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.

In this episode of The Honoring Educators Podcast, Jon sits down with Kate Kawiecki, a school-based occupational therapist, to explore the depth and impact of OT in educational settings.

The conversation begins with The Honoring — naming what makes Kate a special educator — followed by her journey into occupational therapy and what her day-to-day work looks like in schools.

From there, the episode turns into a practical strategy session, covering:

• Fine motor development and pencil grasp
• Explicit writing instruction and letter formation
• Tracing, handwriting development, and use of materials
• Strategies and supports for left-handed students
• Vision-related challenges and how eye muscles work together
• Regulation strategies to support student readiness
• Attention challenges and how to help students refocus
• Test anxiety and executive functioning supports

Kate also helps break down complex OT terminology into language educators can understand and apply immediately.

The episode closes with reflection on what defines an ideal educator and a conversation around the value and impact of school-based occupational therapy.

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

In this episode of The Honoring Educators Podcast, the tables are turned as Jessica McKee interviews Jon about the heart behind the podcast.

Before diving in, we take a moment to honor Jessica — a thoughtful educator, trusted colleague, and someone who brings authenticity and care into every conversation. Her presence reflects exactly what this podcast is all about: learning from the people around us.

This episode explores the “Genesis” of the podcast — the why behind it, the people who shaped it, and the vision moving forward.

In this episode:

• Jon’s background and journey into education
• Educators who made a lasting impact on his life
• Why this podcast was created — and why now
• What Jon does outside of work to recharge and find joy
• The vision for building a community centered around appreciation and connection
• Gratitude for those who inspired and supported this work
• What it means to truly recognize and honor others

Join the community

If you’d like to be part of the conversation, head over to Facebook and search for “Honoring Educators”, look for the Higgins Lake image, and click follow.

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.