Shows
We Can Do EPIC Things75. The One With a New Set of ProjectsTara Auld’s CVMS students are back with another project. This time we learn so many fun facts about ancient China… who knew The Great Wall of China was so long! 2025-05-201h 00We Can Do EPIC Things74. The One Where We Co-Host a Conference, Part 2We are back with the long awaited part 2 from the Modern Learning Conference. In this episode we catch up with the nominees and learn about the great things happening at their schools and in their classrooms. 2025-05-141h 01We Can Do EPIC Things73. The One With An IntroductionIntroducing the newest member of PDC… April Crandall! In this episode, we learn about April’s journey to teaching and other interesting facts about her life. Happy listening! 2025-05-0640 minWe Can Do EPIC Things72. The One With Katie MartinLive from New York, it’s Katie Martin! 🗽While in New York City at The Learning and the Brain Conference, we had the pleasure of talking to author, educator, and Chief Impact Officer at Learner-Centered Collaborative, Katie Martin. Listen as we talk about modern high schools, personalized learning, AI, and how her book inspired one of the most popular in service classes to date; The Learning Project. Huge thanks to Katie for spending time with us after a big day of being the keynote speaker as well as hosting an afternoon session. Happy listening! 2025-04-301h 03We Can Do EPIC Things71. The One With Hot DogsThis week we have the legend herself, Shari Chappell! Shari is an avid listener and since we have heard so much about the Hot Dog of the Week, we had to learn more about it! She explains how it started and how the tradition is still going strong. 🌭2025-04-1749 minWe Can Do EPIC Things70. The One Where We Build HopeIn this episode, we talk about the new GPA and how it is a more robust predictor of student success! We talk about the science of hope and what it looks like in the classroom. ✨2025-04-0848 minWe Can Do EPIC Things69. The One Where We Finish Our First YearThis is a good one! In this episode, teachers new to our district (Teacher Academy) share advice and what they have learned in their first year in Douglas County Schools. They offer great reminders to all of us about making connections, giving ourselves grace, and always making sure you have a plan. Happy listening! 2025-04-0143 minWe Can Do EPIC Things68. The One Where We Are On A MissionIn this episode, we talk with Amanda Simon (inclusive education teacher at DHS) about her EPIC classroom. Listen as Amanda explains her pathway to teaching and how she creates an EPIC learning environment for her students. We are so glad she committed to our school district! 2025-03-2534 minWe Can Do EPIC Things67. The One With Fawn NguyenFawn Nguyen is here! She is a leader in the math education and you won’t believe her opening story (she should write a book). Listen as we talk all things math including a number talk in live time! 2025-03-181h 06We Can Do EPIC Things66. The One Where We Do A ProjectWe are back! In this episode, we talk with Pam Ertel, 3rd grade teacher at Minden Elementary, and her students about the different projects they have done this year. We loved hearing students explain their projects and how much they love making their school a better place! 2025-03-1244 minWe Can Do EPIC Things65. The One Where We Co-Host a Conference, Part 1In this episode, we recap the Modern Learning Conference that took place on February 24-25th in Reno. Our district had that pleasuring of co-hosting the conference with Churchill County and in this part one episode, we share highlights as well as talking with EPIc coaches and award nominees. 2025-02-2850 minWe Can Do EPIC Things64. The Where All The Rumors Are True….at least one rumor is true. Carly, Susan and Jason are retiring at the end of the school year. There are currently two job postings for Professional Learning Specialists and if you’re curious about the work, you’ll want to listen! Please reach out to anyone in our office (Carly, Lyndsey, Susan, Jason) if you have any other questions about the jobs. 2025-02-1148 minWe Can Do EPIC Things63. The One Where We Are At Your ServiceAspire Academy High School Students are at your service! In this episode, we talk with students at AAHS about their service projects in the community and learn about their personal connections to the projects. Happy listening! 2025-02-0422 minWe Can Do EPIC Things62. The One With Sustainable FuturesWe are back at Carson Valley Middle School with Tara Auld’s 7th grade students who talk to us about their sustainability projects. Listen as they explain this project and share their solutions for how to make a more sustainable future!2025-01-2839 minWe Can Do EPIC Things61. The One With MTSSYou know we love a good acronym in education! In this episode, we talk with Jen Mortensen about MTSS (Multi-tiered Systems of Support) and what it looks like in our district. Listen and learn more about the tiers and structure of MTSS and as always, we end with a riveting would you rather. Happy listening! 