the school connect podcast
Tune in to hear the stories of everyday heroes – normal people just like you and me – who joined forces to overcome challenging community problems in powerful and creative ways

Everyday Heroes Like YOU!
We are not powerless to build the world our children deserve. Every day, normal people work together to overcome challenging community problems in powerful and creative ways.
Tune in to the School Connect Podcast to hear stories of the Village: local leaders who come together with passion and tenacity to fight for their communities. Whether it is a mentoring group started by a local fire department, a local faith leader connecting with parents, or a principal reassuring a traumatized child that she is not alone – their journeys give us the courage to create the change we hope to see.

Meet Your Hosts!
They might be known for their influence, network, and trail blazing efforts on behalf of the next generation, but our favorite thing about hosts Tracey Beal and Tim Tiller is their uncanny knack for saying out loud what we are all trying to figure out. How did that person do it? Am I the only one feeling confused and alone? What is the pattern to these everyday heroes who chose a different path? How do I get connected to people like that??
Every episode peels back the curtain to reveal the story of another everyday hero – just like you and me – who decided to stand up and use what they had to make a difference!
TUNE IN HERE!
Or listen on your favorite platform linked below!
share your story
We all make choices every day about what matters in our world. Who depends on us? What is worth our time, effort, and courage? How can we work together to create the change we hope to see?
Complete the form below to share your story! Tracey and Tim are looking for inspiring stories for a special segment called YOUR Life Matters featuring short stories from people who are using what they have to make a difference in their world. Apply today!
Want to connect in-person with more everyday heroes?

Love Our Schools
Join a project with other leaders for Love Our Schools Day to strategically impact the greatest goals of the school!

School Connect Awards
Help us honor champions of education both inside and outside the classroom!

Connect at a CAFE
Connect with school leadership to learn how you can make a difference! Join A CAFE!

School Connect Summit
Network with top leaders across the state to form strategic partnerships that change outcomes for kids!
Join Our Village
Doing this alone is impossible; it takes all of us working together to make a difference.
Latest Podcast

News & Events

Champions of Education Awards 2025
The School Connect Champions of Education Awards event honors those who lead with heart and help us to build a brighter future for Arizona youth. Every year School Connect presents awards in 15 categories, including individuals ranging from kindergarten all the way to CEO! Join us to honor their legacy!
Happy Independence Day from School Connect—where we believe every act of empowering schools creates a brighter future for our kids!
Thank you for being part of our village!
#4thofJuly

Want to make a difference? You might be just one connection away...
Just ask these 21 incredible girls! When Brooke Mandelbaum, a high schooler with a big heart, dreamed of giving back and helping girls feel beautiful, all she needed was a pathway.
That’s where School Connect came in—connecting Brooke with counselor Adriana Toles at Alhambra High School.
Together, they made prom dreams come true for 21 young women from Alhambra and Cesar Chavez High Schools who had a chance to pick out their own dresses, received perfume and tickets, and created memories they’ll never forget.
This is the power of connection—reminding every student that they matter, inside and out.
Here’s to sparking more joy, one connection at a time!
#SchoolConnect #PromDreams #PowerOfConnection #EveryChildMatters

You`re invited to join us at the Classroom to Career Workshop on September 10th!
As Dr. Carol Lippert shared, during this interactive event, educators and industry leaders will come together to connect, explore ways to enhance learning, and develop effective workplace pipelines.
Will we see you there?!
👉 Grab your spot here: https://schoolconnectaz.org/classroom-to-career
Thank you to our partners: Grand Canyon University, Arizona Business & Education Coalition, Victory Schools AZ, and Fiesta Sports Foundation for making this event possible!
#ClassroomtoCareer #STEM #Arizona #Education

The most exciting opportunities for students rarely happen by accident...
They happen when the right people come together—each bringing something special to the table—to create something bigger than any one of us could achieve alone.
That’s exactly what’s happening with the Classroom to Career Workshop!
As we count down to September 10th, meet the incredible partners who are making this event possible.
More than sponsors, Grand Canyon University, Arizona Business & Education Coalition, and Fiesta Sports Foundation, are kindred spirits in believing in what`s possible when we come together to support schools and students.
Grab your ticket to join us on September 10th, and let`s connect and collaborate! https://schoolconnectaz.org/classroom-to-career/

What happens when students, educators, and local businesses come together with a shared vision?
Thanks to support from the Arizona Game and Fish Department and the dedicated efforts of local engineering and construction companies working alongside the class of 2025, the Cactus High School atrium has been completely revitalized...
Beyond the construction, students had the chance to learn firsthand about careers in engineering and construction while hearing stories and advice from the experts. Several volunteers even offered to continue mentoring students and opening doors to future opportunities!
It`s these connections that we get excited about most!
The new atrium features a pond, paths, native plants, and enclosures for a desert tortoise and rabbits. It will serve as both an outdoor classroom—supporting lessons in biology, ecosystems, and the environment—and a peaceful spot where students can unwind and recharge.
Last month, we gathered to celebrate the completion of the atrium with a Grand Opening ceremony. School and district leaders, community partners, and the Class of 2025 came together to recognize everyone who contributed. A logo collage now stands in the atrium as a lasting reminder of what can be accomplished through partnership!
If you have ideas for future partnerships or dream projects, our team would love to hear from you. Send us a DM or leave a comment below!
