Stay Teacher

About Stay Teacher

Stay Teacher is a podcast dedicated to elevating educator voices, sharing inspiring stories from the classroom, and exploring the future of teaching in an AI-driven world. Through authentic conversations with teachers, school leaders, and education innovators, we examine what helps great educators stay, thrive, and lead the future of learning.

Publisher

G. Alazar

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

14 Jul 2026

Latest episode

17 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

10 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   17 Oct 2026

   Wired to Win for Kids

   Every student deserves to be seen, challenged, and given the opportunity to succeed. In this inspiring conversation, Greg Walker reflects on how a difficult experience as a student helped shape his path as an educator and leader—and his commitment to “winning for kids.” From the classroom to school leadership and college access, Greg shares why educators must understand the students they serve, set high expectations, and make opportunity real for every child. He also explores the power of strong teaching, access to advanced coursework, and building trust with students and their communities. For teachers, school leaders, and anyone who believes every child can thrive, this episode is a reminder that winning for kids begins with seeing their potential—and doing the work to help them reach it.

2. 

   11 Oct 2026

   Knocking Down Walls: Building Schools Around Students, Not Systems

   One question can change a school, a career, and a child’s life. Dr. Tom Ralston - former middle school science teacher, principal, superintendent, and now assistant professor of practice and executive director at the University of Pittsburgh - shares the hard-earned leadership lessons behind a 30-year career built on relationships, courage, and student-centered change. From a blue-collar childhood in Chester, West Virginia to leading Avonworth School District, Tom’s path is proof that the right mentor at the right moment can alter everything. He opens up about growing up with adversity, being cut from basketball, finding wrestling, and discovering a calling to education that no aviation career ever could.You’ll discover: Why “students first, systems second” became a schoolwide philosophy How project-based learning and interdisciplinary courses can make students actually want to come to school What happens when a leader removes barriers instead of defending them The surprising power of global partnerships, and real-world experiences for middle schoolers Why teacher retention depends on support, engagement, and a culture that celebrates education Tom also breaks down the real obstacles facing public education today, from inequitable funding and political division to the pressure teachers and administrators feel every day. But this conversation is not about despair - it’s about what works when leaders choose opportunity over excuses and relationships over rigidity. If you’re a teacher, principal, superintendent, school board member, or anyone who cares about public education, this episode is a reminder that schools change when adults are willing to think differently, trust each other, and make room for kids to thrive. Essential listening for anyone who believes education should be meaningful, joyful, and worth showing up for.

3. 

   3 Oct 2026

   The Teacher Who Fell on a Chalkboard—and Became Superintendent

   Public education only works when someone is willing to fight for it year after year—and Dr. Bart Rocco has spent more than 40 years doing exactly that. From first-generation college student to teacher, principal, and superintendent, he shares the lessons, mentors, and moments that kept him committed to helping students thrive. Hear why mentorship matters, what schools can do to keep great educators, and how meaningful moments—from a student-built canoe to an inclusive PE program—show the lasting impact of public education. Whether you’re a teacher, school leader, or aspiring educator, Bart’s story is a powerful reminder of why this work matters.

4. 

   4 Sept 2026

   The Hidden Reason Teachers Stay for Decades

   What does it take to stay in education for 32 years and leave behind a legacy that includes seven state championships? Ann Manchester, known to many as Chester, reveals the deep ROOTS that kept her teaching, coaching, and showing up for kids long after most people would have walked away. From her Nebraska beginnings and a journalism-to-teaching pivot, to landing at Grandview High School and building a career that stretched from co-taught English classes to AP Lang, yearbook, journalism, and beyond, Chester shares the moments, mentors, and standards that shaped her path. Host Ghirmay Alazar, Coach G, also reflects on their time coaching together and the impact Chester had as both a colleague and a mentor. You will discover: Why two middle school teachers became the model for the kind of educator she wanted to be How Coach Bruce Brown's championship-level standards shaped both her coaching and her classroom What it looked like to navigate the massive changes in education from pre-computer gradebooks to COVID-era online teaching How one school community rallied around a student in crisis, and why that kind of support matters The mindset that helped Chester stay grounded through trauma, paperwork, parent calls, and nonstop change Chester also opens up about confidence, explaining why it took years to truly feel like the teacher and leader she would become. She shares how coaching, travel, friendships, family, and joy outside the classroom helped her keep going, and why building community with colleagues mattered just as much as teaching content. This episode is essential listening for brand new teachers, veteran educators, coaches, and anyone who has ever been changed by a great teacher. If you need a reminder that hard days can still lead to a meaningful, joyful career, Chester's story is the one to hear.

5. 

