Shows
School on a Mission PodcastS2 E15 - Bridging the Digital Divide With Cinthia Diaz of Oakland UndividedSend us a text🎉 Season 2 Finale!We couldn’t close out this season without tackling one of the biggest conversations in education today: digital equity. In this electrifying final episode of School on a Mission, we sit down with Cinthia Diaz, Director of Community Impact at Oakland Undivided, to unpack what it really means to close the digital divide—and why access to technology is more than a convenience… it’s a necessity.From launching a city-wide coalition during the chaos of the pandemic to driving Chromebooks into the hands of students in...2025-05-0847 min
School on a Mission PodcastS2 E14 - Putting Classroom Technology in Its Proper Place with Maisha WilderSend us a textIn today’s episode, we’re joined by the vibrant and insightful Maisha Wilder, an educator who’s spent her career helping students—of every age—find their voice and thrive. Maisha offers a fresh, grounded perspective on the role of technology in education, urging teachers to treat it not as the star of the show, but as the costume that supports the performance.From working with elementary students to guiding college transfer hopefuls, Maisha shares practical tools, creative analogies, and a heartfelt reminder that the most essential element in...2025-05-0131 minSchool on a Mission PodcastS2 E13 - Reimagining Education and AI with Joe FathereeSend us a textIn this forward-looking episode, we sit down with Joe Fatheree—Illinois Teacher of the Year, global educator, and AI researcher—to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of learning. With over 35 years of classroom experience and a deep understanding of emerging tech, Joe shares what schools need to know right now about integrating AI effectively and ethically.He unpacks both the possibilities and the pitfalls—from helping students with disabilities build thriving careers to protecting human connection in an increasingly digital world. You’ll hear how AI is he...2025-04-2449 minSchool on a Mission PodcastS2 E12 - “The Future of Learning: Cutting Edge Technologies Transforming Education with Dr. Sally CreelSend us a textWhat if kindergartners could design stop-motion films and high school students could learn coding through drones? In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Sally Creel—known affectionately as “Agent STEM”—joins the School on a Mission podcast to reveal how emerging technologies are not just enhancing education but redefining it.Dr. Creel, STEM Director for Cobb County School District, shares her unconventional journey from elementary teacher to national leader in educational innovation. She unpacks how schools can adopt VR, AR, AI, robotics...2025-04-1742 min
School on a Mission PodcastS2 E11 - Transforming Communities through Project-Based Learning with Brian CopesSend us a textCan students really change the world while still in high school? In this episode, we dive into the power of project-based learning with award-winning educator Brian Copes and two of his incredible students. From building prosthetic legs for amputees in developing countries to designing off-road utility vehicles and solar-powered backpacks for Ukrainian teachers, Brian’s students are proving that learning doesn’t have to stay inside the classroom—it can transform lives.We’ll hear how Brian tu...2025-04-1042 min
School on a Mission PodcastS2: E10 - Tech-Savvy or Tech-Sorry? MLSA Students Weigh in on the Impacts of Emerging TechSend us a text🤖 Are Schools Using Tech the Right Way? Students Have the Answers! 🎧In this episode of School on a Mission, hosts Gina Watts and Andrew McPeak turn to the real experts on classroom technology—students themselves! The Maxwell Leadership Student Ambassadors (MLSA) join the discussion to share their firsthand experiences with emerging tech in schools.🎓 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ The best digital tools that have actually helped students learn✅ Phone...2025-04-0337 min
School on a Mission PodcastS2: E9 - Unplug to Excel: Why Some Schools Are Going Screen-Free with Brett DabbSend us a text🌿 Can Learning Thrive Without Screens?In this episode of School on a Mission, hosts Andrew McPeak and Gina Watts explore the world of screen-free, outdoor learning with Brett Dabb, founder of Colorado Nature School. In an age where screens dominate education, Brett shares why some schools are choosing to ditch technology and take learning outside—literally.🎒 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ Why screen-free schools are gaining traction & how they imp...2025-03-2747 minSchool on a Mission PodcastS2: E8 - Data-Driven Decisions: Turning Numbers into Lessons with Dr. Denise PopeSend us a text📊 Are You Using Data to Transform Student Success? Or Is It Just Sitting on a Spreadsheet?In this episode of School on a Mission, hosts Gina Watts and Andrew McPeak sit down with Dr. Denise Pope, Senior Lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Education and co-founder of Challenge Success, to discuss how educators can use data-driven insights to improve student engagement, well-being, and belonging.💡 What You’ll Learn in This Epi...2025-03-2034 min
