Episodes

In this week’s Aspire to lead episode, Dave Schmittou discusses ways to confront your own thinking and how to challenge the status quo. But the aim of our conversation is not to provide a step-by-step, one size fits all solution. Instead, the goal is to create a spark that inspires you to engage in difficult conversations. In this episode, we discuss: Why an “open door policy” doesn’t work Ways to push past the fear of uncomfortable situations And his new book, Poking the Bear About Dave Schmi...

This BONUS episode is sponsored by Toddle. Toddle is an all-in-one teaching and learning platform used by over 40,000 educators around the world! On March 3rd and 4th, Toddle hosted the largest virtual gathering for school leaders across the globe with 5000+ school leaders in attendance. Today, I had the wonderful opportunity to speak to Danny Bauer about his fantastic presentation on building leadership momentum and how to become a Ruckus Maker! Get your FREE pass to the Toddle recordings today...

In this week’s Aspire to lead episode, Stacey Cohen shares the modern playbook that equips teens with strategies and tools to succeed in high school, college, and their first job. This episode is packed with sage advice, practical tips and in-depth skill-building guidance for networking, interviewing, entrepreneurship, and social media. In this episode, we discuss: Building your students a positive digital footprint Teaching students how to interview and professional norms And her new book, Bra...

In this week’s episode, Dr. Amy Mathews-Perez shares how, as a Principal, she felt successful but unfulfilled. Join us as we talk about being authentic in our desires and mission, while not conforming to other people's assumptions and expectations. In this episode, we discuss: Supporting special education as a leader Teaching those we serve how to collaborate And her upcoming projects! About Dr. Amy Mathews-Perez: Texas-born & raised, I am currently in my 30th year of public education where I ...

This BONUS episode is sponsored by Toddle. Toddle is an all-in-one teaching and learning platform used by over 40,000 educators around the world! On March 3rd and 4th, Toddle hosted the largest virtual gathering for school leaders across the globe with 5000+ school leaders in attendance. Today, I had the wonderful opportunity to speak to Adriano Di Prato about his fantastic presentation on thriving high performing schools and how to become a Game Changer! Get your FREE pass to the Toddle recordi...

In this week’s episode, Joshua Buckley shares the surprises, misconceptions, and lessons learned as a new administrator of two elementary schools. In this episode, we discuss: The differences of teaching vs administration How to create the “Scene” on your campus And his podcast, Punk Rock Classrooms. About Joshua Buckley: Joshua Buckley is an Elementary Assistant Principal in Mesa, Arizona and co-host of the Punk Rock Classrooms podcast. He has been in public education for 17 years as a classr...

In this new BONUS episode, we learn from Dave’s story of failure as he tried to be the only one to save the campus with ALL the answers. He quickly found out that this was a direct route to failure. About Dave Schmittou: As an educator for more than two decades, Dave has earned a reputation for being a disruptor of the status quo, an innovator, and a change agent. Having served as a classroom teacher, school-based administrator, central office director, and professor of Educational Leadership, h...

In this week’s episode, Martin Silverman shares the importance, as a leader, on focusing on the teachers so they can focus on the students. In this episode, we discuss: Improving Teacher Retention The Longevity of a Principal And his upcoming book. About Martin Silverman: Martin Silverman is a father, grandfather, husband, and long-time educator in beautiful San Antonio, Texas. He is committed to providing the best educational experience for the students and families at Salinas Elementary sc...

The Aspire Mailbag In this 28th 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 the interview process and the latest news with the Teach Better Team! 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/ Twit...

This BONUS episode is sponsored by Toddle. Toddle is an all-in-one teaching and learning platform used by over 40,000 educators around the world! On March 3rd and 4th, Toddle hosted the largest virtual gathering for school leaders across the globe with 5000+ school leaders in attendance. Today we are going to speak to a fantastic leader who was in attendance to provide their takeaways and insights from the many wonderful presentations offered. I have two guests this episode and both are Principa...

In this week’s episode, Bobby Pollicino shares how a transformation of self improvement practices allowed him to develop an important set of leadership principles. In this episode, we discuss: Relationship Principles Fitness: Mental, Physical, Spiritual Decision Making as a leader And his book, Principled Leader About Bobby Pollicino: Bobby Pollicino is the Head of Upper School at Bullis School in Potomac, MD. He has served as a school administrator for over 15 years, also in dean of studen...

In this week’s episode, Henry Turner shares his experience as a young leader and how he learned to listen to his students during a tough time in the community. As a building Principal, Henry has built a strong communication systems to enhance the voices of his students, parents, and community members. In this episode, we discuss: Strategies to Empower Students Evaluation for Culturally Responsive Practices And his book, Change the Narrative: How to Foster an Antiracist Culture in Your School A...

