Donna Ray Joins Jeremy Wendt To Discuss Counseling For Over 20 Years + The Future Outlook On Teaching

Loading player...
Jeremy Wendt sits down with Donna Ray, longtime school counselor at Rickman Pre-K through 8th school, where she helps support more than 700 students every day. A Livingston native and Rickman alum herself, Donna reflects on her 23-year career—including the full-circle moment of student-teaching alongside her own favorite childhood teacher. She discusses how early exposure to technology, when not monitored, can shape mental health and behavior in today’s students, and how different school life is now compared to her own upbringing. Donna also shares her hopes for Rickman’s future, their 2025 food drive, and her thoughts on the ongoing teacher shortage. It’s an insightful look at the challenges and heart behind supporting students in today’s world.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today!
3 Feb 9AM English United States Society & Culture · Education

Other recent episodes

Luke Eldgeridge & Rachel Hof Join Ben Rodgers To Discuss An Exciting Upcoming Event

How do you create a space where every child and family feels seen, supported, and celebrated? Ben Rodgers sits down with Rachel Hof and Luke Elderidge to talk about Unique Cookeville, a free community event happening on April 11th designed neuro-divergent children and adults. From resource connections and hands-on activities…
3 Apr 9AM 32 min

Breeonna Wheeler Joins Jeremy Wendt To Discuss Transforming Monterey High School

Great schools don’t just happen—they’re built by leaders who believe in their students. Jeremy Wendt sits down with Breeonna Wheeler, principal of Monterey High School, to talk about the journey that led her from a childhood dream of teaching to leading one of the community’s most active schools. Inspired by…
31 Mar 9AM 33 min

Jason Murphy Joins George Halford To Discuss The Blood Bought Bikers Journey

George Halford sits down with Jason Murphy, a U.S. Air Force veteran whose return to Tennessee sparked the start of something unexpected. As a founding member of the Blood Bought Bikers, Jason shares how the group became less about the bikes and more about faith, community, and spreading God’s word…
30 Mar 9AM 32 min