In this episode of the Just Schools Podcast, Jon Eckert engages with Alyssa Gallagher to discuss the intricacies of educational leadership and the importance of creating a culture of feedback. Alyssa highlights the optimism that persists among educational leaders despite high stress levels, noting the concept of "gritty optimism" as a key trait for effective leadership. Jon emphasizes the difference between naive and gritty optimism, celebrating the resilience of leaders who remain hopeful throu...
May 21, 2024•27 min•Ep. 7
In this episode of the Just Schools Podcast, Jill Anderson and Dr. Jon Eckert engage in conversation about the profound impact of educators and the importance of recognizing their contributions. Jon tells us inspiring anecdotes of teachers who have made a lasting difference in students' lives, reflecting on the transformative power of kindness and support in education. Jon recounts a personal experience from his own schooling, to emphasize the enduring influence of a compassionate teacher. They ...
May 07, 2024•31 min•Ep. 6
In this episode of the Just Schools Podcast, host Jon Eckert interviews Krystle Moos, an award-winning science teacher known for her innovative and engaging teaching methods. The discussion revolves around Krystle's approach to creating a dynamic learning environment that fosters curiosity, belonging, and genuine learning experiences for her students. Krystle emphasizes the importance of addressing distractions and creating a sense of belonging in the classroom, regardless of the evolving landsc...
Apr 23, 2024•29 min•Ep. 5
In this podcast episode, host Jon interviews two guests from Australia, Darren Iselin and his daughter Beck, about the concept of wellbeing in schools. Beck, a teacher, discusses the increase in mental health issues among her students, such as anxiety and depression, as well as the rise in neurodivergent behaviors. She also shares her observations about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on student wellbeing. The conversation highlights the importance of relationships, trust, and cultural norms...
Apr 09, 2024•34 min•Ep. 4
In this podcast episode, Jon Eckert interviews Deani Van Pelt, who leads an association of independent Christian schools in Ontario, Canada. They discuss trends in education, including increased parental engagement and the growth of alternative forms of education. They also touch on the work of Cardus, a think tank focused on education for the common good, and the importance of using industry best practices in education. Van Pelt highlights the ideas of Charlotte Mason, an educator from the earl...
Mar 26, 2024•27 min•Ep. 3
Mitch Weathers, the founder of Organized Binder, discusses his work and the importance of teaching executive functioning skills in schools. He explains that his program, Organized Binder, helps students develop organization and executive functioning skills, which are crucial for academic success. Weathers emphasizes the need for explicit instruction and modeling of these skills, as well as the importance of creating safe and predictable learning environments. He also discusses his new book, "Exe...
Mar 12, 2024•38 min•Ep. 2
I really hope that you will join me for this episode because I had a truly inspiring conversation with John Walker, the superintendent of Central Christian School in Kansas. John shares his nontraditional journey into education, emphasizing the importance of building a supportive community of leaders around him, and we delve into the challenges he faces as a school leader and how he leads with vulnerability, inviting others into messy conversations to solve problems and make decisions. John's co...
Feb 27, 2024•23 min•Season 1Ep. 1
I am so thrilled to introduce our latest episode featuring the incredible Lauren Houser, who brings seventeen years of experience as an assistant principal. Lauren shares her journey from unexpected twists, like taking a year off after graduation, to finding her true calling in education. We also dive deep into topics like the power of building relationships through looping (did you know Finland does it for up to six years?), the importance of failing forward in education, and how to lead well e...
Feb 13, 2024•28 min•Season 1Ep. 1
Join me for this episode of Just Schools as I have a fascinating conversation with Shaun Brooker, a former rugby player turned school leader from New Zealand! Listen in as we explore Shaun's journey into education, driven by his experiences at youth camps and his love for motivating students to push their limits. Shaun sheds light on his role in developing user-friendly systems for teachers, emphasizing the importance of meaningful engagement over mere busy work. The discussion also touches on t...
Jan 30, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 1
I'm so thrilled to share today's episode with you. I am joined today by Matt and Eric as we dive deep into well-being, belonging, and the fascinating world of education. Matt and Eric are wonderful educators in Canada and are doing remarkable work in fostering a sense of belonging for international students and enhancing the well-being of every student in their respective schools. In this engaging conversation, we explore their unique approaches to creating a vibrant school culture, from multicu...
