Step Inside The Teachers’ Lounge

Latest Episodes

Teachers Lounge – Season 4: A Decade of Impact | Episode 01:

Welcome & Why This Conversation Matters

Kashuna Hopkins opens Season 4 by setting the stage for A Decade of Impact. Drawing parallels between education and culture, this episode frames the conversation around how education changes—and how it doesn’t. The episode introduces the themes of reflection, truth, and teacher voice that anchor the season.

Teachers Lounge – Season 4: A Decade of Impact | Episode 02:

Meet the Educators – Bridget Larkin & Kimberly Fern

Bridget Larkin and Kimberly Fern share their professional backgrounds, teaching journeys, and decades of classroom experience. From diverse grade levels to varied school communities, this episode establishes the wisdom and perspective they bring to the season.

Teachers Lounge – Season 4: A Decade of Impact | Episode 03:

Teachers Are More Than Teachers

Kashuna reflects on the invisible labor teachers perform every day. Bridget and Kimberly share firsthand examples of how teachers serve as mentors, advocates, and emotional anchors for students—often far beyond academic instruction.

Teachers Lounge – Season 4: A Decade of Impact | Episode 04:

The Power of Homeroom Parents

This episode highlights the role of homeroom parents and classroom volunteers. Bridget and Kimberly share stories of parents who provided critical support beyond parties—helping teachers integrate into school communities and better serve students.

Teachers Lounge – Season 4: A Decade of Impact | Episode 05:

What Inspired You to Become a Teacher?

Bridget and Kimberly reflect on the moments, mentors, and encouragement that led them into education. This episode explores how being “seen” by others can shape career paths—and why encouragement matters.

Teachers Lounge – Season 4: A Decade of Impact | Episode 06:

Encouragement, Support, and Becoming a Teacher

This conversation examines the difference between encouragement and real support. Bridget and Kimberly discuss how access, mentorship, and advocacy—not just belief—shape who enters and remains in the profession.

Teachers Lounge – Season 4: A Decade of Impact | Episode 07:

Teachers as Mentors, Not Just Instructors

Focusing on relationships and trust, this episode explores how teachers shape students’ confidence, character, and long-term success. Learning, the guests argue, begins with emotional safety.

Teachers Lounge – Season 4: A Decade of Impact | Episode 08:

AI, Technology, and the Human Line in Education

Bridget, Kimberly, and Kashuna discuss AI and classroom technology, emphasizing moderation and balance. This episode reinforces that technology should support learning—not replace human connection.

Teachers Lounge – Season 4: A Decade of Impact | Episode 09:

What Moved Education Forward—and What Didn’t

Reflecting on curriculum reform and district initiatives, this episode explores what genuinely supported student learning—and what stalled progress due to constant program turnover.

Teachers Lounge – Season 4: A Decade of Impact | Episode 10:

When Data Replaced Children

A candid conversation about how data-driven instruction sometimes reduced students to numbers. This episode challenges listeners to reconsider how success in education is measured.

Teachers Lounge – Season 4: A Decade of Impact | Episode 11:

Respecting Teachers as Professionals

This episode addresses workload, compensation, and respect. Bridget and Kimberly discuss how teachers are asked to shoulder immense responsibility without professional recognition or support.

Teachers Lounge – Season 4: A Decade of Impact | Episode 12:

We Have to Do Better

The season closes with a call to action. From community partnership to policy change, this final episode challenges listeners to move beyond conversation and take responsibility for improving education.

Additional Episodes

Archived Chapters
View past chapters from Season 1

Where to Listen
Find us on iTunes, Youtube, Spotify, and Soundcloud

Step Inside The Teachers’ Lounge

Latest Episodes

Additional Episodes

Archived Chapters
View past chapters from Season 1

Where to Listen
Find us on iTunes, Youtube, Spotify, and Soundcloud

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Thank you to our current

Teacher's Lounge Podcast Sponsors:

Girl Scouts Arizona Cactus Pine
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Salt River Projects

Growing the Tree

Million Dollar Teacher Tree was first developed in a classroom by students in a program called, Next Generation Service Corps at Arizona State University in December of 2017. These students were tasked by Lloyd Hopkins, founder of Million Dollar Teacher project with developing a project that can potentially become an integral part in helping MDTP achieve its mission. The group eventually developed the original prototype for Million Dollar Teacher Tree—a cutout dollar sign that would be placed in surrounding businesses near the partner school. The idea was pitched to staff members of MDTP during the last of their class, and the project was picked up by MDTP as a new pilot program for the organization. After many months of planning, the prototype was eventually revamped into what it is today, Million Dollar Teacher Tree.

Golden Apple

These apples are intended to provide any sort of Professional Development which, in turn, gifts them with key knowledge to add to their personal skill-set to better work with their students.

As educators, teachers are constantly looking to continually grow in their profession to not only learn how to better connect with their students, but to also make the learning experience much more exciting.

Suggested donation amount range: $10 – $100

Red Apple

These apples are designed to provide the typical day-to-day items in the classroom. Teachers spend can spend upwards of $1,000 out of pocket to have enough supplies yearlong for their students– to alleviate this, the Red Apples were created.

Everyday school supplies include; pencils, notebooks, crayons, hand sanitizer, etc.

Green Apple

These apples are intended to provide a big-ticket item for the teachers. These supplies are typically something that the teachers can use for more than one school year.

Examples include; a class-set of computers or new furniture for the classroom.

Suggested donation amount: $500+