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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