Collaborative Conversations: Equipping and Empowering Christian EdLeaders

About Collaborative Conversations: Equipping and Empowering Christian EdLeaders

Hosted by The Collaborative team, Collaborative Conversations: Equipping and Empowering Christian EdLeaders engages Christian school leaders from across the country in meaningful dialogue shaped by faith, experience, and practice. Each episode explores the real issues facing Christian school leadership today, including sustainability, school culture, collaboration, innovation, and navigating complexity with wisdom and courage. Through honest conversation and shared insight, this podcast offers clarity, encouragement, and connection for those called to lead Christ-centered schools.

Publisher

The Collaborative

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

16 Jan 2026

Latest episode

19 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

14 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   19 Oct 2026

   Get Out of the Canoe

   In this episode of Collaborative Conversations podcast, hosts Joanna and Angela sit down with Chad Peters, Head of School at United Christian Academy (https://www.ucathunder.org/), to talk about leading in a constantly changing world. Chad shares what it took to bring three separate schools together into one, the adaptive challenge every Christian school is facing right now (staying rooted in mission while everything else shifts fast), and how his staff walked through a hard season of loss last year by praying over the building every Monday morning. He also talks about the shift in his own approach with students, moving from asking "how are you feeling" to asking "who are you going to bless today?" The conversation sets up The Collaborative's November 12 EdLeader Event (https://beacollaborator.com/event/2026-november-12-edleader-collaborative/)featuring Tod Bolsinger (https://www.linkedin.com/in/todbolsinger), author of Canoeing the Mountains, whose Lewis and Clark metaphor for adaptive leadership runs through the whole episode. Resources mentioned in this episode: Canoeing the Mountains: Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory (https://www.ivpress.com/canoeing-the-mountains?srsltid=AfmBOoqhfe9NJUbU2X8rTWuII5Tm7t7WLX2qD42IYKp7rrvllJIoC54A) by Tod Bolsinger. Download the Collaborative Book Club Guide (https://beacollaborator.com/mp-files/canoeing-in-the-mountains-reading-guide.pdf/)! Bad Therapy (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/716567/bad-therapy-by-abigail-shrier/) by Abigail Shrier. Register for the November 12 EdLeader Collaborative Event featuring Tod Bolsinger: (https://beacollaborator.com/event/2026-november-12-edleader-collaborative/)BeacollaboratorNovember 12 - EdLeader Collaborative - The Collaborative (https://beacollaborator.com/event/2026-november-12-edleader-collaborative/) beacollaborator.com/events (http://beacollaborator.com/events)

2. 

   5 Oct 2026

   Get on the Balcony: Collaborative EdLeader November 12th Event Preview

   In this mini episode of Collaborative Conversations, Joanna sits down with Tod Bolsinger, author of Canoeing the Mountains and co-founder and principal of AE Sloan Leadership. He previews what he'll share at The Collaborative's November 12 EdLeader Event, Leadership in a Constantly Changing World. Tod explains how his own church's numbers kept climbing while morale kept sinking, which led him to adaptive leadership and to Lewis and Clark's moment at Lemhi Pass, where the canoes that got them there were useless against the mountains ahead. He names the traps that good leaders fall into: trying to outwork the problem, trying to keep everyone happy, and trying to win every argument. He also describes adaptive leadership as a practice of discernment, where a school asks what is so central to its calling that it must be preserved, and what it can let go to protect it. Tod closes with a practice leaders can start right away, called "getting on the balcony," and he makes the case with a middle school dance chaperone. Resources mentioned in this episode: Canoeing the Mountains: Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory (https://www.amazon.com/Canoeing-Mountains-Christian-Leadership-Uncharted/dp/0830841261)by Tod Bolsinger How Not to Waste a Crisis: Quit Trying Harder (https://www.amazon.com/How-Not-Waste-Crisis-Practicing/dp/1514008661) by Tod Bolsinger, from the Practicing Change Series. It runs about 70 pages and is also available as an audiobook. AE Sloan Leadership (https://www.aesloanleadership.com/) Register for the November 12 EdLeader Collaborative Event featuring Tod Bolsinger (https://beacollaborator.com/event/2026-november-12-edleader-collaborative/) beacollaborator.com/events (http://beacollaborator.com/events) Before November 12: Download the Collaborative Book Club Guide (https://beacollaborator.com/mp-files/canoeing-in-the-mountains-reading-guide.pdf/) to start thinking through the ideas ahead of the event. Tod also suggests naming the one problem at your school that keeps coming back no matter how hard you try.

