The Wired Educator Podcast

The Wired Educator Podcast, Episode 262: "Answering Why" with Mark Perna I first heard Mark Perna speak at Kalahari in Sandusky a few months back, and I'll be honest. I counted him out at first because he didn't come from a traditional educator's background. Five minutes in, I realized I was listening to one of the greatest educators I've ever met. This conversation is a game changer. We dig into the engagement gap, the real role of AI in preparing students for the future, and how to give hope and opportunity to the bottom half of the class, the top half, and everyone in between. You're going to walk away with a fresh framework for helping students find their "want to" and build a competitive advantage that carries them for life. About Mark Perna Mark Perna is the founder and CEO of TFS Results, a weekly contributor at Forbes, and the multi-award-winning author of Answering Why: Unleashing Passion, Purpose, and Performance in Younger Generations. His book has gone through 14 printings in seven years and won e

WEP 261: Rigor, Relevance, and Relationships in the Age of AI Guest: Casey Cuny, 2024 California Teacher of the Year "AI can be an engine for equity, but only if we maintain the heartbeat of the classroom: the relationship." In this high-energy, live-recorded episode, Kelly Croy sits down with Casey Cuny, the 2024 California Teacher of the Year. Recorded live at the 3rd Annual SEL Symposium, Casey shares his moving journey from a 13-year-old bone cancer patient to a leader in educational innovation. Casey and Kelly dive deep into how AI shouldn't just be a tool for "offloading" work, but a thought partner that fosters differentiation, upskilling, and deeper student inquiry.  Key Takeaways from the Interview: The Human Connection: Why Casey's teachers became the "central characters" in his survival story and how those relationships remain the most powerful tool a teacher has. Limb Salvage & Resilience: Casey shares the surreal moment he had to choose between amputation and experimental surgery at age

Episode 260: Leading with Heart, Hustle, and Pride" with Mark Bagley By Kelly Croy This is the Wired Educator Podcast, Episode 260! I am so excited for you to hear this conversation. I'm sitting down with a good friend, a colleague, and a truly great leader in Ohio: Mark Bagley, the Superintendent of Van Wert City Schools. In this episode, we learn exactly what it takes to lead a district with authenticity and how to make a real difference in the lives of both colleagues and children. Mark is a "servant leader" in the truest sense of the word. Whether it's picking up trash, helping in a classroom when there are no subs, or standing out at the bus hub every single morning, Mark leads from the trenches. You are going to love this interview. Buckle up! A Great Week to be a Wired Educator Before we dive into the interview, I have to tell you—it has been an amazing week. I was recently invited to Gibsonburg Schools to share my book, Unthink Before Bed, for their Literacy Night. It was a blast. I shared the books

WEP 259: Lifted to Lead: Resilience and Advocacy with Dr. Stefan Bean Hosted by Kelly Croy Episode Description: In this episode of the Wired Educator Podcast, Kelly Croy sits down with Dr. Stefan Bean, Superintendent of Orange County, California, to discuss a journey of resilience that is unlike anything you've ever heard. Dr. Bean oversees the education of over 450,000 students, but his story begins as a refugee of the Vietnam War. Stricken with polio and brought to the U.S. during Operation Babylift, Dr. Bean shares how a single teacher's belief in his potential transformed his life. This is a powerful conversation about moving from a "deficit mindset" to an "asset mindset," leading with empathy, and the profound impact of lifting others so they can lead. Dr. Bean's new book Lifted to Lead is available now. Click HERE! You are going to love this episode. About Dr. Stefan Bean: Dr. Stefan Bean has dedicated the past 28 years to serving Southern California communities and students as a teacher, principal, an

In this episode of the Wired Educator Podcast, Kelly Croy sits down with Greg Honchel, Educational Sales Consultant with IXL Learning, to explore a powerful idea that often gets overlooked in schools: customer service. Yes… customer service. Greg shares how putting students first, communicating with clarity, and building authentic partnerships can transform not only business relationships but classrooms, districts, and student outcomes. This is a conversation about leadership, intentional technology use, and how small acts of service create lasting impact. You are going to love this episode. About Greg Honchel Greg Honchel is an Educational Sales Consultant with IXL Learning, partnering with districts across central and northwest Ohio. He works closely with curriculum leaders and principals to help schools evaluate instructional resources, align tools to student needs, and implement data-driven solutions with clarity and purpose. Prior to joining IXL, Greg spent five years in education, including time as a P

