Educators Among Us

What is the future of education? Certainly, it includes Artificial Intelligence, and that is a new phenomenon to be sure. But the future still includes parents, motivation, kids who need support and encouragement and motivation, leaders who aspire to higher levels of organizational success, and clear communication across all facets. All of these things matter, perhaps now more than ever.

In this episode of the Educators Among Us podcast, host Scott Barron, Chief Reinvention Officer with School Growth, welcomes old friend, Zipcast CEO and the host of the BaseCamp Live podcast, Davies Owens. They discuss the profound impact educators have on students' lives, sharing personal stories that highlight the importance of mentorship and support in education. Davies reflects on his journey from struggling student to educator, emphasizing the significance of formative years in shaping character and knowledge. Be sure to listen for a classic story of a rocket-propelled go-kart and the teacher who inspired Davies's love of science. They also talk about the need for collaboration with families and communities to foster a supportive learning environment, the transformative potential of AI in schools, and innovative communication strategies to engage parents and students.

The show concludes with a preview of what's new at Zipcast, as the next generation of AI-driven educational training materials may be the future of interactive learning.

Takeaways

-The authenticity of a school is tied to its educators.

-Teachers can ignite a passion for learning.

-Collaboration with families is essential for student success.

-Modern challenges require innovative solutions in education.

-Educators must navigate external influences on students.

-The role of educators extends beyond academics.

-AI can help schools operate more efficiently.

-Attention spans are decreasing, affecting learning.

-Schools are using outdated communication methods.

-Parents are overwhelmed with school communications.

-Innovative communication can increase engagement.

-Investing in foundational skills is crucial for innovation.

-Educators play a vital role in shaping the next generation.

Chapters

00:47 Introduction

03:15 Meet Davies Owens

04:42 An Impactful Teacher and The Rocket Powered Go Cart

09:57 Starting in Education

13:26 Impact of an Educator

15:48 Parents Role in Education

20:00 A New Era in Education

23:18 Artificial Intelligence Beyond the Classroom

26:00 Zipcast

34:11 Leveraging AI as Educators

36:26 Conclusion

37:03 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

Challenges help us to grow. As in baseball, we have to keep "getting in the box" and taking that swing. Let's ensure that when we do, we "swing like we mean it". Purposefully, with focus, intention, hope, confidence, and resolute commitment. There's nothing wrong with a swing and a miss, as long as you keep swinging.

In this episode of the Educators Among Us podcast, host Scott Barron, Chief Reinvention Officer with School Growth, talks baseball as he discusses the evolving landscape of education and the importance of commitment, focus, and trust in building a positive school culture. Using baseball as a metaphor, he emphasizes the need for educators to "swing like they mean it", fully committing to their roles and responsibilities. The conversation highlights the significance of reflection and personal growth in the educational journey.

Takeaways

-Baseball people see life through the lens of baseball

-Baseball lessons can also be lessons for life and for educators

-Keep your eye on the ball, with focus on the important task at hand

-You have to swing the bat with certainty and purpose

-Swing like you mean it to make the most of every attempt to overcome a challenge

-Resolute commitment galvanizes the will and activates abilities

-Building a vibrant school culture is the ultimate strategy

-Be sure to "step into the batter's box" to help your team win the important game at hand

Chapters

00:42 Introduction

03:17 The Cleanup Hitter

04:58 Seeing Life Through a Baseball Lens

06:36 Baseball Advice for Life

10:37 Swing like you mean it

16:25 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

Schools are a culture and a community. Families are coming together in pursuit of excellence in education. The buildings are a function of that work. How can we create buildings that inspire each other? How can we make our buildings more a part of our plan, and less about walls and square footage and classrooms?

