Description

✨ Join host Cate Tolnai for an inspiring conversation with Dr. John Eick, who shares his journey from drama teacher to superintendent and why people—not programs—make schools thrive. John reflects on authentic connection, belonging, and his belief that teachers are already "enough," even on their hardest days. Discover how PLNs, UDL, and human-to-human interaction create the culture that sustains educators. 💚

🎯 What You'll Discover:

From Drama Teacher to Superintendent 🎭

• How every role—teacher, principal, director, executive—taught John that people drive success, not programs
• Building school culture in one of California's most diverse districts through connection and belonging
• Why leadership is ultimately about seeing, valuing, and supporting the humans in the system

"You're Not Gonna Quit on Us Too, Are You?" 💬

• A former student's question that shaped John's commitment to staying, leading, and showing up
• The full-circle moment: decades later, hiring that same student as the drama teacher
• How students remember whether adults chose to stay—and what that teaches about mentorship

Teachers Are Already "Enough" 💫

• John's message for educators on their hardest days: you are enough, exactly as you are
• Why affirmation and connection matter more than perfection or having all the answers
• Creating cultures where educators feel valued for who they are, not just what they produce

The Power of Your PLN (Professional Learning Network) 🤝

• Surrounding yourself with people who challenge, inspire, and sharpen you
• Being intentional about engaging with those who help you grow
• How John's PLN sustained him through a doctorate during the pandemic while leading a K-12 organization

UDL, Audio Learning & Human Connection 🎧

• John's passion for Universal Design for Learning and accessible audio-based learning
• Experimenting with AI-powered reflective tools—and discovering they affirmed human interaction's importance
• Why technology should enhance connection, not replace the irreplaceable human element

Building Culture Through Belonging 🏫

• Culture grows when people feel seen, valued, and supported—not through mandates or programs
• How authentic connection between educators creates environments where students thrive
• The ripple effect of investing in people: risk-taking, evolution, and sustained commitment

Key Takeaways:

✨ People—not programs—are what make schools thrive; invest in human connection first 
✨ "You're not gonna quit on us too, are you?"—students remember when adults choose to stay 
✨ Teachers are already enough on their hardest days—affirmation matters more than perfection 
✨ Build a strong PLN intentionally—surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire growth 
✨ Mentorship and belonging are at the heart of career longevity in education 
✨ Technology should enhance human connection, never replace it

🎯 Perfect For:

• Educational leaders building authentic school cultures centered on people
• Teachers needing affirmation that they're enough, especially on challenging days
• Administrators navigating diverse communities and seeking connection-driven leadership
• Educators interested in UDL, audio learning, and accessible design
• Anyone building or strengthening their Professional Learning Network (PLN)
• Leaders exploring how AI and technology can support (not replace) human interaction

Resources & Mentions:

🎙️ Learn with John Eick Podcast 

Connect With Dr. John Eick:

Twitter/X: @JohnEick
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johneick/
Website: https://www.learnwithjohneick.com/about 

About Dr. John Eick:

Dr. John Eick has served Sacramento, California education for almost 30 years as teacher, high school principal, Director of Instructional Technology, and Executive Director. He successfully built community and school culture in one of the nation's most diverse districts and was recognized as an early 1:1 innovator and Google Certified Innovator. As Executive Director, he led construction of an 84,000 square foot learning center and launched a new high school in 2021. Honored as Sacramento region administrator of the year and keynote speaker nationally, John was recognized as a pandemic hero in 2021 for leading his K-12 organization through disruption while completing his doctorate at CSU Sacramento.

This episode reminds us that education thrives when we invest in people, affirm their worth, and choose connection over programs every single day. 💚

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