Aspire: The Leadership Development Podcast

In your district or on your campus, how are you identifying and supporting the social emotional needs of your students, staff, and parents? As many of you know, I believe, as a leader, we must focus on all aspects of a person, especially mental health and emotional regulation. This week’s guests, Jamie Peden and Kelly Starnes, share how they started to find solutions to improve students struggling with emotional triggers, empathy and resilience. In this episode, we discuss: Implementing Solutions as a Leader The Power of Stories Social Emotional Support for Teachers And the 3gStrong Program About Jamie Peden:Jamie is both an entrepreneur and educator, currently serving as principal of an elementary school in Texas. Having been a business owner in the past, Jamie leads her school looking for ways to teach children the tools to be successful and happy in life. She has led two elementary schools with a culture of growing kids socially, emotionally, and academically and is passionate to develop social emotio

In the 19th Aspire Mailbag episode, Hedreich Nichols, Jeff Gargas, and I answer questions on different leadership topics provided by the listeners. Please join us for this episode as we answer questions and discuss how to retain staff, make every student feel included in school, top characteristics of a good leader, and the newest Teach Better projects! About Hedreich Nichols:Hedreich Nichols, author, educator, and host of the YouTube series on equity strategies for educators, #SmallBites, is a retired Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter who uses her experiences as a “one Black friend” to help others understand race, equity, and the whys and hows of becoming more culturally responsive educators. Her YouTube serieshttps://www.youtube.com/Hedreich/ ( Small Bites) is one way she reaches educators striving to create more inclusive spaces. As an edtech teacher, Hedreich uses design thinking and project-based learning to empower students to become agents of change. Their student-led projects to provide them with opp

Regardless of which direction it's headed, a ship encounters different weather patterns during its voyage: smooth sailing, the doldrums, and storms. Like a ship, life is unpredictable and ever-changing. The Captain needs to be prepared for every situation. As a leader, what strategies are you using to be successful in this unpredictable time in education? This week’s guest, Randy Russell, shares how he has used his relationships and partnerships to provide support, resources and hope to his district.  In this episode, we discuss: Superintendent mentorship program Giving Opportunities to Leaders Mental Health Strategies for Adults And “The 3 Ships” book and podcast. About Randy Russell:Dr. Randy Russell currently serves as the Freeman, WA School District Superintendent. During his ten years in Freeman, the Freeman School District has achieved a high school graduation rate exceeding 98%; developed a collaborative professional development system grades P-12; successfully completed a $35 million construction

In your school or district, how is homework utilized and graded? Has your philosophy of homework changed during the pandemic and online learning? Today's guest, Dr. Erik Youngman, discusses the role of homework and shares strategies to make homework deliberate and valuable in our new educational settings.  In this episode, we discuss: Homework and Grading Practices Growth Mindset as a student and leader Building Leaders through Coaching And “12 Characteristics of Deliberate Homework”. About Dr. Erik Youngman:Erik Youngman is an education leader who is passionate about topics such as homework, growth mindset, grading, and leadership. He recently wrote the book, 12 Characteristics of Deliberate Homework. This is his twentieth year in educational leadership. Erik is the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for Libertyville District 70 in Libertyville, Illinois. Previous education experiences include being a principal in Libertyville as well as an assistant principal and teacher

When you think of Social Emotional Learning (SEL), do you think about the procedures, curriculum, and skills needed for students? What about the adults in the building? How are they supported through your Social Emotional Learning structure? Today's guest, Tre Gammage, shares how the majority of schools don’t have programs for the adults in schools and strategies to help with mental health for all ages.  In this episode, we discuss: Being Proactive vs Reactive SEL strategies for Adults Creating a Support System for Development And The Dash Podcast About Tre Gammage:Dean of Students and SEL Consultant, Tre’ Gammage has always had a passion for helping others. With a vast background in speaking, podcasting, and consulting, Tre’ was once told “when you see someone living their dream, it makes you want to be a part of that dream or start to live your own” and he’s been living by that motto ever since. Tre’ became an International speaking champion in 2016 after finishing in the semi final round of Toastmaste

