In this inspiring Middle School Walk & Talk episode, hosts Phyllis Fagell and Jessica McGuire chat with educator and author Chris Balme, founder of Millennium School and Hakuba International School. Balme shares how understanding adolescent development—and viewing puberty as the ultimate “hero’s journey”—can transform the middle school experience from something to survive into something to celebrate. He discusses the power of advisory, the importance of seeing teachers as guides rather than instructors, and practical ways schools can help students feel seen, connected, and in charge of their own stories.

Middle School Walk & Talk is a production of the Association for Middle Level Education. Learn more at amle.org.

Artificial intelligence is changing education, but how can it enhance learning without replacing the human touch? In this episode of Middle School Walk & Talk, Jordan Mroziak, educator, researcher, and AI literacy consultant, explores how AI can foster creativity, curiosity, and community in the classroom. From using AI as a sandbox for student experimentation to supporting teachers without sacrificing human connection, Mroziak shares practical insights and a shared language for middle level educators navigating this new frontier. 

Middle School Walk & Talk is a production of the Association for Middle Level Education. Learn more at amle.org.

In this episode of Middle School Walk & Talk, hosts Phyllis Fagell and Jessica McGuire welcome Jen Cort, a seasoned educator, administrator, counselor, and incoming head of school, to discuss fostering healthy school communities amid societal polarization. Cort emphasizes the importance of grounding classroom and school practices in a clear, actionable mission to guide conversations and set boundaries for disagreements. She offers practical strategies, such as co-constructing agreements with students to anticipate and address mistakes, particularly those involving identity-based harm, to build trust and accountability. Cort advises teachers to listen actively without rushing to fix issues, underscoring the need for grace, reflection, and a commitment to a school’s mission to create inclusive, supportive environments.

You can find Jen's book, Help Us Begin: HUB Strategies and Mindsets for Meaningful Conversations with Kids, Especially When You are Challenged by the Topic, in the AMLE Store. 

Middle School Walk & Talk is a production of the Association for Middle Level Education. Learn more at amle.org.

In this episode of Middle School Walk and Talk, hosts Jessica McGuire and Phyllis Fagell sit down with middle level education expert Jack Berckemeyer to discuss the evolving behaviors of young adolescents. Jack shares insights from his AMLE article on the "8 New Characteristics of Middle School Kids," highlighting trends like increased boldness, diminished respect for authority, and a tendency to debate everything. 

Together they explore how these shifts, influenced by the pandemic and broader cultural changes, challenge educators to reestablish boundaries and expectations. Jack offers practical strategies, such as setting non-negotiables through teaming and using refusal-to-work forms to foster accountability, encouraging educators to guide students toward ownership and growth while adapting to their changing developmental needs.

Check out the AMLE Store to find Jack's book Successful Middle School Teaming and his newest publication for AMLE, Embracing the Change: Middle School 101 for Families. 

Middle School Walk & Talk is a production of the Association for Middle Level Education. Learn more at amle.org.

In this back-to-school episode of Middle School Walk & Talk, hosts Phyllis Fagell and Jessica McGuire share their reflections and strategies for starting the 2025 school year with intentionality. They discuss the importance of self-awareness for educators, recognizing personal triggers, and aligning actions with a school’s mission to create a supportive community for students and parents. 

Emphasizing the KISS principle (“Keep It Simple, Stupid”), Jessica highlights the need to streamline systems and expectations to reduce overwhelm, while Phyllis underscores the value of understanding middle schoolers’ developmental needs and fostering empathy with parents. The hosts also explore the unique energy of middle schoolers, drawing from Jessica’s experiences as a principal and parent, to inspire educators to build trust and connection. The episode offers practical insights for educators and parents to navigate the new school year with clarity and compassion.

ICYMI: Listeners can now explore AMLE's recently launched website for middle school parents, MiddleSchool.org and its accompanying parent brochure. 

Middle School Walk & Talk is a production of the Association for Middle Level Education. Learn more at amle.org.

In this episode of the Middle School Walk & Talk podcast, AMLE CEO Stephanie Simpson guest hosts a vibrant conversation with five finalists from the 2025 Middle School Student Sound Off Contest, exploring what it’s like to be a middle schooler today. These young people offer authentic insights into the challenges and joys of navigating adolescence in 2025. Tune in to hear their perspectives on social dynamics, academic pressures, and personal growth, and view all their submissions at amle.org/soundoff.