This BONUS episode is sponsored by Toddle. Toddle is an all-in-one teaching and learning platform used by over 40,000 educators around the world! On March 3rd and 4th, Toddle hosted the largest virtual gathering for school leaders across the globe with 5000+ school leaders in attendance. Today we are going to speak to a fantastic leader who was in attendance to provide their takeaways and insights from the many wonderful presentations offered. My guest, Katie Ahmadzai, is a Principal located in...

In this week’s episode, Manny Curiel shares how he used his own experiences of overcoming a language barrier to construct emotional attachments to the reading content and lessons. In this episode, we discuss: Incorporating engaging video techniques Breaking through the fear of technology And all the wonderful ways to use Edpuzzle About Manny Curiel: Super Manny is the global Community Manager at Edpuzzle. He travels the world loving on teachers and reminding them to share their shine. Prior ...

The #1 question CJ Reynolds gets from teachers is "What classroom management strategies do you use?" So here are some of his daily practices to make sure your classroom runs smoothly. He also threw in a few weird ones just to get your creativity going. In this episode, we discuss: Student Management Techniques How to handle unengaged and defiant students And his YouTube Videos, Real Rap with Reynolds About CJ Reynolds: Mr. Reynolds is a West Philadelphia high school literature teacher, author,...

This BONUS episode is sponsored by Toddle. Toddle is an all-in-one teaching and learning platform used by over 40,000 educators around the world! On March 3rd and 4th, Toddle hosted the largest virtual gathering for school leaders across the globe with 5000+ school leaders in attendance. Today we are going to speak to two fantastic educators who were in attendance to provide their takeaways and insights from the many wonderful presentations offered. My first guest is Adam Hill, a Principal locat...

In this week’s episode, Maria Barrera shares how she discovered a mental health crisis and was determined to help solve the issues that were affecting students, teachers, and the community. In this episode, we discuss: Creating a business based on a community need Partnering with schools to assist in crisis Resources to battle mental health About Maria Barrera: Maria is the founder of Clayful, a company on a mission to help kids build the skills and resilience to tackle anything that comes the...

In this bonus episode, Dr. Brenda Diaz shares how traditional student discipline didn’t improve the students behavior and the shift her campus made to implement relationship building strategies and restorative practices. In this episode, we discuss: Trauma-informed practices Increasing diversity among educators Toddle’s School Leader Bootcamp! About Dr. Brenda Diaz: As the Executive Principal of Nashville Big Picture High School in Nashville TN, Dr. Brenda leads with love, courage, and moral c...

In this new BONUS episode, we learn from Kim’s story of failure as she was honest and authentic with her Superintendent, which left her feeling disappointed and disheartened. About Kim Gameroz: Kim Gameroz is a change agent for schools and districts who seek to revolutionize classrooms by taking on a systematic approach to teaching social and emotional skills. For over 15 years, Kim has coached, trained, and mentored teachers, students, and families around the globe. She was invited to speak at ...

In this week’s episode, Ipek Williamson shares the benefits and power of emotional regulation, mindfulness, and meditation, which creates peaceful and harmonious classrooms. In this episode, we discuss: Meditation’s support for mental health issues Cultivating awareness on the positive impact of meditation and mindfulness among educators Introducing new generations to the importance of knowing their values and implementing them into their lives And her children's book! About Ipek Williamson: I...

In this bonus episode, Jim Laird shares the story of Canyon Falls Middle School, an innovative, 21st-century learning school in Kelowna, and the purposeful educational transformation focus on engaging students and stakeholders. As an entire school community, they created a middle school that was unique, innovative, and learner-centered. This episode is intended to share the engagement strategy, leadership moves, and process that created a school culture involving all stakeholders, guided by the ...

In this week’s episode, Alfonso Mendoza shares his philosophies of improvising, adapting and overcoming obstacles in education. As a tech leader, Alfonso has seen a major shift the past few years and he continues to spread his message of “keeping it simple”. In this episode, we discuss: Tech Implementation: Getting Clicky With It Immersive Technology of ARVR AI & Chat GPT in schools And his podcast, My Ed Tech Life! About Alfonso Mendoza: Alfonso Mendoza Jr., a passionate educator with over a ...

In this bonus episode, Carolina Ulloa shares how she ventured to build a brand new school that focused on the physical, spiritual, and emotional aspects of every student. Join us as we discuss this incredible journey of constructing an educational environment that connects to the children and the community. In this episode, we discuss: The Rhythmic Arts Project Development of Community Service Project And the Curriculum Development of this New School About Carolina Ulloa: Carolina Ulloa, vice ...

In this week’s episode, Ashley Hubner shares how she transitioned from teacher to coach, struggled to develop a Coaching Mindset and the impact of intentional curriculum design. In this episode, we discuss: The difficulties of leaving the classroom Differentiating for adults and finding success as a coach And her new book, Foundations of Instructional Coaching! About Ashley Hubner: Ashley Hubner is a passionate educator who values relationships. She started her career as an elementary school t...