Educators Among Us

Scott Barron
  • 5.0 (8)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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 154 - Keep Stumbling: Practice Enthusiastically Learning from Mistakes

    5D AGO

    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
  2. 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
  3. Episode 152 - Truthful Discernment: Telling the Difference Between Right and Almost Right

    MAR 9

    Episode 152 - Truthful Discernment: Telling the Difference Between Right and Almost Right

    Truth is harder to recognize than it used to be. Opinions are everywhere, information never stops flowing, and strong voices often dominate the conversation. But wisdom rarely shouts the loudest. Listening, humility, curiosity, and the ability to recognize the difference between what is right and what is almost right is wise. We need that kind of truthful discernment as leaders and as educators, perhaps now more than ever.   In this episode of the Educators Among Us podcast, host Scott Barron, Chief Reinvention Officer with School Growth, invites educators to consider the value of truthful discernment. That is what it means to "read the room," recognize wisdom, and cultivate the kind of thoughtful judgment that strengthens both relationships and school culture.  Scott explains how discernment reveals itself in behaviors like curiosity, discretion, humility, and the willingness to listen before speaking. In a time when schools face constant pressure, competing viewpoints, and endless streams of information, that ability becomes essential for leaders, teachers, boards, and parents alike.   Takeaways -Discernment means recognizing the difference between right and almost right. -Opinions are abundant; wisdom is revealed through humility and reflection. -Effective educators learn to "read the room" and recognize where wisdom is present. -Curiosity and discretion are strong indicators of thoughtful leadership. -Trust is the oxygen of a healthy school culture. -Listening often builds more trust than speaking. -Walking with wise people helps us become wiser. -Critical thinking requires honest reflection instead of predetermined conclusions. -Discernment helps leaders respond thoughtfully rather than react emotionally.   Chapters 00:40 Introduction:   03:02 Reading the Room 05:44 Who's Talking 09:16 Walk with the Wise 12:37 Reputation and Rapport 15:27 Delight in Discernment 16:51 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

    18 min
  4. Episode 151 - Leaders Lead: A Conversation with Tom Hood

    MAR 2

    Episode 151 - Leaders Lead: A Conversation with Tom Hood

    Leadership is about growing, adapting, and staying grounded in purpose when the pressure rises. The reality is that every season brings its own challenges. They demand resilience, courage, and the willingness to change. But in every season, the opportunity remains the same—to lead with wisdom, build trust, and to help others grow Leadership is the topic of this special episode of the Educators Among Us Podcast, as Scott Barron, Chief Reinvention Officer with School Growth welcomes Tom Hood, former U.S. Army Lieutenant General and current President of St Agnus Academy and St. Dominic School to the program Tom shares his journey from military leadership into school leadership and how those experiences shaped his perspective on culture, change, and the responsibility leaders carry. They highlight the importance of empowering teachers, developing future leaders, and navigating emerging challenges like artificial intelligence and rapid innovation. They also discuss why communication, clarity of vision, and distributed leadership are essential if schools are going to adapt in the years ahead. Remember that leadership is a lifelong journey, no matter what your experience, your accomplishments, or your place in the organization.  The impact of your work often reaches further than you will ever see. Takeaways -Leadership is a continuous and never-ending learning process -Inspiring adults is just as important as inspiring students -Managing the pace of change is critical in school culture -Trust is the foundation of healthy organizations -Communication builds credibility and alignment -Empowering frontline leaders increases adaptability -AI and rapid innovation require intentional leadership -Celebrating educators strengthens culture and morale -Developing future leaders creates long-term sustainability   Chapters   00:49 Introduction 02:57 About Tom Hood 05:55 An Impactful Educator 07:06 From Military to Educator 10:44 Lessons Learned 12:30 Pace of Change 14:02 Lessons for Leadership from the Military 17:08 AI and Early Adoption of Change 23:58 Leadership in the Best Interest of Others 32:20 Partners in Life 34:25 Building a Better Team 40:25 Final Thoughts   _______   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

    44 min
  5. Episode 150 - Face Friction with Conviction: Plan for it, Adjust to it, Use it

