What Do You Say? with Dr. Eric J.

Rooted in the Past, Growing Toward the Future

In this episode, Dr. Becoats embraces the theme of spring as a season of renewal and growth, both in our schools and in our lives. He first speaks with Kelly Brandt, a special education teacher at Colwyn Elementary School and a member of the Focus Forward and Beyond strategic planning committee. Kelly shares insights into the planning process, the progress made, and what’s ahead as the district prepares to launch its vision for the future.
Dr. Becoats then sits down with two inspiring William Penn School District alumni who have returned to give back to the community that shaped them. Joyline Jefferson (‘17), a school counselor at the Ninth Grade Academy, and Elizabeth Brown (‘97), assistant principal at Penn Wood High School, reflect on the teachers and mentors who impacted their lives and how that influence led them back to serve the next generation of students. Their stories highlight the power of connection, growth, and the lasting impact of education and community.
Tune in as Dr. Becoats explores the past, present, and future of the William Penn School District through the lens of progress and purpose.
 
🎉 Giveaway Alert! 🎉We’re giving away two gift cards to Bernie's Pretzels in Clifton Heights! To enter, please answer the following question and send your response to whatdoyousaywithdrericj@gmail.com:
If you could go back in time and give high school you one piece of advice, what would it be?
Thank you to Bernie's Pretzels for sponsoring this episode.

Podcast Anniversary, New Year, New Strategic Plan

On this episode of What Do You Say? with Dr. Eric J, we celebrate a fresh start to the new year and reflect on the progress we’ve made so far in the 2024-25 school year.
Dr. Eric Becoats sits down with Bell Elementary School Principal Dr. Kim Evans-Johnson and sixth-grade teacher, alumna, and parent, Afia Lewis, to discuss how WPSD is striving for efficiency, effectiveness, and equity, a key focus of our strategic plan. They share their perspectives on supporting students, streamlining processes, and ensuring a strong foundation for success.
Plus, hear from Penn Wood alumnus, social worker, and football coach Joe Cuff-Wright as he reflects on the impact of the MLK Day of Service and how giving back strengthens our school community.
And, of course, we couldn’t mark the one-year anniversary of this podcast without hearing from some of our most important voices - our students! Two Bell Elementary sixth graders join us to share their goals, excitement for the future, and what brings them joy at school.
🎉 Giveaway Alert! 🎉To celebrate one year of What Do You Say? with Dr. Eric J, we’re giving away two gift certificates to Camellia Coffee in Lansdowne! To enter, answer this question and send your response to whatdoyousaywithdrericj@gmail.com:
If you had to pick a word or theme for 2025 - either personally or professionally - what would it be and why?
Don't miss this inspiring episode!

Building Community, Together

On this episode of What Do You Say? with Dr. Eric J we dive into the importance of community involvement with Jonathan Brooks-Brown, a parent volunteer, and Troy Brooks, a PWHS teacher, activities director, and coach. 
Plus, hear from Supervisor of Research and Evaluation Mike MacArthur as he shares key insights from the fall staff and student survey and why your voice matters.
🎁 Don’t miss your chance to win a gift certificate to Kay Way Juice in Lansdowne! To enter, please answer the following question and send your answer to whatdoyousaywithdrericj@gmail.com
What are your best tips for fostering a fun and active school community? 

Journeys Through WPSD

Join Dr. Becoats for an in-depth conversation with Park Lane Elementary School’s staff members as they discuss priority three of the strategic plan: “Academic Excellence.” They highlight their successes, challenges, and plans for the future.  
Then, some of our Ninth Grade Academy students share what they have to say about their transition to high school. They give shout-outs to teachers and staff who have helped them along the way and made WPSD feel like “family.”
Plus, don’t miss your chance to win! Listeners who tune in can enter a drawing for a $10 gift certificate to Leo’s Breakfast and Lunch in Lansdowne, courtesy of Leo’s Foods, by answering this question:
"If you could instantly master one skill or subject, what would it be?"
Send your response to WhatDoYouSayWithDrEricJ@gmail.com by Wednesday, November 20. Winners will be selected at random.
Thanks for tuning in!
 

Youth Voices & Voting: Shaping the 2024 Election

What Do You Say? with Dr. Eric J. returns for its second season! 
In this episode, Dr. Eric J. Becoats discusses the importance of young voters during this current presidential election cycle and how they can get involved in the process with Elijah Neal of PA Youth Vote and Jordan Newsome of CASA Youth Advocates. 
He also talks to two Penn Wood High School seniors, Kevin Smith and Mymagaduo Subah, who will be first-time voters during the 2024 presidential election, and discusses their feelings as this big day approaches. 
Tune in to hear what they have to say!

Transitions

This episode of What Do You Say? with Dr. Eric J. explores the theme of transitions. Dr. Becoats chats with Penn Wood High School's new Athletic Director, Leon Howard, about his return to the district and vision for the athletic program. They also discuss the legacy of the late Rap Curry and its impact.
Later in the episode, graduating seniors Charli Rylander, Tay Wowah, and Reneem Farhan share their thoughts and feelings about moving on from high school. They discuss their plans for the future as Charli will attend Temple University to study theater and psychology, Tay enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, and Reneem will attend Drexel University to study electrical engineering. They will reflect on their experiences at Penn Wood, and offer advice to underclassmen.
Don't miss this inspiring episode as we celebrate new beginnings and say goodbye (or see you later!) to some amazing William Penn School District community members!
 
 

*Joy*

In this episode of "What Do You Say? with Dr. Eric J.", Dr. Becoats dives deep into the ever-important topic of joy. He's joined by three seniors from Penn Wood High School who share their unique perspectives and experiences of joy amid their busy lives.
Tune in to hear their inspiring stories and practical advice on living a life filled with joy.

What Do You Say? with Dr.Eric J. featuring Bonnee Breese Bentum

A bi-monthly podcast where Superintendent Dr. Eric Becoats talks about a variety of topics related to public schools, education, and more. During each episode, he welcomes a guest and they discuss a monthly theme. Tune in to hear what they have to say!