Aspire: The Leadership Development Podcast

Skillful leadership is critical as schools return to a new normalcy. Improving students’ learning and addressing the challenges many learners experienced due to recent learning interruptions are top priorities for all school leaders. This week’s guest, Evan Robb, offers leaders a framework for creating an environment where both effective instruction and a focus on social and emotional needs benefits all students and teachers. Evan Robb maps a route to building a positive, trusting culture of collaboration, creativity, and empowerment.  In this Episode, we also discuss: School reading Initiatives  Inequities in school resources And coaching students, teachers, and parents About Evan Robb: Evan Robb is presently Principal of Johnson-Williams Middle School in Berryville, Virginia. He has over twenty years of experience serving as a building level principal. Prior to being a school principal, he was an English teacher, department chair, and Assistant Principal. Evan is a recipient of the Horace Mann

In this week’s episode, my amazing wife, Leslie Stamper, offers trauma-informed strategies to help teachers identify and respond to student triggers, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation.  In this episode, we discuss: Tools in the classroom to help student with trauma And additional book recommendations on trauma-informed strategies About Leslie and Joshua Joshua and Leslie became foster parents in 2011, and had the privilege of adopting three of their children from foster care. Joshua and Leslie are trained in trauma-informed practices for meeting the emotional, social and behavioral needs of children who have been through adverse childhood experiences, which Joshua also applies to his role as administrator. Joshua and Leslie have co-written the following blog posts to help and support other educators and parents with Trauma Informed practices: https://joshstamper.com/in-the-face-of-trauma/ (In the Face of Trauma) https://joshstamper.com/the-language-of-behavior/ (The Language of Behavior)

In this week’s episode, Eva Mireles offers coaching strategies to help teachers perfect their craft and see new ways to approach teaching reading concepts that fits their personal teaching style. In this episode, we discuss: Reading and Instructional Coaching Struggles New Teacher Program  And her Podcast, The Reading Teacher’s Playbook Podcast  About Eva Mireles: Eva Mireles is a Reading Specialist and Instructional coach who helps teachers cut through the literacy noise and figure out what their students need most right now. She helps teachers confidently deliver instruction in every part of their reading block without stress and overwhelm. Eva has been awarded new teacher of the year and educator of the year awards and has taught grades 2nd, 3rd, and 5th. She enjoys her current role as instructional coach and reading specialist, supporting students and teachers in grades K-5. She is also a podcaster, PD presenter, Educational Consultant and TPT author. Follow Eva Mireles: Website: https://w

In this week’s episode, Nick Moskaluk offers educators strategies to enhance the inclusion of creativity into your lessons to enhance student engagement.    In this episode, we discuss: Including Social and Cultural Responsive Topics Questioning to Guide Learning Teaching Tools and Strategies to Engage Your Students And his Podcast, Ready Set Growth About Nick Moskaluk: Nick has been teaching for the last 12 years with the Calgary Board of Education, he has found himself in a variety of teaching settings including being an intervention specialist to a homeroom math and science teacher. He thrives on helping others around him and knows leadership starts with himself. Creativity is at the heart of his work and aims to infuse this in all his work.  Follow Nick Moskaluk: Website:  https://www.readysetgrowthpodcast.com/ (https://www.readysetgrowthpodcast.com/)  Twitter: https://twitter.com/ReadySetGrowth (https://twitter.com/ReadySetGrowth)  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/readysetgro

In today’s educational climate of budget shortages, rigid testing standards, and diminishing autonomy in the classroom, how can teachers bring creativity and passion back into their work? In this week’s episode, CJ Reynolds offers educators struggling with these issues and feeling burnt out a way to hit the reset button and reconnect with what energizes them about teaching.   In this episode, we discuss: Mental Health Strategies Teaching Tools and Strategies to Engage Your Students CJ’s YouTube Channel,  Real Rap with Reynolds And his book, Teach Your Class Off 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 helps new and vet

