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
41 episodes
S3 E9: Lonely in a Room Full of People: Why Relationships at School Matter with Tyree Rivers
In this moving and deeply practical conversation, Tyree Rivers—Climate & Culture Systems Consultant for Columbus City Schools—joins Andrew and Gina to explore the quiet crisis affecting so many schools: relational disconnection. From studen...
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Season 3
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Episode 9
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39:35
S3 E8: From Vision to Action: Turning Ideas into Impactful Leadership Moves with Dr. Neil Gupta
Vision without action is just a dream—but action without vision? That’s a recipe for burnout. In this episode of School on a Mission, Dr. Neil Gupta, Superintendent of Oakwood City Schools and a nationally recognized leadership voice, ...
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Season 3
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Episode 8
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51:12
S3 E7 - Listening as a Superpower: Strengthening Trust and Leadership Through Active Listening
What if the most powerful thing you can do as a leader… is say nothing at all?In this powerful two-host episode, Andrew and Gina explore how listening—truly listening—is one of the most overlooked and underutilized tools in a le...
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Season 3
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Episode 7
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36:50
S3 E6 - Building Trust and Authenticity: Leading with Integrity to Strengthen Relationships with Patrick Erwin
What makes a great leader? According to Patrick Erwin, it’s not just vision or charisma—it’s trust.In this compelling live interview, School on a Mission co-hosts Andrew and Gina sit down with Patrick M. Erwin, Curriculum Direct...
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Season 3
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Episode 6
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44:18
S3 E5 - Restoring Emotional Resilience: How to Bounce Back Stronger and Prevent Burnout with Chelsea Elliott
What if emotional resilience wasn’t about pushing through—but about tuning in?In this powerful episode of School on a Mission, emotional wellness advocate and Sōmōcom Lab founder Chelsea Elliott joins Andrew and Gi...
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Season 3
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Episode 5
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46:25
S3 E4 - Learning When to Say No with Pam Bibik
In this deeply empowering episode, Principal Pam Bibik joins Andrew and Gina to share what every school leader needs to hear: boundaries aren’t selfish—they’re essential.With over two decades of transformational leadership experience, Pa...
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Season 3
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Episode 4
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58:41
S3 E3 - From Burnout to Balance: Addressing Anxiety and Burnout in Teaching with Lindsay Burnell Carson
Burnout isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the daily reality for countless educators. In this candid and empowering episode of School on a Mission, professional school counselor Lindsay Burnell Carson joins Andrew and Gina to explore wh...
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Season 3
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Episode 3
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57:49
S3 E2 - Making Mindful Moves with Dominie Dwyer
In this energizing and heartfelt episode, Andrew and Gina sit down with Coach Dominie Dwyer—educator, youth mentor, and founder of LIV3D Youth—to explore how mindfulness transforms classrooms, teams, and hearts.Coach Dwye...
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Season 3
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Episode 2
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29:57
S3 E1 - Rediscovering Your Why: Igniting Your Passion for Purpose-Driven Leadership with Andrew McPeak
Season 3, Episode 1In this powerful kickoff to Season 3, co-host Gina Watts flips the script and interviews Andrew McPeak about something every leader wrestles with—rediscovering their “why.”Whether you’re a clas...
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Season 3
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Episode 1
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31:10
School on a Mission Season 3 Trailer
Welcome to Season 3 of School on a Mission—the podcast for leaders shaping the next generation through education, innovation, and values that matter.Preview a powerful new season filled with authentic conversations, real-...
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Season 3
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Episode 1
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3:06
S2 E15 - Bridging the Digital Divide With Cinthia Diaz of Oakland Undivided
🎉 Season 2 Finale!We couldn’t close out this season without tackling one of the biggest conversations in education today: digital equity. In this electrifying final episode of School on a Mission, we sit down wit...
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Season 2
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Episode 15
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47:17
S2 E14 - Putting Classroom Technology in Its Proper Place with Maisha Wilder
In today’s episode, we’re joined by the vibrant and insightful Maisha Wilder, an educator who’s spent her career helping students—of every age—find their voice and thrive. Maisha offers a fresh, grounded perspective on the role of technology in...
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Season 2
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Episode 14
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31:55
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