3. 

   21 Sept 2026

   Just Ask: Building a Culture of Generosity at Your School with Larry Chinn

   What if fundraising was less about asking for money and more about inviting people into meaningful partnership?In this episode of Collaborative Conversations, Amanda Kopischke and Joanna talk with Larry Chinn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-chinn-10021b4/), Development Director at New Life Academy, about what it takes to build a lasting culture of generosity in a Christian school.Drawing on 20 years of fundraising experience, Larry shares why generosity is ultimately about relationships, impact, and discipleship. He offers practical ways development leaders can bring boards, school leaders, teachers, families, and even students into the work, from sharing stories of impact to introducing generosity during the admissions process. He also explains why an annual fund can be a powerful starting point for schools that are just beginning to develop a culture of giving. Along the way, Larry challenges the idea that fundraising is simply "asking for money." Instead, he encourages leaders to give people opportunities to participate in work they care about, show them the difference their generosity makes, and trust them to decide how they want to respond.And for leaders who still feel hesitant about making the ask? Larry shares the advice that has stayed with him throughout his career: Just ask. Resources & References Mentioned: New Life Academy (https://www.newlifeacademy.org/) New Life Academy Annual Fund (https://www.newlifeacademy.org/give/annual-fund/) Dalat International School (https://www.dalat.org/) Biblica (https://www.biblica.com/) Jerold "Jerry" Panas (https://panaslinzy.com/staff/jerold-panas/), fundraising leader and author Larry credits with the advice to "just ask" The Moves Management Manual (https://instituteforgiving.org/the-moves-management-manual/), coauthored by Jerry Panas Sunshine Coffee Co. in Lake Elmo, Minnesota (https://www.sunshinecoffeemn.com/), Larry's local coffee recommendation Theodore Roosevelt National Park (https://www.nps.gov/thro/), another Larry recommendation

4. 

   17 Aug 2026

   Welcoming New Families with Ria Thurston and Kelsey Cocchiarella of Concordia Academy.

   How can Christian schools help new families feel welcomed, known, and truly connected before the first day of school ever begins? In this episode of Collaborative Conversations, Angela and Joanna sit down with Ria Thurston, Director of Admissions at Concordia Academy (https://www.concordiaacademy.com/) and Kelsey Cocchiarella (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelsey-cocchiarella-1a345b73/), Director of Admissions and International Enrollment, to talk about creating an onboarding experience rooted in belonging, hospitality, and intentional connection. Ria and Kelsey share practical ways their team welcomes new students and families, from thoughtful communication through Beacon Beginnings emails to high-energy events like registration night, Beacon Kickoff, and first-day welcome crews. They also discuss how student ambassadors, teachers, coaches, family life groups, and the Beacon Block help ensure students are seen, known by name, and connected early. Inspired by the idea of Unreasonable Hospitality (https://www.unreasonablehospitality.com/who-we-are), this conversation explores how schools can welcome new families with intentionality, belonging, and thoughtful surprise-and-delight moments.

5. 

