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Teachers as Rockstars -- From Legacy to Launch
Transcript
🎙 Cowboy Conversations — Episode 2: Teachers as Rockstars — From Legacy to Launch
Guests: Mrs. Griffitts (Theater Director) & Mr. Erick Jordan (Social Studies Teacher & Cajon Alumnus) Host: Dr. Chris Jackson, Principal of Cajon High School Length: ≈ 49 min 16 sec
🌟 Episode Summary
Dr. Chris Jackson spotlights two educators who show what persistence, purpose, and belonging look like in action. Veteran Theater Director Mrs. Griffitts shares three decades of lessons on courage, creativity, and humor—reminding us that action cures fear. Then Cajon alum Mr. Erick Jordan, a first-year Social Studies teacher and former ASB President, reflects on returning home after UCLA to give students the same belief and consistency that once changed his life. Together, they embody Cajon’s core truth: Tier 1 excellence starts with people who persist and pull together.
🕒 Episode Breakdown
0:00 – 1:30 - Welcome & Principal’s Corner - Dr. Jackson sets the tone: mid-year fatigue, collective persistence, and why Cajon’s gains prove “we > me.”
1:30 – 26:00 - Interview – Mrs. Griffitts - Laughter, vulnerability, and legacy. How the arts teach confidence, connection, and the courage to try again.
26:00 – 48:00 - Interview – Mr. Erick Jordan - Returning home as a teacher. Belonging, empathy, and the responsibility to be “the good 50 minutes in a student’s day.”
48:00 – 49:16 - Equity & Innovation Minute + Closing - Dr. Jackson on Tier 1 belonging, autonomy, and persistence; gratitude and challenge to the Cajon family.
🗝️ Key Takeaways
- Persistence is power. Progress comes from consistent, collective effort.
- Belonging fuels engagement. Students thrive when classrooms feel like community.
- Legacy meets launch. Veteran wisdom + new energy = Tier 1 excellence.
- Action cures fear. Growth happens when we act, reflect, and try again.
- Autonomy + relatedness = strength. Trust and connection keep teachers united.
💬 Memorable Quotes
“Action cures fear.” — Mrs. Griffitts “I want to be the good 50 minutes in their day.” — Mr. Erick Jordan “Tier 1 excellence is the fairest system we can build.” — Dr. Chris Jackson
🔑 Call to Action
- Teachers: Share one classroom win with your PLC team this week.
- Students: Take a creative risk—perform, present, or speak up.
- Families: Thank a teacher who helped your child feel they belong.
🏫 About the Show
Cowboy Conversations celebrates the voices and vision of Cajon High School—where every kid belongs, every kid learns, and every kid leaves ready to lead. Hosted by Dr. Chris Jackson, Principal and proud Cajon alumnus.
📲 Keywords / Tags
Cajon High School · Cowboy Conversations · Teacher Leadership · Persistence · Belonging · School Culture · Student Engagement · Dr Chris Jackson · San Bernardino Education · Tier 1 Excellence · RIGOR Framework
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By Chris JacksonTranscript
🎙 Cowboy Conversations — Episode 2: Teachers as Rockstars — From Legacy to Launch
Guests: Mrs. Griffitts (Theater Director) & Mr. Erick Jordan (Social Studies Teacher & Cajon Alumnus) Host: Dr. Chris Jackson, Principal of Cajon High School Length: ≈ 49 min 16 sec
🌟 Episode Summary
Dr. Chris Jackson spotlights two educators who show what persistence, purpose, and belonging look like in action. Veteran Theater Director Mrs. Griffitts shares three decades of lessons on courage, creativity, and humor—reminding us that action cures fear. Then Cajon alum Mr. Erick Jordan, a first-year Social Studies teacher and former ASB President, reflects on returning home after UCLA to give students the same belief and consistency that once changed his life. Together, they embody Cajon’s core truth: Tier 1 excellence starts with people who persist and pull together.
🕒 Episode Breakdown
0:00 – 1:30 - Welcome & Principal’s Corner - Dr. Jackson sets the tone: mid-year fatigue, collective persistence, and why Cajon’s gains prove “we > me.”
1:30 – 26:00 - Interview – Mrs. Griffitts - Laughter, vulnerability, and legacy. How the arts teach confidence, connection, and the courage to try again.
26:00 – 48:00 - Interview – Mr. Erick Jordan - Returning home as a teacher. Belonging, empathy, and the responsibility to be “the good 50 minutes in a student’s day.”
48:00 – 49:16 - Equity & Innovation Minute + Closing - Dr. Jackson on Tier 1 belonging, autonomy, and persistence; gratitude and challenge to the Cajon family.
🗝️ Key Takeaways
- Persistence is power. Progress comes from consistent, collective effort.
- Belonging fuels engagement. Students thrive when classrooms feel like community.
- Legacy meets launch. Veteran wisdom + new energy = Tier 1 excellence.
- Action cures fear. Growth happens when we act, reflect, and try again.
- Autonomy + relatedness = strength. Trust and connection keep teachers united.
💬 Memorable Quotes
“Action cures fear.” — Mrs. Griffitts “I want to be the good 50 minutes in their day.” — Mr. Erick Jordan “Tier 1 excellence is the fairest system we can build.” — Dr. Chris Jackson
🔑 Call to Action
- Teachers: Share one classroom win with your PLC team this week.
- Students: Take a creative risk—perform, present, or speak up.
- Families: Thank a teacher who helped your child feel they belong.
🏫 About the Show
Cowboy Conversations celebrates the voices and vision of Cajon High School—where every kid belongs, every kid learns, and every kid leaves ready to lead. Hosted by Dr. Chris Jackson, Principal and proud Cajon alumnus.
📲 Keywords / Tags
Cajon High School · Cowboy Conversations · Teacher Leadership · Persistence · Belonging · School Culture · Student Engagement · Dr Chris Jackson · San Bernardino Education · Tier 1 Excellence · RIGOR Framework