Perspectives - A Podcast by Rossman School Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/perspectives-a-rossman-school-podcast Perspectives: A Rossman School Podcast offers insightful conversations on the world of elementary education. Hosted by Rossman School, this podcast features engaging interviews with teachers, administrators, alumni, and thought leaders, exploring a wide range of topics that shape the educational experience. From innovative teaching strategies to the lasting impact of a Rossman education, each episode provides thoughtful perspectives and meaningful stories. Perspectives invites you to listen, learn, and be inspired, whether you're an educator, parent, or lifelong learner. 2025 Rossman School 5ab78952-282e-5c6d-af96-00dab151a9a7 no Perspectives - A Podcast by Rossman School (Trailer) en Sun, 08 Mar 2026 05:00:08 -0500 Sun, 08 Mar 2026 05:01:44 -0500 http://rossmanpodcast.transistor.fm https://img.transistorcdn.com/vJsfh5kM7Ha5-rfIQgjCb8_MGoUI-nWK-N9D0-i2Sss/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS82YjQw/ZmZlMDhjNTA0YmRk/YWU2YjhiNTVjYWY1/MTQ0OC5qcGc.jpg Perspectives - A Podcast by Rossman School http://rossmanpodcast.transistor.fm episodic Rossman School Perspectives: A Rossman School Podcast offers insightful conversations on the world of elementary education. Hosted by Rossman School, this podcast features engaging interviews with teachers, administrators, alumni, and thought leaders, exploring a wide range of topics that shape the educational experience. From innovative teaching strategies to the lasting impact of a Rossman education, each episode provides thoughtful perspectives and meaningful stories. Perspectives invites you to listen, learn, and be inspired, whether you're an educator, parent, or lifelong learner. Perspectives: A Rossman School Podcast offers insightful conversations on the world of elementary education. education, school, teacher, student, technology, social, emotional, learning Rossman School No No Technology with Intention: Building Thoughtful Digital Citizens Together 11 11 Technology with Intention: Building Thoughtful Digital Citizens Together full 94f7df9c-3e56-4b3e-a5ee-d50be58b01e1 https://rossmanperspectives.transistor.fm/episodes/technology-with-intention-building-thoughtful-digital-citizens-together In this episode, host Brad Williams, Director of Technology, and Marie Unanue, Rossman's Librarian, explore digital literacy and healthy technology use as a shared responsibility between school and home. They explain why digital well-being is no longer a standalone unit, but a lifelong skill that Rossman begins teaching as early as kindergarten.

As students grow, the curriculum evolves from foundational lessons in device care and understanding total screen time to deeper conversations about mindful consumption versus creation. Hear reflections from sixth-grade students and learn about the trusted resources that guide Rossman's approach in teaching them. Reserving time to be unplugged is more important than ever and Rossman remains committed to preserving low-tech, hands-on spaces that encourage balance and meaningful connection. Above all, this episode highlights partnership in raising thoughtful, responsible digital citizens.

]]> In this episode, host Brad Williams, Director of Technology, and Marie Unanue, Rossman's Librarian, explore digital literacy and healthy technology use as a shared responsibility between school and home. They explain why digital well-being is no longer a standalone unit, but a lifelong skill that Rossman begins teaching as early as kindergarten.

As students grow, the curriculum evolves from foundational lessons in device care and understanding total screen time to deeper conversations about mindful consumption versus creation. Hear reflections from sixth-grade students and learn about the trusted resources that guide Rossman's approach in teaching them. Reserving time to be unplugged is more important than ever and Rossman remains committed to preserving low-tech, hands-on spaces that encourage balance and meaningful connection. Above all, this episode highlights partnership in raising thoughtful, responsible digital citizens.

]]> Sun, 08 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0500 Rossman School Rossman School 2425 In this episode, host Brad Williams, Director of Technology, and Marie Unanue, Rossman's Librarian, explore digital literacy and healthy technology use as a shared responsibility between school and home. They explain why digital well-being is no longer a standalone unit, but a lifelong skill that Rossman begins teaching as early as kindergarten.