   20 Jul 2026

   A Collaborative Impact: Looking Back, Moving Forward with The Collaborative Team

   In this episode of Collaborative Conversations, Amanda (https://www.linkedin.com/in/akopischke), Angela (https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-anderson-m-a-533036134/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_search_srp_people%3BV5qJwC6bQEKoPhuQtDA5Ow%3D%3D), and Joanna (https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-richter-443071110/) take a moment to reflect on where The Collaborative began, how God has been at work, and what is ahead for Christian EdLeaders. What started in 2020 as a simple desire to gather Christian school leaders has grown into a broader community committed to connection, shared resources, professional development, and the belief that we are stronger together than we are alone. In this conversation, the team shares the heart behind The Collaborative, recent growth in member schools and shared services, and the encouraging ways leaders are engaging across the community. You’ll also hear what is coming next, including upcoming events, mastermind opportunities, monthly podcasts, Lunch and Learns, CEU resources, and new ways The Collaborative is continuing to serve and strengthen Christian schools. Whether you have been part of The Collaborative since the beginning or are just getting to know this community, this episode is an invitation to pause, celebrate God’s faithfulness, and look ahead with hope. Links Mentioned in This Episode: The Collaborative Events: beacollaborator.com/events (http://beacollaborator.com/events) The Collaborative Mastermind: beacollaborator.com/mastermind (http://beacollaborator.com/mastermind) The Collaborative Impact Report: Beacollaboratorbeacollaborator.com/mp-files/2025-2026-c... (https://beacollaborator.com/mp-files/2025-2026-collaborative-impact-report.pdf/) Member School Information: beacollaborator.com/member-schools/ (https://beacollaborator.com/member-schools/) August 6 Event Registration: beacollaborator.com/events/the-collaborative-edleader-event-august-6-2026/ (https://beacollaborator.com/events/the-collaborative-edleader-event-august-6-2026/) Dr. Jodi’s Afternoon Session: beacollaborator.com/event/august-6-general-ed-teacher-training-member-school-only/ (https://beacollaborator.com/event/august-6-general-ed-teacher-training-member-school-only/) Member Dashboard / Shared Resources: beacollaborator.com/member-dashboard/ (https://beacollaborator.com/member-dashboard/)

6. 

   15 Jun 2026

   The Warm Welcome: Designing a First Year That Keeps Great Teachers with Peter Welle

   What makes a teacher stay (and thrive!) beyond year one? In this episode, we launch our monthly theme, The Warm Welcome: Designing a First Year That Keeps Great Teachers, alongside our guest, Peter Welle (https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-welle-b5463a85/), Director of Teaching & Learning at Southwest Christian High School (https://www.swchs.org/). Hosts Joanna (https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-richter-443071110/) and Amanda (https://www.linkedin.com/in/akopischke/) explore how intentional onboarding and people-first leadership can shape the future of your staff and your school. Drawing from a recent Collaborative conversation, Peter shares what it looks like to truly care for your people, from customized development to building systems that support rather than overwhelm new team members. You will hear practical insights on how strong first-year experiences lead to better communication, deeper alignment, and long-term retention. One key idea we return to is this: when we design with people in mind, we do not just improve operations. We strengthen culture. As you listen, consider where your first-year experience might be falling short and what small shifts could create a more welcoming, life-giving start for your teachers. And if you want to learn more about the work of the collaborative, please head to beacollaborator.com (http://beacollaborator.com). Until next time, keep learning, leading, and collaborating.

7. 

   26 May 2026

   August EdLeader Event Preview: Unreasonable Hospitality in Christian Schools with Jim Mckenzie

   What does it look like for a Christian school to practice “unreasonable hospitality”? In this episode of Collaborative Conversations, Joanna sits down with Christian school leader, author, and speaker Jim McKenzie (https://jcmckenzie.com/) to explore how schools can move beyond excellent service and create cultures where students, families, and staff truly feel seen, valued, and cared for. Drawing inspiration from the book Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara, Jim shares why hospitality is not just a business principle, but a deeply Christian practice rooted in the example of Jesus. Together, they discuss practical ways schools can build intentional, repeatable systems of care that shape school culture and strengthen community. In this conversation, you’ll hear: Why hospitality is about how people feel, not just what we do How Christian schools can embody their mission through everyday interactions Jim’s “Always, If, Wow” framework for creating meaningful experiences A powerful story of a student who simply “needed a win” Why every role in a school can contribute to a culture of hospitality Whether you are a head of school, teacher, admissions leader, or support staff member, this episode offers practical encouragement and fresh vision for serving your school community with intentionality and grace. If you want to hear more, join us August 6, 2026 in Minneapolis at our upcoming event featuring Jim!