This week’s guest, Dr. Efrain Martinez, shares his story of trauma and how it shaped him as a leader, impacted his productivity, and pushed him to focus on his mental health.  In this episode, we also discuss: Using Emotional Intelligence as a Leader  Learning From Our Mistakes And his podcast, Wisdom and Productivity About Dr. Efrain Martinez: Dr. Efrain Martinez is a father, husband, principal, and podcaster. As a wisdom seeker, he has found productivity to be a great tool for success in life. On his podcast Wisdom & Productivity, he reflects on life and interviews luminary figures on what makes them be who they are. His one word is improvement and he tries every day to make the world better. Follow Dr. Efrain Martinez :  Website: https://about.me/efrainmartinez (https://about.me/efrainmartinez)  Twitter: https://twitter.com/EMartinezEdD (https://twitter.com/EMartinezEdD)  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinezefra (https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinezefra)  YouTube: htt

Why did we become school leaders and teachers? To educate, uplift, and inspire all students. So when things go wrong, why do schools seem to use exclusion as a first reaction, especially for kids that need to be in class the most? This week’s guest, Dr. Andy Jacks, shares ideas and practical suggestions that will actually make a difference to achieve the behavior balance we all want in schools.  In this episode, we also discuss: The power of consistent and lasting relationships Networking with other leaders And his book, Discipline Win About Dr. Andy Jacks: Dr. Andy Jacks is a highly regarded school leader known for the energy and passion he brings to ensure his students feel valued in school every day. He describes his favorite and most common compliment from visitors to his school as, “It just feels different here.” Andy has been recognized with state and national awards such as School Bell Award, Professional Development Award, Virginia Principal of the Year, and Nationally Distinguished Princ

Aspire to Lead with Empathy, Creativity, and Passion I have a new book study course available for Aspire to Lead FREE on http://www.teachbetteracademy.com (www.teachbetteracademy.com)! I had the wonderful opportunity to speak with Jeff Gargas, the COO of the Teach Better Team, about the course and the additional resources.  In this Episode, we also discuss: The A.S.P.I.R.E. Model  Why I wrote this book and how it will help current and aspiring leaders The best way to consume the course https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1953852386/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1953852386&linkCode=as2&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=0d9c336e3db6ab16cbb08421ef3e4175 Follow The Teach Better Team: Twitter:https://twitter.com/teachbetterteam ( https://twitter.com/teachbetterteam) Website:https://www.teachbetter.com/ ( https://www.teachbetter.com/) Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/teachbetterteam ( https://www.facebook.com/teachbetterteam) Instagram:https://ww

This week’s guest, Carly Spina, shares how, when it comes to serving our multilingual learners, there are countless ways for us to serve their needs and strengthen our school practices.  In this episode, we also discuss: Breaking the Misconceptions of our English Learning Students Empowering and Connecting to our Multilingual Families  And her new book, Moving Beyond About Carly Spina: Carly Spina has 15 years of experience in Multilingual Education, including her service as an EL teacher, a third-grade bilingual classroom teacher, and a district-wide Multilingual Instructional Coach. She is currently a multilingual education specialist at the Illinois Resource Center, providing professional learning opportunities and technical assistance support to educators and leaders across the state and beyond. Spina enjoys connecting with other educators and leaders across the country and beyond and is an active member of the multilingual education professional learning community. Her first book, Moving Bey

This week’s guest, Matt Dunbar, shares how developing the foundational and essential skills of our students is important for their future success in our local communities.  In this episode, we also discuss: Relationships and Cultural Competency  Professional Growth culture  And the Vision 25 Model  About Matt Dunbar: As the East Hall Administrator at Benjamin Franklin Middle School, Matt Dunbar works daily to build lasting relationships through service, authenticity, and humor. A 2007 product of Franklin County High School, Matt returned in 2012 to teach World History and Government to 9th and 12th grade students. In 2015 he began his work with the Franklin County Public Schools Cultural Competence committee and helped to develop staff within that division through self-reflection and deep, intentional conversation. In 2017 Matt received his Masters from Virginia Tech in Educational Leadership and took an Assistant Principal position with Roanoke City Public Schools at William Fleming High School.