Special thank you to our student guests Tessa Galen, Luisa Diaz-Hill, Annie Johnson, Olivia Childs, and Sanya Singh.

Middle School Walk & Talk is a production of the Association for Middle Level Education. Learn more at amle.org.

In this final episode of the school year, hosts Phyllis Fagell and Jessica McGuire reflect on key themes from the school year, sharing insights from their experiences in Washington, DC, and Wyoming. They discuss the universal challenges of middle schoolers, the importance of team approaches to complex issues like school avoidance, and the value of clear communication with families to build trust. With spring break underway and pollen in the air, they also explore how routines and collegial support can ease end-of-year anxieties for educators and students alike.

Happy Summer! Middle School Walk & Talk will return this fall.

Middle School Walk & Talk is a production of the Association for Middle Level Education. Learn more at amle.org.

In this episode of the Middle School Walk & Talk podcast, hosts Phyllis Fagell and Jessica McGuire welcome Kwame Sarfo-Mensah, a seasoned educator and consultant, to discuss his new book, Learning to Relearn: Supporting Identity in a Culturally Affirming Classroom. Kwame shares insights from his work with Identity Talk Consulting, which focuses on culturally responsive teaching and anti-bias practices in K-12 schools. The conversation delves into addressing identity-based harm in middle schools, offering practical strategies like "calling in" for restorative dialogue and engaging families to foster inclusive environments, all informed by Kwame’s global perspective from living in Sierra Leone.

Middle School Walk & Talk is a production of the Association for Middle Level Education. Learn more at amle.org.

In this episode of the Middle School Walk and Talk podcast, hosts Phyllis Fagell and Jessica McGuire sit down with Brian Rickert and Katie Laird, a dynamic principal + assistant principal duo from Trumbull, Connecticut, who share their innovative approach to collaborative leadership in a bustling middle school of 800 students. Unlike traditional models that divide tasks between administrators, Brian and Katie emphasize a "better together" philosophy, working side-by-side to enhance outcomes for students and staff while building a culture of shared ownership and trust. They dive into tangible successes—like passing a referendum for a new school building and slashing chronic absenteeism by nearly 50%—and offer practical advice for educators looking to shift toward a more unified leadership style, proving that teamwork at the top can ripple through an entire school community.

Middle School Walk & Talk is a production of the Association for Middle Level Education. Learn more at amle.org.

In this episode of Middle School Walk and Talk, hosts Jessica McGuire and Phyllis Fagell sit down with Darrin Peppard, a former middle school teacher, principal, and superintendent turned leadership coach, who shares his unexpected journey into middle school education and his passion for its unique magic. Darren reflects on how education has shifted post-pandemic, offering practical advice for school leaders on staying curious, empowering others (including avoiding micromanaging), and finding joy in their work. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with nostalgia, leadership insights, and a reminder to pause and reflect on the lasting impact educators have on students’ lives.

Middle School Walk & Talk is a production of the Association for Middle Level Education. Learn more at amle.org.

In this episode of the Middle School Walk and Talk Podcast, hosts Jessica McGuire and Phyllis Fagell are joined by Clay Cook, the Chief Development Officer of Character Strong. Clay shares his extensive background in education and his work with Character Strong, an organization focused on providing educators with low-burden, high-impact resources to support social-emotional learning and behavioral growth in students. They dive into the power of mental models—how our beliefs as educators shape our effectiveness—and explore practical strategies for creating a positive school culture. Clay also offers valuable advice on how teachers can reframe their mindset to overcome challenges and better support their students' development.

Middle School Walk & Talk is a production of the Association for Middle Level Education. Learn more at amle.org.

In this episode of the Middle School Walk & Talk Podcast, hosts Jessica McGuire and Phyllis Fagell chat with Gabrielle "Gabby" Ferguson, winner of the 2024 Middle School Student Sound Off Contest, and Kristen Engle, a veteran 7th grade language arts teacher from Rockwood South Middle School in Missouri. Gabby shares her insights on the purpose of middle school, tackling its emotional, social, and physical challenges, while Kristin, recently honored as Middle Level Educator of the Year, offers wisdom on fostering student connections and resilience. Together, they explore the unique struggles of middle schoolers, the power of empathy, and how skills gained in high school can reframe past experiences, offering valuable perspectives for educators and students alike.

