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What does it look like to lead with purpose for more than five decades—and still be growing?

In this powerful Season 3 finale of School on a Mission, we sit down with Linda Jolly, a lifelong educator whose 55-year career spans classrooms, coaching, counseling, campus leadership, district administration, and regional service. From her early days as a teacher and coach to her current role at Region 18 Education Service Center in Texas, Linda reflects on the moments, mentors, and values that shaped her legacy.

With honesty, wisdom, and deep compassion, Linda shares stories of resilience through cancer, lessons learned from leadership transitions, and the profound impact of teachers who see potential before students see it in themselves. She unpacks the core values that sustained her—accountability, courage, compassion, adaptability, and honesty—and offers heartfelt guidance for educators navigating burnout, transition, or questions of calling.

This episode is both a reflection and a benediction—an invitation to remember your why, lead with integrity, and invest in people in ways that last far beyond the classroom.

Key Takeaways

• Legacy is built through consistency, relationships, and values—not titles
• Teachers shape lives when they see and name potential in students
• Emotional resilience grows through purpose, reflection, and service
• Leadership is about trust, delegation, and creating space for others to lead
• Teaching is a gift—and how you use your gifts becomes your legacy

🚀 Welcome to the School on a Mission Podcast! 🎙️

Hosted by Andrew McPeak and Gina Watts, this podcast is for educators, school leaders, and change-makers who believe in building schools where leadership, character, and social-emotional growth matter just as much as academics. If you believe education should inspire, equip, and empower the next generation—you’re in the right place!

Each episode features engaging conversations, expert insights, and real-world strategies to help you create a school culture where students thrive. From leadership principles and community engagement to AI in education and social media strategy, we tackle the most pressing topics in modern education.

🎧 New episodes drop regularly—don’t miss out!

💡 Connect with us at schoolonamissionpodcast.com

📲 Follow us on social media & join the conversation!

🔹 The School on a Mission Podcast is produced by Growing Leaders, powered by the Maxwell Leadership Foundation.

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In this heartwarming and honest episode of School on a Mission, we sit down with Caroline Hall, a first-year fourth-grade teacher in Georgia who just wrapped up her first year in the classroom. With vulnerability, humor, and a whole lot of heart, Caroline reflects on what it means to step into education, build resilience, and keep showing up—especially when the work gets messy. From controlled chaos to creamer coupons, she shares stories of impact, grace, and growth. Whether you’re a new educator, a seasoned leader, or someone mentoring the next generation of teachers, this episode is a powerful reminder that even first-year teachers can make a lifelong difference.

🚀 Welcome to the School on a Mission Podcast! 🎙️

Hosted by Andrew McPeak and Gina Watts, this podcast is for educators, school leaders, and change-makers who believe in building schools where leadership, character, and social-emotional growth matter just as much as academics. If you believe education should inspire, equip, and empower the next generation—you’re in the right place!

Each episode features engaging conversations, expert insights, and real-world strategies to help you create a school culture where students thrive. From leadership principles and community engagement to AI in education and social media strategy, we tackle the most pressing topics in modern education.

🎧 New episodes drop regularly—don’t miss out!

💡 Connect with us at schoolonamissionpodcast.com

📲 Follow us on social media & join the conversation!

🔹 The School on a Mission Podcast is produced by Growing Leaders, powered by the Maxwell Leadership Foundation.

Send us a text

In this episode of School on a Mission, we step into the world of higher education with Dr. R.D. Saunders, President of Ohio Christian University. With a leadership journey rooted in faith, humility, and decades of experience, Dr. Saunders shares what it means to lead in today’s pressure-packed higher ed landscape. From faculty burnout to enrollment shifts to personal resilience, this conversation is a masterclass in values-based leadership. We explore the role of confidence born from humility, how daily habits shape emotional stamina, and why education is one of the most transformational callings of our time. Whether you lead in a university, a high school, or a boardroom—this episode will challenge and encourage you to lead with purpose, lift others, and stay grounded when the pressure rises.

🚀 Welcome to the School on a Mission Podcast! 🎙️

Hosted by Andrew McPeak and Gina Watts, this podcast is for educators, school leaders, and change-makers who believe in building schools where leadership, character, and social-emotional growth matter just as much as academics. If you believe education should inspire, equip, and empower the next generation—you’re in the right place!

Each episode features engaging conversations, expert insights, and real-world strategies to help you create a school culture where students thrive. From leadership principles and community engagement to AI in education and social media strategy, we tackle the most pressing topics in modern education.

🎧 New episodes drop regularly—don’t miss out!

💡 Connect with us at schoolonamissionpodcast.com

📲 Follow us on social media & join the conversation!

🔹 The School on a Mission Podcast is produced by Growing Leaders, powered by the Maxwell Leadership Foundation.