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.
Subscribe now
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.
Meet Your Hosts
Books
The Living Tree
by Jody Tucker and Esther Valdez
Even a stump can grow something wonderful.
Once there was a stump—weathered, worn, and wise. Though she seemed forgotten, deep within her roots, life still stirred. From the soil of memory and love, something new began to grow.
The Living Tree is a tender, beautifully illustrated parable about legacy, hope, and connection across generations. Through the voice of a humble stump and the life she nurtures, this timeless story reminds readers that even when the surface seems still, growth continues unseen.
Let your heart take root in The Living Tree—a story that never truly ends.
Events
Join teacher leaders from across the nation for an exceptional professional learning experience. This is a unique opportunity for the most influential voices in our schools and classrooms to come together, inspire one another, and share valuable insights. This event is more than just a conference—it is a movement focused on strengthening the foundation of education.
Event Details
Dates: June 4 - 5, 2026
Location: University of Colorado Denver
Time: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Presenters: Jody Tucker, Barb Boillot, Pamela Yoder, Arianne Rivera
Cost: $650 for Individuals | $1300 for teams of 2 - 4*
Graduate Credits Available: 1 or 3 credits**
*Additional discount pricing available for groups of five or more. Contact us for more information.
**Optional graduate credits available at an additional cost
This two-day workshop brings together leading experts in instructional supervision and the latest research on mentoring and teacher development. It is designed for mentors, instructional coaches, school leaders, district administrators, and anyone interested in enhancing student outcomes in classrooms with new teachers.
Event Details
Dates: July 23 - 24, 2026
Location: University of Colorado Denver
Facilitator: Jody Tucker, EdD
Presenters: Stephanie Cavallaro, Allison Johnson, Arianne Rivera, Esther Valdez, Laurie Wretling, and Pam Yoder
Cost: $650 for individuals | $1300 for a team of 2 - 4
Graduate Credits Available: 1 or 3*
*Optional graduate credits available at an additional cost
