On this episode of Educating with Es, Dr. Bauer sits down with Alexa Merrill, an autistic support classroom teacher at Gwynedd Square and 4Es Award winner for elevating learning, who has spent more than five years making a lasting impact across the school community. Known for her extraordinary rapport with students, staff, administrators, and families, Alexa shares what drives her work, how collaboration shapes her classroom, and why being willing to help anywhere, anytime matters. It’s a conversation about mentorship, service, and the quiet leadership that helps a school family thrive.

In this episode of Educating with Es, Superintendent Dr. Todd Bauer sits down with Mrs. Teresa Young, beloved second-grade teacher at Bridle Path Elementary School and proud North Penn graduate. Teresa shares how growing up in North Penn shaped her dream to return as an educator and why teaching in the very district that inspired her still feels surreal.

Listeners will enjoy a fun and heartfelt conversation as Teresa reflects on her path back home, her passion for connecting with young learners, and a few lighter topics too, like how she ended up being voted “Most Likely to Be a Soccer Mom”, her first-ever concert, and her official ruling on the best type of snow day.

Warm, authentic, and full of North Penn pride, this episode shines a light on a teacher who truly embodies what it means to give back to the community that raised her. Tune in!

In this episode of Educating with Es, host Dr. Todd Bauer sits down with Dr. Nicole Kelly, Special Education Supervisor at the North Penn School District. Get to know Nicole’s journey in education, what drives her passion for supporting students and staff, and why her love for all things Philly sports runs deep.

We also dive into some lighter topics, including the one candy she hopes never shows up in a Halloween basket again!

Tune in for an engaging, insightful, and fun conversation that highlights the people and passions behind North Penn’s exceptional educational community.

In this episode of Educating with Es, Superintendent Dr. Todd Bauer sits down with Tara B.G. Houser, Chief Financial Officer for the North Penn School District. Listeners get to know the person behind the numbers as Tara shares stories about her family, her two dogs, and how her time as a collegiate rower shaped her approach to teamwork, discipline, and leadership.

As always, Dr. Bauer keeps things engaging with a spotlight on local eats, a celebration of small wins across the district, and the ever-popular Question of the Pod.

Pull up a chair, grab your favorite snack, and join us for another insightful and uplifting conversation about the people who make North Penn thrive.

It’s been a while—school life sure gets hectic! But just in time for graduation season, Dr. Bauer returns with a special episode featuring Emilie Ikeda, a 2012 graduate of NPHS and NPTV. Now a correspondent for NBC News, Emilie appears regularly on major platforms like NBC Nightly News and The Today Show. In this inspiring conversation, she looks back on her North Penn roots, shares how her high school experience shaped her career and life, and talks about the special connection that keeps bringing her back home.

This week on the Educating with Es Podcast, Dr Bauer talks to immigration experts Justin Mixon and Michael Ahlert, both local lawyers focusing on immigration and family law about the current immigration landscape. Dr. Pamula Hart, Director of Curriculum and Equity, and Rita Whalen, Principal of Hatfield Elementary School, provide insight from the school district and building level.

It's the eve of the Superbowl, no, not the Birds, our annual Reading Superbowl coordinated for the 20th straight year by Reading Supervisor Cheryl Neubert. Hear Cheryl's NP story and all of our Superbowl Predictions!

"Be Like Mike: The Heart of a School Counselor"

In this episode, we sit down with Mr. Michael Flynn, the 2024 North Penn 4-E Award winner and dedicated School Counselor at Penndale Middle School. With 12 years of experience in the North Penn School District, Mike has guided thousands of students on their paths to success while fostering a culture of belonging and support.

We’ll explore how Mike embodies the district’s “4 Es”—Ensuring Belonging, Elevating Learning, Exceeding Expectations, and Engaging the Community. From hospital visits after work to checking in on students during lunch, his tireless dedication leaves a lasting impact on everyone he meets.

Join us as we celebrate Mike Flynn’s compassion, commitment, and the incredible ways he makes North Penn a better place for students, staff, and families alike.