Educators Among Us

We're better together. But we can become divided. When challenges rise and tensions build, the real test of any team isn't how talented they are, it's how united they stay. When people stick together through the messy, complicated parts, they create something stronger than "Us vs Them" can ever achieve.

In this episode of Educators Among Us, host Scott Barron, Chef Reinvention Officer with School Growth, In this episode of Educators Among Us, host Scott Barron shares stories and reflections that capture what it means to "get sticky." The alternative, the "Us vs Them" is a dangerous path, and oftentimes not even fair.

Drawing from Proverbs and experience, he emphasizes that sticky teams win. Trust, collaboration, and shared purpose can turn conflict into strength. In education and in life, staying sticky means staying together, united.

– The best teams are the stickiest ones, united even when it's messy.

– Conflict is part of growth; it's how we handle it that defines us.

– "Side by Side" living beats "us against them" thinking every time.

– Vulnerability and safety build trust within teams.

– Sticky teams prioritize mission over ego or personal gain.

– Encouragement and prayer can change a hard day for someone else.

– Getting sticky means getting through it, over it, and on with it together.

Chapters

00:38 Introduction

2:05 Storms and Sunsets

4:03 Sticking Together

6:20 Us Against Them

10:35 Sticky Teams Win

14:26 Coaching Question

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Educators Fellowship is a non-profit organization that encourages educators in their calling and in their faith.

www.educatorsamonguspodcast.com

www.educatorsamongus.com

https://www.edfellowship.org/

Sign up for weekly encouragement messages here:

Buy the book, Love'em and Lead'em, here:

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What do you see when you look at the people around you? Sometimes it's easier to notice flaws, frustrations, and failures. But the greatest educators have a different kind of vision. They see potential where others see problems. They treat people as if they already are who they could become. They get it, and that changes everything.

In this episode of Educators Among Us, host Scott Barron, Chef Reinvention Officer with School Growth, explores how perspective shapes our purpose and impact as educators. Scott unpacks how a shift in mindset can turn ordinary work into transformational influence. He even makes an analogy using his favorite comfort food, grits, and how some don't like them. But they've never had these! And when they do, they get it!

This podcast explores how wise educators look beyond the surface and refuse to let cynicism take root. How toxic sarcasm and judgment can quietly damage school culture, while humility and encouragement can revive it. And how true wisdom comes from believing in others even when they can't yet see their own potential.

– Seeing potential shapes outcomes

– Wise educators focus on possibilities, not failures

– Encouragement fuels transformation

– Cynicism and sarcasm erode trust

– Grace opens doors for growth

– Judgment blinds us to potential

– Every ending creates new beginnings

– Believing in others builds culture

– Great educators choose hope daily

Chapters

00:45 Introduction 02:56 What do you see?

04:46 Comfort Foods

06:15 Possibilities And Limitations

09:12 Seeing What They're Missing

13:24 Great Expectations

14:49 Coaching Question

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Educators Fellowship is a non-profit organization that encourages educators in their calling and in their faith.

www.educatorsamonguspodcast.com

www.educatorsamongus.com

https://www.edfellowship.org/

Sign up for weekly encouragement messages here:

Buy the book, Love'em and Lead'em, here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottebarron/

https://www.facebook.com/SchoolGrowth/

https://twitter.com/schoolgrowth

https://www.linkedin.com/company/school-growth

The greatest educators know that learning isn't about delivering information; it's about sparking discovery. When we ask the right questions, we don't just fill minds, we awaken them.

In this episode, Scott Barron, Chief Reinvention Officer with School Growth, welcomes longtime friend and education leader David Arrell, Assistant Director with the Ohio Christian Education Network/Center for Christian Virtue. Together, they discuss how the expansion of school choice is reshaping education and how the best leaders cultivate environments that nurture curiosity, community, and courage.

They talk about the importance of returning to fundamentals and guiding students to think critically. It is true that education thrives when curiosity is encouraged and leadership is intentional. When teachers, parents, and communities learn to ask better questions and inspire students to do the same, schools become catalysts for lasting change.

Takeaways

-Real transformation in education begins with leadership, not policy.

-Curiosity drives learning more effectively than memorization.

-Schools can model stability and purpose for families and communities.

-Teaching how to think builds confidence and independence.

-Leadership development requires humility, courage, and vision.

-Asking the right questions builds stronger classrooms and cultures.

-Reflection fuels growth for both teachers and students. -Great schools are built by leaders who inspire other leaders.