School on a Mission PodcastS2:E7 Leveling Up Your Community Engagement with Will Parker (Part 2)Send us a text🚀 Discover Your Community Engagement Superpower! 🚀In this episode of School on a Mission, hosts Andrew McPeak and Gina Watts dive into the power of social media for school leaders with special guest Will Parker, founder of Principal Matters, LLC. 🎤✨In Part 2 of this engaging series, Will shares game-changing strategies for using social media to foster community engagement, strengthen school culture, and build positive narratives around education. From capturing meaningful...2025-03-1336 min
The D6 Family Ministry Podcast#459 | Understanding Gen Z and Gen Alpha - Ben BirdsongThis week’s episode features Ben Birdsong, D.Min., an expert in youth ministry and generational research. Dr. Birdsong introduced the differences and characteristics of Gen Z and Gen Alpha, emphasizing the need for ministry approaches to evolve alongside the latest generational shifts. Dr. Birdsongencouraged listeners to have an open heart, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to adapting our methods to truly connect with and disciple the young people in our care.👥 Share this episode with a Next-Gen ministry leader or parent of a Gen Alpha or Gen Z child.Links from the episo...2025-03-0330 min
Beyond the ShallowsReady for Real Life with Andrew McPeakBig thank you to Andrew for joining me on this episode! If you would like to check out his books, have him speak for your event, or learn more about him and what he's got going on, here's a link! https://www.andrewmcpeak.com(I have been on his newsletter list for a while, and that is worth checking out!) Preorder Jason’s book, Beyond the Shallows: Life is Better in the Deep End Available April 1, 2025https://store.acupressbooks.com/products/beyond-the-shallowsCheck out Youthworshiptraining.com To provide a scholarship for a student in Youth Worship Training, email jason@youthworshiptraining.co...2025-02-2532 minSchool on a Mission PodcastS2:E6 Social Media a Friend… Not an Enemy with Dr. Jill JohnsonSend us a textIn this episode, hosts Gina Watts and Andrew McPeak discuss the evolving role of social media in education with expert Dr. Jill Johnson. They explore the importance of practical skills in schools, the concept of student-led social media, and the real-world experiences that come from content creation. The conversation highlights the significance of digital citizenship, the power of authentic storytelling, and the need for educators to embrace social media as a tool for positive engagement. Dr. Johnson shares insights on overcoming concerns about quality and workload, emphasizing that students can rise to the...2025-02-2034 minSchool on a Mission PodcastS2:E5 Teachnology for All: Inclusive Learning with Lindsay FosterSend us a textIn today's episode, Gina and Andrew explore the intersection of technology and education, focusing on the importance of accessibility in the classroom. Our guest, Lindsay Foster, discusses various aspects of accessibility, including the difference between small a and capital A accessibility, the impact of digital environments, and practical steps educators can take to enhance accessibility. She also highlights tools and resources available for educators, the importance of advocacy for accessibility in schools, and emerging technologies that could shape the future of accessibility in education.Sign up for the NextGen...2025-02-1343 minSchool on a Mission PodcastS2:E4 Tech it to the Next Level: Redesigning Learning with Jed StefanowiczSend us a textIn this episode of the School on a Mission podcast, hosts Andrew McPeak and Gina Wath engage in a thought-provoking conversation with educator Jed Stefanowicz about the future of education. They discuss the importance of creating future-ready classrooms that prioritize emotional intelligence alongside academic achievement. The conversation covers innovative teaching strategies, the shift from content consumption to creation, and the integration of technology in meaningful ways. Jed shares his insights on building a culture of content creation, the four domains of digital literacy, and practical steps educators can take to enhance student engagement...2025-02-0644 minSchool on a Mission PodcastS2:E3 From Teacher to Learner: Flipping the Script With Cory HaferSend us a textIn this episode, Gina Watts and Andrew McPeak discuss the evolving landscape of education with guest Cory Hafer, an engineering teacher who is transforming the traditional classroom model. They explore the importance of curiosity, hands-on learning, and the innovative use of technology in education. Cory shares his journey into teaching, the challenges he faces, and his strategies for fostering a collaborative and engaging learning environment. The conversation emphasizes the need for patience, adaptability, and the value of learning from students to create a dynamic educational experience.Sign up for the NextGen...2025-01-3038 minSchool on a Mission PodcastS2:E2 To Phone or Not to Phone: Tackling No-Phone Policies with Josh AndrewSend us a textIn this episode, Andrew McPeak and Gina Watts discuss the controversial topic of classroom device usage, particularly smartphones, with Josh Andrew, head of Atlanta Classical Academy. They explore the implications of technology in education, the importance of attention in learning, and the school's no-phone policy, which fosters direct human interaction and engagement among students. The conversation emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to technology in education, focusing on teaching students how to use devices responsibly while prioritizing their attention and engagement in the learning process.Want to get our ...2025-01-2334 min
