Episode 264: Leading with a Servant Heart & the Power of CareerTech
The Wired Educator Podcast (Episode 264): Leading with a Servant Heart and the Power of CareerTech with Frank Polen
Welcome to Episode 264 of the Wired Educator Podcast! Today, I’m sitting down with Frank Polen, Assistant Superintendent and Director of Postsecondary Adult Education at Buckeye Career Center.
We have an absolutely amazing conversation lined up for you. Frank has an incredible story about his career and his unique path through education, and I know it's going to resonate deeply with so many of you.
First, I truly appreciate Frank’s patience with me on publishing this episode. With the craziness of the end of the school year, a recent illness, my ongoing writing, speaking engagements, and coaching leaders and educators who want to publish their own books—plus all the other things I love to do to inspire and create—it has taken me just a little longer than I wanted to hit publish on this one.
I like to remind people: I am a leader, speaker, and author with a podcast, not a podcaster who also does the other things. I love this podcast, and I love celebrating and sharing the amazing stories of educators and leaders who make a difference. But my schedule and my priorities will always be with the people I impact daily first. This podcast is a joy, and I am so profoundly thankful for YOU listening, subscribing, and sharing it with your network.
Before we jump into my awesome interview with Frank, there are a few important things happening in the Wired Educator community that I want to tell you about.
It's a Great Week to Be a Wired Educator!
First off, my good friends Jimmy Casas and Jessica Cabeen have a great new book out that is the perfect summer read called The Drip Effect. I was fortunate enough to get an advance copy and write one of the awesome testimonials featured inside the book. Make sure to grab a copy for yourself and a couple for your colleagues and friends!
👉 Order The Drip Effect on Amazon
Also, one of my amazing book coaching clients has just finished her final draft! We are currently finishing up the cover design, and it will be heading to publication at the end of this summer. I cannot wait to share her work with you on both this podcast and through my network. It is a book that is truly needed right now for both educators and leaders.
Want to help? If you would like to be a part of her launch team and learn more about this project, send me an email right now at kelly@kellycroy.com.
Additionally, I have several opening day keynotes lined up for the upcoming school years, and I would love the opportunity to speak with your district, conference, or organization. There is still time to book, and I absolutely love doing it. If you want to bring an inspiring message to your team, send me an email directly at kelly@kellycroy.com.
The Greatness in Change
We just finished a great school year. I’ve been doing this for a while now, and honestly, I’ve stopped counting the years—I just like to say I'm... experienced. And I am so proud of so many educators and leaders this year. We really had a fantastic year together.
As we move into the summer, I want to leave you with a quick thought on change. Change is guaranteed.But we don't have to view it as a negative. As a matter of fact, I like to remind people that we find exactly what we look for. If we look for the odd, the weird, the obstacle, the challenge, or the yucky... we will find the yucky.
Instead, let's take this summer to develop an awesome mindset. Commit to seeing the greatness in all kids, in families, in your colleagues, and in yourself. See the greatness in change itself! Change is, in fact, how we advance and make a greater difference. Leaning on past accomplishments and old successes? That’s not for us. Let's make each upcoming school year a brand-new album with brand-new material and a brand-new impact.
About Frank Polen
Frank Polen is currently in his eleventh year as the Assistant Superintendent and Director of Postsecondary Adult Education at Buckeye Career Center. Throughout his career, he has helped students of all ages Discover Their Passion and Prepare for Their Future through career and technical education.
This year also marks Frank's twenty-ninth year in public education. As a building principal, Frank consistently led his school to the highest state honors, including four consecutive ratings of “Excellent with Distinction” by the State of Ohio, and receiving the Governor’s Thomas Edison Award for STEM Education. Frank was also recently selected as the 2025-2026 Ohio ACTE President-Elect and the 2024 Twin Cities Chamber of Commerce Educator of the Year. Furthermore, Frank was selected as one of only twenty leaders across the United States by the Association for Career Technical Education (ACTE) for its initial cohort of NEXTLEVEL Postsecondary CTE Leaders.
In our conversation, Frank opens up about his non-traditional path through public education, riding the back of a garbage truck to pay off his initial college debt before finding his way back to education through a chance basketball coaching opportunity. We dive deep into why modern education must prioritize a "one size fits one" approach to student success and what it truly means to lead with an encouraging, servant heart.
Enjoy the interview!
Connect With Kelly
Website:kellycroy.com
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If this episode moved you, share it with a teacher, a principal, or a parent who needs to hear it. Subscribe to the Wired Educator Podcast wherever you listen so you don't miss what's coming next. And come check out the new kellycroy.com, sign up for the KnockAbout Newsletter, and let's stay connected.
Go out there, stay positive, and make a difference in the lives of others. You're awesome.