As a teacher, have you ever received feedback from an administrator who only was in your classroom once, twice, maybe three times a year? And if you are the administrator, did you feel the time in the teacher’s class was enough to provide true feedback to help with their progress? This week’s guest, Craig Randall, shares how he struggled with the traditional teacher assessment process and the strategies he used to create a new trust based program.   In this episode, we discuss: Teaching and leading overseas  Focusing on teacher strengths  Consistency of providing feedback  And how to construct Trust Based Observations About Craig Randall:Craig Randall is the author of Trust-Based Observations. His experience as a counselor, coach, teacher, and principal at schools in the US and overseas led him to develop and then write,Trust-Based Observations, a model of observation and evaluation focused on building trusting relationships that spark teacher risk-taking and innovation, and resu

In this 18th Aspire Mailbag episode, Todd Nesloney, Jeff Gargas, and I answer questions on different leadership topics provided by the listeners. Please join us for this episode as we answer questions and discuss common mistakes by new leaders, how to gain student feedback, increase staff morale, learn about the Teach Better Podcast Network and the newest podcast addition!   Featuring Todd Nesloney, Jeff Gargas, and Joshua StamperAbout Todd Nesloney:Todd Nesloney is the Director of Culture and Strategic Leadership for the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (http://www.twitter.com/tepsatalk (TEPSA)). He was previously a Principal/Lead Learner at a PreK-5 school in Texas. He is an award-winning author for his work in co-authoring Kids Deserve It! and Sparks in the Dark. He has also written the book Stories from Webb and published a children’s book, Spruce & Lucy. Todd has been recognized by John C. Maxwell as a Top 10 Finalist for the 2018 Transformational Leadership Award, by

Have you ever thought about taking a position in another district, city, or state? Where do you begin to create relationships with your staff, community, and local businesses? In today’s episode featuring Kelly McMahon, Sarah Johnson and Joshua Stamper tackle the topics of creating relationships in new professional settings, connecting to your community, and planning to develop connections outside of your office or campus.

As an administrator, there are days that can feel lonely and overwhelming, especially when you are new in the position. This week’s guest, Rachel George, shares her administrative struggles and humorous experiences to explain the key ingredients to flourish as a leader.  In this episode, we discuss: Why it’s important to focus on our purpose Focusing and building on our strengths  The keys to finding multiple mentors And her new book, “Principal Ed: The Educator’s Survival Guide” About Rachael George:From fighting wildland fires with the U.S. Forest Service to putting out fires in the classroom, education was the last place that Rachael thought she’d end up. It wasn’t until a hard conversation with a base manager in Grangeville, Idaho did Rachael realize she needed to put her chainsaw down and make a bigger impact on the world.   Rachael is a member of the ASCD Emerging Leaders Class of 2015, an NAESP Fellow, and currently serves as the principal of Sandy Grade School in the Oregon Tr

I had the amazing opportunity to moderate during the Teach Better 12 Hour Live Event with four amazing educators and podcasters. In this bonus episode, Jeffrey Prickett, Brittany Rincon, Robert Breyer, Deanna Lough, and I discuss the mission of our podcasts and how podcasts impact professional development.    Follow Dr. Jeffry Prickett:Twitter: https://twitter.com/jdprickett?lang=en (@jdprickett) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdprickett/ (jdprickett) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JeffryPrickett/ (Jeffry Prickett) Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffryprickett/ (Dr. Jeffry Prickett) Blog: https://jdprickett.com/?fbclid=IwAR0FvfIMpKOk9PgZy9fH6IgUqradbHZTUnSjOuOf4N5gX6crmIEiwc7q_bc (Wordpress Blog Site) Podcast: https://www.teachbetter.com/podcasts/theprincipalleadershiplab/ (https://www.teachbetter.com/podcasts/theprincipalleadershiplab/) Follow Brittany Rincon:Twitter:https://twitter.com/BrittRincon ( https://twitter.com/BrittRincon) Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/teacherl

In a time where current events have created strong emotions, how are we able to have conversations about racism, equity, and injustice? This week’s guest, Hedreich Nichols, shares strategies she uses to facilitate difficult conversations, empower student’s voices, and increase equity in schools.

