoring & Building Trust Beyong the Classroom | Sean Barts]]>What does it take to truly reach young people — not just as a teacher, but as a mentor? In the first episode of Built by Educators, hosts Mike Williams and Kaley Clavell sit down with Sean Barts, founder of Team Truth 919, for an honest conversation about mentoring students, building trust, and helping young people develop the life skills they'll carry long after they leave the classroom. Sean shares his experience working with students in and out of school, why relationships are the foundation of every meaningful learning experience, and how educators and community leaders can work together to support the students who need it most. Topics covered in this episode: • Why mentoring matters for student development and school culture • Building authentic trust with students who've learned not to trust adults • The role of community organizations in supporting K-12 education • Teaching life skills alongside academics — communication, accountability, and resilience • How educators can partner with community mentors for student success Built by Educators is a CollabED podcast. Learn more at bbepodcast.org]]>5638e4bd-39c9-4b49-aade-d45c213e5ee5Fri, 06 Mar 2026 01:36:01 GMT<pre><code>What does it take to truly reach young people — not just as a teacher, but as a mentor? In the first episode of Built by Educators, hosts Mike Williams and Kaley Clavell sit down with Sean Barts, founder of Team Truth 919, for an honest conversation about mentoring students, building trust, and helping young people develop the life skills they'll carry long after they leave the classroom. Sean shares his experience working with students in and out of school, why relationships are the foundation of every meaningful learning experience, and how educators and community leaders can work together to support the students who need it most. Topics covered in this episode: • Why mentoring matters for student development and school culture • Building authentic trust with students who've learned not to trust adults • The role of community organizations in supporting K-12 education • Teaching life skills alongside academics — communication, accountability, and resilience • How educators can partner with community mentors for student success Built by Educators is a CollabED podcast. Learn more at bbepodcast.org</code></pre>no01:00:0211Student Mentoring & Building Trust Beyong the Classroom | Sean Bartsfull