Episode 111 - Doing the Hard Things: A Conversation with Rob Bridges

Almost by definition, doing the hard things is not easy.  It's a choice.  When you do hard things, you make yourself better. You show others what you're willing to do in pursuit of excellence.  And you make a difference that needs to be made, even when others are not as willing to try.  All of these things are key in the role of educators, and for the educational leaders who blaze the path toward excellence.   In this episode of the Educators Among Us podcast, host Scott Barron, Chief Reinvention Officer with School Growth, speaks with Rob Bridges, President at Cathedral High School in Indianapolis, who has done the hard things with excellence across a long educational career. Scott asks Rob about the importance of educators in shaping lives, including his.  They also discuss Rob's journey in various educational settings and the leadership lessons he learned from his time in the Peace Corps.  The conversation emphasizes the calling of educators, the need for joy and kindness in schools, the significance of listening and follow-up, and the importance of work-life balance for educators.  Rob shares insights on building a positive school culture and the impact of dedicated educators on students' lives.  This episode of the Educators Among Us podcast is inspiring to all educators and leaders who want to be the best that they can be and to bring out the best in the people they love and lead.   Takeaways -Education is a calling, not just a job. -The impact of a single educator can last a lifetime. -Leadership requires courage and perseverance. -Building relationships with students is essential. -Joy and kindness should be at the core of education. -Listening to educators is crucial for effective leadership. -Work-life balance is important for sustainability in education. -Creating a positive school culture enhances learning. -Follow-up and personal connections matter in leadership. -Great educators inspire and uplift their colleagues. Chapters 00:48 Introduction 002:35 An Impactful Teacher 05:21 The Road to Becoming an Educator 11:29 Peace Corps to Education 14:05 Authentic Excellence in Education 17:02 Joy and Calling 19:52 Lessons from Today 27:50 An Era of Change/Conclusion _______   Educators Fellowship is a non-profit organization that encourages educators in their calling and in their faith.  www.educatorsamonguspodcast.com www.educatorsamongus.com https://www.edfellowship.org/   Sign up for weekly encouragement messages here:     Buy the book, Love'em and Lead'em, here:     https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottebarron/ https://www.facebook.com/SchoolGrowth/ https://twitter.com/schoolgrowth https://www.linkedin.com/company/school-growth