Episodes
Nov. 25, 2020
Aspire to RISE: Featuring Brianna Zwiefelhofer
As we battle the trials of a pandemic, many leaders are asking one similar question. How do we create and maintain a positive school environment during a crisis? In today’s episode featuring Brianna Zwiefelhofer, Sarah Johnso...
Nov. 21, 2020
126. Pause. Breathe. Flourish: Featuring William D. Parker
In your current position, have you worked so hard for so long that you feel like you are going to crash and burn? This week, William D. Parker, shares how his first year as an Assistant Principal almost became his last. Willi...
Nov. 14, 2020
125. Increasing Equity Practices: Featuring Andre Daughty
In a previous Aspire episode, I had a wonderful conversation with Dr. Sheldon Eakins as we discussed the issues of racial justice, equity and implicit bias. After that conversation, I was convicted to assess not only my own p...
Nov. 7, 2020
124. Tools for Distance Education: Featuring Jake Miller
As the year has progressed, the educational landscape has changed dramatically during the school year. Districts throughout the country have multiple learning environments from distance learning, face to face or a hybrid syst...
Nov. 2, 2020
123. Assessing the Teacher Evaluation Process: Featuring Michael Earnshaw and Joshua Buckley
We are starting the season of teacher evaluations and there are many questions from the teacher and administrator perspectives. In this episode we are going to be answering many questions on this topic, such as: Have you ever...
Oct. 28, 2020
Aspire Mailbag: New Practices to Continue with Jeff Gargas and Joshua Stamper
In this 16th 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 and discuss preparing staff for changes,...
Oct. 23, 2020
122. Teachers on Fire: Featuring Tim Cavey
Have you ever interviewed for a job only to find you were not selected for the position? This experience can be extremely painful and defeating. This week’s guest, Tim Cavey, shares how he overcame the disappointment, changed...
Oct. 18, 2020
121. Growing Through Connection and Creation: Featuring Chey Cheney and Pawan (Pav) Wander
I want to kick this episode off with a statement and I want to see if you agree. As a leader, you can grow and learn from creating content. Now, initially, you may think that to create content we have to have all the answers...
Oct. 13, 2020
Aspire to RISE: Featuring Adam Cottos
It’s the chicken before the egg dilemma of career advancement. How does a person gain experience while not in the role they seek when aspiring up the proverbial career ladder? In today’s episode featuring Adam Cottos, we tack...
Oct. 9, 2020
120. Define Your Why: Featuring Barbara Bray
Today, I wanted to bring on someone to help us reflect and refocus on what is important in our profession. As we are being challenged each day, it is so vital that we discover our “why”. Why do we work with students and Why d...
Oct. 3, 2020
119. Prime to SHINE: Featuring LaVonna Roth
Have you ever learned what not to do as a leader by experiencing a toxic working environment or encountering constant negative communication? This week’s guest, LaVonne Roth, shares how her negative experience in the business...
Sept. 26, 2020
118. The Collaborative Classroom: Featuring Trevor Muir
In a recent study, 3000 employers were asked, what is the #1 skill they were seeking in their future employees? I know for myself, my mind went straight to hard work, content knowledge, and honesty, which are all important ch...
Sept. 19, 2020
117. Connected Educators and Leaders: Featuring Jimmy Casas and Jeff Zoul
Have you ever started a difficult leadership task and felt alone, inadequate or unworthy? This week’s guests, Jeff Zoul and Jimmy Casas, share how through their connection with other educators and leaders, they were able to g...
Sept. 16, 2020
Aspire to RISE: Featuring Alana Gilliam
As a leader, have you ever found yourself feeling attacked when a colleague is providing critical feedback? This month’s aspiring leader, Alana Gilliam, shares how she struggles to feel comfortable and confident in crucial co...
Sept. 12, 2020
Aspire Mailbag: Change is the New Normal with Lindsay Titus
In this 15th Aspire Mailbag episode, Jeff Gargas, Lindsay Titus, 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 build...
Sept. 8, 2020
Aspire to RISE: Featuring Sarah Johnson and Joshua Stamper
Have you ever been in a situation where you needed guidance in your leadership journey? In this episode of Aspire to RISE, Sarah Johnson and Joshua Stamper share their vision of the show and how coaching helped them face thei...
Sept. 5, 2020
116. Authenticity is Key: Featuring Latrese Younger
Have you ever acted differently in a new leadership position because you thought you had to present a certain persona? This week’s guests, Latrese Younger, shares how she realized authenticity with her staff was the key to bu...
Sept. 1, 2020
115. Multiply Excellence in Your School: Featuring Emily Paschall
What is the driving force to improve the culture of your building and move your school toward success? This week’s guests, Emily Paschall, shares how she makes connections to help every student, parent, and colleague achieve ...
Aug. 27, 2020
Aspire Mailbag: Vulnerability as a Leader with Jeff Gargas and Joshua Stamper
In this 14th 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 and discuss how to be transparent as a l...
Aug. 22, 2020
114. Teachers Deserve It: Featuring Adam Welcome and Rae Hughart
Every day, educators across the country give students their very best. Often, many teachers feel overwhelmed, stressed out, underpaid, and unheard. This week’s guests, Adam Welcome and Rae Hughart, share how teachers and educ...
Aug. 16, 2020
113. Social Emotional Leader: Featuring Greg Moffitt
On this podcast, we have talked about mentorship before and the importance of seeking coaching. However, sometimes there are people in our lives that are extremely persistent even when we aren’t looking for it. So, have you e...
Aug. 14, 2020
Bonus Episode: Featuring Sarah Johnson
In this bonus episode Sarah Johnson shares how leaders can positively cope with stress, rediscover their passion and find safety in coaching. Tweet This Follow Sarah Johnson: Twitter: Sarah on Twitter Website: Sarah's Website...
Aug. 9, 2020
112. Unlocking Literacy with STEAM: Featuring Dr. Jacie Maslyk
Have you ever had a student or a teacher tell you that they are not creative? This week’s guest, Dr. Jacie Maslyk, shares how she instills creativity in her district and how her STEAM programs inspire the students to read and...
Aug. 5, 2020
Aspire Mailbag: Starting the School Year with Jeff Gargas and Rae Hughart
In this 13th Aspire Mailbag episode, Jeff Gargas, special guest Rae Hughart and I answer questions on different leadership topics provided by the listeners. Please join us for this episode as we answer questions and discuss p...