This week on the No Name Paper Podcast, we sit down with George Couros — speaker, consultant, former principal, and author of The Innovator’s Mindset, Innovate Inside the Box, and his upcoming book Forward Together. George is one of the most influential voices in education today, known for his blend of practical innovation, storytelling, humor, and deep belief in what schools can become when we center people, relationships, and possibility.

In this episode, George gets real about change, leadership, student-centered learning, teacher well-being, technology, and the joy of creating new opportunities. He shares personal stories from his time as an educator, insights from his writing, and why sometimes the biggest innovations start with simply rethinking how we show up each day.

We also play a rapid-fire game called “Innovate It!”, where George reimagines classic classroom routines in creative and thoughtful ways. Spoiler: You're going to want to steal at least five of these ideas.

This is a funny, heartfelt, energizing episode filled with wisdom every educator will appreciate.

• George’s unexpected path into education (yes, Billy Madison is involved)

• How innovation is really about people — not tools

• Why it’s essential for educators to rethink their own habits and environments

• Creating student-led, community-centered schools

• The difference a strong leader can make in a teacher’s life

• Why teachers should not stay in places that make them miserable

• The importance of guiding students in digital literacy, social media, and AI

• How portfolios and public-facing work help students grow

• What inspired George’s new book Forward Together

• Using humor and storytelling to talk about heavy topics

• His best advice for teachers navigating change

• A rapid-fire round of “Innovate It!” rethinking:

  • Parent-teacher conferences

  • Seating charts

  • Substitute plans

  • School assemblies

  • Book reports

  • Classroom job charts
    …and more!

George Couros is a leading educator, speaker, and author who challenges schools to foster meaningful innovation rooted in relationships. His work centers on empowering students, honoring teacher expertise, and helping communities navigate change with curiosity and courage. You can learn more about George’s work and writing at:

👉 https://georgecouros.com

Follow the No Name Paper Podcast for more conversations with inspiring educators, leaders, and creators shaping the future of teaching and learning.

🧠 What We Talk About📚 About Our Guest — George Couros🔗 Connect With Us

Welcome back to The No Name Paper! In this episode, Meghan and Candice sit down with Tisha Richmond, a high school culinary arts teacher, former tech integration specialist, and author who specializes in infusing joy and creativity into the classroom.

Tisha shares her journey from feeling teacher burnout to rediscovering her spark through technology and gamification. She discusses her brand new book, The Magical CTE Classroom, which focuses on strategies specifically designed for lab-based and Career and Technical Education environments. We also dive into her heartwarming collaboration with her son on their children's book, Dragon Smart.

Whether you teach Culinary Arts, Science, or any subject where students need to collaborate and create, this episode is packed with "ingredients" to spice up your instruction!

In this episode, we discuss:

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  Overcoming Burnout: How taking risks and being vulnerable with students helped Tisha fall in love with teaching again.

  
  

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  Gamifying the Lab: Using inspiration from reality TV shows like The Great Food Truck Race, Cutthroat Kitchen, and Crime Scene Kitchen to create engaging student challenges.

  
  

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  AI as a Creative Partner: How Tisha uses tools like Canva, Brisk, and Magic School to save time and generate creative clues for escape rooms and games.

  
  

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  The Magical CTE Classroom: Why CTE and lab-based classes needed a book of their own to address their unique learning environments.

  
  

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  Dragon Smart: The story behind the children’s book Tisha wrote with her son, Tommy, to celebrate the hidden brilliance in students who might not fit the traditional school mold.

  
  

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  Rapid Fire Strategies: Using "Plinko" boards for ingredient selection, "Mystery Badges" for classroom management, and letting students choose the classroom playlist.

  
  

Resources Mentioned:

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  Book: The Magical CTE Classroom by Tisha Richmond

  
  

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  Book: Make Learning Magical by Tisha Richmond

  
  

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  Book: Dragon Smart by Tisha Richmond and Tommy Richmond

  
  

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  EdTech Tools: Canva, Brisk, Magic School AI

  
  

Connect with Tisha:

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  Instagram: @tishrichmond

  
  

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  X (Twitter): @tishrich

  
  

Connect with Us:

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  Podcast: The No Name Paper

  
  

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  Hosts: Meghan Wells & Candice Miller

This week, we’re serving up a post-Thanksgiving slice of joy: a dynamic, big-energy conversation with Melissa Summerford — Teaching & Learning Coordinator with Kami, Google Innovator, Google Trainer, fashion icon, wig influencer, and proud Gen X educator who brings eighties mixtape magic into every room she enters. Get ready for humor, heart, real talk about classroom life, and a whole lot of sparkle.