Chapters

00:50 – Introduction

04:46 – Dave's path into teaching

10:11 – Leadership and school choice

13:22 – Family values and success

17:47 – Back to basics in learning

20:44 – Power of questions and curiosity

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Educators Fellowship is a non-profit organization that encourages educators in their calling and in their faith.

www.educatorsamonguspodcast.com

www.educatorsamongus.com

https://www.edfellowship.org/

Sign up for weekly encouragement messages here:

Buy the book, Love'em and Lead'em, here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottebarron/

https://www.facebook.com/SchoolGrowth/

https://twitter.com/schoolgrowth

https://www.linkedin.com/company/school-growth

In the life of an educator, heartbreak is inevitable. Not just for us, but for others. It's important to know that what breaks your heart, matters. It matters to resist the temptation to become callous, to care even when it doesn't make sense, and to choose integrity even when no one sees. That is how we can build heartbreak bridges.

In this episode of Educators Among Us, Scott Barron, Chef Reinvention Officer with School Growth, reflects on what it means to walk through heartbreak with wisdom, integrity, and unreasonable grace. He encourages educators to consider not just what breaks their own heart, but how they respond when others are grieving too.

He names the dangers of collective coldness or belonging built on shared contempt, and calls educators back to the moral courage of doing what's right even when it's hidden. Of choosing grace when it doesn't make sense.

These heartbreak bridges are the unseen but powerful connections that make healing possible.

– Heartbreak is a shared part of the educator's journey

– Integrity is a responsibility, not a default

– Trust is built through presence, not just solutions

– Some cultures quietly applaud pain, and that erodes everything

– Belonging rooted in shared hate is dangerous and empty

– True friends don't judge. They simply show up

– Grace matters most when it's least deserved

– Keyboard boldness is often foolishness in disguise

– Educators must choose to move toward others, not away

– Caring beyond reason defines the most impactful leaders

Chapters

00:42 Introduction

02:37 What Breaks Our Hearts

6:38 Healing the Heartbreak

08:22 Integrity

10:20 Caring Beyond Reason

11:10 A Coaching Question

—-----------------------------

Educators Fellowship is a non-profit organization that encourages educators in their calling and in their faith.

www.educatorsamonguspodcast.com

www.educatorsamongus.com

https://www.edfellowship.org/

Sign up for weekly encouragement messages here:

Buy the book, Love'em and Lead'em, here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottebarron/

https://www.facebook.com/SchoolGrowth/

https://twitter.com/schoolgrowth

https://www.linkedin.com/company/school-growth

Acceptance just might be the most essential ingredient to meaningful education. When educators, students, and leaders alike feel truly seen and valued, the entire environment shifts toward growth and unity.

In this episode of Educators Among Us, Scott Barron, Chef Reinvention Officer with School Growth, highlights the power of acceptance and its transformative impact within schools. Drawing from real experiences, scripture, and leadership insight, he challenges listeners to create spaces where everyone can say, "You're one of us."

Educators, you are invited to take this idea of "acceptance" into practice. You are challenged to make colleagues, students, parents, administrators, and board members one of us. Each day offers a chance to turn differences into alignment and relationships into strength.

-Acceptance has the power to elevate both joy and connection.

-True community is built on vulnerability and shared values, not proximity.

-"Connection by agree" is stronger than "connection by decree." -Schools thrive when acceptance replaces standardization of association.

-Every educator can use their influence to make others feel they belong. -Shared principles convert conflict into collaboration.

-Small acts like a smile, a greeting, or a ritual communicate inclusion.

-1 Corinthians 12 reminds us that belonging means shared suffering and shared joy.

-The health of a school culture depends on how we treat each other daily.

Chapters

00:41 Introduction

01:20 The Power Of Acceptance

05:01 Connection by Agree

07:22 We're together

08:36 Communicating Acceptance

09:43 Make Them One of Us

10:51 A Coaching Question

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Educators Fellowship is a non-profit organization that encourages educators in their calling and in their faith.

www.educatorsamonguspodcast.com

www.educatorsamongus.com

https://www.edfellowship.org/

Sign up for weekly encouragement messages here:

Buy the book, Love'em and Lead'em, here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottebarron/

https://www.facebook.com/SchoolGrowth/

https://twitter.com/schoolgrowth

https://www.linkedin.com/company/school-growth

We often hold tightly to what we already believe, even when new information challenges us to think differently. It feels safer to confirm our assumptions than to question them—but that habit can quietly limit our growth. True wisdom begins when we recognize the pull of self-deception and make space for humility, truth, and change.

In this episode of Educators Among Us, Scott Barron, Chef Reinvention Officer with School Growth, explores the concept of motivated reasoning and how it affects the way we lead, teach, and interact with others. He shares how unchecked bias and confirmation-seeking can erode relationships, blind us to opportunities, and damage the culture we're trying to build in our schools and communities.

