Voices in Conflict
*Please note: the introduction of this podcast incorrectly refers to the high school as "Village Springs". The correct name of the school is "Village High School". On this episode of The Conversation, John and Rachel sit down with Village High School teachers Susan Nolan and Dan Takacs. Together, they dive into the teacher’s thought-provoking course, Voices in Conflict, which challenges students to explore diverse perspectives and embrace new ideas. This episode is part of our ongoing series, Democracy in the Classroom, designed to keep you engaged and informed this election season.
Susan Nolan’s path to education was not linear. She chose to leave her own stifling, traditional high school experience early, consequently because such a conventional environment only really served to further develop her natural sense of recalcitrance. At 17, Susan began traveling many parts of the world singing and dancing professionally and has also made a living as a personal trainer and in sales. At 30, she decided summers and weekends off would be great, so she earned her teaching credential. Turns out, she has a true passion for working with young people, building authentic connections with them, and helping them see and embrace their own self-worth and noble pursuits.
Meet Tak: once a third-grade reading class escape artist, he spent more time plotting his escape than decoding, The Cat in the Hat. His dreams of the NBA were swiftly derailed during his junior year of high school, thanks to a growth spurt that never happened. However, a move to Mississippi opened his eyes to social struggles, sparking a passion for deep dives into social histories. He found his way back to teaching with a goal to help spur hope in kids and maybe his third grade self. He somehow earned a masters in secondary education, too.
Susan Nolan’s path to education was not linear. She chose to leave her own stifling, traditional high school experience early, consequently because such a conventional environment only really served to further develop her natural sense of recalcitrance. At 17, Susan began traveling many parts of the world singing and dancing professionally and has also made a living as a personal trainer and in sales. At 30, she decided summers and weekends off would be great, so she earned her teaching credential. Turns out, she has a true passion for working with young people, building authentic connections with them, and helping them see and embrace their own self-worth and noble pursuits.
Meet Tak: once a third-grade reading class escape artist, he spent more time plotting his escape than decoding, The Cat in the Hat. His dreams of the NBA were swiftly derailed during his junior year of high school, thanks to a growth spurt that never happened. However, a move to Mississippi opened his eyes to social struggles, sparking a passion for deep dives into social histories. He found his way back to teaching with a goal to help spur hope in kids and maybe his third grade self. He somehow earned a masters in secondary education, too.
The ESC of Central Ohio: Center for Achievement & Leadership
Podcast Hosts:
John Hambrick, Work Based Learning Coordinator
Rachel Daniels, Adolescent Literacy Consultant
Rachel Daniels, Adolescent Literacy Consultant
Produced By:
Christina Grady-Watts, Personalized Learning Specialist
Brenna Schoen, Communications Specialist
Creators and Guests
Host
John Hambrick
John Hambrick is a Work-Based Learning Coordinator at the ESC working with school districts in the Central Ohio region to inspire students and educators through community partnerships and experiences.
Host
Rachel Daniels
Rachel Daniels has been an Adolescent Literacy Consultant at the ESC for the past 16 years. Rachel supports the development of customized professional development for school districts throughout Ohio.
Guest
Dan Takacs (Tak)
Meet Tak: once a third-grade reading class escape artist, he spent more time plotting his escape than decoding, The Cat in the Hat. His dreams of the NBA were swiftly derailed during his junior year of high school, thanks to a growth spurt that never happened. However, a move to Mississippi opened his eyes to social struggles, sparking a passion for deep dives into social histories. He found his way back to teaching with a goal to help spur hope in kids and maybe his third grade self. He somehow earned a masters in secondary education, too.
Guest
Susan Nolan
Susan Nolan’s path to education was not linear. She chose to leave her own stifling, traditional high school experience early, consequently because such a conventional environment only really served to further develop her natural sense of recalcitrance. At 17, Susan began traveling many parts of the world singing and dancing professionally and has also made a living as a personal trainer and in sales. At 30, she decided summers and weekends off would be great, so she earned her teaching credential. Turns out, she has a true passion for working with young people, building authentic connections with them, and helping them see and embrace their own self-worth and noble pursuits.