Educators Among Us

Scott Barron

Welcome to the Educators Among Us Podcast! We are devoted to walking the journey with those who heed the call to teach, coach, lead, and serve at all levels of education. We speak your language and understand the challenges you face because we've been there too. We get it and we got you! This podcast is uniquely designed to share inspiring messages that connect with the heart of your life's work. This includes candid conversations with and about unusually impactful educators, exploring their stories and how they found joy in the journey: Learn about the educators who inspired them, the strategies they used to overcome obstacles, and the enduring influence they have on colleagues, students, parents, and communities. Hosted by Scott Barron, a life-long educator and organizational growth expert to hundreds of schools around the world. He is passionate about encouraging educators in both their calling and in their faith. Scott serves as the Executive Director of the nonprofit, Educators Fellowship, and is the author of, Love 'em and Lead 'em: Encouragement and Inspiration for Educators. This podcast is for educators by educators. Whether you are a new teacher or a seasoned administrator, a board member or a staff person, this podcast is for you. Please join us on this journey of inspiration, motivation, and transformation as we celebrate the courage, dedication, and passion of educators around the world. Subscribe to the Educators Among Us podcast today, and let's grow together. Scott Barron Bio Scott Barron is an educator, entrepreneur, and author who is recognized as a leading voice advocating for and encouraging educators in their calling and in their faith. He serves as the Chief Reinvention Officer of School Growth LLC (schoolgrowth.com) and the Executive Director of Educators Fellowship (edfellowship.org). Scott earned his M.Ed from Johns Hopkins University, along with a B.A. in Religion and a B.S. in Computer Science from Mars Hill University. He serves on the National Advisory Council for the Johns Hopkins University School of Education, and recently published the acclaimed book, Love'em and Lead'em: Encouragement and Inspiration for Educators. Scott's combination of experience as an educator, business leader, EdTech advisor, college instructor, author, and executive coach gives him a unique perspective and valuable wisdom that is utilized by organizations around the world. www.educatorsamongus.com https://www.schoolgrowth.com/ Edfellowship.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottebarron/

  1. Episode 160 - Finding the Rhythm Together: A Conversation with Trell Allen

    2D AGO

    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:   Buy the book, Love'em and Lead'em, here:     https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottebarron/ https://www.facebook.com/SchoolGrowth/ https://twitter.com/schoolgrowth https://www.linkedin.com/company/school-growth

    30 min
  2. Episode 159 - Devilish Vines: Purposely Pruning with Prudence

    APR 27

    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 www.educatorsamongus.com https://www.edfellowship.org/   Sign up for weekly encouragement messages here:     Buy the book, Love'em and Lead'em, here:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottebarron/ https://www.facebook.com/SchoolGrowth/ https://twitter.com/schoolgrowth https://www.linkedin.com/company/school-growth

    17 min
  3. Supercharging the Network:  Be That Reliable Source of Energy and Engagement

    APR 20

    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 www.educatorsamongus.com https://www.edfellowship.org/   Sign up for weekly encouragement messages here:     Buy the book, Love'em and Lead'em, here:     https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottebarron/ https://www.facebook.com/SchoolGrowth/ https://twitter.com/schoolgrowth https://www.linkedin.com/company/school-growth

    17 min
  4. Episode 157 - That Burning Desire: Pursuing What Matters Most

    APR 13

    Episode 157 - That Burning Desire: Pursuing What Matters Most

    When you want something badly enough, and you know what that is, it changes you and it can change others. It pushes you to move when you're tired, to decide when it's uncomfortable, and to stay when it would be easier to walk away. And so the question becomes…what do you want? In this episode of the Educators Among Us podcast, host Scott Barron, Chief Reinvention Officer with School Growth, challenges leaders and educators to get honest about that question. What do you want? Because until you define it, you can't pursue it. And until you pursue it, nothing meaningful changes.  We're talking about a desire that burns inside. And for leaders to help others find the same thing. The kind that shows up early, stays late, pushes through friction, and refuses to quit when things get hard.      Takeaways – Wanting something deeply changes how you act, respond, and persist – Clarity is the difference between motion and meaningful progress – You can't pursue what you haven't clearly defined – Great leaders take time to understand what others truly want – Alignment grows when people feel seen, heard, and understood – Leadership is helping others move toward what matters to them – Vague goals produce weak effort and inconsistent results – Strong desire fuels discipline, resilience, and consistency   Chapters 00:41 Introduction 02:30 What Do You Want? 06:08 Culture, Fear and Wisdom 09:00 Getting Clear About What We Want 11:04 Weekly Encouragement 12:30 Coaching Question —-----------------------------   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:    Buy the book, Love'em and Lead'em, here:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottebarron/ https://www.facebook.com/SchoolGrowth/ https://twitter.com/schoolgrowth https://www.linkedin.com/company/school-growth