As students grow, the curriculum evolves from foundational lessons in device care and understanding total screen time to deeper conversations about mindful consumption versus creation. Hear reflections from sixth-grade students and learn about the trusted resources that guide Rossman's approach in teaching them. Reserving time to be unplugged is more important than ever and Rossman remains committed to preserving low-tech, hands-on spaces that encourage balance and meaningful connection. Above all, this episode highlights partnership in raising thoughtful, responsible digital citizens.

]]> education, school, teacher, student, technology, social, emotional, learning No Feeling at Home: Inside the Admission Experience at Rossman 9 9 Feeling at Home: Inside the Admission Experience at Rossman full 0918163b-cbd9-45a9-b21e-e8777d359dae https://rossmanperspectives.transistor.fm/episodes/sarah-mcginn In this week’s episode, we sit down with one of the first people who makes Rossman feel like home: Sarah, our Director of Admission. Known for her genuine warmth and the way she effortlessly puts families at ease, Sarah shares a beautiful look inside the admissions journey. 

With a background as a classroom teacher, Sarah brings a unique lens to her work. She talks about the joy she finds in connecting with families, the importance of partnership, and why independent school education can be so transformative for children. Along the way, she breaks down the Rossman process, offers a glimpse into student visit days and shadow experiences, and explains how our unique approach to teaching ensures every child is known, challenged, and loved.

If you're interested in connecting with Rossman about admission, you can learn more on our website. 

]]> In this week’s episode, we sit down with one of the first people who makes Rossman feel like home: Sarah, our Director of Admission. Known for her genuine warmth and the way she effortlessly puts families at ease, Sarah shares a beautiful look inside the admissions journey. 

With a background as a classroom teacher, Sarah brings a unique lens to her work. She talks about the joy she finds in connecting with families, the importance of partnership, and why independent school education can be so transformative for children. Along the way, she breaks down the Rossman process, offers a glimpse into student visit days and shadow experiences, and explains how our unique approach to teaching ensures every child is known, challenged, and loved.

If you're interested in connecting with Rossman about admission, you can learn more on our website. 

]]> Sun, 30 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0600 Rossman School Rossman School 2340 In this week’s episode, we sit down with one of the first people who makes Rossman feel like home: Sarah, our Director of Admission. Known for her genuine warmth and the way she effortlessly puts families at ease, Sarah shares a beautiful look inside the admissions journey. 

With a background as a classroom teacher, Sarah brings a unique lens to her work. She talks about the joy she finds in connecting with families, the importance of partnership, and why independent school education can be so transformative for children. Along the way, she breaks down the Rossman process, offers a glimpse into student visit days and shadow experiences, and explains how our unique approach to teaching ensures every child is known, challenged, and loved.

If you're interested in connecting with Rossman about admission, you can learn more on our website. 

]]> education, school, teacher, student, technology, social, emotional, learning No The Essential Skills: Dr. Peg Dawson on Building Executive Function in Kids 8 8 The Essential Skills: Dr. Peg Dawson on Building Executive Function in Kids full 281698e6-a8db-459f-b97d-17ea503d8662 https://rossmanperspectives.transistor.fm/episodes/the-essential-skills-dr-peg-dawson-on-building-executive-function-in-kids In this episode, Rossman’s Jess Baker and Jess Fletcher, from our Learning Effectiveness Team, sit down with Dr. Peg Dawson, an internationally recognized school psychologist and co-author of the Smart but Scattered series.  Her work has helped parents and educators around the world better understand executive functioning skills—the brain-based abilities we all use to manage daily tasks, stay organized, and get things done. She explains why developing these skills is essential for children’s success both in and out of the classroom.


Together, they discuss which executive skills are most important during the elementary years, how parents can nurture independence through everyday routines, and simple ways to problem-solve when strategies don’t seem to work. Dr. Dawson also offers insight into how to recognize when a child might simply be “smart but scattered” versus when anxiety or another concern may be at play. Ultimately, she offers reassurance that these skills take time to develop and that small, consistent steps make a big difference.

