Teaching With Heart, Leading With Backbone: A Conversation With Alex Schmitt and Nicole Schmitt

Teaching With Heart, Leading With Backbone: A Conversation With Alex Schmitt and Nicole Schmitt

In this episode of Active Listener, Dominique Johnson-Lindsay sits down with married educators Alex and Nicole Schmitt for a heartfelt conversation about what it takes to keep showing up for students with both heart and backbone. Together, they reflect on the realities of teaching, the importance of student voice, the power of meaningful connection, and the ways school systems can better listen to and support the educators closest to the work. From navigating COVID-era challenges to sustaining purpose in a demanding profession, this conversation is a reminder that great teaching is built on relationships, resilience, and the courage to keep advocating for what students need.

True Classroom Management Is Relationship Management: A Conversation With Dena McNeal

In this episode of Active Listener, Dominique sits down with Dena McNeal, a middle school assistant principal with over 20 years of experience, to explore how relationships, routines, and consistency shape effective classroom management. Dena shares practical strategies for setting expectations, supporting teachers, and balancing accountability with care while emphasizing that respect is built through connection, not control. At its core, this conversation is a reminder that when students feel seen and supported, classrooms become spaces where both behavior and learning can thrive.

Music, Listening, and The Brain: A Conversation With Jessica Phillips-Silver

What does listening actually require, and what can music teach us about how the brain learns? In this episode of Active Listener, Dominique sits down with Dr. Jessica Phillips-Silver, a music neuroscientist, speaker, and artistic creator whose work explores how rhythm shapes attention, regulation, and human connection. Together, they unpack Jessica’s ARC framework of listening - attention, regulation, and connection - and explore why sound environment, movement, and music education are essential to learning. Jessica also shares how her Finding Rhythm project brings neuroscience, culture, and music into K–12 classrooms, reframing music as a powerful tool for learning, healing, and community. Resources * Learn more about Dr. Jessica Phillips-Silver [https://www.rhythmgrowsyourbrain.com/] * Learn more about the Finding Rhythm Project [https://www.rhythmgrowsyourbrain.com/finding-rhythm] * Learn more about Lightspeed [https://lightspeed-tek.com/]

The Impact of Career and Technical Education: A Conversation With Dr. Joe Jones and Dr. TJ Vari

In this episode of Active Listener, Dominique sits down with Dr. TJ Vari and Joe Jones, co-founders of TheSchoolHouse302 and experienced education leaders, to discuss how schools can rethink student success through skills, career and technical education (CTE), and real-world learning. Together, they explore why durable skills like communication, critical thinking, and adaptability are essential for preparing students for the future of work.   Resources: * TheSchoolHouse302 [https://theschoolhouse302.com/] * Maia Learning [https://www.maialearning.com/] * Books by Dr. Joe Jones & Dr. TJ Vari [https://theschoolhouse302.com/books-more/] * Lightspeed Classroom Audio [https://lightspeed-tek.com/our-products]

Inclusion In Action: A Conversation With Brittany Hebert and Amy Salera

On this episode of Active Listener, Dominique sits down with Brittany Hebert, Director of Pupil Services at Provident Charter School, and Amy Salera, parent of a Provident student and Community Engagement Manager at Apraxia Kids. They explore how Provident supports students with dyslexia through UDL practices, targeted interventions, and strong family collaboration, plus how Lightspeed classroom audio helps reduce auditory barriers and improve access for all learners.   Resources * Provident Charter School [https://www.providentcharterschool.org]   * Apraxia Kids [https://www.apraxia-kids.org/] * International Dyslexia Association (IDA) [https://dyslexiaida.org/] *   Orton-Gillingham Academy [https://www.ortonacademy.org/resources/what-is-the-orton-gillingham-approach/]