Episodes

In this bonus episode, Starr Sackstein shares her exciting announcement about Hacking Assessment and we discuss how to shift the “Grades Mindset”, change your grading system, and improve the feedback process. In this episode, we discuss: A No-Grade Classroom Rebranding Assignments as learning experiences Project based learning - Teaching the Reflection Process Ditching the Traditional Gradebook And her new edition, Hacking Assessment: 10 Ways to Go Gradeless in a Traditional Grades School Abou...

This week’s guest, Dwight Carter, shares how the motto “Be GREAT” changed his mindset, school culture assessment, and trajectory of his leadership journey. Join us as we explore Dwight’s new district position and new book, Be Great! In this episode, we discuss: Assessing School and District Culture Gratitude Techniques And his new book, Be Great: Five Principles to Improve School Culture from the Inside Out About Dwight Carter: Dwight Carter is a nationally recognized school leader from Centra...

This week’s guest, PJ Caposey, shares how experiencing a tragedy at a young age shifted his mindset on the value of time and how time management is key in any successful leader’s skill set. In this episode, we discuss: The Reflection Process Valuing Coaching from Others Preparing our Students for their Future. About PJ Caposey: PJ Caposey is a dynamic speaker and a transformational leader and educator. PJ began his career as an award-winning teacher in the inner-city of Chicago and has subsequ...

In this week’s episode, we flip the script! Sarah Johnson is hosting the Aspire to Lead Podcast to celebrate the 200th episode and to learn about the exciting news of Joshua’s new educational role! Thank you to all of the loyal listeners that have supported the show for the past 4 years. In this episode, we also discuss: Influence is not about a Title A look behind the scenes of the Aspire to Lead Podcast And a IN AWE Podcast announcement! About Sarah Johnson: Sarah Johnson is a former teacher...

This week’s guest, Erik Francis, shares how depth of knowledge and questioning is the missing link in education. Join us as we break down the stages of depth of knowledge and how you can incorporate multiple strategies into your classroom. In this episode, we discuss: Inquiry based instruction Changing the way we view education And his Newly Released Book, Deconstructing Depth of Knowledge: A Method and Model for Deeper Teaching and Learning About Erik Francis: Erik M. Francis, M.Ed., M.S., is...

This week’s guest, Tom Schimmer, dives into the frequent struggles and misperceptions of assessment practices. Tom provides excellent strategies to help provide feedback to your students and how to complete this important strategy in a timely manner. In this episode, we discuss: Frequent Mistakes in the World of Grading, Rubrics, and Assessments Student Investment through Assessment And his Newly Released Book, Concise Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Assessment and Grading About To...

This week’s guest, Dr. Michael Nagler, shares how he uses the motto “Think Differently” to shift his district into a problem solving and innovative group of educators, which prepare the students to be successful in their unknown future careers. In this episode, we discuss: Standards Based badge books for k-4th grade New model of High school called Synergy And his book, The Design Thinking, Entrepreneurial, Visionary Planning Leader About Dr. Michael Nagler: Michael is the Superintendent of the...

This week’s guest, Noah Daniel, shares how in her leadership journey, she needed mentors to provide guidance, wisdom, and inspiration to build beyond her position and explore new opportunities. In this episode, we discuss: TEDx Talk about Personal Narrative Music Project Extending Beyond Her Comfort Zone And her book, Strum and the Wild Turkeys About Noa Daniel: Noa Daniel MEd, is a classroom teacher in the York Region District School Board outside Toronto, Canada. Through her consulting work ...

This week’s guest, BreAnn Fennell, shares how play in the classroom can address the physical and emotional development of our students, while increasing engagement. In this episode, we discuss: The benefit of being an Ambassador for multiple organizations Teach Better Conference And her book, Play? Yay! About BreAnn Fennell: BreAnn Fennell is a 1st and 2nd grade looping teacher at Reagan Elementary in Ashland City School District. She has earned the title of Ohio Teacher of the Year for 2021 f...

Research proves that by intentionally practicing gratitude, we can dramatically improve our disposition, bringing us more joy and better health. Consistently and intentionally practicing gratitude can also lead to better relationships and more successful learning experiences. This week’s guest, Lainie Rowell, shows how educators can use small gratitude practices to make a big difference with kids, peers, and the world. In this episode, we discuss: The importance health aspects of showing gratit...

In this week’s episode, Kyle Krueger and Wilkie Law, share their struggles as a teacher and how providing their authentic self to their students allowed them to gain deeper relationships, model failure, and enhance creativity. In this episode, we discuss: The Lighthouse Project And their relaunched podcast, “We Teach Inspire” About Kyle Krueger Kyle Krueger has been a middle school social studies teacher for 11 years split between Houston and the Twin Cities. Along with teaching he started a n...

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 col...

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 Lesl...

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 the...

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 ...

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 C...

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....

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 o...

Aspire to Lead with Empathy, Creativity, and Passion I have a new book study course available for Aspire to Lead FREE on 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/...

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 thi...

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 F...

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 Code: ASPIRE fo...

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, tur...

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 Teachers D...