WEP 258:The Magic of Customer Service in Education

kcroy — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 03:20:10 +0000

An Interview with Greg Honchel Hosted by Kelly Croy

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 kelly@kellycroy.com.

Kelly is accepting applications for Coaching with Kelly. One seat is available starting in March. Fill out this questionnaire. Kelly will select one person to work with: Complete this Coaching Questionnaire.

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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I love opening day keynotes to school districts and conferences, workshops with leaders and any opportunity to help educators reignite their passion, build stronger connections with students and colleagues, improve instruction, and level up as leaders. I hope YOU will reach out to ME!

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Educator, Author, Keynote Speaker

Instagram: @kcroy
Website: kellycroy.com and wirededucator.com

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Ian Formaz: Featured Educator of The Month

kcroy — Tue, 14 May 2024 23:18:07 +0000

Physical Education: Taking Care of Our Body and Health Begins Early in Life

I am proud to feature an exemplary educator each month to celebrate and honor for the difference they make in education. This month I feature Ian Formaz, a physical education teacher in Central Ohio. Too often I fear, physical education teachers are overlooked on professional learning days and sometimes aren’t recognized for their essential contribution to a child’s education and their important role in schools. Ian is an obvious choice for his dedication and passion for making a difference. Join me in celebrating all physical education teachers, and this particular outstanding representative, Ian Formaz.

~Kelly

Ian Formaz is a husband, father, teacher, and coach.

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!

Currently, Ian is a physical education teacher in the Columbus City school system. Ian has been providing a positive impact in the lives of students and athletes at various levels for the past 19 years through his work teaching and coaching. He was involved in college athletics for 18 years as a football coach, strength coach, and college professor.

Recently, Ian has transitioned back to the classroom as an elementary physical education and health teacher, while still being involved in coaching football at the high school level. He is passionate about helping students become the best versions of themselves and using sports, movement, and health as a vehicle to impart lifelong lessons that students and athletes can translate to all aspects of their lives. He enjoys helping students and athletes of all stages and skill levels find joy and meaning in movement and being healthy, in an inclusive environment that allows students to be the best version of themselves and hold themselves to a higher standard.

He hopes to form lasting relationships with students and athletes as a positive impact and example and feels lucky to still maintain contact with a great many of his former players and students. He hopes that as a leader and mentor, he can continue to be a resource for the young people he has worked with no matter what stage or where they are in life.

Ian is a graduate of Baldwin-Wallace University with a degree in health promotion and education and physical education with an emphasis is in fitness management. He also has a Masters Degree in Behavioral Science from Concord University.

Thanks, Ian.

You are awesome!

Kelly

If you’d like to nominate an educator, please send us a short bio, headshot, and reason for nomination for consideration. Include your role in education and connection to the nominee. Thank you for supporting educators.