I had the amazing opportunity to moderate during the Teach Better 12 Hour Live Event with two amazing educators. In this bonus episode, Hans Appel, Tre Gammage, and I discuss how to incorporate Social Emotional Learning (SEL) strategies on the campus for teachers and students.  Follow Hans Appel: Website: http://www.awardwinningculture.com (www.awardwinningculture.com) Twitter: http://twitter.com/hansappel094 (@)https://twitter.com/HansNAppel (HansNAppel) http://twitter.com/awculture (@awculture) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awardwinningculture/ (https://www.instagram.com/awardwinningculture/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Award-Winning-Culture-102176471490533/?modal=admin_todo_tour (https://www.facebook.com/Award-Winning-Culture-102176471490533/?modal=admin_todo_tour) About Hans Appel:Hans Appel has worked as a counselor in the https://www.rsd.edu (Richland School District) for the past 19 years and at https://enterprise.rsd.edu (Enterprise Middle School) since it opened. He’s pas

With the new experience of teaching virtually, many educators are struggling to teach in this new setting. What is the measure of success for teachers and students? What should our goal be as we teach online? This week’s guest, CJ Reynolds, shares his struggles with virtual teaching and his successful online tactics to build relationships, enhance digital tools, and create a safe environment.     In this episode, we discuss: Digital Relationship Building Strategies How to Engage Students Online As Teachers, Do we Discuss Difficult Topics? And CJ’s “Real Rap with Reynolds” About CJ Reynolds:Mr. Reynolds is a West Philadelphia high school literature teacher, author, YouTuber, & public speaker. In his book, Teach Your Class Off, on his YouTube Channel, Real Rap With Reynolds, and on his Podcast, Sunday Night Teacher Talk, Reynolds offers an authentic glimpse into what it looks like to teach high school in the inner city. Using “Real Rap” to share teaching tips and strategies, Reynolds hel

With the battle of teaching students from a variety of learning environments, our schools are challenged with uncovering and solving many community challenges at the same time. In today’s episode featuring Andrew Stanton, Sarah Johnson and Joshua Stamper tackle the topics of risk-taking and equity practices.    In this episode, we discuss: Creating Change during a Pandemic Balancing Initiatives to Avoid Burn-Out Resources to Learn more about Equity   About Andrew Stanton:Andrew is a middle school educator, PBIS tier-one leader, behavior coach, and dedicated to the future of every student. Follow Andrew Stanton: Twitter: https://twitter.com/Stanton_A_/media (https://twitter.com/Stanton_A_/media) Resources from this Episode: Leading Equity Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-equity/id1419821427 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-equity/id1419821427)   Interested in being a guest on Aspire to Rise?  We would love to hear from you https://forms.gle

As our educational setting has shifted dramatically in a short period of time, the teaching strategies and educational tools needed to be successful have pushed educators to discover new ways to provide information and collaborate. This week’s guest, Jesse Lubinsky, shares some exciting emerging technology and innovative solutions to enhance student exploration, creativity and risk taking.     In this Episode, we discuss: The Benefits of Esports in Schools AR and VR Tools in the Classroom Ready Learner One Programs to Support Teachers with Technology And Jesse’s books, “The Esports Education Playbook” and “Reality Bytes” About Jesse Lubinsky:Jesse is currently the Chief Learning Officer for Ready Learner One LLC. He is an education technologist, teacher, and former school administrator based out of Westchester County in New York. Prior to entering the learning space, he was a technology consultant for Fortune 500 companies specializing in network engineering and software development projec

