Hop in the Apple Car and hit the road with Katie Collins and Aubrey Bennett, Alabama's 2025–2026 Teachers of the Year, as they traverse the state in search of the most inspiring voices in education.
This podcast blends the spirit of a road trip with the heart of professional development. From K–12 librarians hosting book clubs for kids with special needs to anime-loving educators turning libraries into creative sanctuaries, each episode brings you along for the ride—literally. Traveling in their Chevrolet Traverse (aka the "Apple Car"), Katie and Aubrey pick up dynamic teachers, specialists, and school leaders, bringing them together for real conversations and school visits that highlight what's working—and why it matters.
Part storytelling, part mobile PD, all heart—this is a show for anyone passionate about reimagining the future of education, one mile and one conversation at a time.
Episode 14: Making Waves: A Roadtrip to Gulf Shores City Schools
Want to visit the hallways of a school district that's making waves?
In this episode of Driving Education, Katie travels to Gulf Shores to see how this district embodies the very best of what's possible in public education.
You will get to hear from teachers who share:
What great teaching really looks like day-to-day
How relationships drive everything
The joy, the challenge, and the responsibility of the work
It's about purpose.
It's about people.
It's about the moments that remind us why we stay in the car and keep driving.
21 Mar 2026
Episode 13: Sunny Days & Soup for 800: Table Talk with Gulf Shores Teachers' of the Year
What happens when educators stop asking, "How do we teach this standard?" and start asking, "How can students experience this in the real world?"
In this episode of Driving Education, Katie sits down with several Teachers of the Year from Gulf Shores City Schools to talk about how project-based and place-based learning are transforming classrooms.
You'll hear stories about students:
• Growing lettuce in hydroponic systems that supply their school cafeterias
• Developing original recipes and cooking hundreds of servings of soup
• Building hydroponic systems with no instructions
• Learning geometry through creative construction projects
• Studying science and history while kayaking along the Gulf Coast
The educators also share what it takes to make this kind of learning possible—supportive leadership, strong community partnerships, and a belief that students should be the ones doing the work.
From gardens and greenhouses to culinary labs and coastal waters, this conversation reminds us that the most powerful learning happens when students take ownership of their work and see how it connects to the real world.
Because when students take pride in what they create, learning becomes something far bigger than a lesson—it becomes an experience.
1 Mar 2026
Episode 12: The Seeds We Scatter
Katie didn't plan to record this episode.
While leading professional development in Jefferson County, she unexpectedly ran into Dr. Ash Kaiser — the educator who, years earlier at Adamsville Elementary, planted a seed that transformed her classroom practice.
What started with chickens, gardens, and project-based learning became something deeper.
In this heartfelt conversation, Katie and Dr. Kaiser reflect on:
The lasting influence of George Washington Carver
Why problem-based learning begins with relationships
The courage to take instructional risks
The power of collaboration across schools and districts
The "butterfly effect" educators create every single day
From soil science to servant leadership, this episode is a reminder that teaching isn't just about standards — it's about humanity.
The seeds we plant matter.
Guest: Dr. Ash Kaiser
Elementary Math Specialist, Jefferson County Board of Education
Referenced Inspiration:
George Washington Carver
Booker T. Washington
Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University)
Key Themes:
Problem-Based vs. Project-Based Learning
Teacher-Student Relationships
Community Partnerships
Agricultural Literacy in Elementary Schools
Growth Mindset & Servant Leadership
The Butterfly Effect in Education
14 Feb 2026
Episode 11: You Matter: A Love Letter to Humanity
Valentine's Day is often about cards, candy, and grand gestures — but this episode is about something deeper.
In this special Valentine edition of Driving Education, Katie walks through the halls of Hoover High School where she witnesses the You Matter movement in action reminding every single student, staff and faculty member that their inherent worth is seen, and the world needs every single person, because every person matters.
Whether you're leading a school, teaching in a classroom, taking a test, playing an instrument, serving lunch, coaching a team, or pushing a broom, your presence makes a difference and you make the world SO MUCH BETTER solely because you are in it!
