Rachel Lang Daniels Host

Rachel Lang Daniels

Rachel Lang Daniels has been a Literacy Consultant at the ESC for the past 16 years. Rachel supports the development of customized professional development for school districts throughout Ohio.

Appears in 20 Episodes

S3 #3

More Than a Dance: The Campus-Based Transition Prom

Spring is right around the corner which means prom season is about to commence! On this episode of The Conversation, John and Rachel sit down with ESC Intervention Specialists, Kathy Meterko and Rachel Junge to talk about the ESC’s Campus-Based Transition Program and their main event—prom! They'll dive into the planning and logistics behind the event, this year’s theme, and why their prom is such a meaningful and hope-filled experience for CBT students, families, and educators alike. Let’s dive in!This season we’re exploring how educators can rediscover joy, cultivate hope, and reconnect with the educational journey. Join us for a season filled with inspiring stories and meaningful insights that celebrate the power of education. Our Guests Rachel Junge is an Intervention Specialist in the CBT program. She has taught at WINGS for 19 years. Her favorite part of prom is seeing the prom develop from sketches on paper to the finished product and spending the evening with current and former students at the dance.  Kathy Meterko is an Intervention Specialist and is in her 19th year of the CBT program. She and Rachel taught together at WINGS for 11 of those years and now she leads the Step class at OSU. Her favorite part of prom is the week of prom because she likes seeing all of the decorations come together, feeling the excitement build, and then enjoying the night with her current and former students.Contact the Guestsrachel.junge@escco.org kathleen.meterko@escco.org
S2 #10

Urban Air Mobility

On this episode of "The Conversation", John and Rachel chat with Ted Angel at the National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence (NAAMCE). Together they'll dive into the next transportation revolution: flying cars!Ted Angel is the Director of Aerospace Affairs for the Dayton Development Coalition. He is charged with executing Aerospace and Defense strategy in the Dayton Region. Prior to his role as the Director of Aerospace Affairs, he was the Senior Enlisted Leader for the Agile Combat Support Directorate, Air Force Life-cycle Management Center and Chief, Acquisitions and Sustainment for the Aircrew Flight Equipment career field. He advised program executive officers and senior materiel leaders on enlisted matters and lifesaving aircrew flight equipment programs. Before his tenure at the Coalition, Ted spent 27 and half years in the United States Air Force, serving in every major leadership role including Aircrew Flight Equipment Superintendent, Squadron Superintendent, Command Manager and Senior Enlisted Leader. Ted was born in Texas and raised in the Warren, Ohio area. Ted received his B.A. from American Military University in International Relations and has completed all Senior Enlisted Military education, including the Joint Special Operations Forces Senior Enlisted Academy (JSOFSEA). Ted is an active volunteer in his community in his spare time and he and his wife Adina have three adult children and reside in the Dayton Region.NAAMCE
S2 #8

The Future of Ohio - Trends & Predictions

On this episode of “The Conversation”, John and Rachel chat with Dr. David Staley, a history professor at The Ohio State University and a futurist. Together, they’ll learn about rapid technology advancements and the impacts they’re having on our local industries, our economy and our daily lives. Let’s dive in! This episode of “The Conversation” is the start of a new series “Emerging Technologies”. In this series, we’re highlighting new technologies that are transforming our everyday lives and local communities. Dr. David J. Staley is a writer, designer, futurist, historiographer, educator, advisor, and journalist, and was recently described as an "eclectic academic." He is an Associate Professor in the departments of History and Design at The Ohio State University, and is the author of Alternative Universities: Speculative Design for Innovation in Higher Education, the co-author of Knowledge Towns: Colleges and Universities as Talent Magnets and author of Visionary Histories, a collection of his essays about the future. He is an honorary faculty fellow at the Center for Higher Education Leadership and Innovative Practice (CHELIP) at Bay Path University, where he contributes the "University Design" column, and was recently named a faculty associate at the Centre for Higher Education Transformations (CHET) at the University of Bristol.  He is the host of the "Voices of Excellence" podcast, and president of Columbus Futurists, a local think tank.  In 2022 he was awarded "Best Freelance Writer" by the Ohio Society of Professional Journalists for his "Next" futures column with Columbus Underground. Links Dr. Staley Recommends:https://columbusunderground.com/author/dstaley/   https://columbusfuturists.org/ https://podcast.osu.edu/voices-of-excellence/ Contact Dr. Staley:staley.3@osu.edu
S2 #7

