Jan. 3, 2026
Aspire Mailbag: Communication, Culture, and Conflict in School Leadership
How do you lead staff who seem stuck in their ways, resist new ideas, and quietly shut out new colleagues?
In this New Year episode of the Aspire Mailbag, Joshua Stamper and longtime co-host Jeff Gargas dig into anonymous listener questions from the Aspire Voxer community about culture, communication, and accountability.
Josh and Jeff unpack practical strategies for having hard one-on-one conversations, rebuilding trust after past leadership missteps, and balancing empathy with firm expectations so that relationships strengthen instead of fracture over time. Along the way, they reflect on six years of Mailbag episodes, the realities of initiative fatigue, and why clear communication and shared ownership in hiring and onboarding are non-negotiables for a healthy school culture.
Featuring Jeff Gargas and Joshua Stamper
Follow Jeff Gargas:
- Twitter:https://twitter.com/jeffgargas
- Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/_jeffgargas/
Follow Joshua Stamper:
- Contact:https://joshstamper.com/contact/
- Twitter:www.twitter.com/Joshua__Stamper
- Instagram:www.instagram.com/joshua__stamper
- Linkedin:www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-stamper
- Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/AspirePodcast
- Subscribe:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aspire-the-leadership-development-podcast/id1384210762?mt=2
Follow The Teach Better Team:
- Twitter:https://twitter.com/teachbetterteam
- Website:https://www.teachbetter.com/
- Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/teachbetterteam
- Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/teachbetterteam
- The Teach Better Podcast:https://www.teachbetter.com/podcast/
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1949595668/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1949595668&linkCode=as2&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=76f63506c1e5b2f907d05fb13ab6f8e4 -- NEW Aspire to Lead Cohort: Join the February Launch Ready to move from teacher to administrator? The Aspire to Lead Cohort is a monthly leadership program designed for educators pursuing administrative roles. Get expert training, peer accountability, interview prep, and a clear roadmap to advance your career. December 1st cohort launching soon. Limited spots available. READY TO JOIN? Apply for the Aspire to Lead Cohort: https://bit.ly/47xWzIu Limited spots available. Next cohort starts 12/1/25 📧 QUESTIONS? Email me: Joshua@joshstamper.com — #1 New Release, "The Language of Behavior" is NOW Available! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DVT32KQ1?&linkCode=ll1&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=d18e5a44a6582a22d15ee23193af7bb8&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl The Language of Behavior is an essential guide for school leaders committed to transforming their school culture and addressing student behavior through a more compassionate, effective approach. Drawing on their extensive experience in education, Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper challenge outdated disciplinary practices and offer a clear, trauma-informed framework that empowers educators to interpret student behavior as a form of communication. Through three core tenets—Consider the Environment, Explore the Root Causes of Behavior, and Respond with Intentionality—this book equips leaders with actionable strategies to foster positive behavior, build stronger relationships, and cultivate a more supportive school climate. Packed with real-world case studies, evidence-based practices, and insights into the lasting effects of childhood trauma, The Language of Behavior provides school leaders with the tools to create lasting, meaningful change. It offers a roadmap to reduce behavior issues, re-engage students and staff, and establish a culture of accountability and empathy. This book is not just a reference—it's a call to lead with vision and transform how we approach discipline, ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive. Bulk Orders: https://www.connectedd.org/bulk-orders —