In this 25th 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 on first year teachers, finding motivation to finish the year, dreaming of our goals for next year, advantages of conferences, and the latest news with the Teach Better Team! Featuring Jeff Gargas and Joshua Stamper Teach Better Conference: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/94682238123/?discount=ASPIRE (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/94682238123/?discount=ASPIRE)  Code: ASPIRE for $25 Off  Podcast Row: https://teachbetterconference.com/podcasts/ (https://teachbetterconference.com/podcasts/)  Follow Jeff Gargas: Twitter:https://twitter.com/jeffgargas ( https://twitter.com/jeffgargas) Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/_jeffgargas/ ( https://www.instagram.com/_jeffgargas/) Follow Joshua Stamper: Contact:https://joshstamper.com/contact/ ( https://joshstamper.com/contact/) Twitter:http://www.twitter.com/Joshua__Stamp

Is balancing the many things you are in charge of in your life too much? This week’s guest, Sarah Johnson, shares how a shift in her career forced her to learn how to lead without a title, balance multiple jobs, and explore her spiritual well being to enhance her influence.  In this episode, we also discuss: Serving Beyond a Title Balancing Multiple Projects Techniques to assist in the chaos  And the IN AWE Podcast! About Sarah Johnson: Sarah Johnson is a former teacher and school principal, turned author, speaker, and podcaster. She is passionate about assisting others in seeking greater satisfaction in all areas of their full lives by helping them go beyond work-life balance as well as develop strong leadership foundations. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education, Master of Science in Educational Administration, and a Certificate for Women in Leadership from Cornell University. She hosts the weekly In AWE Podcast where she is proud to amplify women’s stories every week.  Sarah

This week’s guest, Rae Hughart, shares how she used mastery learning in her classroom, the creation of Dailey Drop In, and how she is providing teacher support as a member of the teach better team.   In this episode, we also discuss: Building Community in the classroom and in schools TED Talk on Mastery Learning The Upcoming Teach Better Conference And Teachers Deserve It! About Rae Hughart: Rae Hughart is the Director of Training & Development for the Teach Better Team and author of https://www.amazon.com/Teachers-Deserve-What-Deserve-Dont/dp/1951600401/ref=sr_1_2?crid=CMAXD9KHQRJQ&dchild=1&keywords=teachers+deserve+it+book&qid=1596403052&sprefix=teachers+deser%2Caps%2C178&sr=8-2 (Teachers Deserve It) & https://www.amazon.com/Teach-Better-Chad-Ostrowski/dp/1949595668/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= (Teach Better) books. After being inducted into The Illinois State University Hall of Fame in 2017, Rae was awarded the 2018 First Place Henry For

What strategies do you use in the classroom to instill and enhance exploration on new subjects and real world connections? This week’s guest, Evin Schwartz, shares how his experience overseas led him to creating a business focused on enhancing the learning process for all students, while also trying to solve the world's greatest problems.  In this episode, we also discuss: Connecting learning to real-world solutions The teacher and staff shortages Solutions to Mental health and attendance issues  And Belouga! About Evan Schwartz: Evin is the CEO and Founder of Belouga. He has 15+ years of overseeing businesses focused on education, social impact and innovation within the Gen-Y and Gen-Z demographic. He has created and implemented educational programs and cross-cultural initiatives in all 50 states at the K–12 and university levels, along with consultancy work on six continents. In 2019, Mr. Schwartz was recognized as one of the Meaningful Business 100, an award honoring global leaders who are

How will we prepare young people to thrive in this uncertain future? This week’s guest, Natalie Vardabasso, shares how educators can use assessment, equity practices and social emotional strategies to enhance student experiences, innovation, and creativity.  In this episode, we also discuss: Equity work beyond books The relationship between Standards Based Grading and SEL practices And her podcast, #EduCrush! About Natalie Vardabasso: Previously a middle-school teacher and instructional coach, Natalie is currently the Assessment Lead at a K-12 special education school and host of the #EduCrush podcast. In her many roles, she has lived into the belief that learning is driven by our passions, aligned with our strengths, and at the heart of our humanity. Whether working with kids or adults, Natalie strives to create an inclusive culture that embraces learning as the vehicle through which we find out who we are and how we might make a positive impact on the world. Follow Natalie Vardabasso: Websi

