Episodes
May 8, 2021
146. The 5 “S”s of Mental Health: Featuring Dan Tricarico
As the school year comes to a close, we can all agree that we are exhausted mentally and physically. This past year and a half has been difficult in many ways and every educator's mental health has been affected. Just the oth...
May 2, 2021
145. Natural Learning Opportunities: Featuring Becky Schnekser
In your classrooms, are your students participating in one interactive lesson per unit or are they experiencing natural learning opportunities each day? This week’s guest, Becky Schnekser, shares how transforming her classroo...
April 25, 2021
144. Activity Rich and Impact Poor: Featuring Peter DeWitt
On your campus or in your district, do you have a lot of initiatives being implemented? What is the impact of each of those initiatives or programs? This week’s guest, Peter DeWitt, shares how relationship building and collab...
April 21, 2021
Top 5 Reading Recommendations with Brad Hughes
In this bonus episode, Brad Hughes shares his five top leadership books and the reasons he loves these amazing resources. In addition, we discuss his new podcast and some Teach Better event details. About Brad Hughes: Brad Hu...
April 17, 2021
143. Solving Problems with Project Based Learning: Featuring Dr. Ryan Read
In remote learning, have you felt restricted with the new learning environment? This week’s guest, Dr. Ryan Read, shares how to use project based learning in all learning models for students to gain experience in solving real...
April 10, 2021
142. Grading From the Inside Out: Featuring Tom Schimmer
This week’s guest, Tom Schimmer, shares his journey as a leader, redefining accountability in grading, the myths of standards based grading and the importance of descriptive feedback. In this episode, we discuss: Standards Ba...
April 8, 2021
Top 5 Reading Recommendations with Greg Moffitt
In this bonus episode, Greg Moffitt shares his five top leadership books and the reasons he loves these amazing resources. In addition, Greg introduces two bonus children’s books to instill leadership qualities in our classro...
April 4, 2021
141. Will I Be Enough?: Featuring Dr. Basil Marin
Based on your past educational struggles, have you ever asked yourself, “Will I be enough in this leadership position?”. This week’s guests, Dr. Basil Marin, explains how his struggles in school created doubt about the impact...
March 27, 2021
140. The Teachers of OZ: Featuring Dr. Nathan Lang-Raad
When someone comes to you with a problem, do you immediately try to solve the issue? This week’s guests, Dr. Nathan Lang-Raad, explains how leaders need to use a coaching model of questions to find the best solutions and teac...
March 20, 2021
139. If the Dance Floor is Empty, Change the Song: Featuring Dr. Joe Clark
Have you ever been on the dance floor at a party or a wedding and when the DJ changes the song, everyone either runs on or off the dance floor? This week’s guests, Dr. Joe Clark, explains why leadership is similar to being a ...
March 14, 2021
138. All Means All: Featuring Zandra Jo Galvan
When you add resources or programs to your campus or district, how do you decide what students receive these new opportunities? This week’s guests, Zandra Jo Galvan, shares how when presented an opportunity to add multiple re...
March 6, 2021
137. Grit, Growth Mindset, and Grace: Featuring Jamie Peden and Kelly Starnes
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...
March 1, 2021
Aspire Mailbag: Staff Retention with Hedreich Nichols
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 ret...
Feb. 27, 2021
136. The 3 Ships: Relationships, Leadership and Partnerships: Featuring Randy Russell
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 b...
Feb. 19, 2021
135. Characteristics of Deliberate Homework: Featuring Dr. Erik Youngman
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 str...
Feb. 14, 2021
134. Social Emotional Learning for Adults: Featuring Tre Gammage
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 Lea...
Feb. 11, 2021
133. Trust-Based Observations: Featuring Craig Randall
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 enou...
Feb. 5, 2021
Aspire Mailbag: New Leadership Mistakes with Todd Nesloney
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 mista...
Jan. 25, 2021
132. Principal Ed Survival Guide: Featuring Dr. Rachael George
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...
Jan. 21, 2021
Bonus Episode with Jeffrey Prickett, Brittany Rincon, Robert Breyer and Deanna Lough
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 dis...
Jan. 17, 2021
131. Small Bites of Equity Strategies: Featuring Hedreich Nichols
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 c...