Rob Kowalski

SUMMARY

In this episode, we sit down with the thoughtful and deeply grounded Rob Kowalski, an eighth-grade humanities teacher at Parish Middle School in Dallas, Texas. Rob shares his journey through education—from growing up in New Jersey and being shaped by powerful mentors to becoming the kind of teacher who helps students feel seen, safe, and inspired, even during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rob talks about why relationships—not just academics—are at the center of his teaching philosophy. He opens up about the importance of vulnerability, the role of curiosity in learning, and why he believes education should evolve to better reflect the needs of today’s students. His reflections are honest, practical, and full of heart.

Whether you're an educator, a parent, or someone who cares about how kids grow and thrive, this conversation offers meaningful insights into what it looks like to lead with connection and purpose.

💥 Impactful Takeaways:

• Relationships come first—students learn best when they feel seen, safe, and valued.
• Vulnerability is a strength—modeling it invites students to do the same.
• Curiosity is a nervous system tool—it calms, connects, and fuels learning.
• Education needs a redesign—shorter days, real-world skills, and more joy.
• Middle schoolers are navigating high-stakes emotions—teachers must meet them there.
• Don’t coast—students deserve educators who keep evolving and asking, “How can we do better?”

CHAPTERS

00:00 “Let’s Keep Asking Questions” – Opening Quote
00:45 Welcome to Oxygen for Educators
01:09 Introducing Rob Kowalski
02:35 Rob’s Impact on Sophia During COVID
04:00 Rob’s First Year at Parish and Teaching in a Pandemic
06:00 Building Connection Through a Screen
07:45 Why Rob Became a Teacher
10:19 The Petty School Experience and Early Influences
13:15 Career Journey: From Boston to Dallas
14:50 Teaching, Coaching, and Being a Stay-at-Home Dad
17:06 Returning to the Classroom with Purpose
19:29 Why Content Isn’t the Point—Relationships Are
20:55 Teaching Relevance in a TikTok World
22:55 Vulnerability and the Courage to Evolve
23:55 The Challenge of Making History Feel Real
25:57 Understanding the Stakes for Middle Schoolers
28:03 Using AI and Tech to Stay Relevant
29:47 Designing a Better School Model
31:03 What School Could Look Like in 2025
33:01 Real-World Skills, Curiosity, and Joy
35:04 Rethinking Curriculum and Student Fit
38:15 Cherishing Childhood and Slowing Down
40:59 Practical Shifts Educators Can Make
42:23 Taking Pressure Off Students
44:09 Fit Over Prestige in School Choices
46:06 Creating Space for Wonder and Balance
48:23 The Many Hats of a Teacher
50:11 Empathy for the Middle School Experience
52:30 Grace, Humor, and the Joy of Teaching
56:13 Reflections on Mistakes and Growth
58:01 COVID, Connection, and What We Learned
59:24 The Return to Normal and What We Missed
01:00:07 Advice for New Educators: Build Relationships
01:01:34 Finding Your Tribe and Belonging
01:03:03 What Students Remember Most
01:04:04 Rob’s Family and the Empty Nest Ahead
01:04:51 Final Reflections and Gratitude
01:05:35 Hosts Reflect on Rob’s Wisdom and Joy

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Oxygen for Educators is produced by Ripplemaker Project and proudly sponsored by Tacky Box.

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