]]> In this episode, Rossman’s Jess Baker and Jess Fletcher, from our Learning Effectiveness Team, sit down with Dr. Peg Dawson, an internationally recognized school psychologist and co-author of the Smart but Scattered series.  Her work has helped parents and educators around the world better understand executive functioning skills—the brain-based abilities we all use to manage daily tasks, stay organized, and get things done. She explains why developing these skills is essential for children’s success both in and out of the classroom.


Together, they discuss which executive skills are most important during the elementary years, how parents can nurture independence through everyday routines, and simple ways to problem-solve when strategies don’t seem to work. Dr. Dawson also offers insight into how to recognize when a child might simply be “smart but scattered” versus when anxiety or another concern may be at play. Ultimately, she offers reassurance that these skills take time to develop and that small, consistent steps make a big difference.

]]> Sun, 02 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0600 Rossman School Rossman School 1587 In this episode, Rossman’s Jess Baker and Jess Fletcher, from our Learning Effectiveness Team, sit down with Dr. Peg Dawson, an internationally recognized school psychologist and co-author of the Smart but Scattered series.  Her work has helped parents and educators around the world better understand executive functioning skills—the brain-based abilities we all use to manage daily tasks, stay organized, and get things done. She explains why developing these skills is essential for children’s success both in and out of the classroom.


Together, they discuss which executive skills are most important during the elementary years, how parents can nurture independence through everyday routines, and simple ways to problem-solve when strategies don’t seem to work. Dr. Dawson also offers insight into how to recognize when a child might simply be “smart but scattered” versus when anxiety or another concern may be at play. Ultimately, she offers reassurance that these skills take time to develop and that small, consistent steps make a big difference.

]]> education, school, teacher, student, technology, social, emotional, learning No Beyond the Notes: How Music Shapes Learning 7 7 Beyond the Notes: How Music Shapes Learning full 20e02e3c-50d6-4186-a01f-4a3d16424400 https://rossmanperspectives.transistor.fm/episodes/beyond-the-notes-how-music-shapes-learning In this episode, we hear from Amira, a Rossman alumna and faculty member, whose life has been shaped by music. From starting violin at age 3 to singing her first solo at the Rossman holiday program, to performing at places like Carnegie Hall in her early 20s, Amira has never stopped making music. She shares how Rossman first nurtured her passion—through a community that made her feel at home and the powerful influence of her former music teacher, Jane Brader. Today, she passes that joy on to her students, teaching them not only to sing but also to collaborate, support one another, and gain confidence through performance. Amira has always valued how music connects people and creates lasting memories, and she feels honored to be part of so many treasured experiences at Rossman. 

]]> In this episode, we hear from Amira, a Rossman alumna and faculty member, whose life has been shaped by music. From starting violin at age 3 to singing her first solo at the Rossman holiday program, to performing at places like Carnegie Hall in her early 20s, Amira has never stopped making music. She shares how Rossman first nurtured her passion—through a community that made her feel at home and the powerful influence of her former music teacher, Jane Brader. Today, she passes that joy on to her students, teaching them not only to sing but also to collaborate, support one another, and gain confidence through performance. Amira has always valued how music connects people and creates lasting memories, and she feels honored to be part of so many treasured experiences at Rossman. 

]]> Sun, 05 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0500 Rossman School Rossman School 1431 In this episode, we hear from Amira, a Rossman alumna and faculty member, whose life has been shaped by music. From starting violin at age 3 to singing her first solo at the Rossman holiday program, to performing at places like Carnegie Hall in her early 20s, Amira has never stopped making music. She shares how Rossman first nurtured her passion—through a community that made her feel at home and the powerful influence of her former music teacher, Jane Brader. Today, she passes that joy on to her students, teaching them not only to sing but also to collaborate, support one another, and gain confidence through performance. Amira has always valued how music connects people and creates lasting memories, and she feels honored to be part of so many treasured experiences at Rossman. 

