WEP 254: The Greatest Year of Your Life with Kelly Croy
Release Date: 01/17/2026
The Wired Educator Podcast
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...
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This is a brand new season of The Wired Educator Podcast. I am excited to kick it off with this episode. This is the Wired Educator Podcast Episode 247This is a special solo episode, of just me, Kelly Croy, designed to help educators and leaders everywhere maximize their summer, rest with intention, and return to the school year feeling refreshed, focused, and inspired. In this episode, I share a personal and powerful summer bucket list featuring 29 ideas that will help every educator create meaningful moments, reclaim energy, and do something just for themselves. Whether you’re looking to...
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In this episode of the Wired Educator Podcast, I had the honor of speaking with Pamela Broome, a transformative leader in education. As the founding principal and current director of UNC Charlotte’s elementary lab school, Pamela has pioneered innovative approaches to teaching and learning, focusing on trauma-informed practices, literacy advancement, and creating emotionally supportive classrooms. Her work has significantly impacted both students and educators, fostering resilience and engagement in the educational community. Joe Miller, a former student of Pamela's, joins us as cohost....
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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.
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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.