The Power of Story: Amplifying Teacher Voices

In this episode of the Teacher Fellows Podcast, hosts Ryan Rarick and Lauren Merkley discuss the importance of storytelling in education with guests Kristin Van Brunt and Scott Judy. The conversation covers how sharing personal experiences can empower teachers, influence policy, and change narratives around public education. The guests provide practical advice on overcoming imposter syndrome, finding the right audience, and starting small when sharing classroom stories. They highlight the significance of stories in building empathy and fostering collaborative growth among educators.

00:00 Introduction and Hosts' Welcome

00:38 Preview of Today's Episode

01:28 Meet the Guests: Kristin Van Brunt and Scott Judy

02:52 The Power of Story in Education

06:37 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

10:43 Sharing Stories to Influence and Inspire

19:02 Practical Tips for Teachers to Share Their Stories

21:14 Final Takeaways and Closing Remarks

GUESTS ON EPISODE:

• Scott Judy - High School Social Studies Teacher in Davis School District, Professional Learning Facilitator for the Teacher Fellows
  • Instagram:@moves_like_judy
  • Twitter/X: @Moves_Like_Judy
    
• Kristin Van Brunt - Instructional Coach in Davis School District, Professional Learning Facilitator for the Teacher Fellows
  • Instagram:@kristinvanbrunt
  • Twitter/X: @vb_kristin

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• Karen Eber: How Your Brain Responds to Stories | TED Talk YouTube
• Chimananda Ngozi Adichie: The Danger of a Single Story |TED Talk YouTube

SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTIONS:

Want to be on the podcast? Fill out this form - Podcast Interview Survey

Teacher Fellows Website: teacherfellows.org

Linkedin: Utah Teacher Fellows

Twitter: @TeachFellowsPod or @HSG_UT

Instagram: @TeacherFellowsPodcast or @hsg_ut

Facebook: @utahteacherfellowsprogram

Email us: socialmedia@hopestreetgroup.org

PART OF THE SHOW

Hosts:

• Lauren Merkley (@lmerkles) -- Taught AP English Language and Composition, Creative Writing in Granite School District, 2020 Utah Teacher of the Year
• Ryan Rarick (@Coach_Rarick) -- Education Pathway Teacher for Washington Country School District

Production Team:

• Kayla Towner (@mrstowner9) -- Technology Specialist and Product Manager for Utah Education Network (UEN)

Info Drop Spokesperson:

• John Arthur (@9thEvermore) -- Co-Director of the Teacher Fellows, 6th Grade Teacher in Salt Lake School District, 2021 Utah Teacher of the Year, 2021 National Teacher of the Year Finalist.