Collaborative Conversations: Equipping and Empowering Christian EdLeaders

What makes a teacher stay (and thrive!) beyond year one? In this episode, we launch our monthly theme, The Warm Welcome: Designing a First Year That Keeps Great Teachers , alongside our guest, Peter Welle , Director of Teaching & Learning at Southwest Christian High School . Hosts Joanna and Amanda explore how intentional onboarding and people-first leadership can shape the future of your staf...

What does it look like for a Christian school to practice “unreasonable hospitality”? In this episode of Collaborative Conversations , Joanna sits down with Christian school leader, author, and speaker Jim McKenzie to explore how schools can move beyond excellent service and create cultures where students, families, and staff truly feel seen, valued, and cared for. Drawing inspiration from the boo...

In this episode, Joanna and Angela sit down with David Hoffner , Director of the Office of Faith Formation at Minnehaha Academy in Minneapolis, to explore what faithful, grounded leadership development looks like in Christian schools. David brings a rare blend of pastoral depth, academic rigor, and practical wisdom to the conversation. He shares how his leadership style has evolved over nearly two...

What does it really mean to articulate the distinct value of a Christian education, especially when students and families are weighing post-secondary options? In this conversation, Angela sits down with Janet Pargeter from NACCAP , the North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals, to explore just that. From rankings and ROI to spiritual formation and vocational discernment, this...

In this episode of Collaborative Conversations, we sit down with Kelly Mack , Director of Guidance and Academic Programming at Concordia Academy , to explore what it truly means to show appreciation to teachers all year long. Drawing from her journey as both a classroom teacher and school leader, Kelly shares a powerful reminder: meaningful appreciation begins with truly knowing your people. When...

May is one of the most meaningful (and most demanding) months in any school leader's calendar. In this episode, we sit down with Josh Thurston , Principal at North Heights Christian Academy , to talk about how to lead well when the calendar feels like it's running the show. Josh brings a refreshing perspective on the "fourth quarter" of the school year — one rooted in rhythms, in...

Join hosts Amanda and Joanna as they sit down with veteran school leader—and 2010 "High School Principal of the Year" (MN Association of Secondary School Principals)— Dr. Bruce Locklear to explore the art and science of leading effective board meetings. With decades of experience across seven school districts, Bruce shares hard-won wisdom on one of the most critical (and often challengin...

In this inaugural episode of Collaborative Conversations , we sit down with Joel Nydam , Lower School Principal at Legacy Christian Academy, to explore why choosing a theme—not just a goal—can transform a school’s focus, culture, and clarity. Joel shares practical ways he’s used themes to align teams, encourage staff, and ground school rhythms in Gospel purpose. We also talk about how leaders can...

Launching January 2026