    13 min
  5. Episode 156 - Who's Your Caddy?:  Mentoring to Become the Best Version of You

    APR 6

    Episode 156 - Who's Your Caddy?: Mentoring to Become the Best Version of You

    Growth certainly takes effort, discipline, and the willingness to push through. But a different perspective can show new opportunities to grow. Left to our own, we tend to repeat the same patterns, make the same assumptions, and carry the same pressure. Having a mentor, like a caddy in golf, and being vulnerable enough to listen, can show you new ways to look at things, and inspire you to reach new heights you might not have known you were capable of It's Master's Week as we launch this program, and in this episode of the Educators Among Us podcast, host Scott Barron, Chief Reinvention Officer with School Growth, draws an analogy about the relationship between golfers and their caddies to challenge educators and leaders to think differently about growth.  When expectations rise, pressure follows, and without someone to help recalibrate your thinking, it's easy to lose focus. Growth comes from humility, staying coachable, and being willing to listen. The encouragement is to find someone who can walk with you, who can speak into your life. Just be willing to hear things you may not want to hear. And give yourself the space to be less than perfect.      Takeaways – Growth accelerates when you allow someone to challenge your thinking – You can't see your blind spots without someone else helping you – High expectations often lead to unnecessary pressure if not grounded in habits – Perfection is a distraction; consistency is what actually produces results – A good mentor brings perspective, as well as encouragement – Humility is required to accept the guidance that unlocks growth – The right "caddy" helps you avoid mistakes you didn't even see coming   Chapters 00:44 Introduction 01:51 The Masters  02:43 Who's Your Caddy  08:25 What Could Have Been 09:36 The Blessing of a Great Mentor 13:42 Weekly Encouragement 15:59 Coaching Question —-----------------------------   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:     Buy the book, Love'em and Lead'em, here:     https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottebarron/ https://www.facebook.com/SchoolGrowth/ https://twitter.com/schoolgrowth https://www.linkedin.com/company/school-growth

    17 min
  6. Episode 155 - Be A Mission Multiplier: Transforming Sacrifice into Paradise

    MAR 30

    Episode 155 - Be A Mission Multiplier: Transforming Sacrifice into Paradise

    There's a difference between believing something is true and living like it is. Most people have ideas. Some develop beliefs. But only a few ever reach the point where those beliefs turn into something deeper, something that actually changes how they show up every day. And when that conviction develops, with some key ingredients, it's a mission multiplier. In this episode of the Educators Among Us podcast, host Scott Barron, Chief Reinvention Officer with School Growth, challenges educators and leaders to think beyond ideas and into conviction. He walks through the progression from idea to belief to conviction, and why that final step is what separates those who simply participate from those who truly lead and influence others. But, conviction alone isn't enough. It needs grounding in knowing what's right, the determination to keep moving when things don't work, and the flexibility to adjust along the way. Thats where the exponential influence takes place     Takeaways – Ideas become powerful only when acted on consistently – Moral clarity anchors conviction in what's right – Determination turns setbacks into forward progress – Adaptability strengthens resilience and long-term impact – The evidence of conviction is relentless effort – Leadership is measured by what others carry forward – Faith fuels the confidence to act before results are visible   Chapters 00:45 Introduction 03:18 Ideas to Conviction 04:58 Convicted to Ride 7:10 Mission Multiplier 10:01 Faith 11:41 Weekly Encouragement 12:43 Coaching Question —-----------------------------   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:     Buy the book, Love'em and Lead'em, here:     https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottebarron/ https://www.facebook.com/SchoolGrowth/ https://twitter.com/schoolgrowth https://www.linkedin.com/company/school-growth

    14 min
  7. Episode 154 - Keep Stumbling: Practice Enthusiastically Learning from Mistakes

