In this very special “feed swap” edition, Blue Sky Alum Erica Halverson interviews award-winning Jonathan Groff and his inspirational elementary school music teacher, Linda Tough, on the “Arts Educators Save the World” podcast.   

Learn more about Erica's podcast here: https://www.artseducatorspodcast.com/

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to the Feed Swap 
In this special edition of the Blue Sky podcast, the host introduces the concept of a Feed Swap with Erica Halverson and highlights the upcoming conversation with Jonathan Groff, a celebrated actor known for his roles in Broadway and film. 

01:16 The Power of Teaching 
The conversation begins with a reflection on the duality of teaching, emphasizing the balance between challenge and joy, and how these elements contribute to personal growth in education. 

02:02 Introducing Jonathan Groff and Linda Tuff 
Erica Halvorson introduces Jonathan Groff and his former music teacher, Linda Tough, detailing their impressive careers and the significant impact Linda had on Jonathan’s education and passion for music. 

05:00 First Memories of Collaboration 
Jonathan and Linda reminisce about their first interactions in the fourth grade, highlighting memorable moments that laid the foundation for their strong teacher-student relationship. 

12:11 Fostering a Love of Learning 
The discussion turns to the importance of fostering a love for learning, with Jonathan reflecting on how Linda’s teaching style inspired his passion for music and education, and Linda sharing her philosophy on creating a joyful classroom environment. 

21:20 The Art of Teaching and Preparation 
Linda discusses her teaching philosophy, focusing on the balance between high expectations and creating a supportive environment, while also exploring the importance of preparation and performance in teaching and life. 

35:09 Finding Joy and Building Trust 
This chapter focuses on the relationship between difficulty and joy in learning, emphasizing the significance of creating a supportive environment, building trust between teachers and students, and embracing discomfort as part of growth. 

47:15 The Lasting Impact of Mentorship 
The discussion reflects on the enduring relationships formed between mentors and mentees beyond the classroom, sharing personal stories about how these connections continue to influence their lives and careers. 

55:00 Advocating for the Arts in Education 
This chapter focuses on the critical role of arts education in schools and the ongoing fight to preserve these programs, urging listeners to support arts education for fostering human connection and creativity. 

58:35 Reflecting on the Power of Arts Education 
In the closing chapter, the speakers summarize key takeaways from their conversation, emphasizing the transformative power of arts education in shaping lives and the importance of high expectations.