Episode 164 - Bust a Myth: Overcoming Pride and Prejudice to Learn More

Episode 164 - Bust a Myth: Overcoming Pride and Prejudice to Learn More

We all carry opinions about people, places, and situations we've never personally experienced. Sometimes those conclusions come from headlines, social media, secondhand stories, or simply what we've heard repeated often enough to accept as truth. But we must be willing to step beyond our comfort zones, engage with people directly, and discover that reality is often far richer and more complex than we imagined. In this episode of the Educators Among Us podcast, host Scott Barron, Chief Reinvention Officer with School Growth, reflects on a recent journey to South Africa and the lessons it reinforced about leadership, learning, relationships, and the danger of relying on assumptions rather than seeking out the truth. Scott highlights the value of listening before judging, pursuing truth rather than convenience, and recognizing that every colleague, student, parent, and community member carries a story we may not fully understand. Takeaways — Assumptions often survive because they are never personally challenged. — Direct experience is one of the most effective ways to overcome misconceptions. — Healthy leaders remain curious even when they believe they already understand a situation. — Listening carefully creates opportunities for deeper understanding and stronger relationships. — Pride can prevent us from seeing truths that don't fit our existing beliefs. — Every student, family, colleague, and community member has a story we do not fully know. — Honest conversations can expose false narratives and replace them with understanding. — Growth requires humility and a willingness to reconsider previously held conclusions. — Diverse perspectives can strengthen both leadership and decision-making. — The pursuit of truth is often uncomfortable, but it is always worthwhile. Chapters 00:44 Greetings from South Africa 01:58 Expectations vs Experience 03:54 In Pursuit of the Truth 07:05 Considering Alternative Perspectives 09:55 Weekly Encouragement - Bust a Myth 10:52 Coaching Question —----------------------------- Educators Fellowship is a non-profit organization that encourages educators in their calling and in their faith. www.educatorsamonguspodcast.com [http://www.educatorsamonguspodcast.com] www.educatorsamongus.com [http://www.educatorsamongus.com] https://www.edfellowship.org/ [https://www.edfellowship.org/] Sign up for weekly encouragement messages here [https://www.edfellowship.org/home-1]: Buy the book, Love'em and Lead'em, here [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2TSN3Z5/ref=cm_sw_r_api_i_0CCPAWD6EHNHHJM7V9D1_0?__hstc=67846606.15a978c0a602cb645a744352c793cb34.1663423843231.1681129795776.1681246873869.57&__hssc=67846606.1.1681246873869&__hsfp=3000179024&hsCtaTracking=5359b695-8624-4a9a-aed3-d55946349257%7C615acece-58b8-4703-a508-7ba4f9ce7e91]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottebarron/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottebarron/] https://www.facebook.com/SchoolGrowth/ [https://www.facebook.com/SchoolGrowth/] https://twitter.com/schoolgrowth [https://twitter.com/schoolgrowth] https://www.linkedin.com/company/school-growth [https://www.linkedin.com/company/school-growth]

Episode 163 - Reset Your Narrative: Putting on the New Self

We cling tightly to what feels familiar, don't we? It gives us stability, identity, and comfort. But growth rarely happens while standing still. Sometimes the healthiest thing we can do is pause long enough to recognize that we've outgrown a season, and that change, while painful, may actually be pointing us toward renewal. Some might call it a "reboot". In this episode of the Educators Among Us podcast, host Scott Barron, Chief Reinvention Officer with School Growth, explores the idea of "rebooting" in life and leadership. He challenges educators to recognize when it's time to let go of old habits, old fears, old mentors, and even old versions of themselves in order to continue growing into who they are meant to become He talks about the emotional gap between who we've been and who we are becoming, and how difficult it can be to release the routines and relationships that once defined us. And he reminds us that progress builds belief, that growth requires movement, and that bitterness left unchecked can quietly undermine both character and calling. Takeaways – Growth often begins with letting go of what no longer fits your calling – Reboot seasons can feel uncomfortable, but they often lead to renewal – Progress builds confidence and belief in both ourselves and others – Small wins matter and should be recognized along the way – Transition seasons reveal character and leadership – Carrying bitterness into a new season only limits future growth – The only way through difficult change is to keep moving through it – Strong teams become better when they trust and encourage one another – Reflection helps us see value in struggles we didn't understand at the time – Educators have the opportunity to leave a lasting impact wherever they serve Chapters 00:43 Introduction 02:01 Need a Reboot? 04:06 Letting Go To Move Forward 06:01 Don't Miss It 09:17 The New Self 11:52 Leave it Better 14:13 Weekly Encouragement 15:05 A Coaching Question —----------------------------- Educators Fellowship is a non-profit organization that encourages educators in their calling and in their faith. www.educatorsamonguspodcast.com [http://www.educatorsamonguspodcast.com] www.educatorsamongus.com [http://www.educatorsamongus.com] https://www.edfellowship.org/ [https://www.edfellowship.org/] Sign up for weekly encouragement messages here [https://www.edfellowship.org/home-1]: https://www.edfellowship.org/home-1 Buy the book, Love'em and Lead'em, here [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2TSN3Z5/ref=cm_sw_r_api_i_0CCPAWD6EHNHHJM7V9D1_0?__hstc=67846606.15a978c0a602cb645a744352c793cb34.1663423843231.1681129795776.1681246873869.57&__hssc=67846606.1.1681246873869&__hsfp=3000179024&hsCtaTracking=5359b695-8624-4a9a-aed3-d55946349257%7C615acece-58b8-4703-a508-7ba4f9ce7e91]: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2TSN3Z5/ref=cm_sw_r_api_i_0CCPAWD6EHNHHJM7V9D1_0?__hstc=67846606.15a978c0a602cb645a744352c793cb34.1663423843231.1681129795776.1681246873869.57&__hssc=67846606.1.1681246873869&__hsfp=3000179024&hsCtaTracking=5359b695-8624-4a9a-aed3-d55946349257%7C615acece-58b8-4703-a508-7ba4f9ce7e91 https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottebarron/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottebarron/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottebarron/] https://www.facebook.com/SchoolGrowth/ [https://www.facebook.com/SchoolGrowth/] https://twitter.com/schoolgrowth [https://twitter.com/schoolgrowth] https://www.linkedin.com/company/school-growth [https://www.linkedin.com/company/school-growth]