The Evolution of the Columbus Metropolitan Library

On this episode of “The Conversation”, John and Rachel chat with the new CEO of the Columbus Metropolitan Library, Lauren Hagan, and their Chief Community Engagement Officer, Donna Zuiderweg. Together, they discuss the library's upcoming goals, explore some of their current programming, and highlight the vital role partnerships play in its continued success. Let’s dive in! This episode of “The Conversation” is a continuation of our latest series: “Bridging Gaps: Partnerships and Educational Adjacent Organizations”. In this series, we’re highlighting community partnerships creating impactful change in our community.Lauren Hagan became CEO of Columbus Metropolitan Library in October 2024. CML has 24 locations with more than 850 employees and an annual operating budget of $120 million. Prior to becoming CEO, Lauren served as the library’s Chief Financial Officer, joining the organization in 2018. In that role, she led several departments, including Finance, Information Technology and Capital Planning & Project Management. In addition, Lauren managed several key library initiatives: the planning and construction of 11 library branch projects and the issuance of $40 million in public debt. In 2023, she oversaw financial planning, internal communications, compliance and ballot process efforts for the successful passage of CML’s continuing levy. Prior to joining CML, Lauren spent nearly a decade at Loyola University Chicago in various leadership and financial positions, most recently as Senior Associate Vice President of Finance and Controller. She channels her passion about issues affecting women and families as a community leader, serving as board chair of the Affordable Housing Trust, an affordable housing lender and investor. In 2020, Lauren was named to Columbus Business First’s 40 Under 40 class. Lauren is a CPA and earned bachelor's and master's degrees in accounting from Loyola University Chicago. Lauren and her husband Jim Venetucci live in Hilliard and have two children.   Columbus Metropolitan Library: https://www.columbuslibrary.org/  
S2 #4

Food, Friendship & Belonging: The Heart of Kitchen of Life

On this episode of “The Conversation”, John and Rachel sit down with Shea Kaltmann, the Director of Kitchen of Life, to explore how the organization is transforming lives through the culinary arts. Discover how Kitchen of Life fosters resilience and strengthens interpersonal skills by bringing people together in the kitchen. Join us for an inspiring discussion about the power of food to create community, build confidence and spark personal growth. This episode of “The Conversation” is part of a new series: “Bridging Gaps: Partnerships and Educational Adjacent Organizations”. In this series, we’ll highlight community partnerships that are creating impactful change in our community. Shea Kaltmann is the Director of Kitchen of Life, a non-profit organization based in Columbus, Ohio, dedicated to building resilience and fostering social-emotional skills for youth through culinary arts. Born in Columbus, Shea attended school in Columbus, Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles before returning to Columbus in March 2020. Additionally, Shea serves on the Education and Data and Research Action Teams for the Franklin County Suicide Prevention Coalition. Links: https://kolc.org/ Guest’s Email: shea@kolc.orgPodcast brought to you by:The ESC of Central Ohio: Center for Achievement & Leadership Podcast Hosts:John Hambrick, Work Based Learning CoordinatorRachel Daniels, Adolescent Literacy ConsultantProduced By:Christina Grady-Watts, Personalized Learning SpecialistBrenna Schoen, Communications Specialist
S2 #3

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.  Links: https://village.asd20.org/Podcast brought to you by:The ESC of Central Ohio: Center for Achievement & Leadership Podcast Hosts:John Hambrick, Work Based Learning CoordinatorRachel Daniels, Adolescent Literacy ConsultantProduced By:Christina Grady-Watts, Personalized Learning SpecialistBrenna Schoen, Communications Specialist
S2 #2

American Political Thought and Radicalism – Part 2

Tune in to the exciting conclusion of Episode 1 of The Conversation! In this episode, John and Rachel dive deeper into David Strausbaugh’s thought-provoking American Political Thought and Radicalism course at Worthington Kilbourne High School. Hear firsthand how this unique class has shaped the values and civic engagement of a former student. This episode is a part of our Democracy Starts in the Classroom series, designed to keep you informed and engaged this voting season.  David Strausbaugh has taught for over 30 years in Philadelphia and Columbus. At Worthington Kilbourne High School he has taught US History and American Political Thought and Radicalism, a senior elective class which has been featured on NBC Nightly News, the Columbus Dispatch and recently Columbus Monthly magazine for its unique format and content. Speakers from all over the country have participated in the class. Bella Selph is a recent Worthington-Kilbourne grad and former student of the American Political Thought and Radicalism Class. An animal rights activist, Bella is based in Columbus Ohio. She will be attending Columbus State this fall. Article: https://bit.ly/3SReEeb Recipe: https://kristineskitchenblog.com/one-pot-vegetarian-chili-mac/ Emails: dstrausbaugh@wscloud.orgBellaselph55@gmail.comPodcast brought to you by:The ESC of Central Ohio: Center for Achievement & Leadership Podcast Hosts:John Hambrick, Work Based Learning CoordinatorRachel Daniels, Adolescent Literacy ConsultantProduced By:Christina Grady-Watts, Personalized Learning SpecialistBrenna Schoen, Communications Specialist
S2 #1