In this 17th Aspire Mailbag episode, Jeff Gargas and I answer questions on different leadership topics provided by the listeners. Please join us for this episode as we answer questions and discuss how to coach the coaches, establish relationships with new staff members, keep staff on board through all the many changes that are occurring, and learn about one of the newest Teach Better podcast network additions!   Featuring Jeff Gargas, Joshua Stamper and special guest, Brittany Rincon.Follow Brittany Rincon:Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrittRincon (https://twitter.com/BrittRincon) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teacherleadercoach/ (https://www.instagram.com/teacherleadercoach/) Podcast: https://www.teachbetter.com/podcasts/teacher-leader-podcast/ (https://www.teachbetter.com/podcasts/teacher-leader-podcast/) Follow Jeff Gargas:Twitter:https://twitter.com/jeffgargas ( https://twitter.com/jeffgargas) Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/_jeffgargas/ ( https://www.instagram.com/_jeffgargas/) Follow

As educators, we know what an IQ is but what is an EQ? This week’s guests, Dr. Adam Saenz shares the critical value of practicing Social Emotional Learning skills in the classroom, for both students and faculty, to decrease negative behavior and increase student academic performance, social skills, and relational engagement.     In this Episode, we discuss: The Importance of Developing a Emotional Intelligence  Strategies for Teachers to Improve Their Emotional Health The Impact of Trauma on the Brain And his books, The Power of a Teacher” and “The EQ Intervention About Dr. Adam Saenz:Dr. Adam Sáenz earned his Ph.D. in School Psychology from Texas A&M University as a United States Department of Education doctoral fellow. He completed his predoctoral clinical training under a fellowship appointment to Harvard Medical School, and he has a post doctorate in clinical psychology from the Alpert Medical School of Brown University. Dr. Sáenz also earned a Doctorate of Ministry

Although my two guests have been in education and known each other since the mid 1990’s, this year has been the most challenging in their careers. This week’s guests, Adam Dewitt and Dr. Jeffry Prickett share how during this difficult time, they’ve leaned heavily on each other and their professional learning network to work through the daily adversity and grow as leaders. Join us as they share their connected leadership journey and how their friendship strengthened their skills, values and contributions to the educational profession.     In this Episode, we discuss: Tactics to Increase Student Engagement How to Support Teachers Through Difficult Times The Benefits of Being Forced to Be Innovative And the Principal Leadership Lab Podcast About Adam DeWitt:Started my teacher career back in 1996 at Heritage Elementary School Moved to Minocqua, WI to teach science in a middle school Opened a private school for one year. Moved back to my hometown, Marinette, WI to serve as a MS AP. Principal Di

As we battle the trials of a pandemic, many leaders are asking one similar question. How do we create and maintain a positive school environment during a crisis? In today’s episode featuring Brianna Zwiefelhofer, Sarah Johnson and Joshua Stamper tackle this important and relevant topic on school culture.   In this Episode, we discuss: Important Leadership Qualities Needed to Establish a Strong Culture Resources to Improve Communication  And The Importance of Being Transparent in Your Conversations   About Brianna Zwiefelhofer:Brianna has been an educator for 15 years and she is currently teaching at a K-4th grade school. She has her Masters in Education and currently is in the process of attaining my Director of Instruction and Curriculum licensure and Principal licensure from Viterbo University. Beyond the classroom, she is married and has three wonderful children. Follow Brianna Zwiefelhofer: Twitter: https://twitter.com/BriannaKZwief (https://twitter.com/BriannaKZwief)   Resou

In your current position, have you worked so hard for so long that you feel like you are going to crash and burn? This week, William D. Parker, shares how his first year as an Assistant Principal almost became his last. William provides strategies he used to take as a step back, reevaluate and focus on other unique areas in his life.   In this episode, William also shares:  Building trusting relationship for vulnerable moments Gathering Constructive Leadership Feedback Balancing Important Areas of Our Life And the Principal Matters Podcast About William D. Parker:William D. Parker is the Founder of Principal Matters, LLC, an author and speaker who uses his expertise in school culture, leadership and communication to equip educators with solutions and strategies for motivating students, inspiring teachers, and reaching communities. He also proudly serves as the executive director of Oklahoma’s Association of Secondary Principals and Oklahoma’s Middle Level Educator Association. An Oklahoma educa