S3 E9: Lonely in a Room Full of People: Why Relationships at School Matter with Tyree Rivers 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 E9: Lonely in a Room Full of People: Why Relationships at School Matter with Tyree Rivers

December 04, 2025 • Growing Leaders x Maxwell Leadership Foundation • Season 3 • Episode 9

Send us a text

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 student loneliness to teacher burnout, Tyree unpacks how emotionally rich, relationally safe environments don’t just feel better—they function better.

With wisdom earned from decades in education, Tyree shares strategies for creating healthy culture across large systems, navigating conflict with grace, and building intentional frameworks where people feel seen, heard, and valued.

This episode is a heartfelt reminder that relationships aren’t a side dish—they’re the foundation.

What You’ll Learn

How to recognize emotional disconnection in your school culture
The power of restorative practices—and how to implement them sustainably
Practical tips for naming and expressing emotions as an educator
How to build and repair trust at the systems level
Ways to lead relational change without burning out

🚀 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.