The Empowering Teacher
Join Molly Garcia, a Leader in Me Coach, as she talks with Leader in Me experts and leadership-school practitioners to unpack doable-today strategies that nurture a dynamic and empowering learning environment.
Episodes
RE-RELEASE: More Than Bulletin Boards and Bright Colors
If you were asked to close your eyes and describe an elementary classroom, what would you share? Typically, we describe what we can see, however, we know that a leadership environment entails so much more! Join Molly, Dr. Eve, and guest Kate Cisney, principal at Northwest Elementary School in Iowa, as they explore practical ways to build a leadership-learning environment including, and beyond, the
RE-RELEASE: From Family Involvement to Family Engagement
There is power in parent partnership! Students’ families have so many gifts, talents, cultural experiences, and perspectives that strengthen our school community. When we see a child’s parent as their first teacher, we honor their genius and their experiences as a way to strengthen each child. Join Molly and guest Alex Gonzales, as they explore how to invite families into true partnership, where t
RE-RELEASE: Building an 8th Habit Classroom - SHORT
We find our voice when we use our passion, talents, and our conscience to address a need in the world. When we model this for our students and colleagues, we empower them to find their voice. It’s the heart of teaching. So, what does this look like in our classroom? Join Molly, as she talks with Dana Penick, Coach and Consultant from North Carolina.
Leadership Day: A Student Led Experience
Picture this: students are running the show, welcoming guests, leading tours, and proudly sharing their learning. You’re not directing every move—you’re watching them shine! Join Molly and guests Kristin Wilson and Matthew Lund, from Locust Grove Elementary in KY, as they talk about practical steps to create an authentic Leadership Day, helping you step back so students can step up.
Goal Setting, Simplified
When students own their goals, they don’t just grow, they thrive. Join Molly and guest Dr. Cherisse Campbell, Executive Director of Strategy and Data Intelligence at a large school district in metro Atlanta, as they talk about how to bring the The 4 Disciplines of Execution® goal-achieving process into the classroom in a way that feels light, empowering, and doable.
A+ Deposits: Banking on Kindness
What if the most powerful tool for building trust in your classroom isn’t a strategy or a curriculm—but a relationship? Join Molly and guest Jamie Monday, Lighthouse Coordinator at Verrado Heritage School, as they talk about how an Emotional Bank Account practice can transform school culture—and how you can bring that joy into your classroom starting today.
Student Led and in Charge!
What if the most powerful voice in the room… is the student’s? Join Molly as she explores how Student-Led Conferences spark ownership, deepen reflection, and bring families into the learning journey with guests Christie Horton and Lindsay Fritz, Transitional Kindergarten Teachers at Summit Academy.
Connected, Not Complicated: Bringing It All Together With Leader in Me
Initiative overload. It can feel like a neverending checklist. Join Molly and guest Lori Phillips, Principal at Oak Grove Elementary, as they talk about practical, tactical ways to move from checklist to connection—bringin clarity, coherence, and meaning to the work you’re already doing.
Leadership Portfolios: Peers With Purpose
What if student Leadership Portfolios could spark not just reflection—but powerful, peer-driven accountability? Join Molly as she talks with guest Christine Magno, teacher at Candace A. French Elementary, about how Leadership Portfolios can drive peer conversations that fuel progress.
Teaching That Transforms
Are you a teacher looking for fresh inspiration, a student who has been shaped by a mentor, or simply someone who believes in the power of human connection? Join Molly as she talks with guests Muriel Summers, Leader in Me Global Ambassador, and Dr. David K. Hatch, Global Thought Leader, Author, and Consultant, about seven simple, yet transformative, strategies that educators can use every day, ble
Unlock the Power of Student-Led Conferences
When you were a student, did you have a clear idea of why you were earning the grades you did? Join Molly and guest Keli Sare, Legacy Principal at Sallie Jones Elementary, as they explore how Student-Led Conferences foster self-reflection and accountability, opening up a new level of communication between students, families, and teachers.
Model, Set, Go!
How do you get everyone excited about Leader in Me? It can feel really overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Join Molly and guest Juley Sexton, Principal at A. B. Combs Elementary, as they talk about practical tips on how to build trust in ways that will take staff commitment to a whole new level.
Keeping It Fresh: Ideas to Keep Leader in Me Thriving
Do you ever wonder how some schools stay inspired and avoid burnout while ensuring students continue to thrive as leaders? Join Molly and guest Melody Hazeltine, Legacy Principal at Neil Armstrong Elementary, as they explore creative strategies for keeping Leader in Me dynamic and impactful.