American Political Thought and Radicalism – Part 1

Season 2 of The Conversation is here! This two-part episode is a part of our Democracy Starts in the Classroom series which will cover civic engagement topics to keep you informed and engaged this voting season. On this episode of The Conversation, John and Rachel chat with David Strausbaugh, a Social Studies teacher at Worthington Kilbourne High School. John and Rachel will learn about David’s American Political Thought & Radicalism class and hear from one of his former student’s, Bella Selph, to learn how the course opened her eyes to new ideas and perspectives. David Strausbaugh has taught for over 30 years in Philadelphia and Columbus. At Worthington Kilbourne High School he has taught US History and American Political Thought and Radicalism, a senior elective class which has been featured on NBC Nightly News, the Columbus Dispatch and recently Columbus Monthly magazine for its unique format and content. Speakers from all over the country have participated in the class. Bella Selph is a recent Worthington-Kilbourne grad and former student of the American Political Thought and Radicalism Class. An animal rights activist, Bella is based in Columbus Ohio. She will be attending Columbus State this fall. Article: https://bit.ly/3SReEeb Recipe: https://kristineskitchenblog.com/one-pot-vegetarian-chili-mac/ Emails:dstrausbaugh@wscloud.orgBellaselph55@gmail.comPodcast brought to you by:The ESC of Central Ohio: Center for Achievement & Leadership Podcast Hosts:John Hambrick, Work Based Learning CoordinatorRachel Daniels, Adolescent Literacy ConsultantProduced By:Christina Grady-Watts, Personalized Learning SpecialistBrenna Schoen, Communications Specialist
S1 #6

Westerville City School’s Inclusive Approach to Well-Being

Student and teacher well-being is crucial to the success of your district. On this episode of The Conversation, Rachel and John chat with Tami Cole-Santa, Executive Director of Student Services at Westerville City Schools. They’re also joined by Westerville City Schools’ Director of Student Well-Being, Jessie Martin, to explore the district’s inclusive approach to well-being.   Tami Cole-Santa is in her 17th year with Westerville City Schools and currently serves as the Executive Director of Student Services. In this role, she helps lead and support K-12 school counselors, school social workers/clinicians, nursing services, educational equity department as well as facilitates programming and initiatives falling under these umbrellas. Tami has a passion for leading mental health awareness, decreasing stigma and helping people throughout the district and community understand the importance of equitable practices and trauma informed resilience focused approach to learning and life.  Jessie Martin is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with 16 years in the field, with a focus on school social work   She is currently the Director of Student Well-Being in Westerville City Schools. She has been a trainer and presenter for therapeutic crisis intervention and trauma-informed care. Jessie assists in the development and implementation of social emotional learning programs as well as supports mental health and school counseling programs. Jessie has a passion for supporting all students with a trauma-informed equity lens. santat@westerville.k12.oh.usmartinjd@westerville.k12.oh.us Metal Health Support: https://bit.ly/3PpZJmUSTARR: https://starr.org/Podcast brought to you by:The ESC of Central Ohio: Center for Achievement & Leadership Podcast Hosts:John Hambrick, Work Based Learning CoordinatorRachel Daniels, Adolescent Literacy ConsultantProduced By:Christina Grady-Watts, Personalized Learning SpecialistBrenna Schoen, Communications Specialist
S1 #5