In this episode of the Educators Among Us podcast, host Scott Barron, Chief Reinvention Officer with School Growth, engages in a deep conversation with architect Alan Metcalfe, founder of Metcalfe Architecture and Design in Philadelphia, about the intersection of education and building design. They explore the impact educators have on students, the importance of creating joyful and functional learning environments, and the challenges facing education today, particularly in fostering community and well-being. Alan shares insights from his architectural practice, emphasizing the need for spaces that reflect the ethos of the schools they serve. They also touch on the role of music in fostering collaboration and creativity in design, and the importance of asking the right questions to truly understand community needs.

Takeaways

-Designing schools should reflect the community's ethos and pedagogy.

-Outdoor spaces enhance the learning experience and promote physical activity.

-Community well-being is crucial for a successful educational environment.

-Listening to the needs of staff and students is essential in school design.

-Beauty in school design can create memorable experiences for students.

-Music can teach valuable lessons about cooperation and listening.

-Schools should be designed as containers for human experiences, not just curriculum delivery.

-Asking the right questions is key to understanding community needs.

-Creating joyful learning environments requires thoughtful design and planning.

Chapters

00:41 Introduction

03:12 An Impactful Teacher

06:20 Favorite Projects

10:50 Building a Sense of Community and Well Being

14:20 Musicianship and the Art of Design

20:06 School Buildings and Culture

24:04 Understanding Your Community

_______

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

If you've ever found yourself lost, then you know how it feels to be found. To realize that you are loved and welcome to come inside. That's the power of an unlocked door. It helps others to know that you care about them and want to welcome them in. Often, especially as educators, we are mandated to lock our doors. But leaving them unlocked can give hope, especially to the lost.

In this episode of the Educators Among Us podcast, host Scott Barron, Chief Reinvention Officer with School Growth, emphasizes the vital role educators play in providing hope and guidance to those who may feel lost.

He recounts a recent story of survival and the importance of being "found", drawing parallels to the educational journey that students, as well as educators, often find. The conversation highlights the dual responsibility of educators to both lock doors for safety and to unlock doors for opportunity, encouraging listeners to serve others with compassion and intentionality.

Takeaways

-Educators provide hope and pathways for those who are lost.

-Being lost can be a lonely and scary experience.

-The purpose of life is to be useful and compassionate.

-Unlocking doors in education allows for new opportunities.

-Generosity in education can lead to profound impacts.

-Anticipating the needs of others is crucial in education.

-Leaving doors unlocked symbolizes openness and support.

-Emotional exhaustion is common, but renewal is a choice.

-Serving others is a privilege and a calling for educators.

-Daily reflection on our impact can guide our actions.

Chapters

00:41 Introduction

01:34 Being Lost

02:56 The Search for Tiffany Slaton

04:26 Unlocking Locked Doors

05:50 Handfuls of Purpose

08:43 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

Almost by definition, doing the hard things is not easy. It's a choice. When you do hard things, you make yourself better. You show others what you're willing to do in pursuit of excellence. And you make a difference that needs to be made, even when others are not as willing to try. All of these things are key in the role of educators, and for the educational leaders who blaze the path toward excellence.

In this episode of the Educators Among Us podcast, host Scott Barron, Chief Reinvention Officer with School Growth, speaks with Rob Bridges, President at Cathedral High School in Indianapolis, who has done the hard things with excellence across a long educational career. Scott asks Rob about the importance of educators in shaping lives, including his. They also discuss Rob's journey in various educational settings and the leadership lessons he learned from his time in the Peace Corps.

The conversation emphasizes the calling of educators, the need for joy and kindness in schools, the significance of listening and follow-up, and the importance of work-life balance for educators.

Rob shares insights on building a positive school culture and the impact of dedicated educators on students' lives. This episode of the Educators Among Us podcast is inspiring to all educators and leaders who want to be the best that they can be and to bring out the best in the people they love and lead.

Takeaways

-Education is a calling, not just a job.

-The impact of a single educator can last a lifetime.

-Leadership requires courage and perseverance.

-Building relationships with students is essential.

-Joy and kindness should be at the core of education.

-Listening to educators is crucial for effective leadership.

-Work-life balance is important for sustainability in education.

-Creating a positive school culture enhances learning.

