#Between2BlueDevils

Episode 57 features teacher and coach Brittany Lightel. I have known Brittany and her family for a long time, after all, like so many of our other guests Brittany has grown up in Tallmadge, she went through Tallmadge City Schools, and now she is a teacher at Tallmadge High School.  Over the past year I have worked a ton with Brittany during the school day. She is one of our intervention specialists and her room is right down the hallway from my office. There isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t stop by her room to listen to her laugh and banter with her students. Her classroom is a room of energy and positivity and it fills my bucket just to swing by and listen to her teach. It's the same energy and positivity that she brings everyday to the softball field as our girls head coach. As our head coach Brittany has poured her heart and soul into coaching our young women. She coaches softball year round. She is dedicated to her craft. This past season was a dream season for her, our girls, and our school in that our team won the Division 2 state championship.!! Not only that but Coach Lightel was then recognized as the Greater Akron-Canton High School Sports Awards Female Coach of the Year!  I thoroughly enjoyed interviewing Coach Lightel. Honestly, it is a long episode. The first half we talk about her role as a teacher, and then the second half we chat about softball.  I loved every second of it, and I know you will. This young lady is amazing.  This is the final episode of season 4. Season 5 of Between2bluedevils will resume in the fall. Until then be sure to check out all of the other episodes and hear more amazing stories. Thanks for listening. Now, turn up the volume, prop your feet up, and meet Coach Brittany Lightel.

Episode 42 features Mr. Alan Miller, 4th grade educator at Tallmadge Elementary School. Alan is a passionate educator, committed soccer coach, and reflective thinker. You are going to love this episode. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode. 

This episode I sit down with two leaders of the THS senior class. Ana Crangle and Ashton Bell both have amazing stories to tell. As you listen you will be moved by the wisdom that these young women drop.  After listening to this interview be sure to follow our school newspaper, The Devils Tale, on Twitter: The Devils Tale And be sure to subscribe to their podcast where they feature the stories of other THS students-The Devils' Tale. Enjoy this special episode of Between2BlueDevils!

The first episode of Season 3 features one of my most favorite people in Tallmadge, Mrs. Arene Staszak. Mrs. Staszak is a wife, mother, math teacher, coach, and musician. If she isn't in the classroom, then she is most likely in the hallway planning another event for our students. If she isn't in the hallway she is most likely on a softball field somewhere. And if you cannot find her on a field then she is probably on the stage singing with her band...The Buck Naked Band. How she finds time for all that she does is a true mystery. Here is what I know about Mrs. Staszak, and her crew consisting of Mrs. Headrick, Mrs. Giles, and Mrs. Blasko. They care about our kids and they want to provide as many opportunities for memories to be created as possible for them. She is truly amazing. On a side note she ranks as one of my daughters all time favorite teachers.  You can follow Mrs. Staszak on Twitter at: @THS_Staszak You can also follow her band, the Buck Naked Band, at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bucknakedband/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bucknakedband/ Be sure to forward this episode to a friend. Also, be sure to rate the podcast and help us get the message out.  Thanks for your support and enjoy Season 3.

They came rushing into class one morning and hijacked the podcast. I, your host, was forcibly sat down to be interviewed, and it turned out to be a blast! Okay, I wasn't forced, but I turned over the reins to two amazing students, Esther and Chandni, and answered all of their questions. I enjoyed sharing bits and pieces of my story with these two, and as an extension, with you. My story has some interesting twists and turns and how I ended up in the classroom is honestly a miracle. But I am so happy that it is where I landed, and I am so honored to call teaching my profession. As many of you know I consider it a calling. I am thankful I have been called. Your two hosts are two of my ALL TIME FAVORITES. Here is what you need to know about Esther and Chandni...they will outwork anyone. I had the honor of having them in my APUSH (Advanced Placement United States History) class. It was in this very rigorous environment where I got to witness first hand their commitment to excellence. They worked diligently day in and day out seeking to become the best historians they could. While attacking their academics they also participated in every leadership opportunity they could. They are leaders. They are beacons of light in our building, and they are resilient. Not only did they work hard and lead as sophomores, but they did so during one of the most traumatic times in our history. The shutdown...the quarantine. Having to take APUSH is hard enough, but then having your school year take the turn that it did on March 13th, 2020 makes it near impossible to succeed in. But these two extraordinary women did not let this hurdle stop them from not only excelling in class (no matter what it looked like) but also leading in our community. They did everything they could to help classmates succeed by hosting online reviews, text reviews, and zoom reviews with their APUSH family. They also did everything they could to help classmates outside of APUSH deal with the uncertainties of COVID. As you can tell I have nothing but mad respect for these two. They are two very influential women. As they entered into this past year as juniors they continued their role as leaders within the school. Now, they are seniors. Now things seem a little more normal as we get closer to the new year starting. And now I sit with excitement awaiting to see all the great things these two will do in their final year at THS. I hope you enjoy their interview and I hope you enjoy a bit about my story. I am truly blessed. You can follow me on all social media platforms: Instagram: @mrhornertheteacher Twitter: @THSMr_Horner Facebook: Mark Horner Email: horner.mark@tallmadgeschools.org

