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 147 - Hold Fast: Tuning Our Souls to be Attentive

    3D AGO

    Episode 147 - Hold Fast: Tuning Our Souls to be Attentive

    As the pace quickens and responsibilities pile up, it's easy to confuse urgency with importance. When everything feels demanding and immediate, perspective can slip, anxiety can rise, and clarity can fade. In those moments, fasting may be the most disciplined and necessary response. There is strength not just in moving fast, but in knowing when to fast — to stop, reflect, and stay grounded in purpose. In this episode of Educators Among Us, host Scott Barron, Chief Reinvention Officer with School Growth, explores the layered meanings of the word fast, and fasting, and why educators must understand the difference.  Scott defines fasting not simply as abstaining from food, but as a broader practice of intentional restraint. He explores fasting from distractions, habits, influences, and assumptions that quietly shape behavior and decision-making. This episode emphasizes that wisdom, rather than just knowledge, is what distinguishes effective educators who seek excellence on purpose.     Takeaways — Speed and urgency will never replace wisdom in the race to get things done — Fasting can mean restraint, reflection, or stepping away, not just abstaining from food — Pressure often exposes what truly controls our thoughts and habits — Delayed gratification is a discipline that strengthens leadership — Overconfidence can replace curiosity if humility is neglected — Wisdom matters more than knowledge in lasting influence — Holding fast creates space for patience, clarity, and better decisions — Intentional pauses can restore perspective in demanding seasons   Chapters 00:19 Introduction 01:18 What Are You Worried About? 03:04 The Meaning of Fast 04:11 Fasting 08:17 Conscious Choice 11:18 Hold Fast 11:56 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
  2. Episode 146 - Crafted with Pride: Doing Our Best to Do Our Best

    JAN 26

    Episode 146 - Crafted with Pride: Doing Our Best to Do Our Best

    Great work can be overlooked.  But it's never taken for granted.  When someone slows down, pays attention, and looks closely, true craftsmanship always reveals itself. The same is true in education. Excellence shows up in the details, the discipline, and the pride taken in doing the work well. People notice, and your best effort matters. In this episode of Educators Among Us, host Scott Barron, Chief Reinvention Officer with School Growth, challenges educators to rethink how they view value, mastery, and their role in the work of shaping lives. He encourages educators to always do their best.  Excellence is never accidental and it always defines the experience of others, and the mastery of the educator.  Scott talks about developing a trained eye for quality, the danger of settling for "good enough," and why every person in a school—faculty and staff alike—should be seen as an educator. The stakes in education are high, the work matters deeply, and consistent excellence, practiced daily, has the power to change lives.     Takeaways -Excellence is revealed through attention to detail. -Value is often hidden and requires a trained eye to recognize -Everyone in a school contributes to learning, regardless of title -Mastery is visible and recognized by those who experience it -Discipline and pride in work are essential to sustained excellence -Schools improve through team effort and never through individual heroics -Doing your best consistently honors the impact educators have on lives   Chapters 00:44 Introduction 02:22 What's it Worth? 03:43 Gimmicks or Gems 06:39  Mastery and Discipline 09:22  Running the Race 11:56 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
  3. Episode 145 - Course Correction: Listening and Adjusting to the Warning Signs

    JAN 19

    Episode 145 - Course Correction: Listening and Adjusting to the Warning Signs

    We are often surprised by change.  Perhaps we weren't paying attention, or heeding the signs.  Sometimes we handle change, and sometimes it's too late.  Real life rarely follows the map, or the strategic plan, or the schedule.  The danger isn't the change itself.  The danger is in refusing to slow down long enough to recognize that the road ahead has shifted. In this episode of Educators Among Us, host Scott Barron, Chief Reinvention Officer with School Growth, reflects on the reality that education, both in educators and in leadership, demands constant adjustment. Scott challenges listeners to see surprises, resistance, and even breakdowns as sources of new information. He emphasizes that intelligence and responsibility require us to change direction when our current path no longer aligns with our purpose, while staying anchored to mission and values.   Takeaways -Education is full of unexpected bends that require awareness instead of panic - Being able to make a course correction is a sign of wisdom -Ignoring warning signs often creates bigger problems later -Purpose allows flexibility without losing direction -Learning is built on timely adjustments, rather than perfect plans -Pride and urgency can prevent us from seeing what needs to change -Growth often comes through broken or difficult moments -Slowing down can be the most strategic move -Wise leaders adapt methods while holding firm to values   Chapters 00:42 Introduction 03:35 Ready or Not - Surprise! 04:11 Road Conditions 06:02 Constance of Change 07:51 Heading the Warnings 11:08 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