Wired Educator Podcast Episode 257 Lead From Who You Are with Dr. Joe Sanfelippo In Episode 257 of the Wired Educator Podcast, Kelly Croy interviews Dr. Joe Sanfelippo, nationally recognized speaker, former superintendent, and author of the new book Lead From Who You Are. It has been 122 episodes since Joe's last appearance on the podcast, making this conversation both timely and meaningful. Together, Kelly and Joe explore leadership identity, consistency, self-awareness, and what it truly means to show up for others during challenging seasons in education. This episode blends practical leadership insight with personal reflection and encouragement. About the Guest Dr. Joe Sanfelippo recently retired after 26 years in education, including 12 years as superintendent of the Fall Creek School District in Fall Creek, Wisconsin. Under his leadership, Fall Creek was named an Innovative District twice by the International Center for Leadership in Education. Joe was named Education Dive's National Superintendent of th

  Wired Educator Episode 256: Show Notes Summary In this episode of the Wired Educator Podcast, host Kelly Croy interviews William Grubie, an expert in educational artificial intelligence. They discuss the challenges and opportunities that AI presents in the classroom, the importance of training educators to effectively use AI tools, and the impact of AI on teaching and learning. William shares his journey into the world of AI, practical applications for educators, and success stories from schools that have embraced AI. The conversation also touches on the misconceptions surrounding AI, the need for a balanced approach to technology in education, and the importance of good role models in personal and professional development. William Grube:  William's website: https://gruvyeducation.com William Grube is the founder of Gruvy Education. He partners with over 300 schools and several state‑level organizations to provide hands‑on AI training that helps educators save hours each week while still ke

Show Notes: Rigor Through Relationships with Joe Miller Episode Guest: Joe Miller, Port Clinton High School ELA Teacher & Symposium Founder Host: Kelly Croy Episode Overview "We learn for life, not for school." In this episode of The Wired Educator, Kelly Croy sits down with Joe Miller, the driving force behind the 3rd Annual SEL and Mental Wellness Symposium. Joe isn't just a dedicated High School ELA teacher; he is a masterclass in leadership who leads from the classroom. Today, Joe and Kelly discuss the "heart of the work"—the transformative power of prioritizing student well-being to unlock academic excellence. If you believe that rigor is built through relationships, this conversation is for you. Joe Miller: Joe Miller is a teacher who continuously advocates for his students, district, and community. After earning his bachelor's degree in education from the University of Dayton, Miller moved south to teach in Charlotte, North Carolina for six years.   Throughout his time in North Carolina, Miller k

  What if this year did not just happen to you, but you designed it on purpose? In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, I reflect on the power of goal setting, intention, and personal growth for educators and leaders. This is not about resolutions that fade by February. It is about choosing focus, taking action, and building momentum in your work, your health, and your life. I share my personal priority for the year with a strong focus on physical well-being and explain why choosing one clear priority can unlock progress in every other area. We explore why sharing goals creates accountability, why goal setting is an act of leadership, and how community and collaboration elevate the work we do in education. I also highlight exciting updates to the podcast, a powerful professional learning opportunity in social emotional learning, and ways you can continue growing long after this episode ends. Episode Takeaways It is important to have intention and take action. Goal setting is leadership, not just perso

Wired Educator Podcast Episode 253: The Business of You — An Interview with Authors Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio In this episode of the Wired Educator Podcast, I interview Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio, co-authors of The Business of You—a guide to treating yourself as the most important project you’ll ever work on. Marnie went from being a high school math teacher to becoming an EdTech leader before teaming up with Nick to run a software company. Nick started as a programmer, became an executive early in his career, and later jumped into entrepreneurship with Marnie. Together, they sold their company, co-authored the award-winning Lead it Like Lasso, and now bring their experiences and lessons to students, educators, and leaders through their newest book. In our conversation, Marnie and Nick share stories and strategies to help students and educators turn leadership lessons into real-life results. Links to Learn More About Marnie and Nick Puchase a copy of their books here: The Business of You and L