Building a Legacy Through Student Voice
We often think about what legacy we will leave. Have we ever considered how we can bring that thinking to our students? What would happen if they began their educational journey with that same question? Join Molly and guest Chris Edwards, Legacy Principal at Richland County Elementary, as they explore how students can not only find their voice, but use it to begin building a legacy that will echo
Making Meaning Out of Data
Data, data, data! We know that what gets measured, improves. Join Molly, Dr. Eve, and guest Katie Booth, Legacy School Principal at Silver Springs Elementary School, as they talk about how to lean into data in a doable, practical way.
Growing Beyond a Manager Mindset
Is a to-do list enough? Join Molly, Dr. Eve, and guest Jason Bennett, Legacy School Principal at Bowmar Elementary, as they discover how to grow beyond a manager mindset and empower students to accomplish the things that matter most.
Are Our Paradigms Helping or Harming Students?
How do your paradigms about students shape their stories about themselves? Join Molly, Dr. Eve, and guest Erin Hardy, Legacy School Lighthouse Coordinator at Richland County Elementary, as they unpack the power of the paradigms we hold and the impact they have on students.
Normalizing a Noisy Classroom
Does the thought of a noisy classroom fill you with fear? Join Molly, Dr. Eve, and guest Andrea Partington, Legacy School Teacher at Natcher Elementary as they discuss what active learning sounds like and the “chaos eliminators” that keep the focus on the learning.
Micro-Moments That Change Everything
When students are missing from class, we feel it. Join Molly, Dr. Eve, and guest Brett Shelby, Legacy School Principal at Jack Elementary in Tyler, Texas, as they talk about how more connection means less absenteeism.
Same Issue, Different Day
All behavior is communication. Join Molly, Dr. Eve, and guest Gabriel Cárdenas, Principal at Evergreen Elementary and former Principal at Leader in Me Legacy School Mildred B. Janson Elementary, as they explore how paradigms help us shift from reaction to behavior to responding to students in challenging moments.
Leading and Learning From Legacy Schools
Welcome to Season 5 of The Empowering Teacher podcast! Join Molly and Eve as they kick off this season by talking with Jan McCartan, FranklinCovey Coach and Consultant, about the impact of Legacy Schools—schools that have received global recognition for exemplifying a strong leadership culture by unleashing the highest potential in students, staff, families and their communities.
Helping Students See the Power of Contribution
The 8th Habit offers us an opportunity to think about how we can use our unique talents and passion to make things better in the world. Join Molly, Dr. Eve, and guest John Urick, 6th Grade Teacher from Merriam Park Elementary in Kansas, as they explore how educators can implement routines and structures that foster The 8th Habit in the classroom.
Head and Heart: A Winning Combination
Education can feel like a push and pull between a focus on academics and taking time to nurture students as whole people—body, mind, heart, and spirit. In reality, it’s not about sacrificing one for the other, they go hand in hand. Join Molly as she talks with Dr. Eve and guests Patty Parson, Principal, and Lawren Hunter, Lighthouse Coordinator, at Live Oak Elementary, about how to build a focus o
Simple Steps to Develop Student Voice
When students are leaders of change, they are more likely to be academically motivated, have a higher sense of self-worth, and show more effort and persistence. Join Molly, Dr. Eve, and guest Alex Butler, 3rd-grade Teacher at A.B. Combs Elementary, as they talk about practical ways to intentionally empower students to participate, innovate, and lead efforts to improve their classrooms, schools, an
How to Let Go and Release Learning to Students
When we release learning to students, we make an intentional choice to empower them. We step back, so they can step up. This can, however, come with some uneasy feelings that we’ll lose control. Join Molly, Dr. Eve, and Dereck Marr, Principal at Rich Pond Elementary, as they explore the benefits and challenges of empowering students to lead their own learning.
More Than Bulletin Boards and Bright Colors
If you were asked to close your eyes and describe an elementary classroom, what would you share? Typically, we describe what we can see, however, we know that a leadership environment entails so much more! Join Molly, Dr. Eve, and guest Kate Cisney, principal at Northwest Elementary School in Iowa as they explore practical ways to build a leadership-learning environment including, and beyond, the
Change Starts With Me—Simple, Not Easy
Change starts with me. It sounds simple, but it’s not always easy to step away from blaming others and, instead, look first to ourselves for solutions. Join Molly, Dr. Eve, and guests Ana Arias, Principal, and Gabby Trudeau, 3rd-Grade Teacher, from Fallbrook STEM Elementary, as they talk about practical ways to help students build their ability to adopt and live the Paradigm of Change.
