Burnt Out Educator Podcast

In this special on-the-road episode, Coach Joe catches up with Eric Bonniksen, one of California’s standout superintendents and the current president of the Small School Districts’ Association (SSDA). Get a behind-the-scenes look at what makes small and rural schools so powerful—where everything centers around the kids, and leaders wear multiple hats to keep things running smoothly.

Join host, Coach Joe, as he chats with Maria about her mission to bridge the gap in mental health services for students. Maria shares her personal journey of moving to the U.S. from Colombia, excelling in education, and eventually founding Clayful. Her company is revolutionizing how schools address mental health by providing on-demand coaching for students, ensuring they have the immediate support they need in today's fast-paced digital age.

Coach Joe and Dr. Killingbeck also tackle big questions, like how to retain passionate educators and encourage those who might be contemplating leaving the profession to remember their purpose and impact.

This episode is packed with heartfelt stories, motivational insights, and a shared commitment to the transformative power of education.

Today, we're diving deep into the world of educational technology with a special guest who needs no introduction if you're active in the ed-tech community on LinkedIn. Jeff Patterson, the pioneer behind Gaggle, joins Coach Joe to explore the powerful role technology plays in ensuring student safety and well-being. Patterson, often likened to the Simon Cowell of ed-tech for his straightforward approach, shares the inception of Gaggle as a protective digital tool for students. With its humble beginnings as a safe email service, Gaggle has grown into a comprehensive solution for identifying and supporting students in crisis, catching issues like bullying and mental health struggles before they escalate.

Chuck shares his intriguing journey from Oklahoma, where he spent most of his life before moving to Kansas, driven by a love for small-town charm and a desire to make a difference in education. Dive into Chuck's story as he reflects on his career transition from a fry cook and director of operations for a fast food chain to an educator inspired to change lives—one math lesson at a time. Listen as they discuss educational differences between states, the value of administrative experience, and the importance of parental support in student success. With his hallmark enthusiasm for mathematics, Chuck brings insights on the challenges of applying business models to education and what truly makes a difference in molding young minds.

In this episode of the Burnt Out Educator Podcast, host Coach Joe Marino is joined by Jake Potter, the Director of Public Relations at Leavenworth School District in Kansas. They dive into a heated discussion about the controversial role of AI in education.

With Coach Joe's skepticism of AI and Jake's passionate advocacy, they explore the potential benefits and challenges AI presents in the classroom. From overcoming writer's block to preparing students for an AI-driven future, Jake shares his insights on how AI is reshaping education.

Tune in to see if Coach Joe's mind is swayed by the possibilities of AI in education.

Join Coach Joe as he welcomes special guest Susan Jobe from FranklinCovey Education.

With her Southern charm and unique journey through education, Susan shares her experiences and insights on teaching, student engagement, and the evolving landscape of education.

From her journalism roots sparked by a memorable teacher to her role as a K12 leadership coach, Susan offers valuable advice on how educators can rekindle their passion and impact students' lives positively.

In this episode, Dr. Love shares his incredible journey from a humble beginning in Oklahoma to leading a multifaceted educational institution. He opens up about the significant impact of his first-grade teacher, Ms. McDuffie, and how he transformed an unexpected start in education into a fulfilling 25-year career.

Dr. Love delves into the challenges he faced and overcame, particularly in suburban education, and provides thoughtful insights into the lessons learned along the way. As we explore the hurdles educators encounter, including the adult egos that can overshadow student success, Dr. Love passionately emphasizes the importance of keeping students at the heart of the educational mission.

Seth's path is anything but linear—starting out in medical sales before making a significant shift to education. He spent over a decade in high school and university classrooms before transitioning to educational consulting during the COVID-19 pandemic. Seth shares his experiences in shaping leadership at the superintendent level and empowering teachers with effective classroom management strategies. In a heartfelt conversation, we also explore the impactful mentors who influenced his career, including his wrestling coach and a college professor who inspired his passion for education.

Join Coach Joe and Seth Pietsek as they discuss the importance of strategy, communication, and empathy in the ever-evolving field of education.

Welcome back to the Burnt Out Educator Podcast! In today's episode, Coach Joe Marino sits down with Scott Burns from Home Science Tools. Scott's company, founded by Frank and Debbie 30 years ago, is renowned for providing lab kits, equipment, materials, and curriculum to schools nationwide, making high-quality science education accessible and affordable. We'll delve into the unique approach Home Science Tools takes to support diverse educational settings, from private and charter schools to independent study programs. Scott shares inspiring stories about the company's origins, their meticulous focus on quality, and their innovative collaborations with educational platforms like Bright Thinker. Plus, he reflects on his own educational journey and the impact of a pivotal third-grade teacher who inspired his love for learning. Join us as we explore how Home Science Tools is making science fun, engaging, and equitable for students everywhere.