Building Blocks
Pearland ISD’s Podcast that highlights people who are the Building Blocks of Pearland ISD. Your Proud Superintendent, Larry Berger hosts the show and gives listeners, parents, students and staff an inside look at who is Building Pearland Proud.
Guests will include students, staff, leadership and community members.
#BuildPearlandProud
Episodes
120 episodes
#120 - Teacher Incentive Allotment
What does the Teacher Incentive Allotment mean for Pearland ISD teachers?On this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, Dr. Larry Berger and Producer Mac sit down with two Pearland ISD educators, Norma Contreras, a teacher at Magnolia E...
#119 - Auxiliary Job Fair
What keeps a school district running every day? It takes much more than what happens in the classroom!In this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, Dr. Berger and Producer Mac talk with Nancy Atilano, Coordinator of Employment, and Joh...
#118 - You Ask. Berger Answers.
In the first-ever “You Ask. Berger Answers.” episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, Dr. Berger and Producer Mac tackle questions from the Pearland ISD community. From questions about Dr. Berger to a thoughtful question about the important work...
#117 - Understanding Pearland ISD’s Special Programs with Jennifer Byrne
In this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, Dr. Larry Berger and Producer Mac welcome Jennifer Byrne, Pearland ISD’s new Director of Special Programs. Jennifer shares her journey into this role, explains the programs and services her depart...
#116 - Board Brief with Board President, Crystal Carbone
Each month, Board President Crystal Carbone provides a brief update on the work of the Pearland ISD Board of Trustees, highlights important topics discussed during the monthly board meeting, and shares information that matters to Pearland ISD s...
#115 - Behind the Wheel: Director of Transportation, Anthony Shields
What does it take to safely transport thousands of Pearland ISD students to and from school every day? In this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, Dr. Berger and Producer Mac welcome Anthony Shields, Pearland ISD’s new Director of Transport...
#114 - How to Become a RISE Mentor with Yahaira Campble
On this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, Dr. Berger and Producer Mac welcome Yahaira Campble, Pearland ISD’s new RISE Mentor Specialist, to talk about the power of mentoring and the impact of meaningful relationships on students.Y...
#113 - Welcome Back - Season 4 Opener
The Building Blocks Podcast is back for a new season with Pearland ISD Superintendent Dr. Larry Berger and Producer/Co Host Mac!This season, we’re building on the idea that Every Piece Matters because every student, teacher, staff member...
#112 - Season 3 Closer
Season 3 comes to a close with a special behind-the-scenes episode of the Building Blocks Podcast. With no guest this time, Dr. Larry Berger and Producer Mac turn the microphones toward each other for an honest conversation about the moments li...
#111 - Principal Series: Some Fly, We Soar at Dawson High School with Erin Hamann
On this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, Dr. Larry Berger sits down with Erin Hamann, principal of Dawson High School. Their motto says it all: Some fly, we soar…and it’s all about #FAMILY.Principal Hamann shares the jour...
#110 - 2026 Pearland ISD Valedictorians
On this special episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, Dr. Larry Berger celebrates excellence across Pearland ISD with the valedictorians from all three high schools.Representing Turner College and Career High School, Adalyn Hoang, Daws...
#109 - Principal Series: Rogers Middle School with Ajunta Thomas
On this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, Dr. Larry Berger sits down with Ajunta Thomas, principal of Rogers Middle School a recently recognized as a “Texas School to Watch.”Principal Thomas shares her journey into campus leadershi...
#108 - National Board Certified Teachers
On this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, Dr. Larry Berger sits down with two exceptional educators from Turner College and Career High School, Chef Sean Dunn and Caren Wonders, who have recently earned the prestigious National Board Cert...
#107 - SPECIAL REPORT: GRADUATION
Graduation is coming home to Pearland! In this special report episode of Building Blocks Podcast, Dr. Larry Berger sits down with Deputy Superintendent Mrs. Kelly Holt to break down everything families need to know about graduation.From ...
#106 - Principal Series: Inside Massey Ranch Elementary with Melanie Grote
In this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, host Dr. Larry Berger sits down with Melanie Grote, Principal of Massey Ranch Elementary, to talk about her journey into school leadership and the passion behind her work.Melanie shares the...
#105 - Principal Series: Inside the PACE Center with Dr. Kimberly Darden
In this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, host Dr. Larry Berger sits down with Dr. Kimberly Darden, Principal of the PACE Center, to discuss her journey into campus leadership and what makes her role so rewarding.Dr. Darden shares ...
#104 - Teach, Connect & Inspire with Leasia Teelucksingh
In this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, host Dr. Larry Berger talks with Leasia Teelucksingh, Pearland ISD’s 2025 Elementary Teacher of the Year, about her journey into teaching and the passion that drives her work.Leasia shares ...
#103 - Principal Series: Inside Challenger Elementary with Becky Morris
On this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, host Dr. Larry Berger talks with Becky Morris, principal of Challenger Elementary, about leadership, learning, and community.Mrs. Morris shares what inspired her journey into school leaders...
#102 - Principal Series: Learners Today, Legends Tomorrow with Amanda Gordon
In this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, host Dr. Larry Berger welcomes Amanda "Scoreboard" Gordon, principal of Jamison Middle School, for a conversation centered on leadership during one of the most pivotal stages of a student’s journe...
#101 - The Program Behind the Playbook: Realignment & Lessons from Two Head Coaches
On this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, host Dr. Larry Berger is joined by two leaders shaping Friday night lights and far beyond, Mike Allison, Head Football Coach at Dawson High School, and BJ Gotte, Head Football Coach at Pearland Hi...
#100 - Behind the Sidelines: Student Athletic Trainers in Action
On this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, host Dr. Larry Berger sits down with three remarkable seniors from Dawson High School, Myla Jabbar, Catherine Roth, and Tatum Langley, to highlight the vital role student athletic trainers play in...
#099 - Principal Series: Leading Through Relationships with Ryan Peterson
On this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, host Dr. Larry Berger sits down with Ryan Peterson, principal of Shadycrest Elementary.Principal Peterson shares his path to school leadership and what he values most about serving students...
#098 - Leading the Pride: Inside the Pearland High School Band
On this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, host Dr. Larry Berger is joined by Tom Bell, Pearland ISD Director of Fine Arts, and Ryan Demkovich, Pearland High School Band Director, for a behind-the-scenes look at the Pride of Pearland.<...
#097 - Principal Series: Building Success at Sablatura Middle School with Verna Tipton
In this episode of Building Blocks, host Dr. Larry Berger talks with Sablatura Middle School Principal Verna Tipton about her journey into leadership, the programs and partnerships that support student success, and the exciting initiatives taki...
#096 - Stepping Into the Superintendent’s Role
Before heading off to lead the district, Superintendent of the Day Adele Campbell made her first stop on the Building Blocks Podcast.Host Dr. Larry Berger sits down with Adele to discuss leadership, perspective, and her excitement for th...
