The No-Frills Teacher Podcast

S3 Episode 13: Using Music to Teach, Motivate, and Move Students (Featuring Jack Hartmann)

In this inspiring episode, host Joe Camps chats with children’s music legend Jack Hartmann — the award-winning educator and YouTube superstar with 5.24 million subscribers and over 3 billion views worldwide!
 
Jack shares how his background in child and clinical psychology inspired his company, Hop 2 It Music, and how his songs continue to transform classrooms across the globe. From rhythm and phonics to social skills and self-confidence, his music proves that learning is most powerful when it’s joyful.
 
Joe reflects on how Jack’s songs are staples in classrooms everywhere — helping students learn through movement, language, and positivity. They discuss the creative process behind Jack’s most beloved videos, how teachers can use music to support academic goals, and what’s next for one of education’s most trusted voices.
 
🎶 Because music doesn’t just teach — it motivates and moves us all.
 
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Learn More & Listen
Visit Jack’s official website: jackhartmann.com
Watch and subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVcQH8A634mauPrGbWs7QlQ
 

S3 Episode 12: Building Student Success in Lee County (Featuring Dr. Kenneth Savage)

Deputy Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Savage joins host Joe Camps for an inspiring conversation about leadership, innovation, and impact in public education. From his beginnings as a teacher and film student to his role as a district system leader, Dr. Savage shares how Lee County is transforming student outcomes through school turnarounds, regional leadership models, and data-driven decision-making.
 
Together, they discuss how the district is addressing teacher shortages, strengthening high-need schools, and building sustainable systems that support both educators and students. Dr. Savage highlights his philosophy of servant leadership, the importance of sustainability for educators, and the power of targeted regional supports and incentives to stabilize staffing and drive achievement across a large, diverse district.
🎧 Tune in for an honest and uplifting conversation about leadership, vision, and what it takes to build lasting change in education.

S3 Episode 11: Reeling in Success (Featuring Paul Chilson)

In Season 3, Episode 11, Joe Camps welcomes Golden Apple recipient and veteran fifth-grade teacher Paul Chilson. Paul shares his journey from Michigan to Florida, the importance of building strong student relationships, and memorable stories from his classroom.
 
The conversation dives into the Golden Apple experience, practical teaching advice for new educators, and Paul’s fondness for fishing outside of school.
 
An inspiring episode filled with wisdom, heart, and encouragement for teachers at every stage of their careers.

S3 Episode 10: From History Books to Children’s Books (Featuring Kaisha Louis)

🎙️ Season 3, Episode 10 features Kaisha Louis — an award-winning teacher and children’s author who shows us how classroom lessons can become powerful stories. She takes us behind the scenes of writing Goldilocks and the Three Attempts at Government, and shares how immersive, hands-on learning, guest speakers, and community partnerships help engage students in meaningful ways.
Kaisha also leads Youth in Government, helping young people write bills, debate them, and become active participants in civics. She discusses using backward design, involving families, and the lasting impact of creative learning in and out of the classroom.
📚 Grab her book: Goldilocks and the Three Attempts at Government — available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/5E55dpW
📸 Follow Kaisha on Instagram: @historyguruchannel

S3 Episode 9: Leading With Purpose: From Lemuel Teal to Success Academy (Featuring Dr. Joseph Restino)

Season 3, Episode 9 features Dr. Joseph Restino discussing how collaboration, clear systems, and reciprocal accountability led to a historic 110-point improvement at Lemuel Teal Middle School. He explains his transition to Success Academy overseeing multiple special centers, the focus on structure and student supports, and the power of staff celebration and community partnerships.
The episode also covers practical leadership advice, safety upgrades and training, and Dr. Restino’s experience presenting the school’s work to the Florida Department of Education.