How are you using technology tools to empower students and give them ownership of their learning? This week’s guest, Debbie Tannenbaum, shares how educators can use technology tools to not only grow student achievement, but to TRANSFORM their own professional practices. In this episode, we also discuss: Creating Engaging Professional Development Fighting Fear of Technology And her new book, “TRANSFORM: Techy Notes to Make Learning Sticky”! About Debbie Tannenbaum: Debbie Tannenbaum works as an Elementary School Technology Specialist in Fairfax County, VA. An educator with over twenty years of experience, Debbie is an author, speaker, blogger, coach and technology consultant. In all of her roles, Debbie supports both staff and students to integrate technology tools into instruction through both co teaching sessions and weekly technology classes. Debbie’s passions include working collaboratively with other educators to use technology tools that amplify student learning and empowering student voice.

School communities are full of people who have both the ability and desire to lead. Some lead without knowing it. Most lead without the recognition they deserve. Whether you lead in a classroom, department, building, or district, chances are you know how challenging it can be to identify and develop other strong leaders, and to grow the leadership capacity of your organization as a whole. This week’s guest, Dr. Joe Sanfelippo, shares how he made sure leaders around him knew their worth, helped them cultivate connections, and grew their confidence to help the whole team move forward together to thrive. In this episode, we also discuss: Amplifying the great things teachers are doing in the classroom Being so good at your job, everyone will notice And his upcoming book, “Lead From Where You Are”! About Dr. Joe Sanfelippo: Dr. Joe Sanfelippo is the Superintendent of the Fall Creek School District in Fall Creek, WI. The Fall Creek School District was named an Innovative District in 2016 and 2017 by th

This week’s guest, Britney Wolf, shares her experience with Tourette Syndrome and how she is helping break the stigma of the disorder, providing awareness to educators, and motivating others to provide validation to those who have the disorder.  In this episode, we also discuss: Strategies for teachers to use in the classroom The difference between complex and simple tics And her upcoming book One, “Ticcing My Way Through Life”! About Britney Wolf: Britney Wolf has one mission – to create an environment in which every person in the room feels validated and cared about. After being diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome at 7 years old, she made a promise to herself and to the entire Tourette Community that she would educate, spread awareness, and fight for the stigma of this disorder to one day be erased. Along the way, she discovered how to empower and motivate those around her because of Tourette Syndrome, rather than in spite of it. Follow Britney Wolf : Website: http://www.britneywolfspeaks.com (

What is the narrative of each student group represented on your campus?  This week’s guest, Charles Williams, shares his experiences as a student and how it inspired him to change the negative portrayals of the disenfranchised populations.  In this episode, we also discuss: Assessing Equity in Schools Inside the Principal’s Office And the Counter Narrative Podcast  About Charles Williams: Charles Williams has been an educator for more than 15 years serving as a teacher, a mentor/lead teacher, an assistant principal, and a principal for urban students in grades K-12.  He also serves as an equity advocate through his work with Great Expectations Mentoring, Chicago Public School's Office of Equity, and The City of Chicago's Equity Office.  Charles is the host of The Counter Narrative Podcast, a show designed to challenge the dominant narrative that often negatively portrays our disenfranchised populations. He is also the co-host of Inside the Principal's Office, a bi-monthly show featuring educati

In this 24th Aspire Mailbag episode, Jeff Gargas, Brad Hughes, and I answer questions on different leadership topics provided by the listeners. Please join us for this episode as we answer questions on giving too much grace, finding our creative outlets, when are you ready to be promoted, and the latest news with the Teach Better Team! Featuring Brad Hughes, Jeff Gargas, and Joshua Stamper Brad Hughes is the host of http://anchor.fm/brad-hughes (The Good News, Brad News Podcast). Brad is an elementary school principal in Ontario, Canada, with 25 years’ experience in education. Prior to becoming a school leader, Brad taught for 16 years from Kindergarten to eighth grade, most recently teaching middle school Visual Arts, French and Special Education. Brad has an ongoing commitment to reframing the joys and challenges of school life through a https://self-reg.ca/ (Self-Reg) lens. Brad is an optimist and recovering perfectionist, passionate about improving kids' lives by loving and supporting the adults that serv