Educators Among Us

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

Episode 159 - Devilish Vines: Purposely Pruning with Prudence

Some relationships start strong. Like a vine that blooms with beauty early on, they seem like the perfect fit. But over time, if left unchecked, they can grow in ways you didn't expect. What started well ends up choking out what matters most. Not every relationship is meant to go with you where you're headed. Growth demands discernment. And sometimes, it demands pruning. In this episode of the Educators Among Us podcast, host Scott Barron, Chief Reinvention Officer with School Growth, challenges leaders to think differently about who we build with, who we hold onto, and who we may need to let go of. The reality is that healthy growth requires pruning, even when it's uncomfortable. Some people show up with promise and talent, but over time reveal gaps in values, collaboration, or character. Left unchecked, they can stall progress and damage culture. Some relationships need investment. Some need boundaries. And some simply aren't aligned anymore Takeaways – Growth requires pruning after planting – Not every relationship is meant for your next season – Talent without alignment can damage culture over time – Leaders have a responsibility to protect the team and the mission – Discernment means balancing grace with accountability – Some people need development…others need distance – Influence matters, and who you listen to shapes how you think – Avoid making "grace" an excuse for avoiding hard decisions – Healthy cultures are built intentionally and on purpose Chapters 00:42 Introduction 02:42 Seasons 04:53 Those Devilish Wisteria Vines 08:24 Unchecked Influence 11:07 Pruning for Leaders 14:14 Weekly Encouragement - Prune With Prudence 16:10 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]

Supercharging the Network: Be That Reliable Source of Energy and Engagement

It's easy, and perhaps common, to think communication is about getting a point across. But the people who communicate well, who lift others, who build trust, who create momentum, understand something deeper. Communication is about trusting, engaging and connecting in a way that gives energy to others. In this episode of the Educators Among Us podcast, host Scott Barron, Chief Reinvention Officer with School Growth, talks about communication as a means of deepening relationships as opposed to just letting others know what we know. Communication is about building bonds. Listening completely. Picking up on what's not being said. Following up in a way that proves people matter beyond a single conversation. That's where trust is built. That's where engagement grows. And that's what strengthens the entire network of relationships that organizations depend on Takeaways – Communication is about connection with others. – Being a "supercharger" means intentionally bringing energy to others – Full attention is one of the most powerful ways to engage people – Listening well includes hearing what isn't being said – Following up builds trust and shows genuine care – Strong relationships are built through consistent, intentional communication – Words should be used to build others up based on their needs – Engagement grows when people feel seen and valued – Influence comes from how you invest in your network – Purposeful communication strengthens the entire organization Chapters 00:44 Introduction 03:12 Energy 05:11 Great Communicators 08:13 Trust, Energy and Engagement 11:16 The Calling of Communication 13:41 Weekly Encouragement. 16:12 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]