Intro by King Musa
"Yo, what it is? You know what it is. It's your man, King Musa! Welcome to The CheatSheet, the podcast where we decode success for creators, professors, and business owners. I'm your host, King Musa, and today we’re diving into the world of education with someone who’s shaping the future of teaching and learning.
We have a very special guest—Dr. Jannah Nerren, Chair of Education Studies at Stephen F. Austin State University. Dr. Nerren is deeply committed to education and preparing future leaders. Let's get into it!"
Getting to Know Dr. Nerren
King Musa: "Dr. Nerren, could you introduce yourself and tell us about your role at SFA?"
Dr. Nerren: "Sure! I’m Jannah Nerren, Chair of the Department of Education Studies at Stephen F. Austin State University. Our department is part of the James I. Perkins College of Education, and we focus on preparing future teachers and school professionals through both undergraduate and graduate programs."
Personal Background and Path to Leadership
KM: "Where did you grow up, and what inspired you to pursue education?"
Dr. Nerren: "I grew up in East Texas. My dad earned his master’s from SFA, and my grandmother was a teacher. Even though I initially pursued journalism, a visit to SFA with a friend inspired me to switch to education. I fell in love with the hands-on, constructivist teaching approach I saw in action at the Early Childhood Lab."
Passions and Interests Outside of Work
KM: "What are your hobbies or personal passions outside of education?"
Dr. Nerren: "I’m a huge reader, especially of historical fiction. I also love yoga and cooking—if I’m not reading, you’ll probably find me in the kitchen!"
Vision for Education and Leadership
KM: "Could you share some of the initiatives you’re leading in education studies?"
Dr. Nerren: "One big initiative is removing barriers to teacher preparation. The teacher shortage is real, and unpaid student teaching isn’t sustainable for everyone. We’re creating paid, year-long residency experiences with school districts to make teaching more accessible. Another exciting project is ‘The RAFT’—a residential learning community for future teachers at SFA, launching next year."
Leadership Challenges and Overcoming Them
KM: "What challenges do you face as Chair, and how do you manage them?"
Dr. Nerren: "Time! We’re a large department with over 35 faculty and staff, and balancing new initiatives with daily operations can be tough. But I see leadership as a service role—supporting faculty, staff, and students so we can all work toward improving education."
Advice for Future Educators
KM: "What advice would you give to those considering a career in education?"
Dr. Nerren: "Ignore the negative headlines. Teaching is rewarding, and there are countless career paths within education. Whether you stay in the classroom, become a principal, or enter higher ed, the possibilities are endless. If you’re unsure, visit a school or our charter program to see modern, active learning in action. It might just spark something in you."
Outro by King Musa
"Dr. Nerren, thank you for sharing your incredible journey and insights with us today.
To our listeners, remember—education isn’t just about books; it’s about shaping the future. Stay locked in for more episodes of The CheatSheet, where we break down success one conversation at a time. This is King Musa signing off—keep learning, keep leading, and keep making a difference!"
0 Comments