2025-01-2145 minWe Can Do EPIC Things60. The One With a New Year, Same UsThe Professional Development Center is back for the new year! We try out a new segment called Word Sneak and we had the best time recording. We share our philosophies on New Year’s resolutions and Ins and Outs for 2025. Hopefully this episode gives you a good laugh! 2025-01-1440 minWe Can Do EPIC Things59. The One Where We Ignite Hope, Part 2Happy New Year! This week we have Miki Trujillo back on the pod. Listen as she discusses key takeaways from her latest book, Teaching and Learning in the Face of Adversity, that she co-wrote with Doug Fisher and Nancy Frey. This is a great book to start a new year and reinvigorate your teaching. It has short chapters with checklists and plenty of space to journal your thoughts. Happy listening! ✨2025-01-0847 minWe Can Do EPIC Things58. Bonus episode! The One With Clay And KindergartnersListen as we chat with students in Allison Meyers’s ceramics class about their pinch pot project with Kelly McCues’s kindergarten students. Happy listening and have a relaxing holiday break! 2024-12-1920 minWe Can Do EPIC Things57. The One Where We Go To WhovilleWe are back with students! Listen as Heather Kuehner’s 4th and 5th grade choir students at GES sing You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch and Amanda Hatcher’s 1st grade students read about their adventures in Whoville. Thank you for listening and we hope you all have a joyous holiday!🎄2024-12-1814 minWe Can Do EPIC Things56. The One Where We Are Battle BornYou asked and we delivered…we have Jakota Wass on the pod! Jakota is a DHS alumni and recording artist. Listen as Jakota takes us through his journey in music and shares funny memories from his time in Douglas County Schools. You won’t want to miss his live performance for us 🎸2024-12-1038 minWe Can Do EPIC Things55. The One Where We Go To The LakeIn this two part episode, we feature two EPIC classrooms at George Whittell High School. The first is Dr. Amy Hope’s 7th grade World Geography and the next is Katie Martin’s Advanced Culinary. Listen as they talk about creating podcasts, cooking staff lunches, and planning immersive dinner events! 2024-12-0347 minWe Can Do EPIC Things54. The One Where We Are ThankfulOur first grade friends are back! In this episode, Mrs. Almeida and Mrs. Hukkanen’s students read about what they are thankful for and clever disguises for turkeys. This one is a must listen! We hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving and we are thankful for all of you. 🦃2024-11-2638 minWe Can Do EPIC Things53. The One With No Screen TimeCould you go a whole week with no screen time? Listen as the fourth grade students at Pinon Hills Elementary took on the challenge of no screen time for a week. They have some great advice on how to get started and suggestions on what to do instead! 2024-11-1934 minWe Can Do EPIC Things52. The One Where Learning Gets PersonalizedThis week are were lucky enough to talk with Sue Holmes of Leap Innovations about how to make learning more personalized. We also talk about the Modern Learning Conference happening in February which will be showcasing our awesome school district! 2024-11-1236 minWe Can Do EPIC Things51. The One Where We Turn 50, Part 2We had so much to say, we had to make a part 2! Listen to hear the second half of our 50 questions 🥳🎉2024-11-0544 minWe Can Do EPIC Things50. The One Where We Turn 50, Part 1We made it to 50! 🎉🥳 First and foremost, thank you so much to all of our listeners for being on this incredible journey with us. We had so much fun recording this episode where we answer 50 random questions from our listeners. Listen to learn a little more about your cohosts! 2024-10-2943 minWe Can Do EPIC Things49. The One Where We Use AIDon’t be fooled by the AI generated intro, we are still your hosts and back with an episode all about AI. In this episode we talk with Rachel Croft from NWRPDP about all things AI in education. You won’t want to miss the story where we find a sparkling key that leads us to a magical land! ✨🔑2024-10-1546 minWe Can Do EPIC Things48. The One Where We Go To The MuseumThe students are back! In this episode we talk with students at CVMS in Tara Auld’s class about their recent museum project. Listen as they share what they learned, what they enjoyed about the project, and what they would do differently next time. This is truly an EPIC project! 