In this lively and laughter-filled episode, Meghan and Candace sit down with Melissa to talk:

• Her incredible journey from paraprofessional → classroom teacher → instructional technologist → PD powerhouse

• How Gen X grit and fashionista confidence fuel her teaching and coaching

• The moment Book Creator + Kami became the “leather jacket” of her edtech toolkit

• Why flexible seating, student ownership, and letting go of control transformed her classroom

• How to build PD that actually feels human, joyful, and responsive

• Why quiet classrooms belong in the past

• The real mic-drop moment she uses to win over “we don’t do tech” teachers

• Why teachers should stop stressing about time — and how digital workflows can save sanity

• Navigating guilt when using tech a lot (and why we shouldn’t feel that way)

• How she blends edtech, fashion, wigs, and confidence into her personal brand

• What’s next for Melissa as she grows community, supports educators, and inspires confidence everywhere she goes

And of course…
🔥 The game: EdTech Tool or 80s Band?
She nails it, laughs through it, and brings full mixtape energy.

• “Go Your Own Way” isn’t just a song — it’s a classroom philosophy.
  Melissa explains how giving students choice, flexible seating, and ownership changed behavior, engagement, and joy.

• PD should feel human.
  Your agenda matters… but the people in the room matter more.

• Tech shouldn’t be punishment — it should be empowerment.
  Using tools like Kami, Canvas, and Book Creator helps teachers save time and kids show deeper thinking.

• Teachers: let go of the guilt.
  Blending digital + hands-on practice is healthy and powerful.

• Everyone has more to them than their job title.
  Melissa shares her alopecia journey, love of wigs, fashion passion, and why showing your whole self is a gift to others.

⭐ Episode Summary💡 Key Takeaways📲 Connect with Melissa Summerford

• X (Twitter): @SummerfordStars

• TikTok: @SummerfordStars

• Instagram: @SummerfordStars

• Facebook: Melissa Gomez Somerford

If you want to learn more about Kami, edtech workflows, or how to save time as a teacher, Melissa is your girl.

In this inspiring episode, Meghan and Candice sit down with the dynamic Vernon Wright — former teacher, campus administrator, central office leader, mentor, speaker, and founder of The Wright Leader Movement. Vernon brings his trademark blend of authenticity, wisdom, and high-energy storytelling as he unpacks what it means to lead with intention and elevate the people around you.

From his unexpected pivot from the financial world into education to becoming a mentor to collegiate athletes, Vernon shares how purpose, consistency, and connection guide everything he does. He opens up about the leaders who shaped him, pivotal “watershed moments,” and why real leadership is always rooted in pouring into others.

This episode delivers powerful insight, heartfelt encouragement, and unforgettable lines that will stay with you long after the conversation ends.

• Vernon's journey from finance → education → leadership mentoring

• The moment he realized others saw leadership in him before he saw it in himself

• Why “pivoting” is not quitting — it’s reinvention

• The priceless power of consistency over talent

• How leadership shows up in the smallest interactions

• Why great leaders always pour into others

• Moving from transactional to transformational leadership

• Working with at-risk youth and believing in students’ future selves

• The “Keep Farming” metaphor every educator needs to hear

• Why gratitude is the biggest flex

• Coaching leaders vs. inspiring students — which has the deepest long-term impact?

• Legacy: how it’s built and how you live it daily
  

• “Leadership is inspiring people to do great things.”

• “The most effective leaders are always training other leaders.”

• “Keep farming. Even when you think nothing’s growing.”

• “People don’t buy in because of data — they buy in because you believe in them.”

• “Your success is my success.”
  

Vernon jumps into our speed game — and it does not disappoint!
Hear his rapid-fire takes on:

• Early mornings vs. late nights

• Speaking on stage or writing in solitude

• Leading with head or heart

• Growth mindset or gratitude

• Coaching leaders or inspiring students
  And yes… his cowboy hat even makes a cameo.
  

You can find Vernon across social platforms at @TheWrightLeader — where he continues his mission to uplift, mentor, and inspire leaders at all levels.

Website: TheWrightLeader.com
Instagram: @TheWrightLeader
LinkedIn: Vernon Wright

If you found value in today’s episode, share it with a friend, colleague, or the leader in your life who needs a spark of inspiration. And don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations that elevate, empower, and energize educators everywhere.

🔥 What We Talk About💡 Notable Quotes🎮 Lightning Round: The Right Choice🌐 Connect with Vernon Wright🙌 Thanks for Listening!

Episode Title:

Coaching with Heart: Dr. Colissa Irving on Leadership, Learning, and Letting Go

This week on The No Name Paper Podcast, hosts Meghan Wells and Candace Miller sit down with the insightful and inspiring Dr. Colissa Irving, consultant for the Hamilton County ESC in Ohio. With over 24 years in education, Dr. Irving shares her journey from high school English teacher to instructional coach, offering heartfelt lessons on leadership, empowerment, and the art of coaching.

From building trust and relationships with reluctant teachers to addressing gaps in will, skill, and knowledge, this conversation dives deep into what it really takes to create lasting impact in schools. Dr. Irving also talks about her advocacy work, upcoming presentations, and her passion for equity and teacher voice.