-Follow-up and personal connections matter in leadership.

-Great educators inspire and uplift their colleagues.

Chapters

00:48 Introduction

002:35 An Impactful Teacher

05:21 The Road to Becoming an Educator

11:29 Peace Corps to Education

14:05 Authentic Excellence in Education

17:02 Joy and Calling

19:52 Lessons from Today

27:50 An Era of Change/Conclusion

_______

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

Mixing families into the emotional ecosystem of a school yields predictable struggle. Schools, like families, are places where learning, growth, failure, creativity, and maturity occur. Schools are difficult by design! They contain all of the ideal ingredients needed for adversity, rumbling, and strife. It's no wonder they, like family, are messy at best.

In this episode of the Educators Among Us podcast, host Scott Barron, Chief Reinvention Officer with School Growth talks about the complexities of school environments that resemble family dynamics.

He highlights the importance of love and resilience in navigating conflicts within educational settings, encouraging educators to embrace the messiness of growth and learning. The conversation serves as a reminder of the vital role educators play in fostering a supportive community amidst all of the challenges, similar to those found in the typical culture of a family.

Takeaways

-Schools are complex environments formed by diverse family backgrounds.

-Conflict is a natural part of school life and should be addressed, not avoided.

-Love is essential in overcoming challenges within educational settings.

-Schools are places of growth, learning, and resilience.

-Understanding each other's backgrounds can help shift expectations in schools.

-Marketing messages should reflect the messy reality of school life.

-Educators are encouraged to be the glue that holds the school community together.

Chapters

00:42 Introduction

02:34 Recipe for a School

03:47 We Are Family

05:00 Family TV Shows

08:15 Difficult By Design

11:09 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

Life is a quest in pain. It is an unavoidable journey, and it is inevitable. But how we respond to pain is elective. Suffering is a choice. When we go through the pain of learning, we can grow in ways we had never thought possible before. As an educator, that growth allows us to teach what we've learned and to share the pain with others as they seek to grow in the same way that we have.

In this episode of the Educators Among Us podcast, host Scott Barron, Chief Reinvention Officer with School Growth, tackles a very deep and moving topic. Pain.

Scott discusses the pervasive nature of pain in the educational landscape and emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing pain, both personally and within educational systems.

Through insightful quotes and reflections, Barron encourages educators to find joy and growth amidst challenges, highlighting that pain can lead to wisdom and transformation. The conversation serves as a reminder of the noble calling of educators and the resilience required to thrive in their roles.

Takeaways

-Pain is inevitable and unavoidable in life, and in the field of education

-What we do with pain makes a difference in our leadership and lives.

-Pain can lead to wisdom and endurance.

-Suffering is a choice; we can choose to thrive in pain.

-Learning often comes through discomfort and pain.

-Pain is a test of conviction and character.

-Finding joy amidst pain is crucial for educators.

-Educators are called to lead with love and resilience.

-There are resources available to help educators through tough times.

-Reflecting on daily challenges can help educators grow.

Chapters

00:41 Introduction

00:58 Pain is Everywhere

02:54 A Quest in Pain

04:56 Suffering is a Choice

06:59 Find that Gain

08:26 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

Life is impossible without placing our faith and trust in people, in principles, in practices, in possibilities, in plausibility, and in promises. The things we would hold onto the most are the things that require faith to let go. Faith is personal. However, the discipline of faith is very public and shows others a glimpse into our character.

In this episode of the Educators Among Us podcast, host Scott Barron, Chief Reinvention Officer with School Growth, emphasizes the importance of faith in the lives of educators.

He tells the story of a man doing his work, faithfully, while cars zip by perilously close, showing how hard true faith can be to display. On point, he discusses how faith influences behavior, the necessity of trust in educational environments, and the role of encouragement in fostering resilience among educators.

The podcast serves as a resource for educators seeking to thrive in their calling, providing insights and support for their journey..

Takeaways

-Educators have a profound impact on students' lives.

-Faith is essential for educators to thrive.