8. 

   18 May 2026

   Growing in Your Leadership and Developing Leaders Around You with David Hoffner

   In this episode, Joanna and Angela sit down with David Hoffner (https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-hoffner-4901496b), Director of the Office of Faith Formation at Minnehaha Academy (https://www.minnehahaacademy.net/) in Minneapolis, to explore what faithful, grounded leadership development looks like in Christian schools.David brings a rare blend of pastoral depth, academic rigor, and practical wisdom to the conversation. He shares how his leadership style has evolved over nearly two decades at Minnehaha, what he looks for when identifying leadership potential in teachers and staff, and why he believes every teacher is already a school leader whether they hold that title or not.You'll hear him reflect on the biblical principles that shape how he leads, the habits that sustain him, and the advice that has stayed with him since his very first year in the classroom.This is the kind of iron-sharpens-iron conversation The Collaborative exists to create. Learn more about The Collaborative's Mastermind, a leadership community built for Christian EdLeaders who want to lead with clarity and grow in community: https://beacollaborator.com/mastermind/ (https://beacollaborator.com/mastermind/)

9. 

   29 Apr 2026

   NACCAP Lunch & Learn: The Value of Christian Higher Education

   What does it really mean to articulate the distinct value of a Christian education, especially when students and families are weighing post-secondary options? In this conversation, Angela sits down with Janet Pargeter (https://www.linkedin.com/in/janet-pargeter-69a71942/) from NACCAP (https://www.naccap.org/), the North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals, to explore just that. From rankings and ROI to spiritual formation and vocational discernment, this session is designed to help Christian school leaders and educators confidently speak to what makes faith-based higher education worth choosing. Whether you are a dean, admissions counselor, guidance counselor, or school leader walking alongside high schoolers as they pray forward their next steps, this conversation offers practical language and renewed perspective for the work you are already doing. NACAP serves PreK-12 schools and higher education institutions across the country through conferences and membership opportunities. Learn more at beacollaborator.com. If you hold a principal or administrative license and are looking for continuing education units, our next Mastermind cohort begins August 2026. Learn more at beacollaborator.com/mastermind.

10. 

    20 Apr 2026

    Honoring the People In Front of You with Kelly Mack

    In this episode of Collaborative Conversations, we sit down with Kelly Mack (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-mack-02b32b32), Director of Guidance and Academic Programming at Concordia Academy (https://www.concordiaacademy.com/), to explore what it truly means to show appreciation to teachers all year long. Drawing from her journey as both a classroom teacher and school leader, Kelly shares a powerful reminder: meaningful appreciation begins with truly knowing your people. When leaders take time to understand the daily realities, challenges, and unique needs of their teachers, appreciation becomes authentic, not performative. Together, we unpack simple, practical ways to build a culture where teachers feel seen, supported, and valued. From intentional hallway walkthroughs to personalized encouragement, Kelly highlights how small, consistent actions can have a lasting impact on teacher morale, retention, and overall school culture. We also lean into the tension leaders often face, balancing appreciation with accountability. Kelly offers wisdom on leading with clarity, respect, and empathy, reminding us that honoring teachers includes both encouragement and honest, growth-oriented conversations. Finally, this conversation calls in the broader school community, students and families, to play a role in affirming teachers through specific, timely words of gratitude. If you are seeking to strengthen your school culture and care well for your staff, this episode will both encourage and equip you. BONUS: We have created a way for you to show appreciation to those you lead. Download our ready-to-print appreciation cards (https://beacollaborator.com/mp-files/appreciation_card_packet.pdf/)and say "thank you" to those who support your school's mission everyday.

