🎙 Cowboy Conversations — Episode 2: Teachers as Rockstars — From Legacy to Launch

Guests: Mrs. Griffitts (Theater Director) & Mr. Erick Jordan (Social Studies Teacher & Cajon Alumnus) Host: Dr. Chris Jackson, Principal of Cajon High School Length: ≈ 35 minutes

🌟 Episode Summary

In this second episode of Cowboy Conversations, Dr. Chris Jackson sits down with two teachers who embody Cajon’s spirit of persistence and purpose. Veteran Theater Director Mrs. Griffitts reflects on three decades of inspiring students to find confidence and community on stage. She reminds us that action cures fear and that laughter, courage, and creativity keep classrooms alive. Then Cajon alum Mr. Erick Jordan—former ASB President and UCLA graduate—shares what it means to come home as a first-year teacher. He talks about giving students the same belief and belonging that once changed his own life. Together, their stories show how legacy and new energy meet to move a school forward—proof that Tier 1 excellence starts with people who persist and pull together.

🗝️ Key Takeaways

• Persistence is power. True progress comes from consistent, collective effort.
• Belonging fuels engagement. Students thrive when classrooms feel like community.
• Legacy meets launch. Veteran wisdom + new energy = Tier 1 excellence.
• Autonomy and relatedness matter. Trust and connection keep teachers creative and united.
• Action cures fear. Growth happens when we act, reflect, and try again.

🕒 Episode Breakdown (Approx.)

• 00:00 – 04:00 | Welcome & Principal’s Corner Re-centering Cajon on persistence, unity, and purpose.
• 04:00 – 16:00 | Mrs. Griffitts Interview Theater, courage, creativity, and three decades of student connection.
• 16:00 – 28:00 | Mr. Jordan Interview Returning home as a teacher; leading with empathy and high expectations.
• 28:00 – 32:00 | Equity & Innovation Minute Dr. Jackson on belonging, autonomy, and shared ownership in Tier 1.
• 32:00 – 35:00 | Closing Message Gratitude + challenge: “Turn fatigue into focus—our classroom is our school.”

💬 Memorable Quotes

“Action cures fear.” — Mrs. Griffitts “I want to be the good 50 minutes in their day.” — Mr. Erick Jordan “Tier 1 excellence is the fairest system we can build.” — Dr. Chris Jackson

🔑 Call to Action

• Teachers: Share one classroom win with your PLC team this week.
• Students: Take a creative risk—try, perform, or speak up.
• Families: Thank a teacher who helped your child feel they belong.

🏫 About the Show

Cowboy Conversations celebrates the voices and vision of Cajon High School—where every kid belongs, every kid learns, and every kid leaves ready to lead. Hosted by Dr. Chris Jackson, Principal and proud Cajon alumnus.

📲 Keywords / Tags

Cajon High School · Cowboy Conversations · Teacher Leadership · Persistence · Belonging · School Culture · Student Engagement · Dr Chris Jackson · San Bernardino Education · Tier 1 Excellence · RIGOR Framework

Transcript

🎙️ Cowboy Conversations — Episode 1: Belonging, Leadership, and Carrying Cowboy Pride

Guest: Giselle Muñoz, ASB President Host: Dr. Chris Jackson, Principal of Cajon High School Length: ~30 minutes

🌟 Episode Summary

In the very first episode of Cowboy Conversations, Dr. Chris Jackson welcomes Cajon High School’s ASB President, Giselle Muñoz, to explore what it truly means to belong, lead peers, and carry Cowboy Pride. Giselle opens up about patience, kindness, and empathy as cornerstones of leadership—and how listening to quiet voices matters just as much as amplifying loud ones. Together, they connect the dots between student leadership and schoolwide culture, showing that when belonging and psychological safety come first, innovation and excellence naturally follow.

🗝️ Key Takeaways

• Belonging is foundational. Before instruction or innovation can thrive, students must feel seen, safe, and connected.
• Leadership begins with patience and empathy. Giselle emphasizes giving peers space to grow and learn from mistakes.
• Every voice matters. True leaders create opportunities for quieter students to share their ideas.
• Balancing tradition and innovation. Holding onto Cowboy Pride while welcoming new ideas keeps the culture dynamic and inclusive.
• Failure = First Attempt In Learning. Growth comes from experimentation, reflection, and forward movement.
• Kindness is leadership. Great leaders “take blame and give credit.”

🕒 Episode Breakdown (Approximate Timestamps)

• 00:00 – 04:00 | Welcome & Principal’s Corner Dr. Jackson introduces Cowboy Conversations, shares his doctoral framework around belonging, and sets the theme for the show.
• 04:00 – 24:00 | Interview with Giselle Muñoz
  • Lessons in patience and human connection
  • Listening to every student voice
  • Balancing Cowboy traditions with fresh ideas
  • Leading through experimentation and growth
  • The power of kindness and empathy
• 24:00 – 28:00 | Lightning Round Giselle shares her favorite events, mentors, and advice for new Cowboys.
• 28:00 – 30:00 | Equity & Innovation Minute + Closing Dr. Jackson ties the episode to the deeper mission: belonging as the heartbeat of equity and innovation at Cajon High School.

💬 Memorable Quotes

“Patience is the heart of leadership.” – Giselle Muñoz “Great leaders grow other leaders.” – Dr. Chris Jackson “Leadership starts with you, but it doesn’t end with you.” – Giselle Muñoz

🔑 Call to Action

• Students: Invite someone new into your circle this week.
• Staff: Ask your students, “What do you think?” at least once per lesson.
• Families: Ask your student, “When did you feel like you belonged this week?”

🏫 About the Show

Cowboy Conversations shares the stories, voices, and vision of Cajon High School—where every kid belongs, every kid learns, and every kid leaves ready to lead. Hosted by Dr. Chris Jackson, Principal and proud Cajon alumnus.