In this episode of the Wired Educator Podcast, Kelly Croy sits down with Greg Honchel, Educational Sales Consultant with IXL Learning, to explore a powerful idea that often gets overlooked in schools: customer service.
Yes… customer service.
Greg shares how putting students first, communicating with clarity, and building authentic partnerships can transform not only business relationships but classrooms, districts, and student outcomes. This is a conversation about leadership, intentional technology use, and how small acts of service create lasting impact.
You are going to love this episode.
About Greg Honchel
Greg Honchel is an Educational Sales Consultant with IXL Learning, partnering with districts across central and northwest Ohio. He works closely with curriculum leaders and principals to help schools evaluate instructional resources, align tools to student needs, and implement data-driven solutions with clarity and purpose.
Prior to joining IXL, Greg spent five years in education, including time as a Physical Education teacher and Athletic Director, before transitioning into financial services leadership. In each role, he focused on relationships, service, and communication.
Greg is known for his authentic leadership style, his commitment to students, and his belief that education is ultimately about serving others well.
What Is IXL?
IXL Learning
IXL Learning is a comprehensive online learning platform designed to support teachers and students through adaptive practice, diagnostic assessment, and real-time data insights.
Key features discussed in this episode include:
- Adaptive skill practice aligned to state standards
- Diagnostic assessments in math and ELA
- Teacher-created quizzes for formative and summative assessment
- ACT and state test preparation
- Integration with existing curriculum resources
- Vocabulary.com access for ELA subscribers
IXL is built to be teacher-led and student-focused, not a replacement for great instruction, but a powerful support tool when used intentionally.
Key Takeaways
- Customer service is essential in education
- Putting students first must guide every decision
- Relationships matter more than transactions
- Communication should be clear, human, and jargon-free
- Gamification can motivate students in powerful ways
- Intentional screen time beats passive screen time
- Practice may not make perfect, but it makes permanent
- Strong partnerships lead to stronger schools
- AI can be used creatively to explore big ideas
- Educators leave lifelong impact, even when they do not see it immediately
Words of Wisdom for Educators
Greg reminds us:
Most of us can remember our teachers by name.
We remember how they made us feel.
We remember who empowered us.
We remember who believed in us.
Even in February.
Even when the snow turns gray.
Even when energy dips.
What you do matters more than you realize.
Books Mentioned
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
by Stephen Covey
Greg highlights two habits in particular:
- Be Proactive
- Begin with the End in Mind
Both serve as guiding principles for leadership, service, and personal growth.
Episode Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to Greg Honchel and IXL
02:19 – Greg’s journey in education
05:15 – The importance of customer service in schools
07:43 – Understanding IXL’s impact
10:37 – Teacher-led platforms and student growth
13:09 – Innovative uses of IXL
16:11 – High-quality interventions
18:40 – The value of personal communication
21:37 – Screen time and educational technology
24:10 – Words of wisdom for educators
26:57 – Fun questions and personal insights
Connect and Learn More
To learn more about IXL Learning and its offerings, visit:
https://www.ixl.com
If you would like your book, product, service, conference, or website mentioned or highlighted in the pre-roll of the Wired Educator Podcast, email Kelly at [email protected].
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Thank you for taking time from your busy week to level up and make a difference in the lives of others.
About the Host
Kelly Croy is the host of the Wired Educator Podcast, a speaker, author, and Director of Innovation and Instruction. Kelly works with schools and districts across the country on leadership, culture, and growth.
Kelly Croy’s website:
https://kellycroy.com
Kelly’s book, Along Came a Leader
To learn more about having Kelly Croy speak at your event, visit his website to connect.
Thank you for listening and for being part of this community. It is always a great day to be a Wired Educator.
You are awesome!
Kelly
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Ian believes that taking care of our body and health begins early in life, and that is why he is a dedicated and passionate physical education teacher for some of our youngest students!