Episode Guest: Joe Miller, Port Clinton High School ELA Teacher & Symposium Founder
Host: Kelly Croy
"We learn for life, not for school." In this episode of The Wired Educator, Kelly Croy sits down with Joe Miller, the driving force behind the 3rd Annual SEL and Mental Wellness Symposium.
Joe isn't just a dedicated High School ELA teacher; he is a masterclass in leadership who leads from the classroom. Today, Joe and Kelly discuss the "heart of the work"—the transformative power of prioritizing student well-being to unlock academic excellence. If you believe that rigor is built through relationships, this conversation is for you.
Joe Miller is a teacher who continuously advocates for his students, district, and community. After earning his bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Dayton, Miller moved south to teach in Charlotte, North Carolina for six years.
When: Friday, March 20th | Where: Port Clinton, Ohio
Theme: Rigor Through Relationships
Joe and Kelly preview the incredible lineup for this year’s event, including:
Morning Keynote: Casey Cuny (2024 California Teacher of the Year) on SEL and AI.
The Wired Educator Live: A live podcast recording during the event with Casey Cuny!
Afternoon Keynote: Kurt Russell (2022 National Teacher of the Year) on student-centered learning.
Featured Speakers: Paul LaRue (President of the State Board of Ed) and Ohio Teachers of the Year Chris Monsour, Daneé Pinckney, and Mark Lowrie.
The "Engine" of Advocacy: How Joe transitioned from a classroom teacher to the visionary behind a major regional symposium.
Educators Rising: Why we must empower students today to become the teachers of tomorrow.
Rigor vs. Relationship: Why academic excellence cannot be reached through curriculum alone; it requires a foundation of trust.
AI & The New Era: How technology like AI changes the landscape, but increases the need for grounded human connection.
Core Memories: The importance of creating moments in education that students carry with them forever.
Register for the Symposium: Early Bird Registration & Full Speaker List
Joe’s Book Recommendation: The Power of Moments by Chip Heath: Order the Book on Amazon
Join the Movement: Educators Rising Official Site
[00:00] Intro: Joe Miller’s Impact and the Vision for the Symposium.
[05:53] Why Relationships Matter: Moving beyond the daily grind.
[11:05] Inspiring the Future: The Educators Rising program.
[14:06] Symposium Preview: Rigor Through Relationships.
[19:36] The Role of SEL in Academic Success.
[29:36] AI in the Classroom: Opportunities and Challenges.
[32:40] Creating Memorable Moments: Learning for life.
"When we prioritize the well-being of our students and ourselves, we unlock a level of academic excellence that simply cannot be reached through curriculum alone."
"Joe Miller is a true example of what it means to lead from the classroom."
You are awesome!
Kelly
I would like to speak at your event!
I love opening day keynotes to school districts and conferences, workshops with leaders and any opportunity to help educators reignite their passion, build stronger connections with students and colleagues, improve instruction, and level up as leaders. I hope YOU will reach out to ME!
Order Kelly’s books, Along Came a Leader and Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness for your personal library.
Educator, Author, Keynote Speaker
Instagram: @kcroy
Website: kellycroy.com and wirededucator.com
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What if this year did not just happen to you, but you designed it on purpose?
In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, I reflect on the power of goal setting, intention, and personal growth for educators and leaders. This is not about resolutions that fade by February. It is about choosing focus, taking action, and building momentum in your work, your health, and your life.
I share my personal priority for the year with a strong focus on physical well-being and explain why choosing one clear priority can unlock progress in every other area. We explore why sharing goals creates accountability, why goal setting is an act of leadership, and how community and collaboration elevate the work we do in education.
I also highlight exciting updates to the podcast, a powerful professional learning opportunity in social emotional learning, and ways you can continue growing long after this episode ends.
Episode Takeaways
It is important to have intention and take action.
Goal setting is leadership, not just personal growth.
Sharing goals creates accountability and momentum.
Choosing one priority increases focus and clarity.
Physical well-being fuels professional effectiveness.
You can start fresh any day of the year.
Community and collaboration strengthen education.
Innovative tools improve learning and sharing.
Social-emotional learning is essential.
Consistency matters more than perfection.
The Greatest Year of Your Life Course
Join my course here:
https://www.skool.com/kelly-croy-7161/about?ref=39319fa9311b45d6a2d867898975888e
When you join, you receive this course and all future courses and content. New content is added every month.
Free Workbook Sample
Here is a 14-page sample from the 135-page workbook, including a powerful template you can use while listening to this podcast:
https://kellycroy.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/14-Page-of-135-Sample-of-The-Greatest-Year-of-Your-Life-Workbook-by-Kelly-Croy-.pdf
Want a larger sample of the workbook?
Sign up for my newsletter here:
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Social Emotional Learning and Mental Wellness Symposium
Hosted by Port Clinton City Schools
Created & Organized by Joe Miller
SEL Symposium Website:
https://www.pccsd.net/apps/pages/?type=d&uREC_ID=570812&pREC_ID=1100998
Register Here:
https://forms.gle/ZoSL9Rxu34d4dpxRA
Morning Keynote Speaker
Casey Cuny
SEL, AI, and the New Era of Rigor Through Relationships
2024 California Teacher of the Year
National leader in social emotional learning and artificial intelligence
Watch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dz6W1-pIjI
Afternoon Keynote Speaker
Kurt Russell
Many Rivers to Cross
2022 National Teacher of the Year
Expert in student-centered instruction, inclusive curriculum, and advocacy
Breakout Speakers Include
Paul LaRue, President of the State Board of Education
Chris Monsour, 2026 Ohio Teacher of the Year
Danee Pinckney, 2025 Ohio Teacher of the Year
Mark Lowrie, 2024 Ohio Teacher of the Year
Award-winning authors
Licensed professional clinical counselors
School resource officers
Bring a team of teachers, counselors, or administrators to save even more. Each attendee receives access to all keynotes and breakout sessions, a continental breakfast, lunch, and 6.5 contact hours.
Join us on March 20 in Port Clinton, Ohio for a day that will positively impact you and your colleagues and send you back to your school with practical ideas you can use immediately.
Order My Books
Explore All of My Creative Work
https://linktr.ee/kellycroy
I Would Love to Speak at Your Event
I love opening day keynotes for school districts and conferences, leadership workshops, and any opportunity to help educators reignite their passion, build stronger connections, improve instruction, and level up as leaders.
Yes, let’s make it happen here:
https://forms.gle/Svsgd4pug4KxvGXj7
Thanks for listening, and here’s to building the greatest year of your life starting right now.