Description

SUMMARY 

This episode is extra special—our producer, Katie Worden, had the privilege of working under the incredible leadership of Dr. Maricela Helm at Amy Parks Elementary in Rockwall ISD. As Katie's principal, Maricela left a lasting impression, showing her that when we focus on the well-being of each child, academic success will naturally follow.

In this episode, host Michelle Kinder sits down with Maricela for a heartfelt and thought-provoking conversation about what it truly means to be an educator today. They talk about the power of being present, building authentic relationships with students, and cultivating a love for learning. Maricela shares her insight on how shifting our mindset, practicing daily self-care, and establishing community agreements can transform not just classrooms—but entire school cultures.

After the interview, Michelle is joined by Chris Kent Phelps to reflect on the conversation. Together, they unpack the moments that stood out most, diving deeper into themes like vulnerability, empowerment, and what it means to raise up students as not only future change makers, but ripplemakers today. 

This episode is a reminder of how impactful educators can be—and how putting connection at the center of our work can shape lives in lasting, meaningful ways.

TAKEAWAYS

• We need to focus on who students are right now, not just their future potential.
• It's important for kids to see us struggle, we are all learners all the time.
• Discipline should be viewed as an opportunity for relationship building, not punishment.
• Community agreements help establish a respectful and supportive environment and foster trust and communication.
• Empowering students to impact their present can lead to a more engaged and responsible future generation. 
• Vulnerability in teaching can help students relate better to their teachers.
• Education should prioritize relationships over mere academic achievement.
• Empowering students to see themselves as change makers is vital.

CHAPTERS

00:00 – The Present Self: Embracing Who You Are Now
02:40 – Understanding the Role of Educators
04:03 – The Journey to Education: Personal Stories
06:11 – Creating a Love for Learning
10:27 – Mindset Shifts in Education
15:28 – Transforming Discipline into Relationship Building
19:17 – The Power of Circles in Education
22:05 – Building Community Agreements
26:12 – Addressing Systemic Issues in Education
30:06 – The Evolving Role of Educators
35:19 – Empowering Students to Impact the Present
45:26 – The Importance of Daily Self-Care for Educators
48:36 – Celebrating Teachers and Their Impact
51:07 – The Heart of Teaching: Stories That Inspire
52:14 – Building Relationships in Education
53:43 – The Power of Perspective
58:25 – Mindset as Self-Care
01:01:21 – Embracing Vulnerability in Education
01:04:12 – Community Agreements: Building Trust
01:07:20 – Transforming Education Through Relationships
01:10:17 – Empowering Students as Change Makers
01:11:11 – The Importance of Circles in Education

************************************************************************************************

Oxygen for Educators is produced by Ripplemaker Project and proudly sponsored by Tacky Box.

Follow on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/oxygen-for-educators/id1775510846 

Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2i21QueuqVqmEPmI7gzFfQ?si=1bef3354bff2402c 

Follow on Audible: https://www.audible.co.uk/podcast/Oxygen-for-Educators/B0DKL68DLX?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp 

Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEdbuPy-L7p4RZKZ_VWKCXwK_j8vbjZF2&si=7SHeSWZRllrseygs 

Website: https://www.tackybox.com/podcast 

Thank you to our sponsor, Tacky Box!

Website: https://tackybox.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tacky_box/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheTackyBox/ 

X: https://x.com/thetackybox 

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thetackybox/