S3 E14 - Legacy of Learning: Reflecting on a Career in Education with Linda Jolly Artwork

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

All Episodes

School on a Mission Podcast

S3 E14 - Legacy of Learning: Reflecting on a Career in Education with Linda Jolly

January 08, 2026 • Growing Leaders x Maxwell Leadership Foundation • Season 3 • Episode 14

Send us a text

What does it look like to lead with purpose for more than five decades—and still be growing?

In this powerful Season 3 finale of School on a Mission, we sit down with Linda Jolly, a lifelong educator whose 55-year career spans classrooms, coaching, counseling, campus leadership, district administration, and regional service. From her early days as a teacher and coach to her current role at Region 18 Education Service Center in Texas, Linda reflects on the moments, mentors, and values that shaped her legacy.

With honesty, wisdom, and deep compassion, Linda shares stories of resilience through cancer, lessons learned from leadership transitions, and the profound impact of teachers who see potential before students see it in themselves. She unpacks the core values that sustained her—accountability, courage, compassion, adaptability, and honesty—and offers heartfelt guidance for educators navigating burnout, transition, or questions of calling.

This episode is both a reflection and a benediction—an invitation to remember your why, lead with integrity, and invest in people in ways that last far beyond the classroom.

Key Takeaways

Legacy is built through consistency, relationships, and values—not titles
Teachers shape lives when they see and name potential in students
Emotional resilience grows through purpose, reflection, and service
Leadership is about trust, delegation, and creating space for others to lead
Teaching is a gift—and how you use your gifts becomes your legacy

🚀 Welcome to the School on a Mission Podcast! 🎙️

Hosted by Andrew McPeak and Gina Watts, this podcast is for educators, school leaders, and change-makers who believe in building schools where leadership, character, and social-emotional growth matter just as much as academics. If you believe education should inspire, equip, and empower the next generation—you’re in the right place!

Each episode features engaging conversations, expert insights, and real-world strategies to help you create a school culture where students thrive. From leadership principles and community engagement to AI in education and social media strategy, we tackle the most pressing topics in modern education.

🎧 New episodes drop regularly—don’t miss out!

💡 Connect with us at schoolonamissionpodcast.com

📲 Follow us on social media & join the conversation!

🔹 The School on a Mission Podcast is produced by Growing Leaders, powered by the Maxwell Leadership Foundation.