Tracy and Rachel celebrate the Season 4 finale of Isn’t it Lovely? by welcoming Sioux Falls Christian Elementary School Principal Dr. Kym Johnston to the podcast! A daughter and granddaughter of educators, Kym reflects on a passion for education that dates back to playing school as a little girl, reveals how the belief of a leader inspired her dream and goal of becoming a principal, and offers encouragement to those walking through seasons of discomfort and growth. Tracy and Kym discuss the double-edged sword of increased technology in the classroom and how to utilize it to better enhance, yet not replace, instruction, while Rachel marvels at Kym’s ability to greet every student (and their siblings) by name in below-zero temperatures at morning drop-off while looking like a million dollars. Kym models ways to demonstrate to your professional team that you trust and care about them and reminds us that all children seek to feel safe and loved. Tracy and Rachel request advice for helping children embrace imagination and empathy, while also learning the finer points of South Dakota’s geography, despite combined decades of living in the Mount Rushmore State.

Episode Mentions:

Sioux Falls Christian School Website: https://www.siouxfallschristian.org/

Psalm 46 (NIV)

Sephora: https://www.sephora.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/

Don’t Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table: It’s Time to Win the Battle of Your Mind… by Louie Giglio

It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way by Lysa TerKeurst

Daughter of the Reich: A Novel by Louise Fein

Look’s Marketplace: https://www.looksmarket.com/

Good Pictures, Bad Pictures by Kristen A. Jenson and Debbie Fox

Good Pictures, Bad Pictures Jr. Kristen A. Jenson and Debbie Fox