    12 min
  4. Episode 144 - Mastery of Me: The Decisions that Create the Future

    JAN 12

    Episode 144 - Mastery of Me: The Decisions that Create the Future

    Most of us want to grow. We want to get better at what we do, lead well, and make a difference. But growth doesn't just show up on its own. It shows up when we're willing to slow down, be honest with ourselves, and take responsibility for the things we can actually control. At the end of the day, real progress starts with one simple question: Am I willing to work on me?  In this episode of Educators Among Us, host Scott Barron, Chief Reinvention Officer with School Growth, highlights self-mastery and why the most effective educators don't wait for someone else to push their growth forward. He invites educators to accept feedback without becoming defensive, to view instruction as an investment rather than a threat, and to recognize how mindset and attitude shape influence.  Educators are encouraged to confront blind spots, stay open to learning, and commit to becoming better for the sake of those they serve.      Takeaways — Growth is a personal responsibility and not something to wait on — Self-mastery strengthens leadership and influence — Teachability matters more than titles or experience — Feedback is meant to be given and accepted as helpful information instead of as an attack — Confidence without self-awareness can become a barrier — Mindset and attitude shape long-term effectiveness — Educators lead best when they keep learning themselves — Personal growth prepares leaders for what's next   Chapters 00:44 Introduction 02:36 Becoming the Best Version of Us 05:02 Life is About Choices 06:46 Learning to Accept 09:37 Using Sober Judgement 12:40 New and Improved 14:17 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

    15 min
  5. Episode 143 - School Bus Blues: Fix the Experience Gaps

    JAN 5

    Episode 143 - School Bus Blues: Fix the Experience Gaps

    Every organization, especially schools, has places where problems quietly live. Not because they're invisible, but because addressing them feels uncomfortable, disruptive, or inconvenient. Like bad behavior on the school bus, right? Over time, those known gaps become normalized, and "less than" acceptable behavior is tolerated simply because it's familiar. Just because it's always been that way doesn't mean it always has to be.   In this episode of Educators Among Us, host Scott Barron, Chief Reinvention Officer with School Growth, challenges school leaders and educators to confront the areas they know are broken. For too long, poor behavior has been expected, excused, or dismissed because change requires intentional discomfort. Excellence begins when mediocrity stops being masked as "good enough." By naming issues, listening well, and committing to fix the experience gaps together, leaders can create safer, healthier environments where growth replaces avoidance, and those who were once negatively affected, now may shine.     Takeaways – Known problem areas don't improve when they're ignored – Tolerating "less than" behavior quietly shapes culture – Leadership is revealed by what gets addressed, and by what doesn't – Feedback is only valuable when people feel safe giving it – Tradition should never excuse harmful patterns – Uncomfortable conversations are often the most necessary ones – Culture improves when issues are owned, not concealed – Schools grow healthier when honesty replaces defensiveness – Closing experience gaps requires collective responsibility   Chapters   00:47 Introduction 03:25  The School Bus Blues 04:49 The Back of the Bus 06:39 Taking the Feedback 09:04 Unmasking Mediocrity 12:08 A Fresh Start for a New Year 13:35 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

    14 min
  6. Episode 142 - Building Today's One Room School House: A Conversation with Courtney Williams

    12/29/2025

    Episode 142 - Building Today's One Room School House: A Conversation with Courtney Williams

    Teaching is hard work, but it's also deeply human work. Most educators are simply looking for practical support, thoughtful feedback, and tools that help them get a little better at what they do each day. That's where coaching and professional learning can make a real difference when it's done well. That's what we're talking about on this episode of the Educators Among Us Podcast.  This is a special episode, as Scott Barron, Chief Reinvention Officer with School Growth, is joined by Courtney Williams, CEO of TORSH, to talk about his path into education leadership and the work his team is doing to support teachers and school leaders.  They talk about how TORSH evolved from simple classroom video feedback into a broader coaching and professional learning platform. Why coaching in education has often been misunderstood.  And why strong leadership matters when creating environments where teachers feel supported rather than evaluated. Coaching helps develop and retain teachers, using technology and AI to support growth, without replacing human connection.  It's how we invest in people to improve schools.    Takeaways -Some of the most influential "educators" aren't in classrooms. -TORSH stands for T O R S H ("Today's One Room Schoolhouse"). The name came from an early vision of tech helping teachers focus support where it's needed most. -A key entrepreneurship lesson: solve the problem people are actually asking for, not just the one you're excited about. -Coaching in education often carries a stigma ("you're struggling"), but strong leaders are reframing it as support, investment, and development. -Teacher shortages are pushing systems to take coaching more seriously as a way to retain and grow educators. -In other fields like sports and business,  coaching is normal at the highest levels, while education sees coaching as there is something wrong. -Accountability still matters: educators can't disconnect their work from whether students leave school with core skills. -Schools are facing new challenges beyond academics.  Students' social confidence and human interaction are changing fast. -AI may make "a coach for every teacher" more realistic by supplementing human coaching with more frequent support and feedback.   Chapters:   00:28 Introduction 03:30 An Impactful teacher 05:36 About Courtney Williams 07:40 Achievements to be Proud of 08:28 About Torsh 12:58 Today's One Room Schoolhouse 19:28 Coaching Model 31:38 Advice for Entrepreneurs 36:00 Biggest Challenge for Education 49:58 Contact Torsch _______   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