Jan 16, 2024•25 min
I am so excited to have my best friend Erik Ellefsen on the podcast today to reflect on the highlights of 2023 in education and set our sights on what excites us in 2024! Erik, with his extensive global school experiences, shares insights into the joy he finds in the brilliance of educators and the challenges they overcome. We delve into memorable school visits, from the historic Windsor Castle to the modest Reagan Ranch, sparking thoughts on the impact of educational experiences. We discuss the...
Jan 02, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 1
I hope that you will join me for this episode as I sit down with Anna Surratt, a remarkable educator with nearly two decades of teaching experience in both public and Christian schools. We delve into her expertise in empathy-based leadership and design thinking, exploring how these tools contribute to fostering strong relationships and creating positive change in the education landscape. Anna shares insightful stories from her journey, highlighting the importance of vulnerability and trust in bu...
Dec 19, 2023•23 min•Season 1Ep. 1
Join me this week on the podcast as I delve into a conversation with Colin Roe, a middle school technology and Bible teacher at Faith Christian School. Colin shares insights into the challenges of technology in education and emphasizes the importance of using it to build relationships with students, and he and I explore topics such as digital citizenship, the impact of technology on students' well-being, and the need for positive interactions face to face. Colin also discusses practical ways he ...
Dec 05, 2023•27 min•Season 1Ep. 1
I had the honor and privilege to talk with Jami Courson, a dedicated high school teacher in Texas, whose journey in education has been nothing short of transformative. Despite initially aiming for a career in medicine, Jami found her calling in teaching and coaching, and over her 22 years in the profession, she has faced burnout and challenges but discovered renewed purpose through community and faith. Tune in as Jami candidly shares her experiences, highlighting the struggles educators face, fr...
Nov 21, 2023•26 min•Season 1Ep. 1
Tune into this episode of the show because I am thrilled to introduce you to two extraordinary educators, Gaby Garcia and Kim Poe, from Augustine Prep in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. These incredible individuals are transforming communities on the South Side of Milwaukee, where their school is located. What's truly inspiring is how their efforts have significantly impacted the neighborhood; crime rates dropped by a staggering 42% after OG Prep's presence. Now, they're expanding to a new campus on the N...
Nov 07, 2023•28 min
Listen in today as I sit down with Bryan Goodwin, President and CEO of McREL International, and an experienced educator, to explore the intersection of science, art, and the joy found in teaching. We dive into the phases of learning, discussing how curiosity is the key to engaging students, followed by commitment, focus, consolidation, practice, reflection, and finally, extension and application. We also emphasize the importance of planning for learning rather than just teaching and how understa...
Oct 24, 2023•27 min
In this episode of the Just Schools Podcast, join me (your host Jon Eckert) as I sit down with Sierra Downs and Eli Spector, two remarkable educators from Front Range Christian School in Colorado! We explore the wonder and magic that defines their school environment, fostering academic excellence and student well-being. Through their authentic experiences, we discover the power of relational leadership and the impact of teachers like Phil Schultz and Kelly Stidham, who inspire through quirkiness...
Oct 10, 2023•25 min
It's time to start looking at younger teachers as a place where we can develop leadership. Two young educators, Brittany Griffith and Meredith Frey, join host Jon Eckert. Brittany is a teacher in Frisco and Meredith is a teacher in San Antonio. Today, they discuss what has made them passionate about their education careers and what has pushed them to gain their master's degrees in Educational Leadership. To learn more, order Jon's book, Just Teaching: Feedback, Engagement, and Well-Being for Eac...
Sep 26, 2023•30 min
Traditional schools don't work for every student. Nikki Bell is both a parent and an educator from Oklahoma. When she noticed her son didn't fit into traditional public school, she decided to homeschool. She is now a board member at a classical school. Classical schools focus on truth, beauty and wisdom and how we pursue those things. Today she joins host Jon Eckert to discuss her journey to becoming an educator. To learn more, order Jon's book, Just Teaching: Feedback, Engagement, and Well-Bein...
Sep 12, 2023•29 min
Education within the prison system is a challenge. From access to technology to access to books. Bing Parks is an educator who loves her students but never wants to see her students in her classroom again. That's because she works in the Texas Juvenile Department. Her students range in age from 11 to 18 years old. Today she joins host Jon Eckert to discuss how she uses engagement to drive her students' well-being. To learn more, order Jon's book, Just Teaching: Feedback, Engagement, and Well-Bei...