Ohio Teacher of the Year

Recognizing Ohio teachers starts with you! Nominations for the 2025 Ohio Teacher of the Year are now open. On this episode of The Conversation, Rachel and John chat with Jonathan Juravich, 2018’s Ohio Teacher of the Year winner. They’re also joined by Angela Dicke, the State Coordinator for the Ohio Teacher of the Year Program, to learn more about this rewarding experience.  Jonathan Juravich is the art teacher at Liberty Tree Elementary School with the Olentangy Local Schools outside of Columbus, Ohio. In his 19th year of teaching, he also serves as a leader of School Culture and Environment. He is the 2018 Ohio Teacher of the Year and was one of four finalists for 2018 National Teacher of the Year. He currently serves as the founding president of the Ohio Chapter of the National Network of State Teachers of the Year (OH-NNSTOY). Jonathan’s personal and professional focus is on the importance of Social and Emotional Learning in our daily lives. This is the topic of his presentations, including his TED Talk “How Do We Teach Empathy,” his limited series podcast "The Art of SEL," and his Emmy award winning digital drawing program "Drawing with Mr. J." Angela Dicke is the State Coordinator for the Ohio Teacher of the Year program at the State Board of Education.  Her vision is to promote teacher recognition statewide and continue to develop the successful cohort model for the Ohio Teacher of the Year program with inclusive connections, advocacy, and leadership opportunities. Her professional background includes teaching, training, educational non-profit programming, and grant management. She resides in Columbus, Ohio with her family. Guest Emails:JonathanJuravich@gmail.com Angela.Dicke@SBOE.Ohio.Gov Links:Ohio Teacher of the Year Nomination Form: https://bit.ly/48OXjYnOhio Teacher of the Year Guidelines: https://bit.ly/3T4ntRePodcast brought to you by:The ESC of Central Ohio: Center for Achievement & Leadership Podcast Hosts:John Hambrick, Work Based Learning CoordinatorRachel Daniels, Adolescent Literacy ConsultantProduced By:Christina Grady-Watts, Personalized Learning SpecialistBrenna Schoen, Communications Specialist
S1 #2

SproutFive's Innovative Approach to Education

Join us on Episode 2 of The Conversation to learn about SproutFive’s efforts to revolutionize our country’s approach to early childhood education. Don't miss this motivational episode! Colin Page McGinnis, by his own admission, hasn’t had a conventional path through school or career. At 24, he assumed the role of CEO of SproutFive (formerly South Side Early Learning), a century-old early childhood nonprofit with a startup mindset working to reimagine early learning.  Colin attended The Ohio State University for his Bachelor's in Human Development and Family Science with Research Distinction in Teaching and Learning, The University of Nebraska—Lincoln for his Master's degree in Educational Psychology, Harvard Graduate School of Education, and Harvard Business School for a Certificate in School Management and Leadership, and The Ohio State University for his Doctorate.  Franki Sibberson is a literacy leader with over 30 years of experience as an elementary classroom teacher in Ohio. Franki served as president of the National Council of Teachers of English. She is the co-author of Classroom Design for Student Agency with Lynsey Burkins published by NCTE and In Community with Readers published by Stenhouse. She currently serves as the Executive Director of SproutFive’s Institute for Professional Learning. Franki provides leadership and consulting to schools and nonprofits. Book mentioned in the podcast: https://www.amazon.com/Literacy-Learning-Infants-Toddlers-Preschoolers/dp/1952331080 SproutFive’s Website & Social Mediahttps://sproutfive.org/https://www.youtube.com/@sproutfiveofficialhttps://facebook.com/sproutfivehttps://www.instagram.com/sproutfiveofficialPodcast brought to you by:The ESC of Central Ohio: Center for Achievement & Leadership Podcast Hosts:John Hambrick, Work Based Learning CoordinatorRachel Daniels, Adolescent Literacy ConsultantProduced By:Christina Grady-Watts, Personalized Learning SpecialistBrenna Schoen, Communications Specialist
S1 #1

Farm to School to Community: The Journey

Join us on Episode 1 of The Conversation to learn about his remarkable journey and impactful work in food, education and community advocacy. Don't miss this inspiring episode!Meet our guest, Trevor Horn. He's not your typical culinary expert. Trevor, currently the Farm Director at the Mid Ohio Food Collective, began his journey working in kitchens for 13 years and earning a degree from Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Academy. In 2018, Trevor took on a new role at Reynoldsburg High School (in Central Ohio), where he created the first Slow Food High School Chapter in the nation. He transformed unused tennis courts into a thriving Urban Farm, and the school's Garden Club evolved into a CTE Agriculture and Food Science Pathway, empowering students to become community food advocates. Trevor's work earned him The Boyd W. Bowden Garden Impact Award in 2019, and he secured a grant for his students to support biodiversity. In 2020, he received the Grow Next Gen Teacher Leader of the Year award for integrating agriculture into an urban school setting. In the summer of 2023, Trevor began serving as the Farm Director for the Mid-Ohio Food Collective.  Mid Ohio Farm Collective: https://mofc.org/Mid Ohio Farm: https://mofc.org/mid-ohio-farm/ESC STEM: https://www.escco.org/STEM.aspxTrevor’s Email: thorn@mofc.org Podcast brought to you by:The ESC of Central Ohio: Center for Achievement & Leadership Podcast Hosts:John Hambrick, Work Based Learning CoordinatorRachel Daniels, Adolescent Literacy ConsultantProduced By:Christina Grady-Watts, Personalized Learning SpecialistBrenna Schoen, Communications Specialist