Preparing for MAYhem with Josh Thurston

August EdLeader Event Preview: Unreasonable Hospitality in Christian Schools with Jim Mckenzie

What does it look like for a Christian school to practice “unreasonable hospitality”? In this episode of Collaborative Conversations, Joanna sits down with Christian school leader, author, and speaker Jim McKenzie [https://jcmckenzie.com/] to explore how schools can move beyond excellent service and create cultures where students, families, and staff truly feel seen, valued, and cared for. Drawing inspiration from the book Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara, Jim shares why hospitality is not just a business principle, but a deeply Christian practice rooted in the example of Jesus. Together, they discuss practical ways schools can build intentional, repeatable systems of care that shape school culture and strengthen community. In this conversation, you’ll hear: * Why hospitality is about how people feel, not just what we do * How Christian schools can embody their mission through everyday interactions * Jim’s “Always, If, Wow” framework for creating meaningful experiences * A powerful story of a student who simply “needed a win” * Why every role in a school can contribute to a culture of hospitality Whether you are a head of school, teacher, admissions leader, or support staff member, this episode offers practical encouragement and fresh vision for serving your school community with intentionality and grace. If you want to hear more, join us August 6, 2026 in Minneapolis at our upcoming event featuring Jim!

Growing in Your Leadership and Developing Leaders Around You with David Hoffner

In this episode, Joanna and Angela sit down with David Hoffner [https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-hoffner-4901496b], Director of the Office of Faith Formation at Minnehaha Academy [https://www.minnehahaacademy.net/] in Minneapolis, to explore what faithful, grounded leadership development looks like in Christian schools.David brings a rare blend of pastoral depth, academic rigor, and practical wisdom to the conversation. He shares how his leadership style has evolved over nearly two decades at Minnehaha, what he looks for when identifying leadership potential in teachers and staff, and why he believes every teacher is already a school leader whether they hold that title or not.You'll hear him reflect on the biblical principles that shape how he leads, the habits that sustain him, and the advice that has stayed with him since his very first year in the classroom.This is the kind of iron-sharpens-iron conversation The Collaborative exists to create.   Learn more about The Collaborative's Mastermind, a leadership community built for Christian EdLeaders who want to lead with clarity and grow in community: https://beacollaborator.com/mastermind/ [https://beacollaborator.com/mastermind/]

NACCAP Lunch & Learn: The Value of Christian Higher Education

What does it really mean to articulate the distinct value of a Christian education, especially when students and families are weighing post-secondary options? In this conversation, Angela sits down with Janet Pargeter [https://www.linkedin.com/in/janet-pargeter-69a71942/] from NACCAP [https://www.naccap.org/], the North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals, to explore just that. From rankings and ROI to spiritual formation and vocational discernment, this session is designed to help Christian school leaders and educators confidently speak to what makes faith-based higher education worth choosing. Whether you are a dean, admissions counselor, guidance counselor, or school leader walking alongside high schoolers as they pray forward their next steps, this conversation offers practical language and renewed perspective for the work you are already doing. NACAP serves PreK-12 schools and higher education institutions across the country through conferences and membership opportunities. Learn more at beacollaborator.com. If you hold a principal or administrative license and are looking for continuing education units, our next Mastermind cohort begins August 2026. Learn more at beacollaborator.com/mastermind.

Honoring the People In Front of You with Kelly Mack

In this episode of Collaborative Conversations, we sit down with Kelly Mack [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-mack-02b32b32], Director of Guidance and Academic Programming at Concordia Academy [https://www.concordiaacademy.com/], to explore what it truly means to show appreciation to teachers all year long. Drawing from her journey as both a classroom teacher and school leader, Kelly shares a powerful reminder: meaningful appreciation begins with truly knowing your people. When leaders take time to understand the daily realities, challenges, and unique needs of their teachers, appreciation becomes authentic, not performative. Together, we unpack simple, practical ways to build a culture where teachers feel seen, supported, and valued. From intentional hallway walkthroughs to personalized encouragement, Kelly highlights how small, consistent actions can have a lasting impact on teacher morale, retention, and overall school culture. We also lean into the tension leaders often face, balancing appreciation with accountability. Kelly offers wisdom on leading with clarity, respect, and empathy, reminding us that honoring teachers includes both encouragement and honest, growth-oriented conversations. Finally, this conversation calls in the broader school community, students and families, to play a role in affirming teachers through specific, timely words of gratitude. If you are seeking to strengthen your school culture and care well for your staff, this episode will both encourage and equip you. BONUS: We have created a way for you to show appreciation to those you lead. Download our ready-to-print appreciation cards [https://beacollaborator.com/mp-files/appreciation_card_packet.pdf/]and say "thank you" to those who support your school's mission everyday.

Preparing for MAYhem with Josh Thurston

May is one of the most meaningful (and most demanding) months in any school leader's calendar. In this episode, we sit down with Josh Thurston [https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-thurston-72424748/], Principal at North Heights Christian Academy [https://northheights.academy/], to talk about how to lead well when the calendar feels like it's running the show. Josh brings a refreshing perspective on the "fourth quarter" of the school year — one rooted in rhythms, intentionality, and keeping the mission front and center even when everything feels urgent. From protecting chapel time and creating space for staff worship, to asking the hard question of why your school does the events it does, Josh offers practical and faith-grounded wisdom for any leader navigating the beautiful chaos of spring. You'll walk away encouraged to shift from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance, to know your staff's gifts deeply enough to deploy them wisely, and to give yourself the grace to be human in a season that demands a lot. Whether you're a head of school, a principal, or a teacher leader, this conversation is for you. In this episode: leading with people first, protecting joy in busy seasons, the power of solitude, blocking your calendar with purpose, and why Christian education has an advantage.