S3 Episode 8: Great Futures Start Here (Featuring Dr. Elijah Lefkowitz)

Season 3, Episode 8 of the No Frills Teacher Podcast with host Joe Camps features Dr. Elijah Lefkowitz discussing the Boys & Girls Club, hands-on STEM projects, career exploration, and his theme-based approach to teaching that blends real-world experiences with classroom learning. The episode covers innovative programs like aviation and molecular gastronomy, the importance of differentiated and project-based learning, guidance for aspiring teachers, and how after-school programs help students discover passions and build life skills. Want to learn more? Visit www.bgclee.org

S3 Episode 7: Mosquitoes and Methods: Building Engaging Educational Content (Featuring Mark McCreary)

🎙️ Joe Camps sits down with Mark McCreary from the Lee County Mosquito Control District to highlight their innovative, standards-based outreach program that brings hands-on mosquito science to K–12 students. From exploring life cycles and ecosystem roles to learning about disease monitoring and cutting-edge control methods like biological larvicides and the sterile insect technique, students are experiencing science in action. Mark also shares: ✅ The impact of the program on student learning ✅ How virtual outreach is expanding access ✅ Teacher tips for boosting engagement (hint: less worksheets, more hands-on activities!) The focus? Engagement over compliance—reducing behavior issues while deepening student learning. 🦟 Want to learn more about Lee County Mosquito Education and the Lee County Mosquito Control District? 👉 Follow them on Facebook: •https://www.facebook.com/share/1DTTm4qh5F/?mibextid=wwXIfr • https://www.facebook.com/share/14GouvBvK5C/?mibextid=wwXIfr

S3 Episode 6: AI in Education (Featuring Chris Hull)

Welcome to Season 3, Episode 6 of the No Frills Teacher Podcast, featuring Chris Hull, the founder and president of Otus, a leading education technology company. In this episode, Chris shares his journey from a former seventh-grade teacher to leading Otus in providing innovative tools for educators. Discover how AI is transforming teaching and learning by simplifying tasks and providing valuable insights through personalized recommendations. Chris emphasizes the importance of responsible AI use, ensuring data security, and empowering teachers to focus on student engagement and success. Tune in for an enlightening discussion on embracing technology to enhance educational outcomes.
Want to learn more about Otus? Visit www.otus.com

S3 Episode 5: Servant Leadership (Featuring Dr. Joseph Restino)

Join us in Season 3, Episode 5 of the No Frills Teacher Podcast, as we welcome Dr. Joseph Restino, the esteemed principal of Lemuel Teal Middle School in Lehigh Acres, Florida. Discover Dr. Restino's unique journey from finance to education and how he embraced the challenges of opening a brand new school. Dive into the concept of servant leadership, as Dr. Restino shares his experiences in building strong community partnerships and fostering a positive school culture. Get insights into the legacy of Lemuel Teal and the continuous pursuit of academic excellence under Dr. Restino's leadership. Don't miss this inspiring conversation about dedication, teamwork, and educational innovation.

S3 Episode 4: Treating Math Anxiety In Students (Featuring Dr. Aditya Nagrath)

Welcome to another insightful episode of the No Frills Teacher Podcast! In Season 3, Episode 4, host Joe Camps is joined by the distinguished Dr. Aditya Nagrath, whose expertise sheds light on the profound challenge of math anxiety among students. Join the conversation as Dr. Nagrath discusses the roots and repercussions of math anxiety, presenting evidence-based insights that reveal its long-term impacts on students' academic success and future earnings. Discover the surprising connection between early math skills and later reading proficiency, and learn how foundational math concepts can significantly influence a child's overall educational journey. Dr. Nagrath introduces practical tools for educators and parents to identify and address math anxiety, emphasizing the importance of believing in every student's potential and meeting them at their level of understanding. Gain a deeper understanding of math as a language and explore innovative teaching methodologies that encourage student engagement and participation. The episode also highlights Dr. Nagrath’s pioneering work with Elephant Learning, an online math academy that bridges learning gaps with game-based experiential learning, and demonstrates how students can achieve exceptional progress in mathematics. Embark on this enlightening exploration of strategies to empower students and cultivate a love for mathematics, transforming math anxiety into confidence and competence. Don't miss out on this informative and inspiring discussion! Listen now for transformative insights for all educators, parents, and learners. Want to learn more about Dr. Aditya Nagrath and Elephant Learning? Visit www.elephantlearning.com