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Why the Best School Leaders Were Once Struggling Students: Jill and Nancy - EP 22
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Some of the best people to lead a school are the ones who once struggled inside of one.
In this episode, Sarah sits down with Jill Duncan and Nancy Aguinaga, the principal and vice principal at Eastpointe High School in Tucson, Arizona. They share the very different paths that led them into education and how their own experiences as students shaped the way they show up for teenagers every single day.
Jill grew up in Connecticut and took the long road through her school years. She talks about the challenges she faced growing up, the teachers who became safe people when she needed them most and how that pulled her from social work into teaching and eventually into school leadership. Nancy moved constantly as a kid, including years living overseas and learned to find confidence in being the new person in every room. She spent years driving for UPS before one honest conversation redirected her entire career toward the classroom.
Neither of them took a straight path and that is exactly why they understand the students who feel like they are falling behind. Together they open up about what it really takes to reach struggling teenagers, why they believe every kid is capable of more than they realize and how two very different leaders became one of the strongest teams either of them has ever had.
This is a conversation about second chances, resilience and the reminder that where you are right now is just a moment in time, not the end of your story.
If you are a student who feels like you do not fit, a teacher, or a parent walking alongside a kid who is struggling, this one is worth your time.
#education #teachers #secondchances #students #resilience #mentorship #highschool #schoolleadership #elevatededucation #elevatedhope #tucson #arizona #teaching #hope #belonging
Elevated Education is committed to providing students with hope, opportunity, and support to re-engage in their education and pursue their dreams.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Elevated Hope Project is a podcast by Elevated Education that shares real stories of students who have overcome challenging life circumstances to graduate high school. It highlights resilience, perseverance, and the power of education to create change.
The podcast is produced by Elevated Education, an organization dedicated to helping students succeed academically and in life. James Meehan, Chris Meehan, and Sarah Spangler are the hosts!
Our guests are students who have faced adversity—such as poverty, family struggles, or difficult environments—and found a way to persevere and graduate high school. Each episode features a personal journey of resilience and triumph.
The Elevated Hope Project covers topics such as:
- Overcoming personal and academic challenges
- The impact of mentors and support systems
- Strategies for staying motivated despite obstacles
- How education changes lives and creates opportunities
You can listen to the Elevated Hope Project on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube!
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