Leadership Learning Every Day
Our hope for students is that they will lean into the 7 Habits to navigate the challenges and opportunities life has to offer, and bring their leadership and effectiveness into who they become. Join Molly, Dr. Eve, and guest Laura Smith, District Elementary School Lighthouse Coordinator and Leadership Instructional Coach, as they dig into the power behind teaching leadership and integrating it int
Helping Students See Their Genius
We can see the genius of students so clearly, how can we help them see it too? Join Molly, Dr. Eve, and guest Emily Avila, Dual-Language Teacher at Maie Ellis Elementary School as they explore practical strategies that help students become able to see their own light and the impact it has on themselves and each other.
The Power of Our Own Learning
What happens when we model for students how we, too, are learners? Join Molly and special guest Muriel Summers, as they talk about the power of the Inside-Out Approach to learning and teaching.
Season 4 - Trailer
On September 19, 2023, we’ll be releasing an Empowering Teacher Podcast for Early Learning educators, another for Elementary educators, and our third one for Secondary educators, our middle and high school teachers.
Reflection—a Tool for Preparation - SHORT
And just like that, the end of the year is here! It comes and goes in the blink of an eye, and if we are not careful we can miss out on an amazing opportunity to honor the pause and reflect on all that accompanied a year of learning. Join Molly, as she talks with Robin Becker, Coach and Consultant from Texas, who shares practical ways to lean into reflection and move us forward as we plan for the
Leaning on the 7 Habits During Difficult Conversations
We can all relate to the butterflies in our belly, remembering to take a deep breath, and that feeling of just wanting it over when we lean into the courage it takes to hold a difficult conversation—whether with a student, a parent, or a colleague. Join Molly, as she talks with Stephanie Gow, Coach and Consultant from Texas, about how to create a 7 Habits toolkit to navigate difficult conversation
4DX: Breaking It Down - SHORT
Does it ever feel like all you do is set goals? You might have goal fatigue! If we want to go beyond setting goals and see goal achievement with excellence, we need a system or process that can help our students own it and crush it! Join Molly as she talks with Lesley Eason, Coach and Consultant from North Carolina, who walks us through a simple outline to begin this work.
Supporting Students With Brain Power
Do you ever sit back and wonder what is going on in the brains of your students? Like, if I could just figure out the why, or see a little deeper, I might be able to figure out how to help them. You're not alone! Spend some quality time with Dr. Eve Miller, Cognitive Neuroscientist, as she talks with Molly about how to build a neuroscience toolkit that can help us understand and support our s
Creating a Calming Space for Students
Our students are like us. They can get overwhelmed and sometimes they carry some big emotions from the day before into a new morning. As teachers, what can we do in those moments? Join Molly and guests Toni White and Ashely Tucker as they share how leaders at Cuivre Park Elementary created and use a calming space for students to work through their emotions.
Building Lighthouse Classrooms
Achieving Lighthouse Certification is a whole-school accomplishment! It’s a process that involves every stakeholder—especially students. Imagine the impact if every student engaged in the process and understood what it means to actively achieve Lighthouse. Imagine if every student could articulate why they are a “beacon of hope.” Join Molly, as she talks with Lindy and Krista, two leaders at Belle
My Part on the Lighthouse Team - SHORT
Schools come in all different shapes and sizes, and that is absolutely wonderful! It’s what personalizes the work we do to meet the needs of each of our communities. Listen in, as Susanna Hobrath, Leader in Me Coach and Consultant, shares how we can personalize our Lighthouse Teams to fit our school’s needs, while staying true to the foundational components of shared leadership.
Students Take the Lead - SHORT
Do you ever feel like you’re carrying all the responsibility for student learning and school culture? Learn how one school let students take the lead. Molly is joined by La Paloma Elementary School Principal, Claudia De Leon, and Coordinator, Kayla Cavanaugh.
Students as Partners
How do you invite students to lead—we mean, really lead? Join Molly as she talks with Kristan Riedinger, Principal at Vickery Creek Elementary in Georgia, about how one school learned to honor the pause, and watched as students solved real problems with terrific results.
3 Steps to Win-Win PD
Have you ever sat through a day of professional development and thought to yourself, how in the world does this connect to me and my students? You may not be alone! Listen in, as Jerry Lee, Principal at Woodlawn Elementary School in Florida, shares with Molly how their school takes a Win-Win approach to professional development.
Nurturing the Heart of a Leadership Classroom
Did you know that a leadership environment can begin teaching students without even cracking open a book? Join Molly, as she talks with Sharla Austin, Leader in Me Coach and Consultant, about how to intentionally create a leadership environment, where even the walls teach lessons that reveal students’ worth and potential.