]]> music teacher, performance, childhood, elementary education, teaching, No Safe, Known, and Celebrated: The Heart of Lower School 6 6 Safe, Known, and Celebrated: The Heart of Lower School full 2d55b2ae-1c7e-485f-96e2-95411e111e36 https://rossmanperspectives.transistor.fm/episodes/safe-known-and-celebrated-the-heart-of-lower-school In this episode, host Brad Williams, Director of Technology, sits down with Rachel Fowle, Rossman's Director of Lower School and a lifelong educator. Rachel shares how her own childhood experiences shaped her belief that a safe, nurturing community is the greatest gift we can give a child. With a career spanning three decades, she reveals her unique ability to tell when a child needs a little extra care and emphasizes the importance of unstructured play over screen time. Rachel also discusses her passion for supporting teachers and her joy in partnering with mission-aligned families. The conversation is a testament to her deep commitment to both students and educators.

]]> In this episode, host Brad Williams, Director of Technology, sits down with Rachel Fowle, Rossman's Director of Lower School and a lifelong educator. Rachel shares how her own childhood experiences shaped her belief that a safe, nurturing community is the greatest gift we can give a child. With a career spanning three decades, she reveals her unique ability to tell when a child needs a little extra care and emphasizes the importance of unstructured play over screen time. Rachel also discusses her passion for supporting teachers and her joy in partnering with mission-aligned families. The conversation is a testament to her deep commitment to both students and educators.

]]> Sun, 24 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0500 Rossman School Rossman School 932 In this episode, host Brad Williams, Director of Technology, sits down with Rachel Fowle, Rossman's Director of Lower School and a lifelong educator. Rachel shares how her own childhood experiences shaped her belief that a safe, nurturing community is the greatest gift we can give a child. With a career spanning three decades, she reveals her unique ability to tell when a child needs a little extra care and emphasizes the importance of unstructured play over screen time. Rachel also discusses her passion for supporting teachers and her joy in partnering with mission-aligned families. The conversation is a testament to her deep commitment to both students and educators.

]]> Rossman School, Perspectives Podcast, elementary education, private school leadership, lower school director, Rachel Fowle, educational journey, teacher inspiration, nurturing potential, social-emotional learning (SEL), foundational learning, child development, Rossman traditions, early education, student confidence, family partnerships, teaching and learning together, school community, unstructured play, screen time and education, building resilience in children, student-centered learning, whole child education No The Beauty of Improvising and Unscripted Learning 5 5 The Beauty of Improvising and Unscripted Learning full 9ab52f50-a12b-456e-9f0c-8e826ced1bc0 https://rossmanperspectives.transistor.fm/episodes/annie-menees In this heartwarming episode of Perspectives, Rossman alumnus G.T. returns to campus as guest host for a special conversation with Annie Menees, a long-time fifth-grade teacher at Rossman who also happens to be his former babysitter! Tune in as they share fond memories and explore Annie's 17-year commitment to shaping young minds through her passion for writing and literature. Discover how she embraces the daily improvisation that comes with teaching to coach students in finding their unique voice and to approach creative learning without the fear of imperfection. Overcoming that fear is something she believes is critical in preparing them for secondary school and beyond.

]]> In this heartwarming episode of Perspectives, Rossman alumnus G.T. returns to campus as guest host for a special conversation with Annie Menees, a long-time fifth-grade teacher at Rossman who also happens to be his former babysitter! Tune in as they share fond memories and explore Annie's 17-year commitment to shaping young minds through her passion for writing and literature. Discover how she embraces the daily improvisation that comes with teaching to coach students in finding their unique voice and to approach creative learning without the fear of imperfection. Overcoming that fear is something she believes is critical in preparing them for secondary school and beyond.

]]> Sun, 04 May 2025 05:00:00 -0500 Rossman School Rossman School 1600 In this heartwarming episode of Perspectives, Rossman alumnus G.T. returns to campus as guest host for a special conversation with Annie Menees, a long-time fifth-grade teacher at Rossman who also happens to be his former babysitter! Tune in as they share fond memories and explore Annie's 17-year commitment to shaping young minds through her passion for writing and literature. Discover how she embraces the daily improvisation that comes with teaching to coach students in finding their unique voice and to approach creative learning without the fear of imperfection. Overcoming that fear is something she believes is critical in preparing them for secondary school and beyond.