Episode 162 - Give and Give Again: The Greater Blessing of Giving it Away

As educators, we have many opportunities to give gifts. Especially during moments of celebration. But excellent educators give generously throughout the year, gifts such as encouragement when someone is struggling, grace when a student falls short, patience during difficult seasons, collaboration that lightens someone else's load, or simply taking the time to truly listen and pay attention. These gifts can make an impact that lasts a lifetime. And they do. In this episode of the Educators Among Us podcast, host Scott Barron, Chief Reinvention Officer with School Growth, reminds educators of the incredible storehouse of gifts they have to give because of what has first been poured into them through their own experiences, mentors, relationships, and growth. Generosity is something woven into the everyday work of loving people well and helping them move forward. Giving our time, thoughtful words, grace, collaboration, and authentic care for others is the greatest gift educators can give. And these gifts can't be found on the shelves in a store. They come from the heart. Takeaways — The most meaningful gifts in education are often the ones that cannot be purchased. — Paying attention to people helps us understand what they truly need. — Thoughtful words can elevate and strengthen someone's spirit. — Grace has the power to restore relationships and move people forward. — Collaboration allows people to accomplish more together than individually. — Generosity grows in value when it is actually given away. — Educators carry a "storehouse" of gifts that can deeply impact others every day. — People remember gifts that come from authentic love and sacrifice. Chapters 00:40 Introduction 02:41Giving Gifts 05:52 Types of Gifts 09:07 Gifts of Celebration 09:50 Weekly Encouragement 10:52 A Coaching Question —----------------------------- Educators Fellowship is a non-profit organization that encourages educators in their calling and in their faith. www.educatorsamonguspodcast.com [http://www.educatorsamonguspodcast.com] www.educatorsamongus.com [http://www.educatorsamongus.com] https://www.edfellowship.org/ [https://www.edfellowship.org/] Sign up for weekly encouragement messages here [https://www.edfellowship.org/home-1]: Buy the book, Love'em and Lead'em, here [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2TSN3Z5/ref=cm_sw_r_api_i_0CCPAWD6EHNHHJM7V9D1_0?__hstc=67846606.15a978c0a602cb645a744352c793cb34.1663423843231.1681129795776.1681246873869.57&__hssc=67846606.1.1681246873869&__hsfp=3000179024&hsCtaTracking=5359b695-8624-4a9a-aed3-d55946349257%7C615acece-58b8-4703-a508-7ba4f9ce7e91]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottebarron/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottebarron/] https://www.facebook.com/SchoolGrowth/ [https://www.facebook.com/SchoolGrowth/] https://twitter.com/schoolgrowth [https://twitter.com/schoolgrowth] https://www.linkedin.com/company/school-growth [https://www.linkedin.com/company/school-growth]