2024-10-0839 minWe Can Do EPIC Things47. The One Where We Are TransparentOur new introduction states that we are making learning transparent for all stakeholders, but what does mean? In this episode, we take a deeper dive into what this looks like. Listen as our EPIC coaches highlight the great things happening in our schools! ✨📝2024-10-0148 minWe Can Do EPIC Things46. The One Where We Go To LunchIt’s lunchtime! In this episode, we learn so much about our school nutrition program here in Douglas County. Jordy Foster takes us through the planning process of the menus, funding, and fan favorite meals. 2024-09-2441 minWe Can Do EPIC Things45. The One Where Students Take The LeadStudent led conferences are truly EPIC! Listen as we hear from school counselors, Jackie Hostler and Katie Emm, on the successes they’ve seen with student led conferences. They offer tips on what student can share during conferences and the value of students taking ownership of their learning!2024-09-1743 minWe Can Do EPIC Things44. The One Where We Get Engaged…with learning! We know student engagement is a struggle and we have a way to help. Listen as we take you through a spectrum of active and passage engagement levels and what it looks like in the classroom. Check out our instagram @wecandoepicthings for the levels of engagement resource! 2024-09-1031 minWe Can Do EPIC Things43. The One Where We Get Into a RoutineThe math IS mathing! In this episode we talk with mathematician, Holly Young, who has been working with DCSD teachers on Math Language Routines in the classroom. Listen for Holly’s favorite ways to connect to student and as always, a riveting would you rather. 💰2024-09-0346 minWe Can Do EPIC Things42. The One Where We Go To ClassThe Tortured PD Department is back! In this episode we take a deeper dive into the classes you need for teacher licensure and In-services classes offered this fall! 2024-08-2753 minWe Can Do EPIC Things41. The One Where We Get Bossed AroundIn this episode you’ll meet our bosses who explain more about our Portrait of a Learner and how DCSD is Empowering, Preparing, Inspiring and Connecting students, staff, and the community. Listen for good book suggestions and some wild You Can’t Make This Up stories! Hint: 🐎🚌🥪2024-08-2043 minWe Can Do EPIC Things40. The One Where We Kick Things OffWe’re back! It’s season 2 and we wanted to kick things off by meeting our new superintendent, Frankie Alvarado. Listen to learn more about his goals and focus for the year, connectedness. We have added some new segments we think you’ll love … happy listening! 2024-08-1439 minWe Can Do EPIC Things39. The One With The Tortured PD DepartmentIt’s the finale and our 1 year anniversary! 🥳 Join us for The Tortured PD Department episode. We had the most fun recording this episode where we share stories from our careers related to the song titles on Taylor Swift’s new album. Thanks for listening all year long and we will be back in August with a new season!2024-06-0454 minWe Can Do EPIC Things38. BONUS EPISODE! The One Where We WINWho doesn’t love to win? Pau Wa Lu has been working hard to personalize learning for students. Listen and learn more about their WIN (What I Need) time.2024-05-3029 minWe Can Do EPIC Things37. The One Where We Sell It…AgainHailey is back and giving us an update on her first full school year as the Director of Marketing. We talk about the Portrait of a Learner work, Carson Valley Days Parade, and variety of other topics!2024-05-2942 minWe Can Do EPIC Things36. The One Where We Paint a Portrait…of a Learner, Part 2In this second installment of our Portrait of a Learner conversation, we talk with students about how they feel Empowered, Prepared, Inspired, and Connected in the classroom. Keep your eyes peeled this fall on HWY 395 for the work the students and team have been collaborating on! 🚩For more info on our Portrait of a Learner, check out episode 31.2024-05-2132 minWe Can Do EPIC Things35. The One With Young AuthorsOur first grade friends share the books they have written in the Young Authors project. This episode also features a very special guest, Melinda Neilander, who created the Young Authors project as a way to provide scholarships for future teachers. WARNING: this episode contains excessive cuteness!2024-05-1418 minWe Can Do EPIC Things34. The One Where We Pinch PotsHave you ever made a pinch pot? Have you ever tried to teach a first grader how to make one? In this episode, we talk with 8th grade students on their experience working with 1st graders on creating pinch pots in pottery class. Check out our instagram to see the finished product! @wecandoepicthings2024-05-0718 minWe Can Do EPIC Things33. The One With A.J. JulianiWelcome to New York, A.J. Juliani has been waiting for us! We took the show on the road and interviewed A.J. Juliani following his pre conference session on his most recent book, Adaptable. We discussed a variety of topics from AI to apathy and student motivation. This is a can’t miss episode! 