Middle School Walk & Talk is a production of the Association for Middle Level Education. Learn more at amle.org.

Katie Powell joins hosts Phyllis Fagell and Jessica McGuire for this episode of Middle School Walk & Talk. Katie, AMLE Director of Middle Grades Programs and author of Boredom Busters and Frustration Busters, shares insights on how educators can combat student disengagement and manage classroom frustrations. She discusses practical strategies from her books, like the "Junk Drawer" activity for engaging students and the importance of managing teacher stress to maintain a learning-focused classroom. Katie also emphasizes the critical need for educators to form supportive networks, advocating for becoming an "archipelago" rather than an "island" in the sometimes isolating world of teaching.

This episode was recorded at AMLE24: The 51st Annual Conference for Middle Level Education. 

Middle School Walk & Talk is a production of the Association for Middle Level Education. Learn more at amle.org.

Hosts Phyllis Fagell and Jessica McGuire sit down with Don Parker, a seasoned educator and former principal. Don shares his journey from a PE teacher in Chicago to a pivotal figure in educational leadership. He discusses how understanding the root causes of student actions can revolutionize classroom dynamics, particularly in environments with high trauma, and offers invaluable insights into building empathy, managing behavior, and the importance of patience and relationship-building.

Middle School Walk & Talk is a production of the Association for Middle Level Education. Learn more at amle.org.

Hosts Phyllis Fagell and Jessica McGuire are joined by Molly Mee, Dara Yin, and Thaisan Nguon of Street Cred Education Consultants. The guests share their personal stories of overcoming educational and personal challenges, including dropping out and gang involvement, highlighting the critical need for educators to understand the impact of trauma on students. They discuss how their nonprofit aims to bring authentic experiences into professional development for teachers, focusing on strategies to build trust and community in schools to prevent students from falling through the cracks. This episode was recorded at the AMLE24 Annual Conference. 

Middle School Walk & Talk is a production of the Association for Middle Level Education. Learn more at amle.org.

Hosts Phyllis Fagell and Jessica McGuire talk all things school culture and leadership with award-winning principal and best-selling author Jimmy Casas. Jimmy shares his journey from a disillusioned principal to a culture advocate, discussing how educators can lose their way and the importance of self-reflection and mentorship in regaining purpose. He emphasizes that culture in schools is fundamentally about behavior, critiquing the common pitfalls which can lead to burnout and hinder capacity building. Throughout the conversation, he highlights the behaviors leaders can model to foster a supportive, collaborative school environment.

Middle School Walk & Talk is a production of the Association for Middle Level Education. Learn more at amle.org.

Join hosts Jessica McGuire and Phyllis Fagell as they chat with Sandy Cameli, a seasoned middle level educator and author of Successful Middle School Student Voice, about the nuances of fostering young adolescent student voice. Sandy shares insights from the  book, including defining student voice beyond verbal expression, discussing how to implement student voice strategies like the "3-2-1" reflection method, and highlighting success stories that emphasize the importance of empowering middle schoolers to lead and express themselves in unique and impactful ways. 

Middle School Walk & Talk is a production of the Association for Middle Level Education. Learn more at amle.org.

In this episode of Middle School Walk and Talk, hosts Phyllis Fagell and Jessica McGuire converse with practitioner researcher Brooklyn Raney about the crucial role of trusted adults in schools. Raney discusses her work on how to ensure every student has an advocate, emphasizing the importance of accessibility, boundaries, and genuine care. She shares practical advice on how educators can leverage their strengths to connect with students, using memorable anecdotes like the "clapping contest" to illustrate the impact of clear expectations. Raney's insights reveal how even brief, authentic interactions can significantly influence a student's life, advocating for environments that foster presence, play, and possibility.

Middle School Walk & Talk is a production of the Association for Middle Level Education. Learn more at amle.org.