Grab your coffee, settle in, and get ready to rethink what it means to be coached and coach others with empathy.

• Why relationships are the foundation of effective coaching

• How to identify and close “will, skill, and knowledge” gaps

• Strategies for working with resistant teachers

• The difference between influence and impact in leadership

• Building teacher capacity through feedback and reflection

• How marginalization in schools impacts both students and teachers

• The importance of voice, vulnerability, and advocacy in education

• 00:01: Dr. Irving’s journey from classroom teacher to consultant

• 00:12: The evolution of instructional coaching since the mid-2000s

• 00:22: Coaching strategies for empowerment and trust

• 00:28: Confronting marginalization and advocating for equity

• 00:35: Rapid-fire game — coffee or tea, PD presenter or participant, Netflix or gym?

Dr. Colissa Irving is a consultant with the Hamilton County ESC, dedicated to supporting teachers, leaders, and districts in building equitable, student-centered classrooms. Her work focuses on professional learning, the science of reading, and leadership development. She regularly presents on coaching, empowerment, and the imposter phenomenon in education.

Follow @nonamepaperpodcast for updates, classroom inspiration, and upcoming guest spotlights!

📝 Episode Description:💡 Key Takeaways:🗓️ Highlights:👩🏽‍🏫 About Dr. Alyssa Irving:🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream your shows.

Guest:

• Mark Horner, Principal of Tallmadge High School (OH)

• Former teacher and coach

• Co-host of the Between Two Blue Devils student podcast

• Mark shares how student voice, servant leadership, and campus culture drive his daily mission.

• We dive into his Four W’s framework, the revival of the Blue Devils podcast, and how simple habits—like morning greetings—transform school climate.

• 00:00 – Intro & why Mark’s journey matters

• 01:22 – From coach to principal & podcast reboot

• 12:00 – The Four W’s:

  • What’s your foundation?

  • What are you feeding your mind?

  • Who are you serving?

  • Who are you leading?

• 24:34 – Timing, mentorship, and growth into leadership

• 34:00 – Culture moves: greetings, music, and visibility

• 43:10 – Game time: Hall Pass or Homework

• 51:58 – Reflections & takeaways

• 🎧 Student podcasting builds authentic culture – co-host Preston helps connect leadership with student voice.

• 💬 Four W’s = daily reflection tool for both staff and students.

• 🚪 Presence beats policy – greeting kids at the door reduces conflict.

• 🐶 Therapy dogs calm tensions instantly.

• ☕ Principal coffee cart = community & connection.

Rapid-fire campus trends — Mark decides which get a hall pass!

• Pep rallies → 📝 Homework (unless televised!)

• Pajama Day → ✅ Hall Pass

• Student podcasting → ✅✅✅ Hall Pass

• Karaoke Fridays → 🎤 Hall Pass

• TikTok trend → 🎬 Hall Pass

• AI grading → 🤔 Hall Pass (with human review)

• Bring-your-dog day → 🐾 Hall Pass

• “Leadership is influence—nothing more, nothing less.”

• “You’ve already overcome your worst day.”

• “Plug the cracks and become a better version of yourself.”

• How to Win Friends & Influence People – Dale Carnegie

• Between Two Blue Devils Podcast (Tallmadge High School)

• LinkedIn

• Tallmadge HS Site

• Instagram @thsmr_horner

If this episode inspired you, rate ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ on Spotify and share with a fellow educator who leads with heart.

🔹 Episode Summary⏱️ Chapters💡 Highlights🏫 Game: “Hall Pass or Homework”💬 Quotables📚 Mentioned Resources📣 Connect with Mark Horner🎧 Listen & Subscribe

🎙️ This Week on No Name Paper
Grab your coffee (and maybe a sticky note or two) because this conversation is one that will stick with you!

In this episode, Meghan and Candace sit down with Dr. Dave Schmittou—educator, author, speaker, and host of the Lasting Learning podcast—to unpack what it really means to create learning that lasts. From his early teaching days with five-prong chalk holders to his work with leaders across the country, Dave shares stories, humor, and deep insights about teaching with purpose, prioritizing what matters most, and letting go of control to truly empower learners.

✨ Topics We Cover:

• Moving beyond short-term test prep toward lasting learning

• How brain science and emotion impact real learning

• The truth about over-testing and assessment culture

• Why middle schoolers are the best kind of “crazy”

• Building interdependence instead of control in classrooms and schools

🎧 About Dr. Dave Schmittou
Dr. Schmittou is an award-winning educator, author of Bold Humility and Making Assessment Work, and host of the Lasting Learning podcast. He’s passionate about helping schools focus on the standards and priorities that truly matter for long-term success.

💡 Connect with Dave:
Instagram / X / Facebook: @DaveSchmittou
Podcast: Lasting Learning
Website: www.daveschmittou.com

🎧 Listen Now:
It’s time to rethink what it means to teach, lead, and learn for life—not just for the test.