11. 

    23 Mar 2026

    Preparing for MAYhem with Josh Thurston

    May is one of the most meaningful (and most demanding) months in any school leader's calendar. In this episode, we sit down with Josh Thurston (https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-thurston-72424748/), Principal at North Heights Christian Academy (https://northheights.academy/), to talk about how to lead well when the calendar feels like it's running the show. Josh brings a refreshing perspective on the "fourth quarter" of the school year — one rooted in rhythms, intentionality, and keeping the mission front and center even when everything feels urgent. From protecting chapel time and creating space for staff worship, to asking the hard question of why your school does the events it does, Josh offers practical and faith-grounded wisdom for any leader navigating the beautiful chaos of spring. You'll walk away encouraged to shift from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance, to know your staff's gifts deeply enough to deploy them wisely, and to give yourself the grace to be human in a season that demands a lot. Whether you're a head of school, a principal, or a teacher leader, this conversation is for you. In this episode: leading with people first, protecting joy in busy seasons, the power of solitude, blocking your calendar with purpose, and why Christian education has an advantage.

12. 

    23 Feb 2026

    Leading Effective Board Meetings with Dr. Bruce Locklear

    Join hosts Amanda and Joanna as they sit down with veteran school leader—and 2010 "High School Principal of the Year" (MN Association of Secondary School Principals)—Dr. Bruce Locklear (https://www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-locklear-b8242413/) to explore the art and science of leading effective board meetings. With decades of experience across seven school districts, Bruce shares hard-won wisdom on one of the most critical (and often challenging) responsibilities in Christian school leadership. What You’ll Learn: Bruce unpacks what makes a board meeting truly effective by centering three essentials: mission alignment, communication clarity, and space for every voice. He shares practical strategies for building trust with your board chair, preparing well-crafted agendas, and following up with intention. You’ll hear stories and examples that emphasize why the real work of board leadership begins long before the meeting and continues after the room clears. This episode also speaks directly to new leaders, offering encouragement rooted in patience, prayer, and the value of mentors. Ultimately, Bruce reminds us that leading a school board isn’t about control. It’s about partnership, stewardship, and surrendering outcomes to God’s leading. Key Takeaways: Anchor decisions in mission, communicate with clarity, and invite authentic voice. Meet regularly with your board chair. Use agendas, shared docs, and prep conversations to avoid long, unfocused meetings. Always follow up: clarify assignments, check in, and serve board members well. Navigate misalignment with courage and keep the "main thing" the main thing.

13. 

    22 Jan 2026

    How Themes Shape School Culture with Joel Nydam

    In this inaugural episode of Collaborative Conversations, we sit down with Joel Nydam (https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-nydam-26123a108/), Lower School Principal at Legacy Christian Academy, (https://www.lcamn.org/) to explore why choosing a theme—not just a goal—can transform a school’s focus, culture, and clarity. Joel shares practical ways he’s used themes to align teams, encourage staff, and ground school rhythms in Gospel purpose. We also talk about how leaders can discern their theme, keep it present throughout the year, and use it to foster shared language and lasting impact. If you’re feeling the tension between wanting focus and avoiding overload, this episode will offer both inspiration and next steps. Bonus: Joel also shares favorite books, creative routines, and why prayer—and board games—matter in leadership. Theme Spotlight: Exceptional Experiences through Radical Servanthood Bonus Resource: Our Theme Finder (https://beacollaborator.com/mp-files/2026-theme-finder.pdf/) guide for personal and professional reflection

14. 

    16 Jan 2026

    Collaborative Podcast Trailer

    Launching January 2026

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Apple Podcasts (US)

4.3 / 5

6 ratings

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