In this episode of the Wired Educator Podcast, Kelly Croy sits down with Greg Honchel, Educational Sales Consultant with IXL Learning, to explore a powerful idea that often gets overlooked in schools: customer service.
Yes… customer service.
Greg shares how putting students first, communicating with clarity, and building authentic partnerships can transform not only business relationships but classrooms, districts, and student outcomes. This is a conversation about leadership, intentional technology use, and how small acts of service create lasting impact.
You are going to love this episode.
Greg Honchel is an Educational Sales Consultant with IXL Learning, partnering with districts across central and northwest Ohio. He works closely with curriculum leaders and principals to help schools evaluate instructional resources, align tools to student needs, and implement data-driven solutions with clarity and purpose.
Prior to joining IXL, Greg spent five years in education, including time as a Physical Education teacher and Athletic Director, before transitioning into financial services leadership. In each role, he focused on relationships, service, and communication.
Greg is known for his authentic leadership style, his commitment to students, and his belief that education is ultimately about serving others well.
IXL Learning
IXL Learning is a comprehensive online learning platform designed to support teachers and students through adaptive practice, diagnostic assessment, and real-time data insights.
Key features discussed in this episode include:
Adaptive skill practice aligned to state standards
Diagnostic assessments in math and ELA
Teacher-created quizzes for formative and summative assessment
ACT and state test preparation
Integration with existing curriculum resources
Vocabulary.com access for ELA subscribers
IXL is built to be teacher-led and student-focused, not a replacement for great instruction, but a powerful support tool when used intentionally.
Customer service is essential in education
Putting students first must guide every decision
Relationships matter more than transactions
Communication should be clear, human, and jargon-free
Gamification can motivate students in powerful ways
Intentional screen time beats passive screen time
Practice may not make perfect, but it makes permanent
Strong partnerships lead to stronger schools
AI can be used creatively to explore big ideas
Educators leave lifelong impact, even when they do not see it immediately
Greg reminds us:
Most of us can remember our teachers by name.
We remember how they made us feel.
We remember who empowered us.
We remember who believed in us.
Even in February.
Even when the snow turns gray.
Even when energy dips.
What you do matters more than you realize.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
by Stephen Covey
Greg highlights two habits in particular:
Be Proactive
Begin with the End in Mind
Both serve as guiding principles for leadership, service, and personal growth.
00:00 – Introduction to Greg Honchel and IXL
02:19 – Greg’s journey in education
05:15 – The importance of customer service in schools
07:43 – Understanding IXL’s impact
10:37 – Teacher-led platforms and student growth
13:09 – Innovative uses of IXL
16:11 – High-quality interventions
18:40 – The value of personal communication
21:37 – Screen time and educational technology
24:10 – Words of wisdom for educators
26:57 – Fun questions and personal insights
To learn more about IXL Learning and its offerings, visit:
https://www.ixl.com
If you would like your book, product, service, conference, or website mentioned or highlighted in the pre-roll of the Wired Educator Podcast, email Kelly at kelly@kellycroy.com.
Kelly is accepting applications for Coaching with Kelly. One seat is available starting in March. Fill out this questionnaire. Kelly will select one person to work with: Complete this Coaching Questionnaire.
Thank you for taking time from your busy week to level up and make a difference in the lives of others.
Kelly Croy is the host of the Wired Educator Podcast, a speaker, author, and Director of Innovation and Instruction. Kelly works with schools and districts across the country on leadership, culture, and growth.
Kelly Croy’s website:
https://kellycroy.com
Kelly’s book, Along Came a Leader
To learn more about having Kelly Croy speak at your event, visit his website to connect.
Thank you for listening and for being part of this community. It is always a great day to be a Wired Educator.
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
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kelly_croy
Podcast: The Wired Educator Podcast Twitter: @kellycroy and of course: Facebook.
Sign-up for Kelly’s newsletter here.
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Lead From Who You Are with Dr. Joe Sanfelippo
In Episode 257 of the Wired Educator Podcast, Kelly Croy interviews Dr. Joe Sanfelippo, nationally recognized speaker, former superintendent, and author of the new book Lead From Who You Are. It has been 122 episodes since Joe’s last appearance on the podcast, making this conversation both timely and meaningful.