-Discipline reflects one's beliefs and values.

-Trust is crucial in the school ecosystem.

-Faith provides perspective and resilience.

-Fear can hinder our ability to have faith.

-Faith is both personal and public.

-Habits of faith lead to excellence.

-There are unchanging truths to rely on in education.

Chapters

00:42 Introduction

01:54 Habits of Faith

03:03 The Road to Nashville

04:41 Discipline of Faith

08:05 Public Impact of Faith

09:52 Anchors in an Uncertain World

11:26 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

What is Collective Impact? It's a term used to describe aligning community efforts around shared educational goals. It means that teachers who work together, lifting each other up, and focus on common outcomes of excellence in education can make the strongest impact on others.

Transparency, shared accountability and collaboration are things we can strive for on our own, but can be exponentially impacted when practiced collectively.

In this episode of the Educators Among Us podcast, host Scott Barron, Chief Reinvention Officer with School Growth, has an inspiring conversation with Dr. Rudy Ruiz, founder and CEO of Edifying Teachers and Founder of The Ready Institute. They discuss the vital role educators play in shaping lives, the challenges faced in the education profession, and the importance of mentorship and community support.

Dr. Ruiz shares his journey into education, the concept of collective impact, and the significance of building trust within educational environments. The conversation also touches on advice for new education leaders and the goals of the Ready Institute, emphasizing the need for holistic support in the teaching profession.

Takeaways

-Educators play a crucial role in shaping lives.

-Building relationships is essential in education.

-The education profession faces significant challenges.

-Mentorship is vital for teacher retention.

-Collective impact can drive positive change in education.

-Transparency fosters trust among educators.

-New leaders should recognize the assets of their staff.

-The Ready Institute aims to respond to industry needs.

-Holistic support is necessary for educators to thrive.

-Burnout is a significant issue in the teaching profession.

Chapters

00:46 Introduction to the Educators Among Us Podcast

04:45 The Impact of Educators on Lives

11:07 Challenges in the Education Profession

12:06 The Concept of Edifying Teachers

14:51 Collective Impact in Education

16:56 Building Trust in Educational Environments

21:15 Advice for New Education Leaders

25:26 The Ready Institute and Its Goals

27:39 Conclusion and Inspiration

_______

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

What we say matters. Our words are important and when well-intended, they can make a tremendous difference to those who will listen. But timing is also crucial. There is a time to provide an opinion, and a time to let it go. Difficult moments, emotional days, and stressful situations may not be the best time to share our words of wisdom. Weddings are one example. School days are sometimes those things every day, and so we need to be very careful to protect the trust that we have developed.

In this episode of the Educators Among Us podcast, host Scott Barron, Chief Reinvention Officer with School Growth, talks openly about using our words wisely, with timing, and with an understanding of the relative situation we are in. The importance of emotional intelligence in navigating the complexities of school environments is crucial to the transformative power of educators. He emphasizes the need for trust, effective communication, and the significance of timing in interactions. Scott also encourages educators to reflect on their emotional awareness and the impact of their words, highlighting the responsibility they hold in shaping the lives of their students.

Words matter. When we use them matters. When we stay "emotionally smart", we'll have a better understanding to effectively use our words wisely in those meaningful moments.

Takeaways

-Educators have a transformative impact on individuals and communities.

-The role of educators comes with a higher standard of accountability.

-Emotional intelligence is crucial in educational settings.

-Words can have lasting effects, especially in sensitive situations.

-Trust is essential for a healthy school culture.

-Timing is critical in communication and feedback.

-Effective educators must read the room and context.

-There is a balance between standing firm and yielding for the greater good.

-Self-reflection is important for personal and professional growth.

-Educators should strive to stay emotionally smart in their interactions.

Chapters

00:43 Introduction

3:08 Persuasion to Change

4:03 Memories of Wedding Days

5:58 The Delicate Fuel

8:29 Getting the Timing Right

11:04 Staying Emotionally Smart

12:15 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