Nothing great can happen with some adversity. This is true in life and in the formative years of School Connect. Tracey has invited the perfect guest, Jill Hicks, Project manager with Avnet, and Tracey’s partner in the earliest stages of getting the program off the ground. Hear incredible stories of teamwork, perseverance, overcoming obstacles, learning invaluable lessons, creating win-wins for all those involved, and how each success creates enthusiastic ambassadors to other schools.

This is the perfect episode for anyone interested in becoming a member of the village. Whether you are a school administrator, businessperson, faith partner or volunteer, the experience gained in these early years will make your partnership with School Connect a success from the start.

It’s been a long year and a half with all of the changes, anxiety, uncertainty and exhaustion that Covid has brought to our lives. Today’s show focuses on a few particular groups that faced some of the most difficult adjustments: teachers, school administrators, parents and kids. There’s no one better to give insight and perspective than Dr. Don Worcestor, psychologist, and owner of True North Consulting in Phoenix.

Tracey and Tim have a wide ranging conversation about the experiences that so many of us have had to work through over this time period. Dr. Worcester reminds us that teachers are first responders. They are on the front lines of providing a safe place for children to learn and managing criticism and opinions from all sides. Kids are in a situation that they don’t always understand, and parents are in a position of trying to communicate difficult details to kids about something that is also trying for them. What is important to remember is that these groups need to be celebrated, and supported in any way we can in order for them to keep moving forward successfully. And that even through times of stress, we can find growth.

The time has come! Welcome to the very first episode of The School Connect Podcast. And what better way to start, then to hear from the person behind the passion, Tracey Beal, founder and Executive Director of School Connect. Tim Tiller gives an informative and fun interview with Tracey, discussing the beginnings of the organization, her motivation, inspiration, and some of the initial roadblocks and difficulties that arose in its infancy. School Connect is focused on our kids and schools, but it has a tremendous effect on the community as a whole, even to those without children. This podcast is a must-listen for educators, administrators, parents, business owners, faith leaders, community organizers, and so many more. Thank you for joining us and know that together we can make a difference.

We are not powerless to build the world our children deserve. Join the School Connect Podcast to hear stories of the Village: local leaders who come together with passion and tenacity to fight for their communities. Whether it’s a business leader who gives truck-loads of furniture for teachers’ home offices, a faith leader who gathers parents together to help them weather the challenges of parenting, or a principal who kneels on the front lawn of a student’s home to remind them that they are not alone - their collective voice shows us how the power of connection can build hope and create change - not just for tomorrow, but for today. 

The School Connect Podcast launches August 25th on all podcast platforms. For more info about School Connect, visit schoolconnectaz.org