School on a Mission Podcast
Welcome to "School on a Mission," the podcast for educators by educators. We're here to help school leaders navigate the ups and downs of leadership in education. Join us for candid conversations, practical advice, and inspiration from experienced educators and experts. Whether you're a seasoned leader or an aspiring administrator, we've got you covered. Tune in and join the mission to create thriving learning environments for the next generation.
The School on a Mission podcast is brought to you by Growing Leaders powered by the Maxwell Leadership Foundation. You can learn more about the work of transforming the lives of students at growingleaders.com.
Would you like to be featured on the School on a Mission Podcast? Fill out this form to tell us a little about yourself, and our team will review it!
https://growingleaders.typeform.com/to/fcu3ZRTv
Episodes
29 episodes
S2 E13 - Reimagining Education and AI with Joe Fatheree
In this forward-looking episode, we sit down with Joe Fatheree—Illinois Teacher of the Year, global educator, and AI researcher—to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of learning. With over 35 years of classroom experien...
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Season 2
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Episode 13
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49:14
S2 E12 - “The Future of Learning: Cutting Edge Technologies Transforming Education with Dr. Sally Creel
What if kindergartners could design stop-motion films and high school students could learn coding through drones? In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Sally Creel—known affectionately as “Agent STEM”—joins the School on a Mission podca...
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Season 2
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Episode 12
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42:58
S2 E11 - Transforming Communities through Project-Based Learning with Brian Copes
Can students really change the world while still in high school? In this episode, we dive into the power of project-based learning with award-winning educator Brian Copes and two of his incredible students. From building prosth...
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Season 2
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Episode 11
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42:27
S2: E10 - Tech-Savvy or Tech-Sorry? MLSA Students Weigh in on the Impacts of Emerging Tech
🤖 Are Schools Using Tech the Right Way? Students Have the Answers! 🎧In this episode of School on a Mission, hosts Gina Watts and Andrew McPeak turn to the real experts on classroom technology—students the...
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Season 2
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Episode 10
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37:14
S2: E9 - Unplug to Excel: Why Some Schools Are Going Screen-Free with Brett Dabb
🌿 Can Learning Thrive Without Screens?In this episode of School on a Mission, hosts Andrew McPeak and Gina Watts explore the world of screen-free, outdoor learning with Brett Dabb, founder of <...
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Season 2
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Episode 9
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47:18
S2: E8 - Data-Driven Decisions: Turning Numbers into Lessons with Dr. Denise Pope
📊 Are You Using Data to Transform Student Success? Or Is It Just Sitting on a Spreadsheet?In this episode of School on a Mission, hosts Gina Watts and Andrew McPeak sit down with Dr. Denise Pope, S...
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Season 2
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Episode 8
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34:51
S2:E7 Leveling Up Your Community Engagement with Will Parker (Part 2)
🚀 Discover Your Community Engagement Superpower! 🚀In this episode of School on a Mission, hosts Andrew McPeak and Gina Watts dive into the power of social media for school leaders with spec...
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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36:14
S2:E6 Social Media a Friend… Not an Enemy with Dr. Jill Johnson
In this episode, hosts Gina Watts and Andrew McPeak discuss the evolving role of social media in education with expert Dr. Jill Johnson. They explore the importance of practical skills in schools, the concept of student-led social media, and th...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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34:47
S2:E5 Teachnology for All: Inclusive Learning with Lindsay Foster
In today's episode, Gina and Andrew explore the intersection of technology and education, focusing on the importance of accessibility in the classroom. Our guest, Lindsay Foster, discusses various aspects of accessibility, including the differe...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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43:44
S2:E4 Tech it to the Next Level: Redesigning Learning with Jed Stefanowicz
In this episode of the School on a Mission podcast, hosts Andrew McPeak and Gina Wath engage in a thought-provoking conversation with educator Jed Stefanowicz about the future of education. They discuss the importance of creating future-ready c...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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44:43
S2:E3 From Teacher to Learner: Flipping the Script With Cory Hafer
In this episode, Gina Watts and Andrew McPeak discuss the evolving landscape of education with guest Cory Hafer, an engineering teacher who is transforming the traditional classroom model. They explore the importance of curiosity, hands-on lear...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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38:49
S2:E2 To Phone or Not to Phone: Tackling No-Phone Policies with Josh Andrew
In this episode, Andrew McPeak and Gina Watts discuss the controversial topic of classroom device usage, particularly smartphones, with Josh Andrew, head of Atlanta Classical Academy. They explore the implications of technology in education, th...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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34:22
S2:E1 Empowering the Next Generation of Digital Citizens
In this episode, Gina Watts and Andrew McPeak kick off Season Two by discussing the idea of digital citizenship. They explore the challenges and innovations technology brings to education, emphasizing the importance of responsible online behavi...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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31:00
Get Ready! Season 2 of School on a Mission Premieres January 16th
Get excited for Season 2 of the School on a Mission Podcast, kicking off on January 16, 2025! Join co-hosts Gina Watts and Andrew McPeak as they explore the amazing ways technology is changing education for the better. This season, the...