    MAR 23

    Episode 154 - Keep Stumbling: Practice Enthusiastically Learning from Mistakes

    No one likes to make mistakes.  No one wants to fail.  But real growth doesn't happen when everything goes perfectly according to plan. Real growth happens in the stumble. In the "uh-oh." The moments that don't go right are likely those that move you farthest forward. In this episode of the Educators Among Us podcast, host Scott Barron, Chief Reinvention Officer with School Growth, reminds educators that mistakes aren't a bad thing. In fact, we need them to know how to do it better the next time. Experience itself is a collection of past mistakes, and wisdom comes from learning through them. This is a call to release the burden of perfection, to embrace vulnerability, and to extend patience and kindness not only to students, but to colleagues and to ourselves. Keep going. Keep learning. Keep showing up with energy, even when it's hard. Because the goal is progress rather than perfection.      Takeaways –Enthusiasm matters more than perfection –Experience is built through repeated mistakes –Growth requires stepping outside comfort zones –End-of-season fatigue is real, and mistakes happen –Wisdom comes from learning through past failures –Educators must extend grace to themselves and others –Vulnerability strengthens leadership and culture   Chapters 00:44 Introduction 02:23  Learning from mistakes  03:43 Uh Oh! 06:31 Laughing at our Mistakes. 08:42 Permission to Fail 11:15 Weekly Encouragement - Be Brave 12:22  A Coaching Question —-----------------------------   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:     Buy the book, Love'em and Lead'em, here:     https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottebarron/ https://www.facebook.com/SchoolGrowth/ https://twitter.com/schoolgrowth https://www.linkedin.com/company/school-growth

    13 min
  8. Episode 153 - Ignorant Possibilities: Finding Destiny In Discipline

    MAR 16

    Episode 153 - Ignorant Possibilities: Finding Destiny In Discipline

    Have you ever heard, "That's impossible"?  Perhaps that's your first clue that it's worth doing! History repeatedly shows that many of the greatest achievements happened because someone refused to accept that word. Persistence, belief, and discipline can often turn what seems impossible into something inevitable.  In this episode of the Educators Among Us podcast, host Scott Barron, Chief Reinvention Officer with School Growth, challenges educators to reconsider how they think about difficult goals.  There is a common pattern behind remarkable accomplishments. Success is built through repeated effort, mentorship, growth, and resilience through setbacks. And the discipline to carry on, against the odds.   By staying focused and refusing to become the resistance in someone else's journey, educators can help transform what once seemed impossible into something within reach, for themselves, and for those they lead.     Takeaways -Believing something is impossible often becomes the biggest barrier to achieving it -Many great achievements begin with someone willing to challenge accepted limits -Persistence, practice, and disciplined effort are essential to meaningful progress -Coaching and mentorship play a critical role in helping people reach difficult goals -Distraction is one of the greatest threats to purpose and progress -Discipline in time, energy, and focus often predicts future success -Encouragement from educators can reshape how students view their potential -Staying focused on the path ahead helps prevent discouragement and derailment -Progress becomes inevitable when belief, effort, and community work together   Chapters 00:37 Introduction 01:41 Mission Impossible 03:53 Stories from the Winter Olympics 06:44 Believe in the Impossible 09:24 Resist Distraction 11:55 Weekly Encouragement.  14:45 A Coaching Question —-----------------------------   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:     Buy the book, Love'em and Lead'em, here:     https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottebarron/ https://www.facebook.com/SchoolGrowth/ https://twitter.com/schoolgrowth https://www.linkedin.com/company/school-growth

    16 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Educators Among Us Podcast! We are devoted to walking the journey with those who heed the call to teach, coach, lead, and serve at all levels of education. We speak your language and understand the challenges you face because we've been there too. We get it and we got you! This podcast is uniquely designed to share inspiring messages that connect with the heart of your life's work. This includes candid conversations with and about unusually impactful educators, exploring their stories and how they found joy in the journey: Learn about the educators who inspired them, the strategies they used to overcome obstacles, and the enduring influence they have on colleagues, students, parents, and communities. Hosted by Scott Barron, a life-long educator and organizational growth expert to hundreds of schools around the world. He is passionate about encouraging educators in both their calling and in their faith. Scott serves as the Executive Director of the nonprofit, Educators Fellowship, and is the author of, Love 'em and Lead 'em: Encouragement and Inspiration for Educators. This podcast is for educators by educators. Whether you are a new teacher or a seasoned administrator, a board member or a staff person, this podcast is for you. Please join us on this journey of inspiration, motivation, and transformation as we celebrate the courage, dedication, and passion of educators around the world. Subscribe to the Educators Among Us podcast today, and let's grow together. Scott Barron Bio Scott Barron is an educator, entrepreneur, and author who is recognized as a leading voice advocating for and encouraging educators in their calling and in their faith. He serves as the Chief Reinvention Officer of School Growth LLC (schoolgrowth.com) and the Executive Director of Educators Fellowship (edfellowship.org). Scott earned his M.Ed from Johns Hopkins University, along with a B.A. in Religion and a B.S. in Computer Science from Mars Hill University. He serves on the National Advisory Council for the Johns Hopkins University School of Education, and recently published the acclaimed book, Love'em and Lead'em: Encouragement and Inspiration for Educators. Scott's combination of experience as an educator, business leader, EdTech advisor, college instructor, author, and executive coach gives him a unique perspective and valuable wisdom that is utilized by organizations around the world. www.educatorsamongus.com https://www.schoolgrowth.com/ Edfellowship.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottebarron/

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