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 conversation reflecting on the clip chart discussion that many educators experienced years ago, embracing a conversation about how those tools were used in classrooms and some of the unintended impacts they may have had along the way.

The episode also includes a discussion on verbal and nonverbal de-escalation strategies, exploring ways educators can approach both preventative and reactive situations when supporting students with complex needs.

This episode is a warm conversation between two friends reflecting on the profession they care deeply about and the people who helped shape their journeys.

In this episode we discuss:

• Why Jon wanted to interview Sarah

• The educators who inspired Sarah

• Supporting colleagues and community in education

• The clip chart discussion and lessons learned

• Verbal and nonverbal de-escalation strategies for preventative and reactive situations

• One word that defines the ideal educator

• Why someone should consider working in EI teaching, consulting, or paraprofessional roles

About the Podcast

The Honoring Educators Podcast celebrates the educators, support staff, and leaders who shape lives and communities through their work in schools.

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 of relationships, the unsung heroes who keep schools running, and what great educators do that often goes unnoticed.

More than anything, this episode sets the tone for what this podcast is about: honoring the people behind the work and learning from the stories that shaped them.

If you hear names mentioned throughout the episode, know that they’re shared with appreciation — because education is always a team effort.

🔹 In this episode:

• Peer-to-peer programs and why they mattered

• The characteristics of great general and special education teachers

• Unsung heroes in school buildings

• The START Project out of Grand Valley State University

• Stories, laughter, and lessons learned across a career in education

⭐ If this episode resonates with you, share it with an educator who made a difference in your life.

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 — not just teachers, but everyone who plays a role in supporting students and school communities. Through real conversations, storytelling, and reflection, the goal is to recognize the quiet superpowers of educators, learn from one another, and build a community rooted in appreciation, curiosity, and growth.

In this episode, Jon shares:

• The personal story behind starting the podcast
• Why vulnerability and authenticity matter here
• The mission of honoring past, present, and future educators
• The idea that every educator has unique “superpowers” worth recognizing
• The vision for building a positive, reflective community around the work of education
• The expectations for this space: conversation over combat, curiosity over certainty

This isn’t about experts talking at you.

It’s about real people sharing real stories — and learning together along the way.

If you’re an educator, support staff member, student, future educator, or simply someone who believes education matters, you’re in the right place.

Thank you for being here at the very beginning.