🗽2024-04-3043 minWe Can Do EPIC Things32. The One Where We Noodle Up For NeighborsIn this episode we introduce you to Partners Across the Community (PAC) and learn about their special food drive going on April 15th through May 15th. This short episode will make you smile and hungry for noodles. 🍜2024-04-1606 minWe Can Do EPIC Things31. The One Where We Paint a Portrait…of a LearnerIn this episode, we learn about the work of DCSD’s Portrait of a Learner Team and how it relates to EPIC Learning. There are exciting things in the works and as one student said, “I’ve learned about the future of the school system and how we’re improving upon it…and I like where it’s headed.” Xander 11th grade2024-04-1026 minWe Can Do EPIC Things30. The One Where We Celebrate 🎉We are celebrating 30 episodes with an unscripted episode where it’s all about 30. Don’t miss our hard hitting questions and a surprise would you rather from last week’s guest host!2024-04-0233 minWe Can Do EPIC Things29. The One Where We Level UpTeachers in their first year here in Douglas County Schools share their classroom experiences focused around Positive Culture. Listen how they make connections with their students and stay tuned for the always exciting Would You Rather at the end.2024-03-2722 minWe Can Do EPIC Things28. The One Where It Looks Like We Made ItTeaching is hard, but we can do EPIC things. In this episode, teachers with 20+ years of experience share their tips for making it to year 20 and beyond.2024-03-1925 minWe Can Do EPIC Things27. The One With Catlin Tucker!!!So this really happened…Catlin Tucker! Catlin has written several books and is the queen of blended learning. You won’t want to miss Catlin’s thoughts on how to bring blended learning to life in the classroom.2024-03-1251 minWe Can Do EPIC Things26. The One Where We Do EPIC ThingsWe did something EPIC! We invited teachers to a session at our district wide conference to record and they showed up. Listen to them share the EPIC things happening in their classroom and some great stories you really can’t make up!2024-03-0531 minWe Can Do EPIC Things25. The One Where We Ctrl+Alt+Delete Our Problems AwayThis might be our most creative title, yet! Computer Science standards are a hot topic lately so we decided to bring in an expert to take a deeper dive with us. Listen as we talk with Jaci McCune about her journey in education. Stay tuned until the end to hear a wild story about a 1st grade field trip!2024-02-2745 minWe Can Do EPIC Things24. The One Where We Aspire to Greatness“A public school that feels private…”. In this episode we talk with students and staff at Aspire Academy High School about their journey and experiences in this alternative school setting. As always, we end with a riveting would you rather that will leave you pondering…🦖✨2024-02-1335 minWe Can Do EPIC Things23. The One Where We Are FlexibleWe may be a day late, but thanks for being flexible! In this episode we share our favorite strategies for using flexible grouping in the classroom. You won’t want to miss the end where we tease about two very exciting upcoming pod guests!2024-02-0742 minWe Can Do EPIC Things22. The One Where We Get SALTyWe hear a lot about giving students a voice in their education. In this episode, we will introduce you to students at Gardnerville Elementary School who are using their voices to create a more welcoming and inclusive school as part of SALT. They have reinvented traditional student leadership programs to be open to all students that want to participate and are making big changes in their school. Listen and get SALTy with us.2024-01-3017 minWe Can Do EPIC Things21. The One Where We Work SmarterWe’ve all heard the saying “work smarter not harder” but that is much easier said than done! Tune into this episode as our office breaks down specific ways that we as teachers can work smarter!2024-01-2452 minWe Can Do EPIC Things20. The One Where We Ignite HopeWe are starting off the year with a little hope. Former DCSD teacher and published author, Miki Trujillo, join us for a feel good conversation about emotional well-being and why we hate self care so much.2024-01-1643 minWe Can Do EPIC Things19. The One Where We Become TeachersWe’re back and the future is looking bright! ✨In this episode we sit down with students in Ashley Mitchell’s Society and Education class who are interested in becoming teachers. Listen as they discuss their experience in the program and we promise you will be inspired when you hear their perspective on teaching!2024-01-0938 minWe Can Do EPIC Things18. The One With Letters to SantaIf you need a holiday pick me up, this episode is for you. Our first grade friends are back with their letters to Santa. You won’t want to miss this one.2023-12-2017 minWe Can Do EPIC Things17. The One Where You Can’t Make This UpThe fan favorite segment “You Can’t Make This Up” has its own episode! These stories will leave you saying “Wow! You can’t