    FEB 23

    Episode 150 - Face Friction with Conviction: Plan for it, Adjust to it, Use it

    Pressure shows up when we need it to.  It's not always convenient or comfortable. But the moments we want to avoid, the resistance we wish would disappear, and the friction that slows us down are often the very things shaping who we are becoming. Growth rarely happens in comfort. It happens when we face resistance head-on, when we refuse to retreat, and when we choose conviction over convenience. It's the 150th episode of the Educators Among Us Podcast, and we're glad you're here! Thank you for making this a reality.  In today's episode,  host Scott Barron, Chief Reinvention Officer with School Growth, reflects on the reality every educator and leader eventually faces: friction. Whether it comes through change, conflict, unmet expectations, or difficult decisions, friction is unavoidable.  Scott challenges listeners to rethink their perspective, recognizing that friction is not an obstacle to leadership but an essential part of it. By planning for resistance, embracing discomfort, and using conflict as productive energy, leaders can move beyond complacency and inspire lasting change in their organizations and communities.   Takeaways – Friction, confusion, and underperformance naturally occur in organizations – Leadership exists to overcome those natural tendencies – Friction can slow progress, but it can also build strength and wisdom – Resistance often reveals new opportunities for growth and innovation – Great leaders are willing to endure criticism and personal risk – Complacency grows when friction is avoided – Conviction fuels courage when facing difficult change – Productive conflict can lead to stronger results and better solutions – Endurance and character are developed through challenge – Facing friction daily is a defining trait of effective educators   Chapters 00:44  Introduction 02:10 Our Sesquicentennial 03:29 Planning for Perfect 05:08 Friction Aint Fiction 08:44 Friction has consequences  10:17 Embrace the Grind 13:56 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
  6. Episode 149 - Grow in Season: Changing the Narrative to See the Blessings

    FEB 16

    Episode 149 - Grow in Season: Changing the Narrative to See the Blessings

    Winter.  It sometimes seems that it will never end. When everything feels cold and gray, it's easy to assume nothing is growing. But what if the season that feels the hardest is actually the one building the strongest roots? In this episode of Educators Among Us, host Scott Barron, Chief Reinvention Officer with School Growth, reflects on seasons, both literal and personal, and especially about Winter and how we must grow through them.  Even the most committed educators find themselves walking through the hardest and longest "winters". But it's part of the journey, and there is light ahead.  We can't always change the season we're in, but we can change the narrative we repeat to ourselves inside it.      Takeaways – Every educator is part of a life-changing system, regardless of role – Seasons of difficulty often produce the deepest, unseen growth – Winter strengthens roots that make future success sustainable – Perspective is a choice, and we all get to make it – We can't control the season, but we can control our response – The narrative we repeat internally shapes our resilience – Growth often happens beneath the surface before it's visible – Modeling perseverance may be the most powerful lesson we teach   Chapters 00:47 Introduction 02:19 Ready for Spring 03:31 Seasons 05:50 Stuck in Season 07:40 Changing the Narrative 10:21 Grow In Season 11:52 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
  7. Episode 148 - Findin' More: Faith Reveals What Can't Be Seen

    FEB 9

    Episode 148 - Findin' More: Faith Reveals What Can't Be Seen

    We're often told that seeing is believing. But faith asks us to reverse that equation. Faith calls us to believe first, so that we can truly see. Some of the most important truths in life aren't revealed to the eyes at all, but to the heart, formed by belief and shaped by trust.  And when you "see it" with your camera eye, you've got to get the shot! In this episode of Educators Among Us, host Scott Barron, Chief Reinvention Officer with School Growth, talks about how true vision is cultivated through faith, discipline, and intentional observation.  There is a difference between merely taking a picture and making one, and that idea connects to how educators, leaders, and institutions approach growth and change. Without self-awareness and humility, we risk mistaking assumptions for understanding—and convenience for wisdom. Faith enables people to see hope where others see limitation, and light where others see darkness. True vision is a choice that requires courage, belief, and a willingness to search for truth even when it isn't immediately visible.  Takeaways -Faith often requires believing before seeing -Vision is shaped by belief and  observation -Some truths can only be recognized through faith -Seeing clearly requires humility and self-awareness -Assumptions limit vision and distort understanding -True insight is developed purposefully, by seeking and believing -Leaders must learn to see possibilities beyond circumstance -Growth requires a willingness to see differently -Faith reveals light where others see darkness   Chapters 00:44 Introduction 02:04 Seeing the Sunrise 05:23 The Camera Eye 07:08 Limited Vision 08:57 Believing is Seeing 9:39 Find the Truth 10:42 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

    11 min
  8. Episode 147 - Hold Fast: Tuning Our Souls to be Attentive

    FEB 2

    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
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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/

Information

  • Creator
    Scott Barron
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    155
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023
  • Show Website
    Educators Among Us