Care and Feeding | Slate's parenting showFrom Our Friends: How To Face the Future (Gen Z Edition)We're off this Monday for the holiday but didn't want to leave you empty-eared — so here's an episode of How To! starring our friend Carvell Wallace's son. We'll be back with you Thursday for a new episode.Ezra is adrift in his early 20s. He craves a life of meaning, community, and love. But he’s struggling to find those things in a world that seems increasingly uncertain and discouraging for young people. On this existential episode of How To!, Courtney Martin brings in Andrew McPeak, author, podcast host, and vice president of Growing Leaders. He tackles Ezra’s b...2025-01-2047 minSchool on a Mission PodcastS2:E1 Empowering the Next Generation of Digital CitizensSend us a textIn this episode, Gina Watts and Andrew McPeak kick off Season Two by discussing the idea of digital citizenship. They explore the challenges and innovations technology brings to education, emphasizing the importance of responsible online behavior for both students and adults. The conversation highlights the emergence of the Luddite Club, where students are intentionally stepping back from social media and sharing insights from students about their experiences with technology. Andrew defines digital citizenship and outlines the four roles individuals play online: consuming, creating, reacting, and promoting. He also discusses essential skills for navigating...2025-01-1631 minSchool on a Mission PodcastGet Ready! Season 2 of School on a Mission Premieres January 16thSend us a textGet excited for Season 2 of the School on a Mission Podcast, kicking off on January 16, 2025! Join co-hosts Gina Watts and Andrew McPeak as they explore the amazing ways technology is changing education for the better. This season, they’ll chat about fun topics like using artificial intelligence in the classroom, adopting phone-free and screen-free days, and finding smart ways to boost learning outcomes with data.You’ll hear from passionate experts across the country who are building welcoming digital communities and working hard to make sure every student has a fair chan...2025-01-0704 min
Slate Daily FeedHow To!: Face the Future (Gen Z Edition)Ezra is adrift in his early 20s. He craves a life of meaning, community, and love. But he’s struggling to find those things in a world that seems increasingly uncertain and discouraging for young people. On this existential episode of How To!, Courtney Martin brings in Andrew McPeak, author, podcast host, and vice president of Growing Leaders. He tackles Ezra’s big questions and explains how Gen Z (and everyone else) can make life more meaningful. If you liked this episode check out: How To Keep Caring Amid Endless Crises...2024-11-1947 min
Slate CultureHow To!: Face the Future (Gen Z Edition)Ezra is adrift in his early 20s. He craves a life of meaning, community, and love. But he’s struggling to find those things in a world that seems increasingly uncertain and discouraging for young people. On this existential episode of How To!, Courtney Martin brings in Andrew McPeak, author, podcast host, and vice president of Growing Leaders. He tackles Ezra’s big questions and explains how Gen Z (and everyone else) can make life more meaningful. If you liked this episode check out: How To Keep Caring Amid Endless Crises...2024-11-1947 min
Slate ConversationsHow To!: Face the Future (Gen Z Edition)Ezra is adrift in his early 20s. He craves a life of meaning, community, and love. But he’s struggling to find those things in a world that seems increasingly uncertain and discouraging for young people. On this existential episode of How To!, Courtney Martin brings in Andrew McPeak, author, podcast host, and vice president of Growing Leaders. He tackles Ezra’s big questions and explains how Gen Z (and everyone else) can make life more meaningful. If you liked this episode check out: How To Keep Caring Amid Endless Crises...2024-11-1947 min
Slate AdviceHow To!: Face the Future (Gen Z Edition)Ezra is adrift in his early 20s. He craves a life of meaning, community, and love. But he’s struggling to find those things in a world that seems increasingly uncertain and discouraging for young people. On this existential episode of How To!, Courtney Martin brings in Andrew McPeak, author, podcast host, and vice president of Growing Leaders. He tackles Ezra’s big questions and explains how Gen Z (and everyone else) can make life more meaningful. If you liked this episode check out: How To Keep Caring Amid Endless Crises...2024-11-1947 min
