What happens when a student is struggling in class simply because they can’t see... and they don’t even know it? In this episode, ECPS School Health Coordinator Betty Hagans and Registered Nurse Deidre Nimblatt share how the Florida Heiken Vision Program is providing free eye exams and glasses to students who need them.

Hear about the work it took to bring the program to Escambia County and how something as simple as a pair of glasses can transform a student’s confidence, engagement, and success in the classroom.

Guests: Betty Hagans & Deidre Nimblatt https://www.miamilighthouse.org/FloridaHeikenProgram.asp

Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/
Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodes

Host: Meredith Hackwith Edwards

In a world increasingly shaped by screens and AI, theatre gives students something technology can’t: the thrill of creating a live experience in a room. In this episode, Booker T Washington High School Theatre Teacher Hannah Simmons & Tate High School Theatre Teacher, Elizabeth Mealy share their passion around integrating theatre into the heart of their high schools.

Learn how joining a theatre program can build greater self-awareness, empathy, emotional intelligence, camaraderie and even school pride in students and school communities.

They discuss how tradition, self-ownership, and live performance are shaping the next generation of storytellers and why it’s important to have opportunities to try on different versions of your personality.

Guests: Hannah Simmons & Elizabeth Mealy IG https://www.instagram.com/tatetheatre/ | https://www.instagram.com/btwhsdrama/ | https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057319933841

Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/
Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodes

Host: Meredith Hackwith Edwards

Escambia County Public Schools has earned its first-ever district-wide A grade and the story behind that achievement isn’t about chasing points - it’s about helping students see where they are, where they’re going and what they’re capable of achieving. Superintendent Keith Leonard shares how student buy-in, focused instruction and the commitment of teachers and staff helped drive ECPS forward. He shares, “We’re not worried about the points, we’re worried about the kid.”

Guest: Keith Leonard

Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/
Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodes

Host: Meredith Hackwith Edwards