Being vulnerable isn't always easy, especially as an educator. But it's so important. Educators get to walk alongside students to help them become who they're becoming. Through their vulnerability educators can begin to put humans before outcomes and make connections with students as people.

In today's episode, Jonathan Pokluda joins host Jon Eckert. Jonathan is our first guest who isn't an educator but through his work as a pastor, author, and podcaster, he's grown a large network of educators. He gives advice on how vulnerability can be used to create connections with students.

To learn more about how to prioritize humans before outcomes, pre-order Jon's book, Just teaching: Feedback, engagement, and well-being for each student.

The Just Schools Podcast is brought to you by the Baylor Center for School Leadership. Each week, we'll talk to catalytic educators who are doing amazing work.

Be encouraged.

Timestamps:

[1:40] - Jonathan tells us about what grievances he's hearing from teachers and administrators.

[4:11] - Educators need to huddle up with other educators to prevent burnout.

[7:00] - Recounting his past, Jonathan tells a story about a teacher that changed his life.

[9:40] - Work life balance is impossible. But how can all our elements of life feed into each other?

[14:30] - Know yourself, be yourself, like yourself.

[17:50] - It's important to see past the lesson plans, syllabus, and the program to make an individual investment in students.

Books:

Just teaching: Feedback, engagement, and well-being for each student by Jon Eckert

Connect on Social Media:

Center for School Leadership at Baylor University: @baylorcsl

Jon Eckert: @eckertjon

Jonathan Pokluda: @jpokluda