Scott also emphasizes the importance of celebrating growth at the close of a quarter, setting new goals with clarity, and seeking wisdom beyond professional development.

Through prayer, wise counsel, and accountability, leaders can cultivate the self-awareness that strengthens both their personal journey and their organization.

-Motivated reasoning blinds us to truth by confirming what we already believe. -Even with the same evidence, people often interpret events differently. -Confirmation bias can damage problem-solving, negotiations, and relationships. -Progress requires humility and the ability to change our minds. -Wisdom doesn't just happen—it must be pursued with intention and counsel. -Self-awareness is critical in education, families, and communities alike. -Leadership calls for truth, not illusions, and for listening over pride.

Chapters

00:40 Introduction

01:39 Congratulations!

03:30 Rethinking

05:00 Same Game, Different Story

06:08 Motivated Reasoning

07:52 Self Deception vs Self Awareness

09:30 Next quarter

10:32 A Coaching Question

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Educators Fellowship is a non-profit organization that encourages educators in their calling and in their faith.

www.educatorsamonguspodcast.com

www.educatorsamongus.com

https://www.edfellowship.org/

Sign up for weekly encouragement messages here:

Buy the book, Love'em and Lead'em, here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottebarron/

https://www.facebook.com/SchoolGrowth/

https://twitter.com/schoolgrowth

https://www.linkedin.com/company/school-growth

We've all been there—cruising along and suddenly hitting a dip in the road we didn't see coming. It rattles everything. The truth is, life usually gives us warning signs if we're paying attention. Ignore them, and the ride gets a whole lot rougher than it has to be.

In this episode of Educators Among Us, Scott Barron, Chef Reinvention Officer with School Growth, shares why those signs matter so much, especially for teachers and school leaders. He talks about the small details that can tip us off, the unexpected "dips" that slow us down, and how being alert helps us avoid the bigger messes. Sometimes the challenge is structural, sometimes it's about people, and sometimes it's just part of the system we work in.

Scott doesn't just leave it at the problems. He dives into how to handle them. From setting healthy boundaries and planning ahead, to listening for feedback and noticing blind spots, he shows how to turn bumps in the road into chances to adjust and keep moving. It's about learning when to press forward and when to ease off the gas.

-Warning signs are there for a reason—don't ignore them

-Educators succeed by spotting small details before they become big problems

-Dips can come from conflicts, systems, or people

-Rest and boundaries keep us steady when the road gets rough

-Trusted voices help us see what we'd otherwise miss

-Planning ahead is better than reacting in panic

-Flexibility and courage go hand in hand

-How we respond to dips shapes trust with others

-Sometimes slowing down is the smartest move forward

-Every challenge can be a chance to reset and refocus

Chapters

00:42 Introduction

01:43 Sleuthing the Signs

03:27 Warning Signs

05:44 Navigating the Dips

09:57 Preparing our Response

13:33 Coaching Question

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Educators Fellowship is a non-profit organization that encourages educators in their calling and in their faith.

www.educatorsamonguspodcast.com

www.educatorsamongus.com

https://www.edfellowship.org/

Sign up for weekly encouragement messages here:

Buy the book, Love'em and Lead'em, here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottebarron/

https://www.facebook.com/SchoolGrowth/

The world often applauds being busy, but underneath the constant motion is a quiet cost. Busyness can crowd out clarity, overshadow joy, and leave little room for our souls to breathe. What if, instead of letting busyness run our lives, we could reclaim the rhythm of purpose and the peace of living out our true priorities?

In this episode of Educators Among Us, Scott Barron, Chef Reinvention Officer with School Growth takes on this very tension, speaking to the lives of educators and leaders who often feel the relentless pace of bell-to-bell demands. He reflects on the dangers of treating busyness as a "badge of honor" and how misplaced priorities can masquerade as productivity.

Through scripture, practical wisdom, and daily habits, Scott points to a better way: starting each day with prayer, practicing gratitude, and setting priorities with intention. He highlights how small, consistent choices can reduce burnout, strengthen relationships, and restore energy for the things that matter most.

Takeaways:

-Busyness often masquerades as productivity but can actually drain joy and clarity.

-The demands of leadership and education don't have to dictate our choices.

-Starting the day with prayer resets the heart and mind for what's ahead.

-Practicing gratitude fuels energy and strengthens perspective.

-Intentional planning helps align time with true priorities.

-Boundaries with schedules protect well-being and effectiveness.

-Small, consistent habits reduce burnout and elevate relationships.

-Finding your "zone" means aligning passion and unique talent with purpose.

-Choosing purpose over busyness transforms how we lead and serve.

