EP. 013 | Why Teachers Are First Responders (& Should Make $300K) With Duncan Kirkwood Artwork

Rockstar Teachers Podcast

Tips, Tactics and Strategies from the nations most inspiring, creative and innovative educators & industry professionals to create positive, kind and empathetic school cultures. Each episode will leave you walking away with actionable steps you can take to immediately improve your school or classroom culture, decrease bullying and create a positive atmosphere.

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Rockstar Teachers Podcast

EP. 013 | Why Teachers Are First Responders (& Should Make $300K) With Duncan Kirkwood

March 24, 2026 • Season 1 • Episode 13

0:00 | 36:33

In this powerful conversation, host Brian Williams sits down with Duncan Kirkwood the Director of the Center for Resiliency at Villa Maria College. Duncan shares his journey from serving as a Master Resilience Trainer in the Army National Guard to becoming a nationally recognized speaker who empowers educators and students across the country.

The discussion tackles the sobering reality that in 2012, more soldiers died by suicide than in combat, sparking Duncan's mission to teach mental toughness beyond the military. Duncan brings a military-tested resilience framework to schools, offering educators a powerful reframe: teachers are first responders whose work saves lives.

Connect with Duncan:

Website: DuncanKirkwood.com
Instagram: @DuncanKirkwood
TikTok: @DuncanKirkwood
LinkedIn: Duncan Kirkwood
Snapchat: @DuncanKirkwood

Resources Mentioned

Duncan's Book:

Rerouting: Resilience Tools and Tactics by Duncan Kirkwood - Available on Amazon

Music:

"Goodbye Yesterday" by Elevation Rhythm ft. Gracie Binion - Duncan's personal hype song, a Christian rock/gospel anthem about living in the light of a new day. Released May 2024 from the album Victory Lap.