S3 E14 - Legacy of Learning: Reflecting on a Career in Education with Linda Jolly
Thu Jan 08 2026
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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 titlesTeachers shape lives when they see and name potential in studentsEmotional resilience grows through purpose, reflection, and serviceLeadership is about trust, delegation, and creating space for others to leadTeaching 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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Send us a text 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 titlesTeachers shape lives when they see and name potential in studentsEmotional resilience grows through purpose, reflection, and serviceLeadership is about trust, delegation, and creating space for others to leadTeaching 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.