The Power of Education, Perseverance, and Community - Ask 98 Degrees Anything S3E53
Backstage at GYTO Fest 2025, the members of 98 Degrees—Jeff, Justin, Nick, and Drew—joined Get Your Teach On’s Hope & Wade King on the "The Flip Side" podcast for a lively, heartfelt, and insightful conversation. This episode is a celebration of educators, the impact of teaching, and the enduring values that have sustained the band’s three-decade career. Whether you’re a teacher, a music fan, or someone seeking inspiration, this episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and actionable advice.
The Lasting Impact of Teachers
“I wish every teacher knew how much they’re loved, how much we need them, and how much impact they make—whether we verbalize it or not.”
— Justin, 98 Degrees
Key Insights
Teachers Shape Lives: Every member of 98 Degrees credits their success to the educators who believed in them. Jeff recalls the nurturing environment of a performing arts school and the pivotal role of his high school choir director.
Unseen Influence: Teachers often don’t see the ripple effects of their work. The band emphasized that even if students don’t express it, the impact is profound and lasting.
Full-Circle Appreciation: As parents, the band members now witness firsthand the difference teachers make in their own children’s lives, deepening their gratitude.
Actionable Advice
Educators: Remember, your influence extends far beyond the classroom. The seeds you plant today may blossom years later.
Everyone: Take a moment to thank a teacher who made a difference in your life. A simple note or message can mean the world.
Embracing Playfulness and Lifelong Learning
“Teacher Talk” segment: Playful guessing of educational terms like “DOC” (Depth of Knowledge) and “WBT” (Whole Brain Teaching).
Key Insights
Stay Curious: The band’s willingness to guess, laugh, and learn about modern teaching methods highlights the importance of curiosity and humility.
Learning Evolves: Concepts like “centers” (learning stations) and “cold call” (calling on students who haven’t raised their hand) were new to the band, showing how education adapts over time.
Actionable Advice
Educators: Keep your teaching fresh by exploring new methods and engaging with your students’ world.
Creatives: Don’t be afraid to ask questions or admit what you don’t know. Playfulness and curiosity fuel growth.
Staying Grounded: The Power of Shared Values and Support
“Our Midwestern values, professionalism, and respect for others have kept us grounded.”
— Jeff, 98 Degrees
Key Insights
Shared Values: The band attributes their longevity to a foundation of mutual respect, professionalism, and humility.
Support Systems: Having each other as a built-in support network has helped them weather the ups and downs of the music industry.
Actionable Advice
Educators: Lean on your colleagues. Collaboration and shared leadership prevent burnout and foster resilience.
Teams: Build a culture of respect and support. Celebrate each other’s strengths and lift each other during tough times.
Turning Failure into Fuel for Growth
“Failure is inevitable. It’s what you do with it that matters.”
Key Insights
Embrace Mistakes: Jeff’s story about improvising in a school play—and being gently corrected—illustrates the value of taking risks and learning from feedback.
Growth Mindset: The band sees setbacks as opportunities to improve, not as reasons to quit.
Actionable Advice
Educators: Model resilience for your students. Share your own stories of failure and growth.
Everyone: Reframe failure as a stepping stone. Each setback is a lesson in disguise.
Burnout: Recognize, Refresh, and Reignite
“Burnout isn’t an endpoint—it’s a signal to reinvent and refresh.”
Key Insights
Acknowledge Burnout: The band candidly admits to experiencing burnout, especially during their busiest years.
Find Your Why: Reconnecting with fans’ energy—or, for teachers, with students’ breakthroughs—can reignite passion.
Self-Care Matters: Taking breaks and prioritizing well-being are essential for long-term success.
Actionable Advice
Educators: Don’t ignore signs of burnout. Take time to rest, reflect, and rediscover what excites you about teaching.
Everyone: Build in regular moments of joy and connection. Celebrate small wins and seek out sources of inspiration.
Celebrating Educators: The Full-Circle Moment
“Now, as parents, we see the impact teachers have on our kids’ lives. It’s a whole new appreciation.”
— Jeff, 98 Degrees
Key Insights
Generational Impact: The band’s journey from students to parents underscores the enduring value of great teaching.
Community of Gratitude: Events like Get Your Teach On’s GYTO Fest and podcasts like "The Flip Side" create spaces to honor and uplift educators.
Actionable Advice
Educators: Know that your work is valued not just by students, but by families and communities.
Everyone: Advocate for and support teachers—through words, actions, and community involvement.
Actionable Takeaways for Educators and Creatives
1. Value Your Impact
Your influence is deeper and longer-lasting than you may ever know.
Celebrate your role in shaping lives, even when the results aren’t immediately visible.
2. Stay Playful and Curious
Embrace new ideas and methods.
Approach challenges with humor and an open mind.
3. Lean on Your Community
Build strong support networks.
Share leadership and celebrate collective wins.
4. Turn Setbacks into Stepping Stones
View failure as a necessary part of growth.
Encourage risk-taking and resilience in yourself and others.
5. Prioritize Self-Care and Renewal
Recognize burnout as a sign to pause and refresh.
Seek out moments of joy and connection to reignite your passion.
Final Words: A Message of Encouragement
98 Degrees closed the episode with a powerful wish:
“I wish every teacher knew how much they’re loved, how much we need them, and how much impact they make—whether we verbalize it or not.”
To all educators, creatives, and lifelong learners:
You matter. Your work matters. And the world is better because of your dedication, resilience, and heart.
So until next time, we’ll catch you on the…
Flip side!