Together, Kelly and Joe explore leadership identity, consistency, self-awareness, and what it truly means to show up for others during challenging seasons in education. This episode blends practical leadership insight with personal reflection and encouragement.
Dr. Joe Sanfelippo recently retired after 26 years in education, including 12 years as superintendent of the Fall Creek School District in Fall Creek, Wisconsin. Under his leadership, Fall Creek was named an Innovative District twice by the International Center for Leadership in Education. Joe was named Education Dive’s National Superintendent of the Year in 2019 and was selected by the U.S. Department of Education as a Future Ready Superintendent and Personalized Learning Leader.
Joe is widely known for his leadership reflection videos and is the author of multiple books, including Lead From Where You Are, The One Minute Walk to Work, Hacking Leadership, The Power of Branding, and his newest release, Lead From Who You Are.
Joe Sanfelippo’s website:
https://www.jsanfelippo.com/
Joe’s book, Lead From Who You Are: https://amzn.to/4a6HOiB
This episode focuses on the idea that leadership begins with identity before position. Joe explains why consistency often matters more than charisma and introduces the concept of the “mirror test,” encouraging leaders to reflect on how others experience them.
Kelly and Joe also discuss repairing relationships after mistakes, the importance of vulnerability paired with follow-through, and how leaders can better support educators who are overwhelmed. Joe shares practical advice on meeting people in their space, offering help that is usable and timely, and maintaining steady leadership rhythms regardless of external pressures.
The conversation also touches on comparison, social media, and why late winter can feel isolating for educators. Joe offers a powerful reminder that connection, even with just one person, can make a significant difference.
Leadership starts with knowing who you are before focusing on where you lead
Consistency builds trust more than charisma alone
Vulnerability without action creates doubt, while follow-through builds credibility
Leaders support others best by meeting them where they are
Awareness and regulation help leaders remain steady in difficult moments
Comparison distracts from meaningful leadership work
00:00 Introduction and overview
01:21 Joe Sanfelippo’s journey and the origin of the book
08:56 Awareness, the mirror test, and leadership consistency
11:55 Consistency versus charisma
17:23 Repairing relationships and rebuilding trust
22:42 Supporting overwhelmed educators
30:31 Comparison, social media, and leadership identity
35:56 A message for educators during a challenging season
Kelly Croy is the host of the Wired Educator Podcast, a speaker, author, and Director of Innovation and Instruction. Kelly works with schools and districts across the country on leadership, culture, and growth.
Kelly Croy’s website:
https://kellycroy.com
Kelly’s book, Along Came a Leader
To learn more about having Kelly Croy speak at your event, visit his website to connect.
Summary
In this episode of the Wired Educator Podcast, host Kelly Croy interviews William Grubie, an expert in educational artificial intelligence. They discuss the challenges and opportunities that AI presents in the classroom, the importance of training educators to effectively use AI tools, and the impact of AI on teaching and learning. William shares his journey into the world of AI, practical applications for educators, and success stories from schools that have embraced AI. The conversation also touches on the misconceptions surrounding AI, the need for a balanced approach to technology in education, and the importance of good role models in personal and professional development.
William Grube:
Takeaways
I would also love to invite you to the SEL Symposium on March 20. This event brings together educators focused on student wellness, leadership, and the human side of teaching.
Register here:
https://www.pccsd.net/apps/pages/?type=d&uREC_ID=570812&pREC_ID=1100998
I want to highlight a wonderful new children’s book that blends empathy, problem-solving, and engineering.
Reno’s Toaster Trouble: A Story of Empathy and Engineering by Leah LaCrosse
https://amzn.to/4adpGT7
This is a meaningful story that reminds us why education is always about people.
If your school, district, or organization is looking for a keynote or professional learning session on leadership, AI in education, or building purpose-driven cultures, I would be honored to connect.
Book Kelly Croy for your event here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfqs7wzEfoY2KTQ_UMiNVtjtIRK5IdiwVWl70o5UgEG_wnS8w/viewform
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
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kelly_croy
Podcast: The Wired Educator Podcast Twitter: @kellycroy and of course: Facebook.
Sign-up for Kelly’s newsletter here.