This week I sit down with Mrs. Courtney Davis, Tallmadge City Schools newly appointed Director of Curriculum and Instruction. Mrs. Davis has been with Tallmadge for over a decade serving all of those years as principal of Tallmadge Elementary. Mrs. Davis knew she was called to be an educator from an early age. She was one of those future teachers who sat all of her stuffed animals up in her make believe classroom and taught them. “Court,” as her friends call her, spends every moment she can with her family. She has been married to her college sweetheart, Jason, for 20 years! She has a daughter named Kendall, soon to be junior, and a son named Kaden, soon to be a freshman. Both of her kids attend Tallmadge High School. Priority number one in her and her husband's lives is family time. Mrs. Davis is an inspiring leaders. Countless times throughout our conversation the role of relationships and a positive mindset came up. Relationships are key to being successful within education, and as a leader. Her favorite book is The Power of Positive Leadership by Jon Gordon. When asked why this is her favorite book she stated: “Because it speaks to positive leadership not being about fake positivity-it’s about the real stuff that happens in the trenches everyday and the connecting and uniting people in the face of difficult situations.” Connecting and staying positive are qualities that she demonstrates on a daily basis. One of her most favorite quotes typifies her leadership philosophy: “Being positive in a negative situation is not naïve, it’s leadership” Gifford Thomas Mrs. Davis has had a tremendous impact as the elementary principal. She takes great pride in inspiring students and watching them go on to succeed in whatever they choose to do. She cherished the opportunities to help them see their potential at a young age and foster that growth throughout their time at the elementary level. When asked what she is most looking forward to this next year she said, “I am definitely looking forward to embracing this new role as Director of Curriculum, and working with the amazing educators throughout the District to support student learning and growth.” No doubt Tallmadge City Schools will be in good hands with Mrs. Davis leading as Director of Curriculum and Instruction. To keep up with all that Mrs. Davis will be doing be sure to follow her on Twitter: @TallmadgeK5

This week I sit down with the one and only Maximus, AKA Mr. Mark Verrona. Mr. Verrona has been a teacher for 22 years...19 of which have been here in Tallmadge City Schools. He is one PROUD DAD!! He has 3 kids: Megan who is 12, Benjamin who is 10, and Violet who is 9. When not busy with the joys of fatherhood he likes to go for a run, catch a movie (click to see what his favorite movie is), or play some cards...and then pound some Gionino's pizza, his favorite food. When he was in high school he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do in the “real world.” After high school he decided to volunteer at Kent Roosevelt (his alma mater) and work with the track team. Within that environment he learned the value of hard work and relationships. This inspired him to become a teacher. Mr. Verrona’s classroom is a place of joy, where kids are encouraged to be themselves. His best piece of advice for everyone of his students is to “be themselves.” His desire is to create an environment where students feel loved and appreciated. And he does this well. “To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.”  Steve Prefontaine This is Mr. Verrona’s life quote. This is the standard by which he lives his life, and by which he approaches his calling in education. He gives his best each and every day. He is another example of the amazing people that work here in Tallmadge City Schools. To see all that Mr. Verrona does in the classroom and the many creative activities he involves his students in follow him on Twitter: @VerronaMark