From the passenger seat to the long drive ahead, this episode is a love letter to the heart of every person.
Because the days can be hard.Because the road can feel lonely. Because in case you may forget...YOU MATTER!
7 Feb 2026
Episode 10: Work Smarter, Not Harder: Driving Education with ALEX
In this episode of Driving Education, Katie sits down with Hailey Ridgeway from the Alabama State Department of Education — one of the brilliant minds behind ALEX (Alabama Learning Exchange).
If you've ever felt overwhelmed by standards, lesson planning, or finding high-quality resources that actually fit your students, this episode is for you.
Hailey pulls back the curtain on how ALEX has evolved into a powerful, teacher-centered platform — designed to help educators work smarter, not harder. From unpacked standards and vetted resources to collaborative sandboxes, AI-supported lesson planning, and interactive Sparkle activities, ALEX is changing how Alabama educators plan, teach, and collaborate.
In this conversation, you'll hear about:
How ALEX supports teachers without telling them how to teach
Why standards are a guide — not a curriculum
The power of collaboration across schools and districts
Using AI thoughtfully to support (not replace) teachers
Why Alabama educators are trailblazers nationwide
This episode is a reminder that teachers are the number one predictor of student success — and the systems supporting them matter.
🎧 If you're an Alabama educator, this is an episode you'll want to bookmark.
Featured Guest
Hailey Ridgeway
Project Director, Alabama Learning Exchange (ALEX)
Alabama State Department of Education
Advocate for teacher support and innovation
Resources Mentioned
https://alabamalearningexchange.org/
https://www.youtube.com/@TeachWithALEX/playlists
1 Feb 2026
Episode 09- Enjoying the Journey: Conversations with Dr. Mackey
In this episode of Driving Education, Katie welcomes Dr. Mackey for a joyful, thoughtful conversation about leadership, perspective, and what it means to show up fully — even when the road is hard.
Dr. Mackey brings humor, honesty, and heart as he reflects on leadership, resilience, and the importance of choosing joy in the work of education. From lighthearted moments to meaningful insights, this episode reminds us that how we lead — and how we live — matters just as much as what we accomplish.
In this conversation, you'll hear about:
Why joy is a leadership strategy, not a bonus
Showing up authentically in hard seasons
Keeping perspective when the work feels heavy
Leading people, not just systems
Remembering why education is worth the long drive
🎧 This episode feels like rolling the windows down, turning the music up, and remembering why you started.
21 Jan 2026
Episode 08: The Mystery Behind the Milken: Driving Excellence in Education
In this episode of Driving Education, Katie and Aubrey pull back the curtain on one of the most prestigious honors in education — the Milken Educator Award.
Often called the "Oscars of Teaching," the Milken is surrounded by secrecy, surprise, and speculation. But behind the mystery is something much deeper: exceptional educators doing extraordinary work every single day — without knowing who is watching.
This episode explores:
Why the Milken Award is intentionally mysterious
What the award truly recognizes (and what it doesn't)
The unseen impact of excellent educators
How recognition can elevate the profession
Why great teaching is about the journey, not the spotlight
🎧This conversation is a reminder that excellence in education doesn't chase awards — it drives change, impact, and opportunity for students.
10 Jan 2026
Episode: 07: Leadership Without Limits
In this unforgettable episode of Driving Education, Katie sits down with Dr. Walter Gonsoulin — "Dr. G" — Superintendent of Jefferson County Schools, National Superintendent of the Year, and one of U.S. News & World Report's 25 Best Leaders in America.
Dr. G shares his extraordinary journey from a sixth-grade classroom in Louisiana to leading one of the largest school districts in Alabama — and onto the national stage. Along the way, he reveals a leadership philosophy rooted in humanity, trust, collaboration, and removing the "box" altogether.