How To!How To Face the Future (Gen Z Edition)Ezra is adrift in his early 20s. He craves a life of meaning, community, and love. But he’s struggling to find those things in a world that seems increasingly uncertain and discouraging for young people. On this existential episode of How To!, Courtney Martin brings in Andrew McPeak, author, podcast host, and vice president of Growing Leaders. He tackles Ezra’s big questions and explains how Gen Z (and everyone else) can make life more meaningful. If you liked this episode check out: How To Keep Caring Amid Endless Crises...2024-11-1947 minSchool on a Mission PodcastS1.E14 The Art of Learning to Fail ForwardSend us a textIn our last episode of season one of the School on A Mission podcast, Gina and Andrew discuss the often-overlooked value of failure in education, exploring how embracing setbacks can foster resilience and innovation. Through personal stories, they highlight the importance of taking risks and rethinking traditional views of success. Together, they champion a classroom culture that sees failure as an essential part of growth, where students feel safe to experiment, learn from mistakes, and develop critical thinking skills. They discuss strategies for fostering resilience, from modeling vulnerability by sharing personal setbacks...2024-11-1437 minSchool on a Mission PodcastS1:E13 Behind the Scenes of CTE with Dave HuffmanSend us a textIn this episode, co-hosts Gina and Andrew go behind the scenes of Career and Technical Education (CTE) with guest Dave Huffman to explore how these programs are preparing students for diverse career paths. Dave shares valuable insights on the critical role school administrators play in supporting workforce readiness, from overcoming implementation challenges to building partnerships with the community. Together, they discuss best practices for CTE success, including real-life examples that highlight how these programs equip students with practical skills and open doors to future opportunities. Join us for an inspiring look at the...2024-11-0732 minSchool on a Mission PodcastS1:E12 EPIC Tales of School Success: Cathedral BuildingSend us a textIn this episode, Andrew and Gina dive into the Habitude value of Cathedral Building, a mindset that goes beyond the daily grind to focus on the bigger picture. Building something meaningful takes time, energy, and resources, and it can often feel like you’re just “laying bricks.” But great leaders and dedicated builders keep the vision of their “cathedral” in mind—the end goals that make the effort worthwhile. Through stories of teachers who’ve embodied this perspective, Andrew and Gina illustrate how seeing beyond the immediate can bring purpose and direction to any role, i...2024-10-3135 minSchool on a Mission PodcastS1: E11 Voices from the Schoolfront: Views on Parent Involvement with Taylor Hasty and Rosie Lowndes (Pt. 2)Send us a textIn this episode, Gina and Andrew discuss the role of parental involvement in education with two incredible school leaders, Taylor Hasty and Rosie Lowndes. Together, they unpack the real-life opportunities and challenges of building meaningful partnerships between schools and families, focusing on how these relationships can truly support students’ learning and growth. Whether in traditional classrooms or virtual spaces, their conversation is filled with practical tips on fostering open communication, navigating parental interventions, and working together to create positive, collaborative environments that help students thrive.Taylor Hasty, High School Principal and At...2024-10-2453 minSchool on a Mission PodcastS1:E10 Voices from the Homefront: Parent Perspectives With Kara Mallory (Pt. 1)Send us a textIn this episode, Gina Watts and Andrew McPeak are joined by expert guest Kara Mallory, a parent and educator, to discuss the critical role of parental involvement in education. Kara emphasizes the importance of communication and transparency between parents and teachers and shares insights on the need for collaboration between home and school. Throughout the conversation, they explore expectations from both parents and educators, offer actionable steps for school leaders to engage parents effectively, and highlight the significance of mutual respect in fostering a positive educational environment.🚀 Welcome to the Sch...2024-10-1727 minSchool on a Mission PodcastS1:E9 Building Trust Brick by Brick in SchoolsSend us a textTrust isn't built overnight; it requires consistent, intentional actions and commitment from teachers, students, parents, and administrators. In this episode, Gina and Andrew explore the essential role of trust in creating a positive and effective educational environment. They will discuss practical strategies for fostering trust, such as transparent communication, showing empathy, and demonstrating reliability. By examining real-life scenarios and the latest research, we highlight how cultivating trust can transform school culture, enhance collaboration, and improve student outcomes. Join us as we dive into the nuanced process of building and maintaining trust in educational...2024-10-1029 minSchool on a Mission PodcastS1:E8 The Role That Psychological Safety Plays in Schools with Dr. Michelle BraillardSend us a textIn this episode, Gina and Andrew explore the crucial role of psychological safety in fostering student engagement and academic success with expert insights from Dr. Michelle Braillard. We discuss how creating a safe environment allows students to take academic risks, express themselves, and engage more deeply in learning. Dr. Braillard shares practical steps for educators and school leaders to build psychological safety, including promoting open communication, mutual respect, and inclusivity. With real-life success stories and actionable strategies, this episode provides valuable tools for cultivating a positive school climate where both students...2024-10-0327 minSchool on a Mission PodcastS1:E7 How Extra-Curricular