Welcome to episode 252 of The Wired Educator Podcast! In this episode, I interview Scott Borba, an inspiring education leader and author of The Leader You’re Not… and Why It’s Just as Important as the Leader You Are. This conversation will speak to your heart, sharpen your mind, and give you what you need to lead with more awareness this year. Scott and I connected deeply, and the wisdom he shares will benefit every educator committed to growth. About Scott Borba Scott is principal and superintendent of Le Grand Union Elementary School District in California. A recognized leader in education, he was named the NAESP National Distinguished Principal and the ACSA Superintendent/Principal of the Year. Scott also serves on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Elementary School Principals. His book, The Leader You’re Not… and Why It’s Just as Important as the Leader You Are, focuses on self-awareness, growth in leadership, and building strong school communities. ⸻ Mentioned in the Podcast • The Le

This is the Wired Educator Podcast Episode 251, my interview with Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper, co-authors of The Language of Behavior: A Framework to Elevate Student Success. Charle and Joshua bring incredible insight, passion, and practical strategies to help educators and leaders transform the way we view behavior, student success, and school culture.  Our conversation covers practical strategies for addressing behavior through trauma-responsive practices, creating healthier school cultures, and empowering educators to better support students. This discussion was energizing, enlightening, and inspiring. I laughed, I learned, and I left with new tools I can put into practice right away. I know you’ll feel the same. Buckle up and enjoy this incredible conversation with Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper! Meet Charle Peck Charle Peck is a global keynote speaker, educator, and co-author of The Language of Behavior as well as Improving School Mental Health: The Thriving School Community Solution. With over 20 yea

This is the Wired Educator Podcast episode 250, my interview with Mark Trumbo, author of The Dream Factory: Designing a Life of Purpose. Mark and I talk about how he wrote an entertaining fable to teach memorable lessons on leadership and living an awesome life. My conversation with Mark hit so many levels of awesomeness, this is an amazing interview with amazing takeaways for everyone. Mark Trumbo is the author of The Dream Factory: Designing a Life of Purpose, a nationally recognized leader, speaker, and creator of The Purpose Design, a framework dedicated to helping people discover, define, and live out their true purpose. A devoted child of God, husband to Kristy, and proud father of Avery Grace, Grant Hampton, and Payton Joy, Mark's greatest joy comes from his faith and family. Mark's journey to discovering his "why" began in January 2017, shortly after the birth of his son, during a season of professional demands and personal reflection. Confronted with questions about his goals, identity, and impact, h

The Wired Educator Podcast: Episode 249 – "Becoming an Instructonal Leader" My Interview with Danny Steele This is The Wired Educator Podcast, Episode 249: My conversation with Danny Steele on instructional leadership—and so much more. Danny is a phenomenal leader, an inspiring author, and an all-around incredible human being. In this episode, we dive into his new book, explore what great instructional leadership really looks like in schools, and unpack the wisdom he’s sharing with educators everywhere. You’re going to love this episode. About Danny Steele Danny Steele worked for 31 years in education as a principal, assistant principal, teacher, coach, and assistant professor of Instructional Leadership. In 2005, Steele was recognized as the “Secondary Assistant Principal of the Year” for the state of Alabama. And in 2016, he was recognized as Alabama’s “Secondary Principal of the Year.” He has written five books, including two with Todd Whitaker, presented at numerous state and national conferences, and spo

Building Authenticity, an Interview with Todd Nesloney Listen to The Wired Educator Podcast, Episode 248 In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, I sit down with one of my favorite education leaders and storytellers, Todd Nesloney. Todd returns to the show to share powerful insights from his newest book, Building Authenticity: A Blueprint for the Leader Inside You. Todd currently serves as the Director of Culture and Strategic Leadership for the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA). He is a nationally recognized educator who has been honored by the White House, John C. Maxwell, and the National School Board Association, among many others. From leading a PreK–5 campus of 775 students to co-authoring bestsellers like Kids Deserve It, Todd continues to inspire and challenge educators to lead with heart, honesty, and boldness. In this conversation, we talk about what it really means to lead authentically, how to stay rooted in your values, and why storytelling is essential for bu

