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...

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...

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, ble...

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. 

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.

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. 

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...

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.

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 mos t.

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.

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.

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. 

All behavior is communication. Join Molly, Dr. Eve, and guest Gabriel Cárdenas, Principal at Evergreen Elementary and former Principal a t 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.

Welcome to Season 5 of The Empowering Teache r 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.

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.

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...

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...

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.