Episode 99: The Gift That Keeps Giving with Pete Springer

Posted on by Victoria

Our dear friend, author, blogger, mentor to many and former educator, Pete Springer recently wrote a beautiful essay about one of the most influential people in his life, Nancy Wheeler.

In this episode, you’ll learn why Nancy was an impactful force for Pete and countless others – as an educator and leader who never lost sight of what mattered most: Building relationships.

Pete honors Nancy with his beautiful remembrances and stories and we talk about good leaders; role models who inspire us to see the glimmers in ourselves.

As we listened and learned about Nancy and her giving heart, Wynne and I could easily see her legacy in motion. In Pete – carrying forward her hard-wired commitment to service. Kindness to others.

Pete mentioned that one of Nancy’s favorite quotes was this gem from Emerson. Giving the gift of ourselves. That’s the magic.


“Rings and jewels are not gifts, but apologies for gifts. The only gift is a portion of thyself…”
–Ralph Waldo Emerson

Join us for a chat that will lift your spirits and send you into 2025 with hope. Thanks to Nancy…and thanks to Pete.

Vicki and Wynne 😊

Search (and subscribe!) for Sharing the Heart of the Matter on Apple, Amazon, Spotify or Pocket Casts OR Listen to it from your computer on Anchor: Episode 99: The Gift That Keeps on Giving with Pete Springer

Episode 99 Transcript

AND subscribe to our YouTube channel to see a video clip of each story: @SharingtheHeartoftheMatter.

Links for this Episode:

Pete Springer – Passionate Teacher and Future Children’s Author

My Heroine – Pete Springer

They Call Me Mom – Pete’s beautiful book

From the hosts:

Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/

Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith; Blog: https://wynneleon.com/

Related posts:

Episode 79: Sometimes You Have to Laugh with Pete Springer

Episode 68: The Circle of Life with Pete Springer

Episode 36: They Call Me Mom with Pete Springer

For the Love of Pete by Wynne Leon

46 thoughts on “Episode 99: The Gift That Keeps Giving with Pete Springer”

  1. Pingback: For the Love of Pete – Surprised By Joy

    2. I see the same trait in you, my friend, with your kindness and warmth. It’s so important for young children who are experiencing preschool, TK, or kindergarten to have nurturing teachers who make them happy and excited to come to school. I love that you are still volunteering at your old school.

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    2. Nancy taught me that we all have a responsibility to do our part to make the world a kinder place. When leaders model that behavior, we naturally want to act in kind. Because of my positive experiences as a student teacher, I had four different student teachers in my room during my career. Some of my former students have gone on to become teachers and have invited me into their classrooms. I’m so proud of them! I realize that perhaps none of this would have happened without Nancy’s influence.

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  5. Pingback: Episode 99: The Gift That Keeps Giving with Pete Springer – The Story Lady

  6. To say we need more Nancy Wheelers in this world is an understatement. Pete did a wonderful job letting us know how she planted an abundance of kindness/caring seeds in many others, including himself. As Vickie pointed out, Pete was very fortunate to have a lifelong relationship with Nancy-and he continues to plant her seeds. Thanks Vickie and Wynne! 🙂

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    1. The true testament to someone’s legacy is the influence they had on the people around them. A great leader inspires us to want to be the best version of ourselves. Nancy had that affect on me and so many others. I didn’t want to let her down. She earned the respect and admiration of children, parents, staff, and the community. I loved how she especially was a role model to young girls and encouraged them to follow their passions in traditionally male pathways.

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  10. Thank you so much, Wynne and Vicki. It’s always a pleasure to talk to you and listen to your podcasts. I appreciate the different guests you have and the stimulating conversations you bring to the table.

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    2. Nancy was as humble as they come. She shifted any attention she got onto others. That isn’t because she was shy. It was her way of being a good leader and trying to give credit to others.

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    2. I totally believe in the pay it forward model. During the last five years of my career, I had the pleasure of teaching with one of my former 4th grade students. It wasn’t lost on me that I went to her with many technology questions. A full circle moment—Kelly had become my teacher.

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  15. What a lovely conversation! Nancy Wheeler sounds like a great teacher and inspiring leader and Pete’s appreciation shines through in your conversation. I love leaders who empower their staff rather than lead by fear and she sounded like such a great role model.

    As a parent of a neurodiverse child who is often in trouble, Nancy’s approach is the best way to support these children and to leverage their endless energy while building their self esteem and worth. I love it. What an inspiration.

    And it’s clear that Pete is carrying on her legacy!

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