Episode 8: Celebrating Shasta County's Teachers of the Year

In this inspiring episode, we hit the road to spotlight the incredible educators named Shasta County's 2024–2025 Teachers of the Year. Join us as we sit down inside real classrooms with three passionate teachers—Cory Poole, Rebecca Lahey, and Bill Hutt —to learn about their unique paths, philosophies, and the impact they're making on students every day.

✨ Featured Guests:

• Cory Poole – Math and Science Teacher, University Preparatory School (U-Prep)
  From aspiring aerospace engineer to passionate educator, Cory explains how a standout physics professor inspired his teaching journey. Now in his 20th year at U-Prep, he shares how he keeps calculus and physics engaging, builds meaningful student relationships, and encourages curiosity in a digital world.
• Rebecca Lahey – 2nd and 3rd Grade Teacher, Redding School of the Arts
  With 26 years in education, Rebecca shares how her family legacy and a transformative high school class led her into teaching. She emphasizes the importance of creating a safe, joyful classroom "family," and how RSA’s thematic and creative approach fuels student engagement and learning.
• Bill Hutt – 6th–8th Grade Social Studies & Math Teacher, Millville Elementary
  A former grocery business and Air Force professional turned educator, Bill reflects on 24 years in the classroom. He discusses the power of consistency, fairness, and connection, offering heartfelt insights on teaching in a rural, tight-knit school community where chickens and goats sometimes wander into class!

💡 Key Themes:

• The importance of relationship-building in education
• Creating safe and engaging learning environments
• Reflective practice and lifelong learning as a teacher
• School community culture and collaboration
• Advice for aspiring and new educators
• Hopeful visions for the next generation

🙌 Whether you're an educator, parent, or simply a fan of great storytelling, this episode is a moving tribute to the heart and soul of Shasta County schools—our teachers.

🎧 Tune in now to get inspired by the passion, wisdom, and warmth of these exceptional educators.