Building Students' EBAs - SHORT
When students and staff know they are loved, school culture is strengthened and everyone is better equipped to deal with the day-to-day challenges that may come our way. Listen in, as Connie West, Leader in Me Coach and Consultant, shares how we can get intentional about culture with Emotional Bank Accounts.
Unleashing the Power of Student Potential
You know that feeling when you look at your students and are just mesmerized by their potential? We know these students are going to change the world! We see it—how do we help them see it? Join Molly as she talks with Jenna Tate, Leader in Me Coach and Consultant about how we can communicate the worth and potential to students so clearly that they see it in themselves.
Students Take the Mic - SHORT
Have you ever listened to a podcast and thought, “I bet students could do that”? They can! Listen in as Lisa, 4th Grade Teacher at Sycamore Springs Elementary, and Kyleigh, Sycamore student and fellow podcaster, share with Molly how they found their voice with their very own student-led podcast.
Teach Students to Lead
When you are asked to “teach students to lead” what do you think of? Join Molly, as she talks with Vi Vuong and Jorge Parra from Solano Elementary, LAUSD East in Los Angeles. Together, they’ll break it down to the specifics about how we begin empowering our students by intentionally teaching them to lead.
Let's Talk Paradigms!
What single concept is responsible for more life-changing moments for teachers and greater empowerment in a school and classroom? What is the most powerful part of the Leader in Me process? Join Molly, as she talks about the power of paradigms with New York Times best-selling author and President of FranklinCovey Education, Sean Covey.
"Leaderize" Your PD Today! - SHORT
We want the best for our students. When we integrate Leader in Me into our professional development we can better support our students as they grow into the leaders we know they can be. Join Molly as she connects with Jorge Parra, Principal at Solano Avenue Elementary School in LAUSD-East, about intentional and organic ways to weave Leader in Me into everything we do.
Leaders Go First!
We can choose to see leadership as a position made for a few, or we can choose to see leadership as a shared role—it’s up to us! Join host Molly, as she connects with Matt Smith, Superintendent of the Des Moines Independent Community School District to explore the impact shared leadership can play in our schools.
A Year of Hope
How do we wholeheartedly embrace the possibilities of the new school year when we know that things can change at the drop of a hat? Listen in, as Leader in Me Global Ambassador Muriel Summers shares her wisdom, experience, and honor for all of the powerful teachers who are heading into another year of impacting young lives.
4DX and Your Daily Routines - SHORT
Did you know the 4 Disciplines could be as easy as whiteboard? Listen in, as Miss Ayotte, a teacher leader in the Nadaburg school district in Whitman, Arizona shares how students in her 3rd Grade class use the 4 Disciplines of Execution every single day.
Family Engagement - The Golden Ticket!
Life Beyond Lighthouse
We’ve achieved Lighthouse! Now what? Growing in our Leader in Me Framework does not stop when we achieve Lighthouse Certification. Join host Molly, as she talks with Jan McCartan, leader in Me Coach and Consultant and Lead Lighthouse Certification Reviewer about what comes next.
Recharge, Renew, and No Regrets!
Feeling tired? Burned out? We want so much for our students and it can feel like we don’t have enough time to do it all. Join host Molly Garcia and Sean Covey, New York Times Best-Selling Author and President of FranklinCovey Education, and tap into the power of finding moments of balance and renewal, especially when things are tough.
The Morning Huddle: Easy & Powerful - SHORT
What’s the best way to set the tone for the day? Join Molly and guest Ms. Giona from Desert Oasis Elementary as they dig into how to integrate Leader in Me through morning huddle.
Trust Spills Over - SHORT
How can students lead the way in creating a more trusting school experience? Join teacher Ms. Madrigal and two student leaders at Skypointe HS in Las Vegas, Nevada as they share how they used the 13 Behaviors of High Trust to grow trust in their school.
Synergize, Rather Than Compromise
Empowering educators work in a profession where valuing differing opinions is essential to job satisfaction and happy customers. Sean Covey joins host Molly Garcia to dive into the genius of Habit 6 and uncover how synergy is so much more than simply compromising.
Unleashing Potential, One Paradigm at a Time
As empowering teachers, we intentionally pause to inspect our own beliefs and perspectives and evaluate the impact they have on ourselves and our students. Join Molly as she leans into the power of paradigms with Robin Sampson. They explore how our own limiting beliefs can impact student learning and what we can do to break free from these mindsets and embrace all the possibilities in front of us.
