🎙️ 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 STEAM and electronic media, Dustin brings a quirky, learner-centered approach to every subject. He’s known online as @teachersplayground where he shares gamified strategies, makerspace inspiration, and playful edtech ideas. Dustin is also a Learning Luminary with Forward Edge and a microcredentialing enthusiast.

🧠 Key Topics

Gamification & Play-Based Learning

How games help drive engagement and content retention

iCivics, Prodigy, and Play-Doh in economics to teach real concepts

AI-enhanced learning tools and interactive challenges

Student Choice & Passion Projects

Choice boards, open-ended research, and student-led tech explorations

Letting students pursue coding, Canva design, video production, and more

Empowering learners to take the wheel and personalize their education

Reflection & Growth

Exit tickets and digital reflections as daily routines

Building portfolios to track growth

The shift from classroom teacher to academic interventionist and what reflection means for credit recovery students

Professional Development & Badging

Deep dive into Edge•U Badges by Forward Edge

Motivation through microcredentials and gamified PD

Praise for mentor Jillian and self-guided learning as growth fuel

Digital Sharing & Community

Power of educator social networks: Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok

Remixing ideas from online communities like Teach Better and Edgy Badges

Vulnerability, introversion, and pushing through social anxiety at conferences

💬 Notable Quotes

“I've always wanted everybody to embrace their own creative weird.”

“Let kids take the wheel. I learned more and had more fun as an educator this year than ever before.”

“I use my kids as my research — what works for them often works in my classroom too.”

“We need to stop assuming students will use AI to cheat. It can be a creativity tool.”

“Reflection isn’t just an exit ticket — it’s a bridge to confidence and real growth.”

“If I can help students check the school box more easily, then I’ve done my job.”

📌 Follow & Explore

Instagram & TikTok: @teachersplaiground

Website: teachersplaiground.com

X- @therealrimmey

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 play isn't just fun—it's foundational. You'll leave this episode with practical ideas for incorporating purposeful play, engaging student creativity, and connecting across grade levels.

• Why play belongs in every classroom—yes, even high school

• Bre’s books: Play Yay, Choose Your Cheer, and Cooper’s Comics

• Using games to teach math fluency and literacy

• Classroom transformations and themed learning days

• How writing made Bre a better advocate for teachers

• Grant writing tips for classroom materials

• The emotional side of changing schools

• Strategies for connecting with students and encouraging leadership

• Creating learning moments with Legos, checkers, fidget spinners, and slime

Bre Fennell is a third-grade teacher in Ohio, a published author, a former Teach Better ambassador, and a recent Scholastic fellow. She blends child development expertise with a passion for accessible, engaging learning through books and hands-on activities.

📚 Books by Bre:

• Play Yay

• Play Yay Baby Talk

• Choose Your Cheer

• Cooper’s Comics

• Contributor to Scholastic’s Classroom Management Guide

📲 Follow Bre:

• Instagram: @BreAnneFennell

• Other platforms: @playyay

• "Play isn’t a bad word. It’s how kids learn best."

• "You’re not just letting them play—you're letting them learn through play."

• "I knew I wanted to write and teach since I was seven."

• "You can teach rules, citizenship, and conflict resolution through four square."

• "Writing a book is like what we ask kids to do every day—be vulnerable and share their work."

• TeachBetter.com

• Well Played (Math Games Resource)

• First Book Marketplace – for low-cost classroom supplies and books

• Global School Play Day

Bre plays “Play or Nay” where she gives quick takes on classroom ideas like fidget spinners, dress-up days, and escape rooms. Tune in for her genius Lego writing strategy!

• Facebook: @nonamepaperpodcast

• Subscribe and leave us a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!

📝 Episode Summary🧩 In This Episode👩‍🏫 Guest: Bre Fennell🗣️ Favorite Quotes🛠️ Resources Mentioned🎮 Game Segment: Play or Nay📢 Connect With Us

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, Becky brings global science education alive in the most tactile way.

We talk about:

• 🧭 The power of experiential learning

• 🧳 Packing curiosity into every lesson

• 🦋 The science of wonder and exploration

• 🧠 Creating classrooms that mirror the real world

• 🛠️ Why teachers are engineers of possibility

Whether you’re an educator looking to bring more real-world science into your teaching or a listener fascinated by stories from the field, this episode is for you.

🔗 Follow our guest:

• Instagram: @expedition_schnekser

• Website: expeditionschnekser.com

🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review No Name Paper wherever you listen to podcasts!

#ExpeditionScience #STEMeducation #GlobalLearning #TeacherPodcast #RealWorldScience #BeckySchnekser #NoNamePaperPodcast

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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, or just here for the food talk, you’ll leave inspired (and maybe a little hungry)!