This week I sit down with Mrs. Stephanie Caicco.  Our conversation was so good. Yeah, this is a long one but it is full of value and passion. Mrs. Caicco has not taken the traditional route to the classroom. It has been a journey for sure: “This is my 3rd career.  When the housing market took a dive I needed a new career and I was still coaching (cheer and volleyball) and thought that teaching would be really fun.  As a kid my best friend and I would play school - I was always the social studies teacher - lol.  (I love history).” Wait until you hear more about her childhood dream of being a teacher. She took her play time as a teacher seriously. Mrs. Caicco is a proud wife, mother, and new grandmother. You will hear her pride in her voice as she shares about her family and their many accomplishments, hobbies, and adventures. Life quote/mantra: “There are so many people out there who will tell you that you can’t.  What you’ve got to do is turn around and say ‘watch me.” -Unknown Mrs. Caicco’s life typifies this quote. She has spent much of her life proving the doubters wrong. This is one of two messages that will resonate with you after listening to this episode. Prove them wrong! The second message is to love people. Mrs. Caicco loves her students. She values establishing a culture and environment where her students feel safe. Her classroom, of which she describes it as “organized chaos,” is a judgment free place. Kids can be themselves, express themselves, and she doesn’t care. All she wants to do is love them. This is one of the many reasons why Mrs. Caicco is one of our most beloved teachers. Enjoy this interview and prepare to really want your kids to have her in class!

Episode 29 features Tallmadge alumnus and current Tallmadge High School Biology, Chemistry, and Anatomy and Physiology teacher, Mrs. Laura Benedict. What a fun interview to sit in on and hear this scientist drop some wisdom, most especially her admonition to "trust science." Mrs. Benedict can chat for hours about boring statistical studies and make them sound amazing and mind boggling. In the midst of our many conversations she has "wowed" me with her understanding of math and science, and how to appreciate research and statistics. Not a conversation goes by where I don't walk away learning something new and wishing I could process things that way she does.  When not reading the most recent research study released in a biology or science magazine you can find her home with her husband and kids most likely eating eggs of some sort. Mrs. Benedict loves her eggs...and her Peanut Butter M & M's. These are her two most favorite edible items. She loves to sit down with a bag of those M & M's and binge watch Big Brother or Survivor with her husband. As you will find out she and her family are avid rock climbers. Their summers are consumed with this adventurous hobby as well as attending concerts (pre-Covid). She is a HUGE Dave Matthews Band and Mumford & Sons fan. There is so much about this amazing teacher that I cannot wait for you to listen to this episode. Please like and review the episode and share it with a friend.

This weeks episode features the first person one may see when they enter the high school...our Attendance Secretary Mrs. Gibson. She is the smile you are greeted with from behind the "plastic curtain" in the main office. If you have never seen her you most certainly have heard her voice if you have ever called your child off of school.  Her job by day is to keep track of any and all students who are marked absent, whether on purpose or accidentally. She is constantly tracking kids down and making sure they are safe and where they are supposed to be. When not on the phone with parents and guardians she is most likely on the phone calling teachers, like me, to remind us to submit our attendance. Let me tell you...she extends a lot of grace my way in this category.  By night she is super mom to two incredible young men who both have come up through Tallmadge City Schools. She loves living life with them, her husband, and her dog. So often the people in front of the classroom, or the people making the decisions get all the attention. But what our audience needs to know is that behind the scenes are people who play just as important part in making sure our kids are safe, provided for, and above all else that they feel loved and accepted. This is Mrs. Gibson's goal: to love each child as her own. This she does extraordinarily well. Kick back and listen in on our conversation and get to know this super hero just a little bit more.

This week we sit down with teacher and head basketball coach Bill Johnson. Coach sits down with me and talks about what it is like to coach during a pandemic and all the lessons learned from this unprecedented season. Coach is happily married to his wife Annie and they have a beautiful daughter named Abby. The story of how Annie and Coach met is a great one. It typifies the adage that behind every good man is a better woman! When not hanging out with his family you will most likely find Coach either golfing at nearby Brookledge Golf Course or watching one his favorite Cleveland teams play. He is an avid sports fan and at one point dreamt of being the next Tom Hamilton. Coach Johnson has been coaching for the past 17 years. He has been working within the school setting for 8 years but only teaching the past 3. His journey from college, to the sideline, to the classroom is an inspirational one full of lessons of resiliency and persistency. It is these qualities that he brings to his basketball program and his classroom. He is passionate, energetic, and committed to his students, his players, and most importantly to his family. When walking past the gym during practice or the locker room during a team meeting you can often hear coach repeating his favorite quote: “Would you rather be individually great in the midst of mediocrity or individually involved in the midst of something great?” Teamwork, commitment, and a family mindset are what Coach preaches, daily. Put your teammates first, serve others, and great things happen. #FAMILY You can follow Tallmadge Basketball on Twitter at: @Tallmadge_BBK and Coach Johnson at: @Bill_Johnson_3