Aug 29, 2023•20 min•Season 1Ep. 1
Truly engaging students goes beyond entertainment. Having meaningful two-way discussions is one way to create authentic engagement. Aaron Bond has over two decades of education experience. Over his career, he's employed the Harkness Method to engage his students. Today, he joins host Jon Eckert to candidly discuss what he's learned throughout the year. Their conversation focuses on how throughout his career, Aaron encourages his students to love well and truly engage his students. To learn more,...
Aug 15, 2023•32 min
We all need colleagues that are life-giving. Those who help us find joy in what we do. Bill Sterrett is one of those colleagues. Today he joins host Jon Eckert. Bill is the Department Chair and Professor of Educational Leadership at Baylor University’s School of Education. Their conversation focuses on how to build a firm foundation on educators' why to help educators stay motivated through their careers. To learn more, order Jon's book, Just Teaching: Feedback, Engagement, and Well-Being for Ea...
Aug 01, 2023•23 min
Designing learning spaces with the end users -- teachers, students, custodians -- can make a huge difference in people’s lives. Today Danish Kurani, the founder of Kurani , an architectural firm, joins host Jon Eckert. Kurani specializes in designing education spaces with empathy and prioritizing the end user. Danish discusses an embarrassing moment in kindergarten that later inspired him to begin creating intentional learning spaces. To learn more, order Jon's book, Just Teaching: Feedback, Eng...
Jun 06, 2023•31 min
Being hit with the unexpected can be jarring. But sometimes it's necessary to help you grow. At the start of the year, Sahira Kodra unexpectedly became a kindergarten teacher. Now she is transitioning to work full-time for the Baylor Center for School Leadership. Today she joins host Jon Eckert to discuss how she's been humbled by kindergartners this year and the transformation that she hopes for because of that. To learn more, order Jon's book, Just Teaching: Feedback, Engagement, and Well-Bein...
May 30, 2023•25 min
Leading with love and compassion can change the people you lead forever. Today, Herb Cox, Clinical Assistant Professor at Baylor University, joins host Jon Eckert to discuss his calling to become an educator. He details how, through the years, he led his schools with compassion and love and the impact that had on his students and their parents. To learn more, order Jon's book, Just Teaching: Feedback, Engagement, and Well-Being for Each Student . The Just Schools Podcast is brought to you by the...
May 16, 2023•25 min
Cognitive endurance is built through struggle and engagement. That is a key part of classical education. Today, Anika Prather, the founder of The Living Water School, joins host Jon Eckert to discuss her journey from a career in public school to creating her own school dedicated to classical learning for students of color. She tells stories about how her school has helped equip kids with real-world skills. To learn more, order Jon's book, Just Teaching: Feedback, Engagement, and Well-Being for E...
May 02, 2023•31 min
Putting people first is a big part of living tov. Today, Laura Barringer, author and kindergarten teacher, joins Jon Eckert to discuss her 20-plus year teaching career and her unexpected journey to writing her book, A Church Called Tov . She details how living tov has enabled her to see each student as individuals and create respectful, safe spaces for them. To learn more, order Jon's book, Just Teaching: Feedback, Engagement, and Well-Being for Each Student . The Just Schools Podcast is brought...
Apr 18, 2023•31 min
Cheating seems to be on the rise, especially post-COVID. It seems some students are even confused about what's actually considered cheating. Today, Alyssa Carl, a math teacher from Illinois joins host Jon Eckert to talk about cheating among students. The two have an in-depth conversation on the definition of cheating, the causes and the possible long-term consequences. To learn more, order Jon's book, Just teaching: Feedback, engagement, and well-being for each student . The Just Schools Podcast...
Apr 04, 2023•32 min
When people take care of people it fills them up. Those people then are able to take care of others. That's what King's Christian Collegiate did to create a culture centered around caring for their faculty and students. Their culture of care was born out of the reputation that they had developed over the years. Today, Lisa Conlin and Vicky Nolan of King's Christian Collegiate join host Jon Eckert to talk about how they used improvement science to deepen the culture of care. They also discuss the...
Mar 21, 2023•23 min
No leader is an island. It's important to take other leaders on your leadership journey. That's called collective leadership. Daniel Pamuch is the CEO of Christian Schools Australia (CSA) and Darren Iselin is the director of Research and Innovation. The two join Jon Eckert to discuss how CSA uses a unique architecture framework to conceptualize the essential elements that make a Christian school distinct from non-Christian schools. Through encouraging collective leadership they help leaders of C...
Mar 07, 2023•30 min
