The Honoring Educators Podcast
Welcome to The Honoring Educators Podcast — a space to slow down and recognize the people who shape education through their presence, their stories, and their impact.
This podcast exists to remember retirees, celebrate those doing the work today, and inspire the educators still to come. Through honest conversations and real storytelling, we highlight the human side of education — the quiet moments, the hard-earned lessons, and the people down the hall who make a difference every day.
If you are an educator, support staff member, school leader, parent, or someone who simply believes great people shape great schools, you belong here.
Episodes feature authentic conversations with educators and community members who have influenced others in meaningful ways. Some episodes are reflective, some are practical, and all are rooted in curiosity, gratitude, and connection.
New episodes will be released regularly as conversations unfold — because this podcast is built around real people, not a rigid schedule.
You can also connect with the Honoring Educators Facebook community to continue the conversation, share stories, and help grow a culture that celebrates the people who make education better.
Thanks for being here. Pull up a chair — we’re glad you’re listening!
Episodes
8 episodes
Episode 7 - Shelley and Anna Helmreich - Teachers - The Love of Helping People
I had the chance to sit down with Shelley and Anna Helmreich — a mother-daughter duo both working in education — and it honestly felt like one of those conversations that just kind of takes care of itself.We started off talking about som...
Episode 6 - Mark Abenth - Retired Principal - A Career Worth Remembering
In this episode, I sit down with my friend Mark Abenth — a retired elementary principal, current professor at Saginaw Valley State University, and someone who has spent over 30 years showing up for students and staff the right way.We sta...
Episode 5 - Jonny on the Spot - What's Still Sitting with Me
In this Jonny on the Spot episode, Jon takes a step back after the first five episodes of The Honoring Educators Podcast to reflect, process, and share what’s starting to stick.These solo episodes are unedited, unscripted, and intentiona...
Episode 4 - Kate Kawiecki (Occupational Therapist) - The Power of Curiosity
In this episode of The Honoring Educators Podcast, Jon sits down with Kate Kawiecki, a school-based occupational therapist, to explore the depth and impact of OT in educational settings.The conversation begins with The Honoring — naming ...
Episode 3 – Jessica McKee Interviews Jon LeFevre: Why This Podcast, Why Now?
In this episode of The Honoring Educators Podcast, the tables are turned as Jessica McKee interviews Jon about the heart behind the podcast.Before diving in, we take a moment to honor Jessica — a thoughtful educator, trusted colleague, a...
Episode 2 - Sarah Baird (EI Teacher/Consultant) - We’re Always Teaching
In this episode of The Honoring Educators Podcast, Jon sits down with friend and colleague Sarah Baird, an EI teacher and consultant whose work supporting students, colleagues, and families has had a meaningful impact on the people around her.<...
Episode 1 - Mary LeFevre (School Social Worker) - My Mom and my Hero
For the first official episode of the Honoring Educators Podcast, Jon sits down with someone who helped shape his understanding of education long before he ever entered a school professionally — his mom, Mary LeFevre, a retired school social wo...
Episode 0 - The Genesis - Start Here
Welcome to Episode 0 — The Genesis — the true starting point of the Honoring Educators Podcast.This episode serves as the foundation and “true north” for everything that follows. Before any guest interviews begin, this conversation expla...