   25 Aug 2026

   Reach One, Teach One - The Mindset That Kept Him in Education

   Less than 2% of public school teachers in the United States are black men, and that number is still shrinking. Allen Taylor has spent nearly 30 years proving that black men not only belong in the classroom - they can change lives, build legacies, and STAY with purpose when others walk away. Coach G sits down with Allen for a powerful conversation about what keeps great teachers in the profession, what drives them out, and why representation matters the moment a student walks into the room. Allen shares the teachers who changed his life, the reading struggles that shaped his path, and the moment he realized he could become the kind of educator who helps students have their own breakthrough. You'll discover: Why two teachers, Miss Mealy and Mrs. Bowers, changed Allen’s entire future How a simple philosophy - “Reach one, teach one” - became the foundation of a 30-year career What black male students feel when they see a teacher who looks like them Why standardized testing, low family engagement, and a weak value placed on education are pushing students and teachers away How one student went from a 1-point-something GPA to a full basketball scholarship with the right support system Allen also breaks down what schools are getting wrong about recruiting black male teachers. His answer will give you actionable steps to address this challenge facing our public schools. At the heart of this episode is a simple but urgent truth: teaching is service. It is empathy, patience, leadership, and showing up for kids who may be carrying more than anyone sees. If you are a young black man considering teaching, a tired educator looking for reason to STAY TEACHER, or a school leader who wants to keep great teachers in the classroom, this conversation will challenge you, encourage you, and remind you why the work matters. Perfect for educators, administrators, aspiring teachers, and anyone who believes students deserve adults who see them, believe in them, and STAY long enough to make a difference.

6. 

   5 Aug 2026

   Inspiring the Next Generation of Black Female Teachers

   Unlocking the Power of Purpose: How Cashmere Chose Teaching Against All Odds What makes someone choose teaching despite the challenges? In this inspiring episode, Cashmere—a new special education teacher from Pittsburgh—shares how purpose, representation, and community shaped her journey into the classroom. From overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome to finding inspiration in a teacher who changed her life, Cashmere explains why she is committed to serving underserved students. She also discusses the importance of diversity in education, building strong support systems, and how school leaders can better retain and empower Black educators. Whether you're an aspiring teacher, a veteran educator, or a school leader, this conversation is a powerful reminder that teaching is more than a career—it's a calling that can transform lives. Guest: Cashmere is a recent graduate and special education teacher in Pittsburgh who is passionate about educational equity, representation, and helping every student feel seen, valued, and capable of success.

7. 

   28 Jul 2026

   Why Special Education Fueled My Passion and Changed My Perspective

   First-year special education teacher Elise Thompson reveals the unvarnished truth about stepping into a demanding yet deeply rewarding career. From sleepless nights and self-doubt to a passion that fuels her every day, Elise shares her journey into a field that most overlook but many are called to serve. Her story is a masterclass in resilience, creativity, and purpose — a must-listen for anyone stepping into the classroom for the first time or feeling the weight of their early days as a teacher. In this episode, Coach G dives deep with Elise as she unpacks her "ROOTS" — her motivations, obstacles, and what keeps her committed—plus honest insights into classroom management, balancing emotional energy, and finding community support. You'll discover the raw truths behind the challenges new teachers face, especially in special education, and how resilience and mentorship can be game-changers. Elise emphasizes the importance of support systems, continuous learning, and maintaining passion amid adversity — lessons that resonate far beyond the classroom. We break down concrete strategies Elise uses to navigate classroom management hurdles, her vision for a thriving, self-sufficient learning environment, and how she plans to grow as a leader in the field. Her reflections on the systemic demands teachers face today underscore the urgent need for school leaders and policymakers to listen, support, and empower these frontline heroes. The stakes are high, but so are the opportunities for transformation — both personal and systemic. Perfect for early-career teachers, education advocates, and seasoned educators alike, this episode reminds us why teaching remains one of the most impactful, soul-stirring professions. If you're pondering whether to stay in the game or looking for inspiration to reignite your passion, Elise’s story is your call to action. Because at the end of the day, teachers don’t just shape classrooms — they shape lives and build the future. Guest Elise Thompson is a recent graduate and first-year special education teacher in Western Pennsylvania, committed to making a difference for students often overlooked and underserved. If you’re ready to embrace the struggles, cherish the wins, and find your purpose in education’s toughest spaces, this episode is essential listening. Your roots run deep — stay teacher, stay inspired, and keep impacting lives.

8. 

