The Empowering Teacher

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 classroom walls.

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 they are not only willing, but truly excited, to share their genius with students and staff.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, blending heart and science to redefine their impact!