In this episode:

• How Gabriel’s food tours make edtech conferences less intimidating and way more delicious

• The universal power of food to engage students, especially English language learners

• Why tacos are the ultimate metaphor for teaching

• AI literacy: what every school and teacher should know right now

• Making professional development actually stick—and avoiding “click, click, click” PD

• What every teacher (tech newbie or pro) can do to integrate technology with confidence

• “Smart starts” and other simple ways to bring students out of their shell

• Building your own PLN (professional learning network) in real life and online

• Gabriel’s must-have classroom ingredient—and his surprising answer to the perfect classroom recipe

• A lightning round of food and teaching favorites

• How to connect with Gabriel and check out his resources (book, podcast, and more!)

About Our Guest:
Gabriel Carrillo is the host of the EdTechBytes podcast, an EdTech specialist in San Antonio, TX, author of “Cooking Up Experiences in the Classroom,” and the mastermind behind the legendary EdTech food tours. He blends his love of food and learning to create meaningful, memorable professional development and student experiences.

Connect with Gabriel:

• Website: edtechbytes.com

• Twitter/X, Instagram, TikTok: @edtechbytes

• Facebook: facebook.com/edtechbytes

• YouTube: youtube.com/@edtechbytes

• Book: “Cooking Up Experiences in the Classroom” (linked on his website)

Follow our Facebook Page: No Name Paper Pod https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575763546845 .

🎙️ 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 learning led him into the classroom, and how that love has grown into a commitment to creating systems where teachers thrive—not just survive. From his advocacy for inquiry-based learning to his insights on teacher sustainability and burnout prevention, Alex offers a nuanced and deeply personal view of what schools could look like if educators were truly supported.

This episode is a must-listen for classroom teachers, campus leaders, and anyone seeking a better way forward in education.

💡 In This Episode, We Explore:

• 🎒 Alex’s journey from student to classroom teacher to coach

• 🧠 How professional learning communities (PLCs) can support authentic reflection—not compliance

• 🔁 The power of rethinking how we “do” PD, and how schools can stop overloading teachers

• ✏️ Lessons learned from instructional coaching and what helps teachers feel heard

• 🕊️ How to talk about teacher burnout without shame—and build cultures of sustainability

• 📚 Why Alex champions inquiry-based, student-centered learning

• 🔍 The importance of radical self-reflection in school leadership

• 🌱 What “sustainable teaching” really looks like—and why it matters now more than ever

📌 Quotable Moments:

“You cannot talk about teacher burnout if you’re not willing to talk about the system that causes it.”
“We need to treat professional learning as a conversation, not a checklist.”
“Students thrive when teachers are thriving. Full stop.”

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 costumes to make learning fun and memorable.

• Practical classroom strategies to boost student engagement.

• Insights on collaborating with brands to enhance educational resources.

• Kiki’s advice on classroom management and creating immersive learning environments.

Kiki’s dynamic approach demonstrates that education can be exciting, interactive, and impactful for students of all ages.

Connect with Kiki:

• Miss Powell Teaches

• Follow Kiki on Instagram

Resources Mentioned:

• Scholastic Teacher Fellowship

• Go-To Guide for Classroom Management

🎙️ 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 environments.

🌟 Key Topics:

• Understanding DOK as a framework, not a level system

• Using inquiry-based strategies to enhance student engagement

• Introducing "Smart Brevity" for clear, impactful communication

• The role of questioning in activating and advancing learning

• Real-world connections: Black Panther, The Scarlet Letter, and Romeo & Juliet

🌐 Mentioned Resources & Links:

• Erik’s website: Maverick Education

• Contact Erik: erik@maverickeducation.com

• Learn about Smart Brevity: Axios Smart Brevity

• Book: Smart Brevity: The Power of Saying More with Less

• Learn about Richard Feynman: Feynman Technique

🔗 Connect with Us:

• https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575763546845

• Subscribe, share, and leave a review!

📌 Episode Quote:

"It’s not about getting to DOK 4. It’s about getting students to the standard and beyond." – Erik M. Francis

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:
✨ Practical advice for educators exploring leadership roles and career advancement.
🚀 Tips for starting and growing teacher side hustles and passion projects.
🌞 Strategic ways to approach professional development heading into summer break.
🎙️ Behind-the-scenes insights into Dr. Wilson’s podcast journey and her mission to inspire educators.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Dr. Joy Wilson’s Podcast: Superintendent in Sneakers

• Support local bookstores with our affiliate link at Bookshop.org

📚 Get your next favorite read:
Shop through our affiliate link at Bookshop.org to support independent bookstores while discovering great books recommended on the show!

🎧 Connect & Contribute:
Share your thoughts or questions by leaving us a voice message at SpeakPipe.com/NoNamePaper—your message might be featured in a future episode!

Thanks for tuning in! Remember to subscribe, review, and share with a friend if you enjoyed this episode.

Stay inspired, keep learning, and we'll catch you next time!