The Teacher Leader Podcast
The most powerful change in education?
It doesn't come from the top down—it comes from teachers like you.
Welcome to The Teacher Leader Podcast, where everyday educators become agents of change. Whether you're navigating your first year in the classroom or mentoring the next generation of teachers, this podcast is your resource for leading with impact, not authority.
Hosted by lifelong educators Jody Tucker, Esther Valdez, and Allison Johnson, we explore the topics that matter most: sparking classroom innovation, navigating tough conversations, building supportive teacher communities, and mastering practical strategies that transform your practice and inspire those around you.
What sets us apart?
Authentic stories from real educators. Sincere discussions about the challenges and triumphs of teaching, along with practical insights you can implement immediately.
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Join a community of educators who refuse to wait for change—they create it. Because the future of education isn't waiting for permission, it's being shaped by teachers like you, right now
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Episodes
Wednesday Jan 07, 2026
Wednesday Jan 07, 2026
In this episode of the Teacher Leader Podcast, we speak with Jackie Doerr, an educator whose career spanned 41 years (1968-2009) and included being one of the first female principals in her district.
Jackie's journey from a first-grade teacher to a school leader in a predominantly male environment showcases her innovation and resilience. Motivated by her brother with Down Syndrome, she introduced individualized instruction and team teaching. As the principal of a struggling K-8 school with 900 students, she transformed it from the district's lowest-performing school to the second-highest in just four years by empowering teachers to select their own reading programs, building trust, and creatively securing funding.
She highlights essential lessons relevant today: differentiation, community engagement, and valuing all individuals, from students to staff. Her work with Hispanic mothers turned them into strong advocates for the school, reflecting her commitment to shared leadership and cultural responsiveness.
With honesty and humor, Jackie recounts her experiences with superintendents, the challenges she's faced since the 1960s, and her joy in working with children. This episode celebrates a leader whose legacy continues to inspire educators.
Friday Dec 19, 2025
Friday Dec 19, 2025
In this episode of the Teacher Leader Podcast, we talk with Aaron Valle, a recent graduate who has just started his teaching career. Aaron shares his journey to becoming an educator and emphasizes the importance of authenticity and meaningful relationships in the classroom. As a Latino male educator, he strives to create inclusive environments, drawing from his own experiences of feeling unwelcome in school. He engages students in social studies by incorporating music, particularly hip-hop, into his teaching. Aaron highlights the significance of supporting multilingual learners and encouraging self-expression. Throughout our conversation, he reflects on his personal challenges and his dedication to ensuring that every student feels a sense of belonging.
For books, resources, and events, please visit theteacherleader.org.
Monday Dec 15, 2025
Monday Dec 15, 2025
In this episode, co-host Allison Johnson welcomes fellow co-hosts, colleagues, and co-authors Jody Tucker and Esther Valdez to discuss their newly released children's book, The Living Tree. Jody and Esther discuss how they first met in the education sector and explain how the book's theme emerged naturally during their creative process. Join them for an in-depth conversation about the heart of their book—without giving away any spoilers.
For books, resources, and events, please visit theteacherleader.org.
Tuesday Dec 02, 2025
Tuesday Dec 02, 2025
In the inaugural episode of the Teacher Leader Podcast, lifelong educators Jody Tucker, Esther Valdez, and Allison Johnson highlight the role of teacher leaders, focusing on impact over titles. They discuss the challenge of teacher retention, noting that many leave within 5 to 7 years. Through personal stories of resilience, they showcase teaching as a journey of growth and creativity, encouraging listeners to subscribe and inviting other educators to join as future guests.