This is a brand new season of The Wired Educator Podcast. I am excited to kick it off with this episode. This is the Wired Educator Podcast Episode 247This is a special solo episode, of just me, Kelly Croy, designed to help educators and leaders everywhere maximize their summer, rest with intention, and return to the school year feeling refreshed, focused, and inspired. In this episode, I share a personal and powerful summer bucket list featuring 29 ideas that will help every educator create meaningful moments, reclaim energy, and do something just for themselves. Whether you’re looking to rest, write, explore, reflect, or just feel more like yourself again, this list is for you. What You’ll Hear in This Episode Why rest isn’t just about sleep, it’s about soul care The power of small adventures and new beginnings How starting two books (just starting) can reset your mindset My favorite idea on the list and why it had to be number 29 How to make this summer more intentional and less reactionary Thi

In this episode of the Wired Educator Podcast, I had the honor of speaking with Pamela Broome, a transformative leader in education. As the founding principal and current director of UNC Charlotte’s elementary lab school, Pamela has pioneered innovative approaches to teaching and learning, focusing on trauma-informed practices, literacy advancement, and creating emotionally supportive classrooms. Her work has significantly impacted both students and educators, fostering resilience and engagement in the educational community. Joe Miller, a former student of Pamela's, joins us as cohost. Joe is an award-winning educator and founder of an amazing SEL Symposium hosted at our district. I love working with Joe and I am so happy he introduced me to Pamela. During our conversation, Pamela shared invaluable insights into the challenges and rewards of implementing trauma-informed teaching strategies, the evolving landscape of literacy education, and her vision for the future of educational leadership. Her dedication to

In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast , I had the privilege of speaking with two extraordinary Apple Distinguished Educators, Rita Mortenson and Charlene Chausis. Rita and Charlene are both passionate educators who are transforming classrooms through digital creativity, particularly in the realm of digital art . From their innovative use of Procreate and the Keynote app on the iPad to their inspiring journey into creating pet portraits, these two educators share how they bring creativity and artistry into education in impactful ways. [caption id="attachment_2254" align="alignright" width="421"] If you're an educator looking to inspire creativity, incorporate cutting-edge technology, and foster collaboration and critical thinking in your classroom, this episode is a must listen! About Rita Mortenson Rita Mortenson is the Educational Technology Coach at Verona Area High School. She is an Apple Distinguished Educator, a Google Innovator, an ISTE Certified Educator, and a National Board Certified Teacher

In this episode of the Wired Educator Podcast, I had the privilege of speaking with Adeel Khan, the visionary founder of MagicSchool AI. Adeel, a former teacher and principal, has created what I believe to be the most powerful tool currently available to help educators and educational leaders. Adeel's team has shared with me what an amazing leader he is as well. If you’re an educator looking to save time, reduce stress, and focus more on what matters most—your students—this episode is a must-listen.  About MagicSchool AI MagicSchool AI’s mission is simple yet profound: to lighten the load for teachers so they can dedicate their energy to building relationships and delivering impactful instruction. Here are some highlights of what makes MagicSchool AI a game-changer for educators: Time-Saving Efficiency: MagicSchool AI can save teachers up to 10 hours per week by streamlining tedious tasks. Teacher-Centric Design: The platform is intuitive, customizable, and designed to address the realities of teaching. Teac

Kicking off a NEW season of The Wired Educator Podcast! Welcome to episode 243 of The Wired Educator Podcast! This episode is all about the importance of vision and goal-setting as we embark on a new school year. If you're an educator, administrator, or school leader, this is the perfect time to set your sights on the goals that will make this year extraordinary. In this episode, I reflect on how critical it is to establish clear goals for yourself and your students. Whether you're guiding a classroom or leading a team of teachers, a well-defined vision will ensure that you start the year with a sense of purpose. Here's what you can look forward to: I am going to give you six keys to setting your goals for the school year, achieving them, and having your best year, yet!  Your leadership and commitment to education make a difference every single day. I’m so excited for this season of The Wired Educator Podcast filled with amazing interviews, insights, and inspiration. Let's make this school year the best yet!