This week's episode is a bit of a special one. My guest is none other than my wonderful niece Kayla. The WHY behind this podcast is to tell stories...people’s stories. Kayla’s story is pretty amazing. As you will hear in the interview Kayla loves drawing. I think she was born with a sketchpad in her hand! I have watched her grow in her passion for the past 21 years. She has a gift.  In the episode she shares with us who has inspired her as an artist. The list is pretty amazing. These artists and illustrators are super influential in the world of animation. Brothers Tom and Tony Bancroft have played a HUGE role in her pursuit of becoming an artist. You can hear in her voice the impact they have had. Two other digital artists who have influenced her are Mike Nawrocki (yep, the voice of Larry the Cucumber) and Phil Visher (voice of Bob the Tomato). Since an early age Kayla has been drawing Veggie Tales, and other characters as she has grown as an artist. Click here to visit the Veggie Tales YouTube Channel Kayla is currently attending classes for digital animation at a local college. This is a big step for her considering her struggles with social anxiety. Her anxiousness has been something that has been an issue all her life, and was one of the deciding factors in pursuing home-schooling her junior and senior year of high school. To cope with her social anxiety Kayla has leaned heavy into her faith and she has embraced the arts and humor. Brian Hull has been a constant source of stress relief and comfort for Kayla. His unique talent as an impersonator has inspired millions of people and provided joy and laughter during a much needed time. Click here for Brian Hull's Link Tree On Kayla’s 21st birthday she and I started chatting about this podcast. I asked her if she would be interested in drawing a new podcast picture for me. The picture you now see is her amazing work. I absolutely love this picture. In her words it captures a few of the things I love...the Teach Better Team and Crimson Cup Coffee. This is a story about a young girl seeking to live life for God, pursue her passion for drawing, and spread a little love and joy along the way. It is my privilege to share her wonderful story and talent with all of you. Click here to visit the Teach Better Web Site Want to check out Kayla’s work? Click here: Instagram: @kaylarickart YouTube: @KaylaRickAnimations Click here to listen to Veggie Tales Song of the Cebu

This week we sit down with TCS's School Resource Officer's Dave Quillen and Mike Dornack. Find out who these guys are behind the uniforms! We chat hobbies, stories, what life is like on the road as a Tallmadge police officer, and you may even hear them poke a little fun at a few of their fellow police officers. These two have been serving in Tallmadge for a long time. They love their job, their community, and our students. Yeah, this was a little longer than most interviews but it was so much fun. It was also recorded in front of a "live audience!" Thanks for tuning in and be sure to share! Be sure to follow Officer Quillen on Twitter: @SRO_Q and Instagram: _bountyhunterq for all kinds of entertaining tweets and pics. Also follow Tallmadge Police Department on Facebook: @TallmadgePD

What an interview! I had the privilege of sitting down with our new Superintendent Mr. Steve Wood (click link to read Steve's message to the community). At the time of this interview Mr. Wood had only been in his new position for 5 days. You are going to enjoy this interview! Hear how Steve went from chemical engineer, to school board member, to Chief Operations Manager for Tallmadge, to our new Superintendent. You can follow Mr. Wood on Twitter: @sswood.

A day late but why not extend the Christmas spirit!! This episode features a chat with Assistant Principal Jen Stewart and two funny and amazing teachers, Tammy Habbyshaw and Lauren Stone. Enjoy this final episode of our Christmas series. Merry Christmas!! While your at it check out Mrs. Stone's amazing podcast: That Just Happened!

Tonight we hear from Mrs. Dunton, Mr. Slivka, and Mr. Taylor. Now this was a good time. Enjoy a little holiday cheer from some all star teachers!

Hear from some of your favorite teachers what their favorite holiday traditions are. This is the first, of a 3 part series of Between2BlueDevils Christmas Edition.