Episode 161 - Who Cut In On You?: Ply Your Why to Deny Your Sigh

When someone cuts in front of you in line, some people get thrown off track. But the people who stay grounded in purpose tend to keep moving forward anyway. They bend when necessary, adjust when required, but they don't allow frustration to redefine who they are or why they started. In this episode of the Educators Among Us podcast, host Scott Barron, Chief Reinvention Officer with School Growth, asks educators and leaders to think about what happens when people "cut in" on them, and that while we can't control the behavior of others, we can control whether we allow those moments to conquer our spirit and distract us from our calling. It is important to stay true to truth, to relationships, and to purpose even when circumstances become frustrating or unfair. Because purpose creates resilience, and allows leaders to stay anchored in their identity. Those who continue loving, leading, encouraging, and serving despite the pressure are often the ones who make the deepest long-term impact. Takeaways — Purpose gives leaders the ability to endure pressure without losing joy. — Victim thinking keeps people from recognizing the good still around them. — Staying true to truth, people, and your calling creates long-term resilience. — Strong relationships and reputation help protect leaders during difficult moments. — Courage comes from living on purpose, not from shallow positive thinking. — Leaders who know who they are become difficult to distract or discourage. — Your "why" helps sustain you when circumstances become frustrating or unfair. Chapters 00:43 Introduction 02:24 No Cutting Allowed 05:55 Who Cut In On You? 08:07 Staying True to North 10:34 Weekly Encouragement 11:28 Coaching Question —----------------------------- Educators Fellowship is a non-profit organization that encourages educators in their calling and in their faith. www.educatorsamonguspodcast.com [http://www.educatorsamonguspodcast.com] www.educatorsamongus.com [http://www.educatorsamongus.com] https://www.edfellowship.org/ [https://www.edfellowship.org/] Sign up for weekly encouragement messages here [https://www.edfellowship.org/home-1]: Buy the book, Love'em and Lead'em, here [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2TSN3Z5/ref=cm_sw_r_api_i_0CCPAWD6EHNHHJM7V9D1_0?__hstc=67846606.15a978c0a602cb645a744352c793cb34.1663423843231.1681129795776.1681246873869.57&__hssc=67846606.1.1681246873869&__hsfp=3000179024&hsCtaTracking=5359b695-8624-4a9a-aed3-d55946349257%7C615acece-58b8-4703-a508-7ba4f9ce7e91]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottebarron/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottebarron/] https://www.facebook.com/SchoolGrowth/ [https://www.facebook.com/SchoolGrowth/] https://twitter.com/schoolgrowth [https://twitter.com/schoolgrowth] https://www.linkedin.com/company/school-growth [https://www.linkedin.com/company/school-growth]

Episode 160 - Finding the Rhythm Together: A Conversation with Trell Allen

There's a difference between leading people and trying to keep everyone comfortable. When the culture isn't right, you can feel it. When accountability fades, standards slip, and the results show up in ways that are hard to ignore. We need to find a rhythm, together, so that we are all marching to the same beat. In this special episode of the Educators Among Us podcast, host Scott Barron, Chief Reinvention Officer with School Growth, welcomes Vice Principal and Content Creator Trell Allen for a conversation about doing what's right for students and navigating the politics of the system. This conversation is about accountability, the role of parents, the danger of trying to be a child's friend instead of their guide, and the consequences of lowering standards just to keep systems moving. Controlling outcomes is a shared responsibility between parents, educators and administrators. When it's not owned by all, the students are the ones who pay the price. Takeaways –Great administrators never forget what it's like to be a teacher –Accountability without consistency doesn't work. Both are required to create real change –Parents set the foundation. Schools can support growth, but they don't replace responsibility at home –Lowering standards to protect systems ultimately harms students –Culture is ultimately what's tolerated inside the building –You can't change a culture you don't first understand –Division among adults creates dysfunction for students –Leadership requires pushing back, even when it's uncomfortable –Real success is seeing lives change over time –Students need structure, clarity, and accountability Chapters 00:50 Introduction: 01:59 Meet Trell Allen 03:40 Lessons of Accountability 07:18 Transitioning From Teacher to Administrator 10:52 Making Videos of Parenting and Accountability 16:45 Biggest Challenges in Education 19:23 Video and Poster Strategies 21:22 Advice to Improve the Culture 26:23 Proudest Success —----------------------------- 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 [https://www.edfellowship.org/home-1]: Buy the book, Love'em and Lead'em, here [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2TSN3Z5/ref=cm_sw_r_api_i_0CCPAWD6EHNHHJM7V9D1_0?__hstc=67846606.15a978c0a602cb645a744352c793cb34.1663423843231.1681129795776.1681246873869.57&__hssc=67846606.1.1681246873869&__hsfp=3000179024&hsCtaTracking=5359b695-8624-4a9a-aed3-d55946349257%7C615acece-58b8-4703-a508-7ba4f9ce7e91]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottebarron/ https://www.facebook.com/SchoolGrowth/ https://twitter.com/schoolgrowth https://www.linkedin.com/company/school-growth