“Pod Save the Teachers” is a dynamic new radio show and podcast from the College of Education and Human Services and 107.7 The Bronc at Rider University, Saturday’s at 8 a.m.
Hosted by Dr. Mark Pearcy, “PSTT” is a monthly look at educational issues, faculty and student spotlights, and a focus on our partner districts in New Jersey and around the country.
Pod Save the Teachers will feature the best practices, the most important topics in and out of the classroom, and questions which drive the debate around education in the U.S.
You can listen to a new episode of Pod Save The Teachers on the last Saturday of every month at 8 a.m. exclusively on 107.7 The Bronc and on your favorite podcasting platform. Click the links to the right to listen on-demand.
Pod Save the Teachers is underwritten by the College of Education and Human Services at Rider University.
Meet the Host and Producers
Mark Pearcy (Host) is a professor of teacher education in the College of Education and Human Services. He’s been at Rider for 10 years, and prior to that, he was a high school social studies teacher in Florida public schools for 19 years. Over his career he’s taught pretty much everything you can teach in social studies and now he’s bringing that perspective to the new podcast, Pod Save the Teachers. In his free time, Mark spends time with his wife Michelle, their two kids, and their two dogs, and he spends his time suffering through college football seasons as a proud Florida Gators alum/fan.
Nicholas Harrison (producer) is a Secondary Education and History major from Warren, NJ. Nick fell in love with teaching at his job at a summer school. He is happy to be part of the “Pod Save the Teacher” team, helping to further the much needed talk about education. After graduating, Nick hopes to become a high school history teacher and maybe help with plays and musicals after school wherever he teaches. You can listen to Nick talk about TV and movies on “What To Watch” on 107.7 The Bronc. Outside of class and the radio station Nick loves to cook and spend time with friends.
Ashley Semmel (student producer) is a Secondary Education and English-Writing major with a minor in Special Education from Robbinsville, NJ. Ashley is someone who was inspired by many various English teacher role models throughout high school, especially her mom, who was an English teacher herself. Ashley hopes to become a high school English teacher and work with those with special needs. She plans on continuing her involvement in theater by working with those who are creative. She wants all her students, and people in general, to be able to express themselves and find their voice. Ashley is involved in many extracurriculars, like Rider Student Theater Co., Hillel, Crochet Club, University Chorale, and so much more. She is usually out and about, jamming out to music on her headphones! She is so happy to work with such amazing people, especially Dr. Pearcy!
My name is Matthew Rodrigues and I am from Woodbridge New Jersey. I am a math and secondary education major in the class of 2028 and after Rider I plan to be a middle/high school math teacher, and am interested in coaching wrestling somewhere and currently I am a substitute teacher in Ewing township. In my free time I like shooting sports photography and lifting weights.
Jenna Lubnewski ( Student Producer) is a Secondary Education and English Major with a minor in Special Education from New Milford, NJ. Jenna has known from a very young age that she wanted to be an educator and has had many role models who have only sparked her love for teaching more. Jenna hopes to one day be a middle or high school English and theatre teacher and help direct the shows within her school district! She is a firm believer that creativity and the arts in education are so very important. The aspect of being able to write her feelings out, understand and dive deep into the plays and literature, make real-world connections, help kids be able to express, find what makes them unique, and find what they love is something that she would love to bring to any student. Jenna is involved in many extracurricular activities on campus, such as Riders Student Theatre Co, Pod Save The Teachers, is an EOP Ambassador, and will serve as the Junior Co- President for Rider University’s Kappa Delta Pi: Educational Honor Society chapter for the ’26-’27 school year. She is ecstatic to be working with an amazing group of people on this Podcast!