No Name Paper: A Teacher Podcast

In this episode of The No Name Paper Podcast, we’re joined by the incredible Carly Spina—educator, author, and multilingual learner advocate who brings nearly two decades of boots-on-the-ground experience. Carly shares her journey from ESL teacher to instructional coach to her current role at the Illinois Resource Center, where she champions equity-driven practices across the country.

We talk about:

• Her new book Igniting Real Cha...

Join us for an inspiring episode as we sit down with Mary Ellen and Matt Smith, the dynamic husband-and-wife team behind the thriving theater program at Riverdale High School in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

In this conversation, you'll hear about:

• 
  

  Their Unique Paths to Teaching: Mary Ellen shares her journey from dental hygienist to theater educator, initially pursuing a chemistry degree before finding her passion in the...

Teaching Restorative Practices with Danica Hall

This week on The No Name Paper Podcast, Meghan and Candace sit down with educator, SEL coach, and restorative justice advocate Danica Hall of Columbus City Schools. From corporate life to the classroom, Danica shares her powerful journey into education and how restorative practices became her calling.

We dive deep into:

What restorative practices really look like in schools

🎙️ Podcast Summary Notes

Episode Title: The Power of Play: Gamification, Creativity & Student Voice with Dustin Remy

Guests: Dustin Remy (@teachersplayground)

Hosts: Megan Wells and Candace Miller

👤 Guest Bio: Dustin Remy

Dustin Remy is a veteran educator, speaker, and edtech innovator passionate about transforming classrooms into engaging, curiosity-driven learning spaces. From teaching AP Government and Debate to middle school STEA...

In this inspiring episode, BreAnne Fennell—educator, author, and play advocate—joins Meghan Wells and Candace Miller to discuss the power of play in education. From building classrooms out of Legos to publishing books that center joy, Bre shares her journey through 16 years of teaching, writing, and leading with authenticity.

Whether you’re a high school science teacher or a kindergarten paraprofessional, Bre reminds us all that pla...

In this episode, Meghan Wells and Candace Miller sit down with the ever-curious and adventurous educator, Becky Schnekser, to explore how science, travel, and authentic storytelling can change the classroom.

🧪 Becky shares the story behind her incredible collection of Amazon artifacts and how her field expeditions influence both her teaching style and student engagement. From navigating jungle terrain to sparking student inquiry, B...

EdTech, Tacos, and Food Tours with Gabriel Carrillo

Description:
This week on No Name Paper, we welcome Gabriel Carrillo—EdTech specialist, keynote speaker, and host of the EdTechBytes podcast. Based in San Antonio, Gabriel is famous for turning conference networking into epic food tours and for blending technology and tacos in creative ways that break down classroom barriers. Whether you’re a new teacher, an edtech enthusiast, o...

🎙️ No Name Paper Podcast | Featuring Alex Valencic
Episode Title: “Sustainable Teaching, Radical Reflection: A Conversation with Alex Valencic”

Episode Summary:
In this illuminating episode, we sit down with Alex Valencic, a passionate educator, instructional coach, and professional development advocate, for an honest conversation about the evolving role of teachers in today’s educational landscape.

Alex shares how his early love of l...

Making Learning Magical with Kiki Powell

Show Notes:

Join us as we talk with Kiki Powell, an award-winning educator, mentor, and content creator known for her innovative teaching strategies and captivating classroom engagement. Kiki shares her journey of transforming the educational experience through creativity, costumes, and collaborations with leading educational brands.

In this inspiring episode, you'll learn:

• How Kiki uses cos...

🎙️ Episode Title: Rethinking Depth of Knowledge and Inquiry with Erik M. Francis

📝 Show Notes:
In this episode, Erik M. Francis, author and depth of knowledge (DOK) expert, shares his insights on transforming educational practices with a focus on inquiry-based learning, smart brevity, and authentic engagement. Listen in as we explore the power of strategic questioning, depth of knowledge frameworks, and how to create learner-driven...

Join Meghan Wells and Candice Miller as they sit down with education powerhouse Dr. Joy Wilson, whose career has spanned every educational role imaginable—from teacher and instructional coach to principal and superintendent. Joy is now sharing her insights through her podcast, Superintendent in Sneakers, and today she’s on No Name Paper to talk leadership, career growth, and educator side hustles.

In this episode, you'll hear:
✨ Prac...

High Engagement, Real Results with John Meehan

Ready to ditch the ordinary and turn your classroom into a place students can't wait to enter? On this episode of No Name Paper, Candace and Meghan talk with John Meehan—educator, co-founder of EMC² Learning, and author of EDrenaline Rush and Fully EngagED.

John shares how theme parks, escape rooms, and video games can revolutionize student engagement. Learn how you can transform your te...

🗓️ Episode Summary:

This week on No Name Paper, we’re talking to Cheryl Graff—a Chicago-based high school special education teacher who turned an unexpected opportunity into a powerful cross-cultural learning experience. What started as a chance encounter has now grown into a thriving exchange program between her students and families in Germany.

Cheryl shares how she coordinates international travel for students with special needs,...

Language Is a Bridge: A Conversation with Andrea Bitner

📚 Episode Summary:
In this inspiring episode of No Name Paper: The Teacher Podcast, we’re joined by educator, author, and advocate Andrea Bitner. With experience as an English language teacher, reading specialist, and literacy coach, Andrea shares how her work led her to champion a powerful message: learning a second language is an asset—not a handicap.

Andrea discusses her book...

Episode 4: Teachers Deserve It – Featuring Rae Hughart
🗓️ Released: April 24,2025

Note speakpipe link was wrong in the episode. It is listed here.

This week, we’re having an early celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week with someone who lives and breathes advocacy for educators—Rae Hughart.

Rae is a nationally recognized educator, author, TEDx speaker, and the creator of the Teachers Deserve It movement. In this powerful conversatio...

🎙️ Episode 3: Culture Over Compliance – A Conversation with Dr. Darrin Peppard
🗓️ Released: April 18, 2025

This week’s episode is a little longer than usual—but for good reason.

We sit down with Dr. Darrin Peppard, author of Culture First Classrooms, to explore why putting culture first transforms classrooms, campuses, and communities. From practical takeaways to leadership lessons, this conversation will challenge how you t...

Episode 2: “This IS a Test”

Release Date: April 7, 2025

✏️ Episode Description:In this candid conversation, Meghan and Candace dive into the realities of testing season—from personal experiences with standardized testing as students and teachers to the emotional and professional pressures that come with it.

🧪 Topics Covered in This Episode:They reflect on how testing has evolved , what it really measures (or doesn’t), and how it impa...

No Name Paper: The Teacher Podcast – Episode 1Episode Title: "Why Teaching? Why Now?"

Release Date: April 4,2025

Welcome to the first-ever episode of No Name Paper: The Teacher Podcast! Join your host, Meghan Wells, alongside Candice Miller, as we kick off the conversation around one critical question: Why teaching, and why now?

We'll unpack why teaching is not only essential but deeply personal—and how educators from around the commu...