What If Students Defined Their Own Success? with Wanda Terral

In this episode of the PE3 podcast, hosts Rick and Tisha engage in a thought-provoking discussion about the role of technology in education, creativity in the classroom, and the experiences of their guest, Wanda Terrell. They explore Wanda's journey as an educator, her insights on neurodivergence, and the challenges of imposter syndrome. The conversation highlights the importance of creativity in teaching and the influence of personal experiences on professional development. In this conversation, Wanda Terral discusses the emotional connections we form with pets, particularly in the context of neurodivergence. The dialogue transitions into the importance of music and structured learning, exploring how these elements contribute to leadership in education. The challenges of standardized testing and the need for intentional technology use in classrooms are also examined, emphasizing the importance of allowing students to experience productive struggle in their learning processes. In this conversation, Rick, Tisha, and Wanda discuss the evolving role of technology in education, emphasizing the importance of balancing tech use with teacher autonomy and student needs. They explore issues of equity, data privacy, and the cognitive load of using multiple digital tools. The discussion transitions into a light-hearted segment called 'Juice Box Confessionals,' where they share personal anecdotes and reflections. Wanda also shares insights about her upcoming book, 'Fortune Cookie Pedagogy,' highlighting the collaborative nature of the project and her experiences as an educator.

00:00 Intro to Technology in Education

04:33 Meet Wanda Terrell: A Journey in Education

11:22 Wanda's Early Life and Influences

19:05 Imposter Syndrome and Neurodivergence

21:35 Creativity and Hobbies in Daily Life

25:26 Navigating Loss and Connection with Pets

27:38 The Role of Pets in Neurodivergence

28:00 Band and District Leadership: A Journey

29:32 Music, Structure, and Neurodivergence

32:23 The Challenge of Standardized Testing

35:09 Teaching Music and Leadership

42:16 Intentional Technology Use in Education

48:18 Navigating Technology in Education

51:51 Balancing Technology and Teacher Autonomy

53:50 Data Privacy and Digital Tools

56:10 Juice Box Confessionals: Fun and Reflection

01:07:17 The Journey of Authorship and Future Endeavors

About Wanda Terral

Dr. Wanda Terral is a thirty-one year educator and the Chief of Technology for the Lakeland School System (TN). A former band director with a passion for creative problem-solving, Wanda is a sought-after speaker who has presented at conferences nationwide, notably serving as a Featured Speaker at ISTELive 22.She earned her Doctor of Education from the University of Memphis, where her research focused on the self-directed professional learning of educators—a theme that drives her current work. A Google Certified Innovator and Trainer, Wanda is widely recognized for sharing innovative lesson ideas and resources through her website, IgnitionEDU.com, and her active presence across various social media platforms. She is currently authoring her first book, Fortune Cookie Pedagogy, for X-FactorEDU, which explores translating "bite-sized wisdom" into actionable instructional practice.In 2019, she was named the Outstanding TN CTO by the Tennessee Educational Technology Association (TETA), and in 2025, she received her CETL® certification from CoSN. Wanda is a dedicated leader in the EdTech community, serving on the TETA Board as the Chair of the Professional Learning & Events Committee. She is also an active member of CoSN, ISTE, and TCEA, frequently collaborating with peers to empower students and educators through purposeful technology integration.

Follow Wanda Terral on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wterral

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wterral

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wterral/

X: https://x.com/wterral

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/wterral.bsky.social

Website: https://ignitionedu.com