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Season 2
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4:16
S1.E14 The Art of Learning to Fail Forward
In our last episode of season one of the School on A Mission podcast, Gina and Andrew discuss the often-overlooked value of failure in education, exploring how embracing setbacks can foster resilience and innovation. Through personal storie...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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37:52
S1:E13 Behind the Scenes of CTE with Dave Huffman
In this episode, co-hosts Gina and Andrew go behind the scenes of Career and Technical Education (CTE) with guest Dave Huffman to explore how these programs are preparing students for diverse career paths. Dave shares valuable insights on the c...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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32:48
S1:E12 EPIC Tales of School Success: Cathedral Building
In this episode, Andrew and Gina dive into the Habitude value of Cathedral Building, a mindset that goes beyond the daily grind to focus on the bigger picture. Building something meaningful takes time, energy, and resources, and it...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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35:53
S1: E11 Voices from the Schoolfront: Views on Parent Involvement with Taylor Hasty and Rosie Lowndes (Pt. 2)
In this episode, Gina and Andrew discuss the role of parental involvement in education with two incredible school leaders, Taylor Hasty and Rosie Lowndes. Together, they unpack the real-life opportunities and challenges of building meaningful p...
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53:01
S1:E10 Voices from the Homefront: Parent Perspectives With Kara Mallory (Pt. 1)
In this episode, Gina Watts and Andrew McPeak are joined by expert guest Kara Mallory, a parent and educator, to discuss the critical role of parental involvement in education. Kara emphasizes the importance of communication and transparency be...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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27:03
S1:E9 Building Trust Brick by Brick in Schools
Trust isn't built overnight; it requires consistent, intentional actions and commitment from teachers, students, parents, and administrators. In this episode, Gina and Andrew explore the essential role of trust in creating a positive and effect...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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29:15
S1:E8 The Role That Psychological Safety Plays in Schools with Dr. Michelle Braillard
In this episode, Gina and Andrew explore the crucial role of psychological safety in fostering student engagement and academic success with expert insights from Dr. Michelle Braillard. We discuss how creating a safe environment allows st...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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27:49
S1:E7 How Extra-Curricular Activities Help to Build a Well-Rounded School with Patrick Erwin
In this episode, we explore the importance of creating well-rounded school environments and fostering investment in extracurricular activities. Our guest, an experienced educator and speaker, Patrick Erwin, shares insights into why schools shou...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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32:03
S1:E6 Paint a Brighter Future for Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities with Ashley Johnessee
In this episode, we focus on supporting students with autism and special needs beyond graduation, exploring innovative approaches to help them succeed in post-secondary education, employment, and independent living. Our guest, Dr. Ashley Joh...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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28:40
S1:E5 Crafting Personalized Learning Journeys for Students with Kaleb Wachala
In this episode, we explore the impact of individualized education on student learning and development. Our guest, Kaleb Wachala, shares his personal journeys with personalized learning, discussing creating opportunities for students to explore...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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30:50
S1:E4 EPIC Tales of School Success: Splashes and Waves
In this episode, we explore the concept of "Splashes and Waves," drawing inspiration from young elephants raised without role models who splashed water to avoid seeing their reflections. This metaphor highlights the tendency of some leaders to ...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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28:01