In a recent episode of the Educators Among Us podcast, host Scott Barron, Chief Reinvention Officer at School Growth, sat down with Rob Bridges, President at Cathedral High School in Indianapolis. Their conversation is full of heart, humor, and hard-won wisdom, tracing Rob’s path from a student inspired by a teacher to a global educator to a leader who now inspires others through intentional culture-building and joyful leadership.
Inspired to Teach, Called to Lead
Rob’s journey into education began with a teacher who didn’t just show up, but fully engaged. In 7th grade at Immaculate Conception in Traverse City, Michigan, a teacher named Bill Gourney left a lasting impression on Rob’s life. Gourney made class vibrant and real—reading To Kill a Mockingbird on his feet, playing basketball on snowy hills, and showing students prisms in action. Years later, Rob would return as principal of that same school, bringing his story full circle and carrying forward the energy that first drew him into the classroom.
But Rob’s route to educational leadership wasn’t traditional. After college, he joined the Peace Corps and spent three years working across Caribbean islands with schools for the deaf and blind and with Special Olympics. Though his job title involved video production, Rob found himself more inspired by the kids than the camera. When he returned to the U.S., he turned down a low-paying offer from CNN and decided instead to pursue a career in education.
That decision led to roles in residential schools in New Jersey, public schools in New York City, and later, international schools in Brazil. Each experience shaped Rob’s philosophy that education must be built on love, presence, and joy. At one point, facing limited options, Rob boldly called the five largest school districts in Michigan and said, “I’d like your hardest job.” The courage of that request led him to Central High School in Grand Rapids, where he taught and coached students, many of whom had parole officers instead of parents. It was a difficult role, but for Rob, it was meaningful work, the kind of mission that made sense.
Leading with Love and High Standards
Through every transition, from Peace Corps to principal, from public schools to Catholic institutions, Rob has carried a core belief: you have to love them before you can teach them. Referencing the "Bosco method" from St. John Bosco, Rob shared how this approach shaped his practice, especially when working with the most challenging students. “Once they know you love them,” he said, “they’ll do anything for you.”
Scott echoed this principle, noting that the most effective educators see their work as a calling, not just a career. “They show up because they’re invested in the lives they’re shaping.”
At Cathedral High School, Rob and his team have worked closely with School Growth to build a culture defined by intentional excellence. During their work together, they identified the qualities that make up their top educators: joy, kindness, collaboration, and competence. When Scott challenged the team to imagine a whole school filled with people like that, Rob admitted their initial reaction was skepticism. But over time, they committed to it.
“We respect those who’ve been here for decades,” Rob said. “But if they’re not joyful and kind and collaborative, they can work in a school, but not at this school.”
Scott noted that this kind of clarity and consistency allows great teachers to thrive. “Great teachers want to work with great teachers,” he said. “That joy and commitment becomes contagious when it’s backed by systems.”
Systems Build Culture and Culture Builds Excellence
Rob has also leaned into leadership practices that model compassion and care. He shared that he now walks through the school each day, taking note—literally—of staff members’ personal challenges or joys. Whether it’s a teacher putting down a beloved pet or dealing with a family illness, Rob writes it down and makes a point to follow up. “You remember that? How do you remember that?” staff often ask. “Because you matter to me,” Rob replies.
Another key piece of Rob’s leadership is balance. He’s intentional about modeling rest and renewal for his staff, especially during the emotional marathon of spring. “It’s not a competition to log the most hours,” he said. “If you’re not rested and recharged, you’re not going to be any good to us, or to your students.”
Pushing Through
Scott then shared how he has worked with many educators over the years, always encouraging them to push through. “We're trying to make sure our educators don't stop now. You've got to finish, to use a baseball analogy, you’ve got to run through the bases, you’ve got to finish, right? And”, he finishes, “it may hurt.”
As the school year draws to a close, Rob offered an inspiring glimpse into his own team: “Cathedral High School is full of educators sprinting with joy through the finish line. It’s a pleasure to run alongside them.”
Scott closed the episode with a reminder that defines the heart of Educators Among Us:
“Love them and lead them, my friends—that’s the calling. That’s the work.”
Listen to the Educators Among Us Podcast with the link below or wherever you stream your favorite shows.