make this up.”2023-12-1325 minWe Can Do EPIC Things16. The One Where It’s Just UsOur first solo pod! In this episode we cover a variety of topics and answer questions from the listeners. Listen to learn more about the your two EPIC hosts. Lyndsey has a new favorite animal and Carly shares about the day she came unprepared for recess duty. Don’t miss it.2023-12-0544 minWe Can Do EPIC Things15. The One Where We Hustle‘Tis the season to hustle! In this episode we learn about the various side hustles that our staff members do in their spare time. Be sure to check out the link for more information on each side hustle!2023-11-2849 minWe Can Do EPIC Things14. The One Where We’re ThankfulThis podcast is just what you need to kick off your Thanksgiving break! Listen as our first-grade friends read their writing about what they are thankful for and how they would disguise a turkey. 🦃 We are so thankful for YOU, our listeners, and we hope you have a restful break.2023-11-2118 minWe Can Do EPIC Things13. The One Where We Get Busted, Part 2Busted! In this part two episode, we continue to bust myths on EPIC Learning with a very special guest who we brought out of retirement; Rommy Cronin-Mack. Listen as we clear up misconceptions and even give some advice on concerts to attend! 🎶2023-11-1442 minWe Can Do EPIC Things12. The One Where We Try Again…and again…and again.As teachers, we are continuously improving our craft. Listen as we talk with Alyssa Park, 4th grade teacher, about her many iterations of EPIC Learning. If you need encouragement to keep trying, this is the episode for you!2023-11-0746 minWe Can Do EPIC Things11. The One Where We Get RichWe are back from fall break! In this episode, learn more about our Executive Director of Grants and Accountability, Marc Walling. Marc explains not only his job, but also his experience with EPIC Learning as a parent of two kids in our district. He is also crazy…listen to find out why!2023-10-3141 minWe Can Do EPIC Things10. The One Where We Feel IncludedIt feels good to be included. In this episode we are joined by the Office of Inclusive Education and learn more about EPIC instruction for all students. Listen to find out if Jeannie Dwyer really was attacked by a shark. 🦈2023-10-1742 minWe Can Do EPIC Things9. The One Where We Step It Up and Get RigorousSpoiler alert: Rigor doesn’t mean harder! Listen to find out more about rigor and how it applies to all learners.2023-10-1040 minWe Can Do EPIC Things8. The One Where We Were BlindsidedThe title for this one says it all.2023-10-0406 minWe Can Do EPIC Things7. The One Where We Get BustedIt’s time to get busted! In this episode our cohosts, Crespin and Adam, will take some common myths about EPIC Learning in Douglas County School District and bust them, sharing what EPIC Learning really is. The sound effects in this episode are not to be missed.2023-09-2644 minWe Can Do EPIC Things6. The One Where We Sell ItDo you ever wonder why a school district would need a marketing director? Meet Hailey Sebahar who makes Douglas County Schools look great! Hailey loves highlighting all the amazing things teachers and students are doing. You won’t want to miss the interesting path that brought her to Nevada.2023-09-1939 minWe Can Do EPIC Things5. The One Where We Huddle Up Part 2We are huddling up once again to meet our 4 secondary Instructional Coaches. Listen to hear their journeys to becoming an EPIC coach and their wild stories from teaching middle and high school!2023-09-1244 minWe Can Do EPIC Things4. The One Where We Huddle Up Part 1All good teams need a coach and we are lucky enough to have 8 of them. In this episode, we will meet our 4 elementary Instructional Coaches and learn some EPIC plays. You won’t want to miss the insightful “I used to think, but now I know” segment.2023-09-0540 minWe Can Do EPIC Things3. The One Where We Were on a BreakDo you ever wonder what is on the minds of the people providing PD for teachers and school staffs? In today’s episode we introduce ourselves and our office, The Professional Development Center, as we leave summer behind and head into another action packed school year.2023-08-2945 minWe Can Do EPIC Things2. The One Where We Take It Down a NotchDespite the name of this episode, these two guests are top notch in our eyes. Listen as our district leaders in Curriculum and Instruction describe responsive instruction.2023-08-2241 minWe Can Do EPIC Things1. The One Where We Go Straight to the TopCheck out our first full length episode where we learn more about DCSD’s Superintendent Keith Lewis. You will want to listen until the very end for a good laugh.2023-08-1728 minWe Can Do EPIC ThingsThe One Where We Get Schooled By a Fifth GraderCarly and Lyndsey get an impromptu lesson in podcast making from a fifth grader who knows a thing or two about making a podcast.2023-06-1204 min