In this episode of Middle School Walk and Talk, Phyllis Fagell and Jessica McGuire sit down with Patrick Green, a former middle school teacher turned digital wellness expert, to discuss the challenges of managing technology in schools and at home. Patrick shares insights on how to help students balance their online and offline lives, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries, especially around sleep. He explores how educators and parents can foster healthy digital habits and also touches on school policies around phone use and how to help students navigate the distractions of social media while still embracing the positive aspects of technology.

Thank you to Avanti for sponsoring this episode. Avanti offers wellness videos to support teachers with simple, effective strategies to keep you energized, focused and healthy throughout the school year. Visit myavanti.com/fitandwell for a free trial.

Middle School Walk & Talk is a production of the Association for Middle Level Education. Learn more at amle.org.

In this episode of "Middle School Walk and Talk," hosts Phyllis Fagel and Jessica McGuire dive into the heart of middle school life through the voices of today's students. Featuring finalists from AMLE's Student Sound Off contest, the episode explores the challenges and triumphs of being a middle schooler in 2024, from navigating social media misunderstandings to balancing academic pressures with personal interests. Through poetry, art, and personal narratives, these young voices offer insights into their world, providing educators and parents with a clearer understanding of the middle school experience.

Thank you to Avanti for sponsoring this episode. Avanti offers wellness videos to support teachers with simple, effective strategies to keep you energized, focused and healthy throughout the school year. Visit myavanti.com/fitandwell for a free trial.

Middle School Walk & Talk is a production of the Association for Middle Level Education. Learn more at amle.org.

Cryptocurrency... digital banking... online scams... How can we prepare kids to be financially empowered in a constantly changing world? Khalia Murray, Education Partnership Specialist, and Kevin Mechenbier, Content Manager for Financial Education at EVERFI, join Phyllis and Jessica to explore what financial literacy can and should look like in the middle grades. When is the right time to introduce these concepts? How do we make them relevant to students? What skills should they possess regardless of how personal finance evolves in the future? How can we help students align their financial choices with their own values? Walk and talk with us as we dive into all this and more. 

Middle School Walk & Talk is a production of the Association for Middle Level Education. Learn more at amle.org.

From the latest TikTok trends causing chaos and the increasing push to limit cell phones in middle schools, to continuing rates of chronic absenteeism, Phyllis and Jessica are back and they’re talking all the trends they’re seeing as we head back to school for the 2024-2025 year.  They also discuss innovative approaches schools are taking to improve kids’ engagement in school and how to use all the data available to schools to better support school staff and understand root causes. They dig into starting middle school advisory programs off on the right foot, including how to support teachers who are new to or unsure of how to lead an advisory group.  Finally, that share how they’re planning to strengthen systems and routine processes as the year gets underway. 

Middle School Walk & Talk is a production of the Association for Middle Level Education. Learn more at amle.org.

Whether or not you've begun to explore the capabilities of AI, your students certainly have. How can educators help students leverage AI to deepen their learning, instead of just using it as a shortcut? Megan Vosk, Joe Pizzo, Dustin Purdy, and Marri Bayour, middle grades educators and members of AMLE's Teacher Leaders Committee, stop by the podcast to talk emerging trends and why AI represents both a practical and philosophical issue teachers can no longer ignore. 

Middle School Walk & Talk is a production of the Association for Middle Level Education. Learn more at amle.org.

What does it mean for a student to have an academic identity? Miriam Plotinsky, author of Writing their Future Selves and Teach More, Hover Less, stops by the podcast to talk how teachers can value kids brains as well as their identities as people. Phyllis, Jessica, and Miriam dig into a range of topics, including how to celebrate mistakes as pathways to learning, how to help students break down stereotypes about themselves, the best professional development for teachers, and why being afraid of AI is not a good strategy. 

Middle School Walk & Talk is a production of the Association for Middle Level Education. Learn more at amle.org.

What’s it like being a middle schooler today? 8th grader Laila Hayes and 9th grader Gabriela Berrios Ortiz dropped by the podcast to dispel what they believe are common myths about middle schoolers, the traits of their most effective teachers, and the social challenges and pressures they face today. 

Episode Notes: This podcast was recorded during the AMLE50 50th Anniversary Annual Conference in November, 2023. AMLE is grateful to Walker Mill Middle School and The Siena School for supporting Laila and Gabriela’s participation in this episode. 

Middle School Walk & Talk is a production of the Association for Middle Level Education. Learn more at amle.org.