I had the chance to sit down with Shelley and Anna Helmreich — a mother-daughter duo both working in education — and it honestly felt like one of those conversations that just kind of takes care of itself.

We started off talking about some favorite memories at Higgins Lake (which set the tone pretty quickly), and then got into what community really means — not just in schools, but in life.

That theme carried through the entire conversation.

🔹 What Does Community Really Mean?

Shelley and Anna shared what community looks like to them — the kind that goes beyond the classroom and shows up in everyday life. A big part of this was supporting others through both the good times and the challenging ones… and also being willing to accept that support when you need it.

🔹 Building Community in Schools and Classrooms

We talked about how that same mindset translates into their work with students — what it looks like to build something real with kids, not just something that sounds good on paper.

🔹 A Unique Mother/Daughter Perspective

One of the best parts of this episode was hearing both perspectives side by side:

• Shelley shared what she hopes for Anna as she continues her career in education
• Anna reflected on her mom’s impact and what she sees as her legacy

There were some really genuine and thoughtful moments in this part of the conversation.

🔹 One Word: The Ideal Educator

Each of them shared their “one word” to describe the ideal educator — simple, but always one of my favorite parts of these conversations.

🔹 Why Teaching?

We wrapped things up with both of them making the case for why teaching is still a great profession to get into — with a mix of honesty, humor, and real perspective.

This episode had a little bit of everything — some laughs, some reflection, and a lot of real conversation about what it means to show up for people.

If you’ve ever thought about the role community plays in education (or just in life), this one’s worth a listen.

👉 To continue the conversation and connect with other educators, check out the Honoring Educators Facebook page.

In this episode, I sit down with my friend Mark Abenth — a retired elementary principal, current professor at Saginaw Valley State University, and someone who has spent over 30 years showing up for students and staff the right way.

We start with The Honoring, where I share why Mark means so much to me — not just as a leader, but as a person. He’s approachable, resourceful, and someone who has always put people first. He’s also part of the reason this podcast exists, after a conversation we had about how much it matters to recognize others publicly.

From there, we get into a really honest conversation about what actually works in education when it’s done well.

🔹 What Does “Great” Look Like?

Mark reflects on his career and paints a picture of what it looks like, feels like, and sounds like when a school is truly working. One of the best parts of this — he brings it back to people. Real people who made a real impact along the way.

🔹 His “Best Day” in Education

Not the answer you’d expect — and that’s what made it so good. A reminder that the moments that stick with us in this profession aren’t always the obvious ones.

🔹 Leadership That Actually Supports People

We talk about what great leadership looks like in action — not theory. Mark shares real examples from his time as a principal and what it actually means to show up for your staff.

🔹 Preparing Future Educators

Now working at SVSU, Mark shares what he’s seeing from future teachers and what he’s trying to instill in them before they ever step into their own classrooms.

🔹 One Word: The Ideal Educator

A simple question with a meaningful answer — and a good reminder of what really matters in this work.

🔹 Why Consider Becoming a Principal?

A real, honest look at the role — the impact, the challenges, and why it might be worth it for someone considering that path.

🔹 Legacy

We close with a conversation about how Mark wants to be remembered and what he hopes people say he stood for when it’s all said and done.

This was one of those conversations that just felt natural — like the kind you’d have sitting in an office or grabbing coffee and talking about the work.

If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like when education is done well… this one’s worth a listen.

👉 To continue the conversation and connect with other educators, head over to the Honoring Educators Facebook page.

In this Jonny on the Spot episode, Jon takes a step back after the first five episodes of The Honoring Educators Podcast to reflect, process, and share what’s starting to stick.

These solo episodes are unedited, unscripted, and intentional — a chance to pause between conversations and talk through what’s being learned in real time.

What Jon Is Noticing

After five episodes, one thing stands out: the conversations feel real.

Despite microphones, headsets, and a recorded format, the discussions reflect the same genuine, day-to-day interactions Jon has had with these educators for years — giving listeners an authentic look at who these people truly are.

What’s Still Sitting With Me

Jon reflects on a few lasting takeaways from recent conversations:

• Mary LeFevre (School Social Worker) – The power of honoring others. By telling stories of the people around her, her own story naturally shines through.
• Sarah Baird (Special Education / Behavior Specialist) –
  
  
  • The real work happens before the school day begins — in preparation, intention, and proactive planning.
  • The emotional power of recognizing others and naming their impact.
• Kate Kawiecki (Occupational Therapist) – Even as a high school student, Kate demonstrated deep intentionality — thoughtfully considering environment, regulation, and student needs in a way that foreshadowed the educator she would become.
• Jessica McKee – A shoutout for stepping into an unfamiliar role and facilitating a thoughtful, meaningful conversation.

What Surprised Me

• How relaxed and natural guests have been during conversations
• How quickly 90 minutes of conversation can fly by
• A personal realization: Jon says the word “extremely”… extremely often (working on it)

What I’m Starting to Believe

• Energy matters more than we admit.
  Words like passion, caring, engaging, and curious aren’t passive — they’re active choices educators make every day.
• Stories matter more than advice.
  This podcast isn’t about quick tips — it’s about real stories that show not just what works, but how and why it works in real classrooms and real relationships.

This episode serves as a checkpoint — a moment to reflect, connect the dots, and continue building something meaningful alongside the listeners and guests who make it possible.

To continue the conversation and connect with other educators, head over to the Honoring Educators Facebook page and join the community.