This week we sit down with Tallmadge High School Spanish teacher Mr. Dave Slivka, aka Sr. Slivka, aka Slivka, aka Sliv. This amazing teacher has been teaching for 11 years. Sliv describes himself as being silly, helpful, and reasonable. Mr. Slivka loves teaching Spanish. He also loves being a teacher. He was inspired to become a teacher because it encompasses two of his passions. In his own words he became a teacher because: “I enjoyed helping others and very much enjoy the Spanish language and what it did for me and my life.” When not in the classroom you can find Mr. Slivka hanging out with his wife, Kelli and their two children Ari and Steven. They love to be outdoors hiking, and simply hanging out. Dave loves to keep it real. His life quote is “life goes on.” The advice he most commonly shares with his students is: “Find some perspective...Learn to appreciate others for their differences... Learn about other people’s cultures, family’s differences and respect them for what they are and maybe it will take you down a path you never thought you would have explored.” Mr. Slivka truly cares about his students, and wants to spread his love of foreign languages to his kids. Enjoy this interview and be sure to follow Mr. Slivka at: @SrSlivkaTHS

This week’s guest is the extraordinary Mrs. Krista McCourtie, 6th grade math teacher at Tallmadge Middle School. I loved this conversation. We went a bit longer, and here is the thing...we could have gone EVEN LONGER! You will pick up immediately the passion and heart that this young lady has. You will get a small glimpse of the energy she brings daily to the classroom. Mrs. McCourtie is happily married to her “sort of high school sweetheart,” Jeff. They have two sons, James who is 7, and Colt, who is 4. Mrs. McCourtie, and her husband are both Tallmadge graduates! They currently live in Tallmadge, and their boys both attend Tallmadge City Schools. They bleed blue and gold. Mrs. McCourtie’s favorite pastime is to run the CVNP trails with her dog, and then maybe follow up the workout with her favorite food...sushi. When not teaching, raising her boys, hanging out with her husband, and not running her dog you might find her reading a book, especially one about special forces and their training. Her favorite book is Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins. Here is her reason why this book is her favorite. “This book is all about how easily we as humans can become weak and complacent. This book challenges people to do hard things to stay mentally tough so that we can conquer the unavoidable challenges that life will give us. The main idea is about mental toughness. This concept and the examples in this book helped me as both a teacher (when things get hard, and I face challenges here at school) but also in my personal life and as a runner seeking to be an ultra marathon runner. I also have great respect for our men and women in our Armed Forces, and particularly am drawn to the physical and mental strength it takes to become a Navy Seal. I’ve always admired this branch of the military and I read a lot of books by former SEALS.” One can see the influence of these challenging books in the one piece of advice she recommends to all of her students, and that she recommends to all of #B2BD listeners: “Do something hard everyday to stay mentally sharp.” Mrs. McCourtie knew she wanted to become a teacher at a young age. Her desire to enter the world of education came as a result of being inspired by so many of her amazing teachers that she had in TCS! “I chose to become a teacher because of the amazing teachers I had. I couldn’t see myself doing anything else. I enjoyed watching my dynamic teachers and the relationships they had with their students, and I wanted to show that same passion and energy to my future students.” What makes this amazing teacher feel satisfied and accomplished at the end of the year? No, it isn’t test scores, nor is it the number of A’s earned in her class. Rather, it is watching students transform within her classroom because of her relationship with them, and their relationship with their classmates. In her own words: “Seeing students who at the beginning of a year are timid and afraid to use their voice, transform into confident thinkers who are not afraid to make mistakes and take on challenges.” Mrs. McCourtie is in her 12th year as an educator. The classroom is tough, and the world of education is ever changing. Clearly this young educator takes her life quote to heart and embraces the challenge: “I seek out hardship. I do not run from pain but embrace it, because I derive strength from my suffering.” -Dan Crenshaw, US Congressman and former Navy Seal Take a step into her classroom, of which she describes as “light, positive, and challenging,” and take a step into her life and enjoy this interview. I know I did. Follow Mrs. Krista McCourtie on Twitter: @TMSMcCourtie

Ms. Wilmoth has been teaching for 20 years, most of which have been in the Tallmadge City Schools. She is the proud mother of Quinn, a 7 year old young man who loves football, pizza, and adventures with mom. Ms. Wilmoth can often be heard giving her students the following advice: take opportunities as they come your way as they may unexpectedly  lead you to where you want to go. Such great advice for not only our high school students, but for all of those listening to this episode!!  Ms. Wilmoth became a teacher due to the influence of her 2nd grade teacher. She would often "play teacher" as she was growing up. She knew at an early age she wanted to impact lives in the classroom. Ms. Wilmoth loves being in the classroom establishing relationships with the kids. She cannot wait for the day that school becomes normal again. In the meantime she continues to invest in our kids, making sure they feel safe, valued, and most of all LOVED. Enjoy getting to know my co-teacher, and my friend, Ms. Lisa Wilmoth.