]]> education, school, teacher, student, technology, social, emotional, learning No Anything Can Be Art: Methods for Unlocking Creativity 4 4 Anything Can Be Art: Methods for Unlocking Creativity full ba61c673-d69c-4d28-bc72-949c0e908417 https://rossmanperspectives.transistor.fm/episodes/erica-spangler Guest host and former student G.T. sits down with Rossman's beloved art teacher, Erica Spangler, who has inspired hundreds of students since her start at Rossman in 2013. During the interview, Erica shares how her artist mother instilled in her the belief that ‘anything can be art,’ a concept she brings to life in her classroom. To help demonstrate this concept, she introduces students to diverse art forms to show that creativity is multifaceted and there isn’t one “right” way to be an artist. She also reinforces this mentality by utilizing 'studio habits of mind,' which are essential art mindsets like observation and imagination, to help students uncover what 'superpowers' they can use when creating art. 

Tune in to tap into her infectious joy of art and learning.

]]> Guest host and former student G.T. sits down with Rossman's beloved art teacher, Erica Spangler, who has inspired hundreds of students since her start at Rossman in 2013. During the interview, Erica shares how her artist mother instilled in her the belief that ‘anything can be art,’ a concept she brings to life in her classroom. To help demonstrate this concept, she introduces students to diverse art forms to show that creativity is multifaceted and there isn’t one “right” way to be an artist. She also reinforces this mentality by utilizing 'studio habits of mind,' which are essential art mindsets like observation and imagination, to help students uncover what 'superpowers' they can use when creating art. 

Tune in to tap into her infectious joy of art and learning.

]]> Sun, 06 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0500 Rossman School Rossman School 1790 Guest host and former student G.T. sits down with Rossman's beloved art teacher, Erica Spangler, who has inspired hundreds of students since her start at Rossman in 2013. During the interview, Erica shares how her artist mother instilled in her the belief that ‘anything can be art,’ a concept she brings to life in her classroom. To help demonstrate this concept, she introduces students to diverse art forms to show that creativity is multifaceted and there isn’t one “right” way to be an artist. She also reinforces this mentality by utilizing 'studio habits of mind,' which are essential art mindsets like observation and imagination, to help students uncover what 'superpowers' they can use when creating art. 

Tune in to tap into her infectious joy of art and learning.

]]> art education, elementary art, art teacher, creativity, artistic expression, art techniques, art curriculum, anything can be art, joy of art, artistic superpowers, unlocking creativity, studio habits of mind, Rossman School, inspiration No The Two-Way Street: Teachers Learn and Grow with Students 3 3 The Two-Way Street: Teachers Learn and Grow with Students full a546fb97-79e2-459c-b9ce-fc7cea8ad7d4 https://rossmanperspectives.transistor.fm/episodes/jordan-andes In this episode, guest host and former student G.T. interviews Jordan Andes, Rossman's Director of Upper School and Auxiliary Programs. With seven years at Rossman, Jordan shares his teaching philosophy as a two-way street, where teachers and students learn from each other. Hear about the keepsakes he holds dear, each representing a student's unique journey, and how students constantly stretch and inspire him. He also details how Rossman teachers use bi-weekly meetings to support students and leverage their strengths. Jordan then highlights a few moments that shaped his teaching career and shares songs that resonate with his daily work and the Rossman culture. All in all, this episode is a testament to the deep connections and the nurturing environment that defines Rossman School.

]]> In this episode, guest host and former student G.T. interviews Jordan Andes, Rossman's Director of Upper School and Auxiliary Programs. With seven years at Rossman, Jordan shares his teaching philosophy as a two-way street, where teachers and students learn from each other. Hear about the keepsakes he holds dear, each representing a student's unique journey, and how students constantly stretch and inspire him. He also details how Rossman teachers use bi-weekly meetings to support students and leverage their strengths. Jordan then highlights a few moments that shaped his teaching career and shares songs that resonate with his daily work and the Rossman culture. All in all, this episode is a testament to the deep connections and the nurturing environment that defines Rossman School.

