In this episode of Middle School Walk and Talk, hosts Phyllis Fagell and Jessica McGuire speak with Glenn Whitman, a history teacher and director of the Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Maryland. They discuss the school’s 18-year focus on the science of learning, covering key concepts like neuroplasticity, belonging, executive functioning, and the need for stronger reading instruction in middle and high school. Whitman shares practical classroom strategies and insights on how research can inform everyday teaching.

Middle School Walk & Talk is a production of the Association for Middle Level Education. Learn more at amle.org.

In this episode of Middle School Walk & Talk, Vernicca Wynter, educational leader and leadership wellness expert, shares practical strategies for creating supportive, engaging school environments. She discusses ways educators can boost student well-being, promote emotional regulation, and lead with intentionality, all while staying connected to their own “why.” Wynter offers actionable tips for teachers and administrators to cultivate thriving school cultures and combat burnout.

Middle School Walk & Talk is a production of the Association for Middle Level Education. Learn more at amle.org.

In this very special episode of Middle School Walk & Talk, hosts Phyllis Fagell and Jessica McGuire sit down with Brody Cunningham, a ninth grader from Georgia and the 2025 winner of AMLE’s Middle School Student Sound Off Contest. Brody reflects on what it means to “find your voice between the echoes” of middle school, sharing how supportive teachers, open communication, and self-discovery helped him navigate the challenges of adolescence. With honesty and insight, he offers educators a student’s perspective on belonging, engagement, and helping every young adolescent feel seen and heard.

Middle School Walk & Talk is a production of the Association for Middle Level Education. Learn more at amle.org.