   22 Jul 2026

   The Hidden Power of Black Male Teachers in Changing School Culture

   Most teachers change lives. But Isaac Sanders, a young Black male educator from Detroit, reveals the unspoken truths about why more Black men don’t enter the classroom—and how we can change that. He shares a powerful story of how his mother’s 25-year career inspired his own passion for teaching, and dives deep into the systemic challenges Black educators face in schools today. From stereotypes to school policing, Isaac highlights the critical hurdles that keep many talented teachers on the sidelines—and what we must do to break the pipeline. You'll discover: how negative experiences in school deter Black males from teaching; practical ways districts can recruit and retain diverse educators; and why celebrating Black joy in the classroom isn’t just important—it’s essential for student success. Isaac shares heartfelt insights on overcoming doubts fueled by family and society, emphasizing the importance of community, mentorship, and resilience. His unique perspective on what makes a supportive environment for Black teachers, and how administrators can nurture their growth, is a blueprint for systemic change. This episode reveals the transformative power of empathy, representation, and celebration within education. If you’re a future educator, school leader, or supporter of diversity in schools, you’ll walk away with actionable strategies—and a renewed belief in the critical role Black teachers play in shaping our youth and society. Perfect for anyone committed to making schools more inclusive, joyful, and impactful. Isaac Sanders is a student at the University of Pittsburgh and an aspiring early grades teacher, passionate about closing the Black teacher pipeline and creating classrooms full of culture and care. Whether you're an educator, a policy maker, or simply someone who believes in the transformative power of teaching, this episode is your call to action—because every TEACHER who STAYS can change the world one student at a time.

9. 

   22 Jul 2026

   The Deep ROOTS That Keep Teachers Standing Through Every Storm.

   Most teachers stay because their ROOTS run deep—driven by passion, purpose, and a profound love for shaping young lives. But in a profession under siege by burnout and negativity, what truly keeps these educators standing firm when everything around them shakes? This episode unveils the inspiring journey of Raya, a college student with a vision to transform education from its earliest days. Despite being at the beginning of her path, she already embodies the core reasons she wants to teach, rooted in her family background and personal experience helping students with special needs. Raya shares how her deep love for students and her desire to make an impact keep her motivated, even amid the doubts and challenges new teachers face. You will discover her powerful ROOTS —Reasons, Obstacles, Overcoming, Transformation, and Stay—that reveals practical insights for enduring in the classroom. We break down how to STAY resilient when faced with skepticism from others, how embracing lifelong learning fuels growth, and why love for the craft is the most vital ingredient in avoiding burnout. Raya's story not only sparks inspiration but offers concrete strategies for educators, administrators, and aspiring teachers to foster connection, growth, and longevity in education. Why does it matter? Because when teachers thrive, students thrive. When authentic relationships and a strong sense of purpose are prioritized, educators can withstand the toughest storms. This episode is a call to reframe the narrative around teaching—reminding every potential and current teacher that their ROOTS are necessary, their impact is profound, and their presence in the classroom can change the world. Perfect for future teachers, school leaders, or anyone invested in sustaining passionate educators, this episode will reignite your sense of purpose and reinforce the importance of cultivating deep ROOTS in the profession. Let Raya’s story remind you—your potential to influence lives begins with your ROOTS. Stay connected, stay inspired, and Stay Teacher.

10. 

    14 Jul 2026

    How Passion, Purpose, and Support Keep Teachers Committed Long-Term

    Unlock the secrets of inspiring future educators with stories from passionate students who are shaping the classroom of tomorrow. What drives them? How do they overcome doubts, face societal noise about teaching, and remain resilient? This episode is a must-listen for anyone considering a career in education, or current teachers looking for renewed purpose and strategies to stay committed. Join Coach G and two remarkable students, Michael and William, as they dive into their personal journeys into teaching. You’ll discover the transformative power of purpose — from overcoming personal loss to igniting community change. Hear how their early experiences and role models shaped their desire to impact lives and why passion keeps them anchored amid challenges, from societal misconceptions to the pressure of standardized testing and AI disruptions. We break down actionable insights: Michael shares how creating accessible learning environments ignites student potential, while William emphasizes the importance of relationships and curiosity in fostering engagement. They openly discuss obstacles—doubt, resource scarcity, and system limitations—and reveal how support networks and a focus on small wins propel them forward. Their stories underscore that true leadership begins with a growth mindset—embracing mistakes, staying adaptable, and challenging norms. Most importantly, this episode emphasizes the essential role of transparency, advocacy, and support from school leaders. Michael and William share what educators need from administrators to thrive: open communication, equitable resources, acknowledgment, and genuine care. Their advice isn’t just for aspiring teachers but for policymakers and communities committed to transforming education. Perfect for students, seasoned educators, and education advocates alike, this episode fuels your passion and reminds you of the profound ripple effect teachers have. Whether you’re ready to enter the field or eager to support the next generation of teachers, the stories, frameworks, and insights shared will challenge, inspire, and motivate you to believe in the incredible power of education. This is more than a podcast—it's a movement to honor, support, and uplift teachers who are changing the world, one student at a time. Don’t miss these inspiring lessons on resilience, purpose, and leadership rooted deep in passion and community.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.