]]> Sun, 09 Mar 2025 05:15:00 -0500 Rossman School Rossman School 1748 In this episode, guest host and former student G.T. interviews Jordan Andes, Rossman's Director of Upper School and Auxiliary Programs. With seven years at Rossman, Jordan shares his teaching philosophy as a two-way street, where teachers and students learn from each other. Hear about the keepsakes he holds dear, each representing a student's unique journey, and how students constantly stretch and inspire him. He also details how Rossman teachers use bi-weekly meetings to support students and leverage their strengths. Jordan then highlights a few moments that shaped his teaching career and shares songs that resonate with his daily work and the Rossman culture. All in all, this episode is a testament to the deep connections and the nurturing environment that defines Rossman School.

]]> education, school, teacher, student, technology, social, emotional, learning No The Rossman Foundation: An Alumni Perspective 2 2 The Rossman Foundation: An Alumni Perspective full b8715748-9209-4901-a865-be915d5a6cd5 https://rossmanperspectives.transistor.fm/episodes/gt-rossman-alum Our first episode of 'Perspectives' features an insightful conversation with a Rossman School graduate. He takes us back to his early days at Rossman, sharing stories of adapting, learning, and growing within the school's unique environment. He talks about the unmatched connections with teachers, the joy of learning traditions like cursive, and the confidence Rossman instilled in him for his next steps. Now pursuing his passion for filmmaking, he shares his dreams and offers valuable advice to his younger self: live in the moment. This episode is a celebration of the Rossman experience and its enduring impact.


]]> Our first episode of 'Perspectives' features an insightful conversation with a Rossman School graduate. He takes us back to his early days at Rossman, sharing stories of adapting, learning, and growing within the school's unique environment. He talks about the unmatched connections with teachers, the joy of learning traditions like cursive, and the confidence Rossman instilled in him for his next steps. Now pursuing his passion for filmmaking, he shares his dreams and offers valuable advice to his younger self: live in the moment. This episode is a celebration of the Rossman experience and its enduring impact.


]]> Sun, 09 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0500 Rossman School Rossman School 1591 Our first episode of 'Perspectives' features an insightful conversation with a Rossman School graduate. He takes us back to his early days at Rossman, sharing stories of adapting, learning, and growing within the school's unique environment. He talks about the unmatched connections with teachers, the joy of learning traditions like cursive, and the confidence Rossman instilled in him for his next steps. Now pursuing his passion for filmmaking, he shares his dreams and offers valuable advice to his younger self: live in the moment. This episode is a celebration of the Rossman experience and its enduring impact.


]]> education, school, teacher, student, technology, social, emotional, learning No Perspectives - A Podcast by Rossman School (Trailer) 1 1 Perspectives - A Podcast by Rossman School (Trailer) trailer 12a31bbd-b75f-4a32-b6eb-9f4eaf93c30b https://rossmanperspectives.transistor.fm/episodes/perspectives-a-rossman-school-podcast-trailer Get ready for 'Perspectives,' the first podcast from Rossman School! Launching March 9th, join Director of Technology Brad Williams for engaging interviews with faculty, parents, students, and experts. We'll explore the heart of early childhood education, revealing the power of diverse perspectives coming together. Tune in and spring into new perspectives with Rossman School!

]]> Get ready for 'Perspectives,' the first podcast from Rossman School! Launching March 9th, join Director of Technology Brad Williams for engaging interviews with faculty, parents, students, and experts. We'll explore the heart of early childhood education, revealing the power of diverse perspectives coming together. Tune in and spring into new perspectives with Rossman School!

]]> Wed, 26 Feb 2025 07:31:54 -0600 Rossman School Rossman School 79 Get ready for 'Perspectives,' the first podcast from Rossman School! Launching March 9th, join Director of Technology Brad Williams for engaging interviews with faculty, parents, students, and experts. We'll explore the heart of early childhood education, revealing the power of diverse perspectives coming together. Tune in and spring into new perspectives with Rossman School!

]]> rossman, school, education, technology, podcast, learning, teachers, students No