WIGs and Wellness
Why don’t we prioritize ourselves? What would happen if we intentionally chose to apply the 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX) to our wellness by making our wellness a goal we achieve, not just one we consider? Join Molly as she uncovers the possibilities and impact 4DX can bring to our well-being with Muriel Summers, Leader in Me Global Ambassador and lifelong educator.
Are We Getting This Right?
Do you find yourself wondering if you’re doing Leader in Me “right”? Join Molly and Leader in Me Coach Jamie Spinks, as they explore how we can see Leader in Me as an opportunity to amplify the goodness we already harness within our classrooms, rather than a checklist of “to-dos.”
All Means Everyone
Have you ever faltered in your belief that every student can learn? Join Molly as she discovers ways to be inclusive of all students’ learning needs with Holly Diaz.
Relationships, Relevance, Rigor—In That Order Please!
Is Leader in Me relevant for secondary students? As empowering teachers, we are anchored in student empowerment. We create a supportive space that has structure and routines and engages students in curiosity and investigation, no matter their age. Join Molly as she uncovers the power of Leader in Me for middle and high schools with Evett Barham, Leader in Me Coach and Consultant.
Can We Really Do It All?
We want the very best for our students. At times though, we can feel like giving our very best still isn't enough. If we don't do it, then who will? Listen as Molly and Muriel unpack the dilemma of wanting to do it all, but feeling like we are falling short.
From Family Involvement to Family Engagement
How do you engage families as true partners with your school? Join Molly and guest Alex Gonzales as they explore how to tap into the genius of families.
The Power of Preschool
Bringing Students Into Our Calm
Getting Real With Habit 5
Are you listening? Join Molly as she gets real with Sean Covey about Habit 5.
When the Game Starts With Me
Have you ever sat back after a full day of teaching and wondered, does this Inside-Out Approach really work? Do our choices to become more effective really impact those around us to want to do the same? Join host Molly Garcia as she jumps into conversation with Pete Wagner, Southwest ISD Athletic Director, and Mike Webb Leader in Me Coach and Consultant around the impact adult learning has on our
Really, Can Everyone Win?
Have you ever felt like there are a lot of unintentional misunderstandings and tough decisions in your day-to-day life that make working with others challenging? In this episode, we're getting real with Sean Covey, the President of Franklin Covey Education and New York Times bestselling author, to explore the question, "Is it really possible for everyone to win every time?"
I've Taught the Lessons, Now What?
Have you ever found yourself wondering, just how do we move beyond just teaching the lessons? How do we truly provide our students with a real life practicum that will inspire and fuel their passions in such a way that it empowers them to make a difference in our world? Join host Molly Garcia and Leader in Me Coach and Consultant, Desiree Cocroft as they ignite conversation around moving beyond t
When Students Lead the School
Have you ever wondered what would happen if students were in charge? Join host Molly Garcia and Leader in Me Coach and Consultant Betsy Wierda as they explore the power of student leadership roles.
Is the Dip Coming for You?
From Busyness to Fulfillment
From Withholding Trust to Restoring Trust
From Me to We
How do you approach change that takes you out of your comfort zone? Does it feel like it’s all up to you? Join Nicole Bouhana, teacher leader and coordinator at Nitschmann Middle School, and host Molly Garcia as they discuss the power of shared leadership.
From Enduring Hardship to Embracing Hope
Today we share a story of hope and wisdom about how to take the first step forward when we just can’t see past our current situation. Join Molly Garcia as she discusses how to pivot from enduring hardship to embracing hope with Grammy Nominated Semi-Finalist and Music Teacher at Roan Forest Elementary School, Matthew Trevino.
From Surviving Stress to Rekindling Renewal
Today we’re jumping right into the power of the brain! How can we pivot from surviving stress to rekindling renewal? Join host Molly Garcia and Dr. Eve Miller as they discuss what neuroscience teaches us about how to decrease our stress levels and help keep us in, and excited about, our profession.
From Compromise to Commitment
Today we look at the question, how do I stay committed to the expectations of my school and district without compromising a commitment to my own mission? Sean Covey joins Molly Garcia as they look at the power and practicality of Habit 2: Begin With the End in Mind.
From Flounder to Focus
Let’s talk about being intentional when it comes to setting—and achieving—goals. Molly is joined by Lynn Kosinski, Senior Leader in Me Coach and Consultant, and co-author of—publishing soon—The 4 Disciplines of Execution for Educators.
From a Job to a Calling
Serving as a teacher is not just about doing a job, it’s a calling. How do we come back to the heart of teaching—our WHY for answering the call—in the midst of a whirlwind? Leader in Me Coordinator Natalie Smith joins Molly Garcia to share what she does to stay connected, regardless of the circumstances around her.
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