Listeners will hear stories that define transformational leadership:
How throwing a football eliminated discipline problems
Why independence, belonging, and trust change school culture
What it means to truly "see" students, teachers, and communities
How collaboration across districts unlocked opportunity
Why public education matters — and why public is the choice
From playground benches to national recognition, this episode is a masterclass in servant leadership, vision, and impact — and a reminder that education is, at its core, about people.
🎧 If you believe in the power of public schools and human-centered leadership, this episode is for you.
Topics Covered
From teaching sixth grade to leading a district the size of Rhode Island
Why discipline problems disappeared when students were seen
The power of collaboration across schools and communities
Removing barriers and "no box" leadership
Preparing students for real-world careers and opportunities
Why public education matters now more than ever
Featured Guest
Dr. Walter Gonsoulin
Superintendent, Jefferson County Schools
National Superintendent of the Year
U.S. News & World Report Top 25 Leaders in America
12 Dec 2025
Episode 06: Burgers, Buy-In & the Road to Better Schools
Katie and Aubrey hit the road with former Alabama Teacher of the Year Jennifer Brown to visit Paul Bryant High School and see how Principal Hines has built a culture of trust, visibility, and growth. From walkthroughs to data tracking to student ownership, this episode is full of practical insight—and a little karaoke.
In this episode:
Visiting Paul W. Bryant High School in Tuscaloosa City Schools with Jennifer Brown
How Principal Hines builds trust and visibility
What daily walkthroughs look like—and why they work
Students tracking their ACT pathway data
Metacognition and ownership in every classroom
The "Praise–Probe–Push" model for effective feedback
The culture of celebration and high expectations
The importance of teacher self-efficacy
Road trip stories, J&J Grocery, and a little karaoke
Featured Guest:
Jennifer Brown, 2016 Alabama Teacher of the Year and educational consultant with Bailey Education Group
Locations Mentioned:
Paul Bryant High School
J&J Grocery (the best burger in Alabama)
Resources & Ideas Discussed:
ACT pathway proficiency levels
Classroom walkthrough structures
Clear learning targets and student reflection
Attendance and school culture initiatives
4 Dec 2025
Episode 05: Preparing Kids for the Road Ahead: Why Durable Skills Matter
What if the "end game" of education isn't test scores or standards—but preparing students to thrive in Alabama's future workforce?
Katie and Aubrey dive into that big question with Valerie Curtis, Director of the Jacksonville State Regional Inservice Center. Valerie shares how partnerships with industry, regional STEM ecosystems, and K–12 collaboration are shaping what students need right now to be ready for the jobs of tomorrow.
They discuss:
Why durable skills (communication, collaboration, adaptability, time management) matter more than ever
How Alabama's industries—from logistics to healthcare to aerospace—are rapidly changing
Why kids need real-world exposure starting in elementary school
How teachers can model thinking, problem-solving, and communication daily
What school leaders can invest in right now to move the needle
Why every interaction in a classroom shapes Alabama's future
Packed with inspiration and practical ideas, this episode reframes workforce development as everyone's job—starting in kindergarten.
27 Nov 2025
Episode 04: The Heart Behind the Hardware: Conversations With Alabama's Tech Leaders
In this episode of Driving Education, Katie and Aubrey ride along with Alabama's top tech leaders to explore how instructional technology is really about people—not devices. You'll hear from Angie Clark, Katie Maddox, and Molly Evans as they share stories of innovation, collaboration, unplugged backups, 3D printing prosthetics, and the human connections that make teaching powerful. Their message is clear: technology can enhance learning, but it will never replace the relationships that change students' lives.
Angie Clark, Region 7 Technology in Motion Specialist;
Katie Maddox, Director of Instructional Technology for Chilton County Schools; and
Molly Evans, Enrichment Specialist for Hoover City Schools.