Activities Help to Build a Well-Rounded School with Patrick ErwinSend us a textIn this episode, we explore the importance of creating well-rounded school environments and fostering investment in extracurricular activities. Our guest, an experienced educator and speaker, Patrick Erwin, shares insights into why schools should focus on more than just academics. We discuss the role of extracurricular programs in student development, effective strategies for implementing and promoting these activities, and the impact they have on student engagement and performance. Additionally, we explore the challenges schools face in expanding their extracurricular offerings, the importance of parental and community involvement, and how to ensure inclusivity and accessibility...2024-09-2732 minSchool on a Mission PodcastS1:E6 Paint a Brighter Future for Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities with Ashley JohnesseeSend us a textIn this episode, we focus on supporting students with autism and special needs beyond graduation, exploring innovative approaches to help them succeed in post-secondary education, employment, and independent living. Our guest, Dr. Ashley Johnessee, Principal of Haw Creek Elementary, shares her insights on creating inclusive environments that empower students with diverse abilities. With real-life success stories and practical strategies, Dr. Johnessee discusses best practices for ensuring students with special needs are well-prepared for life after school. Whether you’re an educator, parent, or advocate, this episode offers valuable guidance on fostering op...2024-09-1928 minSchool on a Mission PodcastS1:E5 Crafting Personalized Learning Journeys for Students with Kaleb WachalaSend us a textIn this episode, we explore the impact of individualized education on student learning and development. Our guest, Kaleb Wachala, shares his personal journeys with personalized learning, discussing creating opportunities for students to explore career paths and gain real-world experience. He discusses the challenges and rewards of launching such initiatives and offers practical strategies for tailoring instruction to diverse student needs. In this episode, Andrew and Gina reflect on the importance of fostering collaboration among stakeholders in the Individualized Education Program process, ensuring each student's success. Join us as we uncover the power of...2024-09-1230 minSchool on a Mission PodcastS1:E4 EPIC Tales of School Success: Splashes and WavesSend us a textIn this episode, we explore the concept of "Splashes and Waves," drawing inspiration from young elephants raised without role models who splashed water to avoid seeing their reflections. This metaphor highlights the tendency of some leaders to shy away from self-reflection, mirroring unhealthy behaviors. We discuss the crucial role of self-awareness and emotional intelligence in effective leadership, featuring stories from experienced teachers and school leaders who have embraced these principles. By looking inward and understanding their own thoughts and emotions, these leaders have fostered positive changes in their educational environments. Join us as...2024-09-0528 minSchool on a Mission PodcastS1:E3 Using Mentorship As A Building Block for Learning and Development with Kevin GilmoreSend us a textIn this episode of School on a Mission, co-hosts Gina Watts and Andrew McPeak are joined by special guest Kevin Gilmore to explore the transformative power of mentorship in shaping the learning and development of school leaders. They dive into how mentors can profoundly impact personal growth and career aspirations, sharing inspiring stories that highlight the ripple effects of supportive relationships in education. Through their discussion, listeners will gain valuable insights into the importance of fostering mentorship to empower and elevate the next generation of educational leaders.About Kevin Gilmore2024-08-2924 minSchool on a Mission PodcastS1:E2 How to Erase Teacher BurnoutSend us a textIn this episode, Gina and Andrew will take a closer look at the widespread problem of teacher burnout and how it affects both the well-being of educators and their ability to be effective in the classroom. We'll dive into the different reasons why school leaders and teachers experience burnout, including the heavy demands of their jobs, the constant pressure to meet expectations, and the emotional toll that comes with caring for students day in and day out. We aim to provide listeners with useful insights and practical tips on how to identify the...2024-08-2235 minSchool on a Mission PodcastS1:E1 How Intentional Schools Ace Community Engagement with Tim ElmoreSend us a textIn this episode, Andrew, Gina, and Tim Elmore dive into the transformative power of equipping individuals with essential life skills. Joined by acclaimed author and leadership expert Tim Elmore, listeners explore how intentional schools make a difference in their communities, shaping academic success and fostering strong connections and values. From visionary leadership to innovative practices, discover the secrets behind these schools' success and how they become the heartbeat of their communities. Through engaging anecdotes and insightful discussions, Tim Elmore offers valuable insights and practical strategies to unlock school leaders' full potential and pass...2024-08-1531 min