    52 min
  7. Episode 141 -'Tis the Season

    12/22/2025

    Episode 141 -'Tis the Season

    There is a season for everything.  Christmas time can be frenzied, hurried and chaotic.  But it can, and should, be a season of Reflection, Rest and Renewal.  Especially at the end of a year, and at halftime of the school year, we need this season to prepare for what's next, to pause, to breathe, and to take an honest look at where we've been and where we're headed.   In this episode of Educators Among Us, host Scott Barron, Chief Reinvention Officer with School Growth, is joined by his wife Tammy Barron, President at School Growth.  They discuss why it matters so deeply for those who serve in education to make the most of this holiday season. Drawing from Ecclesiastes and their own experiences, they explore how reflection helps us learn from the past without being trapped by it, how rest can help us to be present, and how reflection can open our eyes to the moments of wisdom and growth. With a strong emphasis on grace, forgiveness, imagination, and courage, Scott and Tammy encourage educators to release what no longer serves them, restore strained relationships, and step into the future with clarity, hope, and intention.     Takeaways -Reflection works best when it's honest, grateful, and focused on learning. -Rest is a necessary rhythm for sustained leadership and joy -Being present matters more than getting everything done perfectly -The narratives you repeat to yourself shape your confidence, capacity, and growth -Renewal includes your mind, body, emotions, relationships, and imagination -Grace toward yourself and others creates freedom and forward momentum -This season is a natural "halftime" to adjust habits and refocus purpose -Letting go of the past makes room for hope, clarity, and renewed energy   Chapters:   00:42 Introduction 3:00 A Season of Reflection 8:23 A Season of Rest 15:28 A Season of Renewal 25:49 Be Creative This Season 28:43 A Coaching Question to honor the season today —-----------------------------   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
  8. Episode 140 -  Coulda Shoulda Woulda: Finishers Finish First

    12/15/2025

    Episode 140 - Coulda Shoulda Woulda: Finishers Finish First

    What are we working on?  And what have we left behind?  Plans that stalled, perhaps? Commitments that faded? Goals that started strong and slowly slipped into the background? When we look back, do we see those "Coulda Woulda Shoulda" moments?   Credibility requires us to finish what we started, even if it's not convenient. In this episode of Educators Among Us, host Scott Barron, Chief Reinvention Officer with School Growth, talks about the difference between those who struggle and those who make meaningful progress due to the habit of finishing. Scott explores how "coulda, shoulda, and woulda" point to missed opportunities due to inaction lead toward regret.  Focus on the right work, and finish it. Decide what must be done, take the step, and find joy in completing it. When we see it through, our diligence reshapes habits, confidence, and outcomes over time. Takeaways -Finishing what you start is a defining habit of effective educators -Inaction often creates more regret than making a mistake -"Coulda, shoulda, woulda" distract from present responsibility -Follow-through builds trust, both externally and internally -Enthusiasm matters, but completion is what gives it value -Progress requires deciding when to stop counting the cost and start moving -Celebrating milestones helps sustain long-term motivation -Daily reflection reinforces accountability and growth Chapters 00:40 Introduction: 02:29 Seasons 03:29 Finishing Habits 05:46 Deciding to Finish 06:58 Finish the work 09:41 Work on the Right Things 10:59 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:  https://www.edfellowship.org/home-1   Buy the book, Love'em and Lead'em, here:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2TSN3Z5/ref=cm_sw_r_api_i_0CCPAWD6EHNHHJM7V9D1_0?__hstc=67846606.15a978c0a602cb645a744352c793cb34.1663423843231.1681129795776.1681246873869.57&__hssc=67846606.1.1681246873869&__hsfp=3000179024&hsCtaTracking=5359b695-8624-4a9a-aed3-d55946349257%7C615acece-58b8-4703-a508-7ba4f9ce7e91   https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottebarron/ https://www.facebook.com/SchoolGrowth/ https://twitter.com/schoolgrowth https://www.linkedin.com/company/school-growth

    12 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/