The evolution of classroom technology (iPads, Google Classroom, Chromebooks)
What technology can and cannot replace
The importance of in-person collaboration among tech leaders
How Alabama's edtech network (ALET & ATIM) supports schools
Building teacher confidence and encouraging risk-taking
Preparing for outages with unplugged backup plans
Real-world learning through 3D printing and biomedical engineering
Why students need to "see themselves in the real world"
The balance between innovation and student safety
Human connection as the foundation of all teaching
Key Quote:
"Technology can enhance teaching — but it will never, ever replace the human behind it."
20 Nov 2025
Episode 03-Students Driving Independence: The Let Grow Experience
In this inspiring episode of Driving Education, Katie and Aubrey take a deep dive into the Let Grow Experience—a simple but powerful approach that builds childhood independence and reduces anxiety.
Katie shares how she piloted the Let Grow Experience with her first graders after learning that the antidote to anxiety is independence. The transformation in her classroom sparked interest across Alabama… including at Hoover High School, where student leaders decided to take the movement and run with it.
This episode features an energizing, authentic conversation with Hoover High's SGA President, Tyler Gullahorn, Senior Class President, Matthew Pitts, and JCO President, Hudson Jackman, along with their teacher sponsor, Jamey Nowlin. Together, they share:
• What Let Grow looks like inside a high school
• Why independence matters for mental health
• How students are creating their own goals — and competing to tackle them
• What happened when they introduced the movement to middle schoolers
• The real-world skills students realized they don't know yet
• How this is reshaping classrooms, leadership, and even parenting
From changing car batteries to navigating doctor's offices to reflecting on screen time, Hoover's students show what happens when young people are trusted, challenged, and empowered.
🎧 This episode is proof: when we "let go and let grow," kids rise — and the culture shifts.
12 Nov 2025
Episode 02-Driving Away Anxiety: Mental Health, Connection and Resiliency with Lisa Keane
In this powerful episode of Driving Education, Katie sits down with Lisa Keane — a licensed professional counselor, play therapist, and trauma expert — for a timely conversation about mental health in schools and what educators can do to support students and themselves.
Lisa shares insight from her 18 years of experience working with children and families, explaining how attachment, regulation, and connection play critical roles in learning. Together, Katie and Lisa explore:
Why anxiety is higher than ever among students
How "felt safety" impacts learning and behavior
The importance of failure, independence, and resilience
What educators can do to show up as regulated, grounded adults
Simple, free tools like the Let Grow Experience that empower kids to take healthy risks
Aubrey joins in to reflect on the conversation — unpacking lessons on self-care, trust, and the idea that failure really is the best teacher.
🎧 Join us for real talk about the challenges facing today's classrooms and the hope that comes from connection, courage, and community.
5 Nov 2025
Episode 01- Meet Katie and Aubrey: Stories Behind the Wheel
In this first full episode of Driving Education, get to know Alabama's 2025-2026 Teachers of the Year — Katie Collins and Aubrey Bennett — as they share their journeys, inspirations, and classroom philosophies.
From elementary to high school, from two different large school districts, Katie and Aubrey open up about what drew them into teaching, what keeps them inspired, and how they're working to amplify the voices of educators across Alabama.
They talk about the power of connection, the importance of being "known" in the classroom, and the shared mission that drives all teachers — helping students grow, belong, and thrive.
Join the conversation, laugh along, and find hope in the real, unfiltered stories of two teachers who believe in the heart and future of education.
Let's keep driving education forward — together.
29 Oct 2025
Intro: Meet Katie & Aubrey — The Teachers Behind the Wheel
Welcome to Driving Education! In this first ride, Alabama Teachers of the Year Katie Collins and Aubrey Bennett hop in the Apple Car (yes, it really has a giant apple on it 🍎) and share how this whole podcast adventure began.
From fantasy football and karaoke favorites to heartfelt conversations about what drives educators forward, Katie and Aubrey open up about their shared passion for teaching, connection, and mental health.
Come along as they tell the story behind Driving Education — a podcast born from curiosity, collaboration, and a Chevy Traverse full of heart. Buckle up… it's going to be a meaningful ride.
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5.0 / 5
12 ratings
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