Chapters

00:43 Introduction

01:38 A Busy Life

03:36 Why So Busy?

06:12 Better Habits

07:15 Find Your Zone

08:03 A Coaching Question

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Educators Fellowship is a non-profit organization that encourages educators in their calling and in their faith.

www.educatorsamonguspodcast.com

www.educatorsamongus.com

https://www.edfellowship.org/

Sign up for weekly encouragement messages here:

Buy the book, Love'em and Lead'em, here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottebarron/

https://www.facebook.com/SchoolGrowth/

https://twitter.com/schoolgrowth

https://www.linkedin.com/company/school-growth

The start of any school year often brings both joy and challenge. The excitement of fresh beginnings can quickly collide with the pressures of conflict, fatigue, and unmet expectations. For educators, the difference between simply showing up and truly committing makes all the difference—not just in their own outlook, but in the culture of an entire school community.

In this episode of Educators Among Us, Scott Barron, Chef Reinvention Officer with School Growth unpacks what it means to be "all in" as an educator. He explores the gap between involvement and commitment, drawing on wisdom from voices like Martina Navratilova, Maya Angelou, and even the Apostle Paul to encourage educators to endure with purpose.

Along the way, he sheds light on the "disses" that drain motivation—disrespect, discomfort, disconnect, dismay, and disengagement—and how to guard against them.

For anyone who has ever wondered if they can keep giving their best, Scott's reminder is clear: consistency matters, and your daily presence makes a life-changing impact.

Takeaways:

-Commitment is more powerful than mere involvement. -Guard against the "disses": disrespect, discomfort, disconnect, dismay, disengagement.

-Galatians 6:9 offers hope for educators to not grow weary in doing good.

-Habits of reflection, recovery, resetting, and renewal sustain long-term resilience.

-Self-awareness is a key marker of high-performing educators.

-Consistency and reliability shape culture more than perfection.

-Preparation and presence reveal true loyalty to the calling. -Educators who remain steadfast become the constant students need most.

Chapters

00:42 Introduction

01:54 To Be All In

03:28 The School Year Honeymoon

04:22 The Diss'es

06:26 Committed Educators

07:47Steadfast Character

11:06 A Coaching Question

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Educators Fellowship is a non-profit organization that encourages educators in their calling and in their faith.

www.educatorsamonguspodcast.com

www.educatorsamongus.com

https://www.edfellowship.org/

Sign up for weekly encouragement messages here:

Buy the book, Love'em and Lead'em, here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottebarron/

https://www.facebook.com/SchoolGrowth/

https://twitter.com/schoolgrowth

https://www.linkedin.com/company/school-growth

Some people walk into a room and light it up. Their energy is contagious, their focus inspiring, and their presence a reminder that intensity and passion are powerful forces for change. In education, those qualities aren't optional—they are essential. When educators bring their best to the classroom, the office, or the bus route, students see that learning matters and that they matter.

In this episode of Educators Among Us, Scott Barron, Chef Reinvention Officer with School Growth introduces the concept of "contagious intensity" and how it shapes the lives of teachers, coaches, administrators, and staff across the school community. He draws parallels from sports legends like Tiger Woods, by retelling a story from Scottie Scheffler about how Tiger's intensity changed his life.

This podcast is about what it means to bring your A-game daily, how intensity communicates significance, and why breakthroughs in education require undistracted effort.

Contagious intensity may be the key to building momentum, sparking innovation, and reminding ourselves why the calling to education is one of the most important vocations we can pursue.

Takeaways:

-Intensity in education is contagious, influencing both colleagues and students. -Inspiration often comes from modeling. Seeing others fully engaged can change our approach. -Tiger Woods' relentless focus served as a lesson for Scottie Scheffler, and a metaphor for educators. -During COVID, collective resilience showed the power of united intensity and purpose. -Breakthroughs in education won't happen with partial or distracted effort. -Focused presence communicates both that learning matters and that people matter. -Intensity is transformational—it creates momentum and sparks innovation. -Educators must remember their noble calling and not lose perspective amid fatigue or pressure.

Chapters

00:42 Introduction

01:43 Contagious Intensity

02:59 Intensity and Tiger Woods

05:36 Collective Resilience

08:28 Passionate Intensity

12:05 Coaching Question

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Educators Fellowship is a non-profit organization that encourages educators in their calling and in their faith.

www.educatorsamonguspodcast.com

www.educatorsamongus.com

https://www.edfellowship.org/

Sign up for weekly encouragement messages here:

Buy the book, Love'em and Lead'em, here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottebarron/

https://www.facebook.com/SchoolGrowth/

https://twitter.com/schoolgrowth

https://www.linkedin.com/company/school-growth