The Honoring Educators Podcast

Every educator has chapters. In this episode of The Honoring Educators Podcast , Jon sits down with longtime friend, high school classmate, and educational leader Julie Miller for a conversation about the people, experiences, and lessons that have shaped her journey in education. Along the way, Julie shares an exciting announcement about the next chapter of her career. To wrap up the episode, Juli...

Recorded live at the Hartley Outdoor Education Center during the Outside the Classroom Camp-Style Overnight PD Experience, this episode features a conversation with nationally recognized educator, speaker, storyteller, and self-described “unicorn protector” Kevin Honeycutt. What started as a discussion about karaoke and camp culture quickly turned into a deeper conversation about connection, creat...

I had the chance to sit down with Shelley and Anna Helmreich — a mother-daughter duo both working in education — and it honestly felt like one of those conversations that just kind of takes care of itself. We started off talking about some favorite memories at Higgins Lake (which set the tone pretty quickly), and then got into what community really means — not just in schools, but in life. That th...

In this episode, I sit down with my friend Mark Abenth — a retired elementary principal, current professor at Saginaw Valley State University, and someone who has spent over 30 years showing up for students and staff the right way. We start with The Honoring, where I share why Mark means so much to me — not just as a leader, but as a person. He’s approachable, resourceful, and someone who has alwa...

In this Jonny on the Spot episode, Jon takes a step back after the first five episodes of The Honoring Educators Podcast to reflect, process, and share what’s starting to stick. These solo episodes are unedited, unscripted, and intentional — a chance to pause between conversations and talk through what’s being learned in real time. What Jon Is Noticing After five episodes, one thing stands out: th...

In this episode of The Honoring Educators Podcast, Jon sits down with Kate Kawiecki, a school-based occupational therapist, to explore the depth and impact of OT in educational settings. The conversation begins with The Honoring — naming what makes Kate a special educator — followed by her journey into occupational therapy and what her day-to-day work looks like in schools. From there, the episode...

In this episode of The Honoring Educators Podcast, the tables are turned as Jessica McKee interviews Jon about the heart behind the podcast. Before diving in, we take a moment to honor Jessica — a thoughtful educator, trusted colleague, and someone who brings authenticity and care into every conversation. Her presence reflects exactly what this podcast is all about: learning from the people around...

In this episode of The Honoring Educators Podcast, Jon sits down with friend and colleague Sarah Baird, an EI teacher and consultant whose work supporting students, colleagues, and families has had a meaningful impact on the people around her. Sarah shares the story of how she found her way into EI work and the educators who inspired her along the way. Jon and Sarah also have an honest conversatio...

For the first official episode of the Honoring Educators Podcast, Jon sits down with someone who helped shape his understanding of education long before he ever entered a school professionally — his mom, Mary LeFevre, a retired school social worker. This conversation explores the heart of education through stories, laughter, and reflection. Together they talk about peer-to-peer programs, the power...

Welcome to Episode 0 — The Genesis — the true starting point of the Honoring Educators Podcast. This episode serves as the foundation and “true north” for everything that follows. Before any guest interviews begin, this conversation explains why this podcast exists, who it’s for, and what listeners can expect moving forward. This podcast was created to honor the people who make education work — no...