Episodes

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...

What strategies do you use in the classroom to instill and enhance exploration on new subjects and real world connections? This week’s guest, Evin Schwartz, shares how his experience overseas led him to creating a business focused on enhancing the learning process for all students, while also trying to solve the world's greatest problems. In this episode, we also discuss: Connecting learning to real-world solutions The teacher and staff shortages Solutions to Mental health and attendance issues...

How will we prepare young people to thrive in this uncertain future? This week’s guest, Natalie Vardabasso, shares how educators can use assessment, equity practices and social emotional strategies to enhance student experiences, innovation, and creativity. In this episode, we also discuss: Equity work beyond books The relationship between Standards Based Grading and SEL practices And her podcast, #EduCrush! About Natalie Vardabasso: Previously a middle-school teacher and instructional coach, ...

How are you using technology tools to empower students and give them ownership of their learning? This week’s guest, Debbie Tannenbaum, shares how educators can use technology tools to not only grow student achievement, but to TRANSFORM their own professional practices. In this episode, we also discuss: Creating Engaging Professional Development Fighting Fear of Technology And her new book, “TRANSFORM: Techy Notes to Make Learning Sticky”! About Debbie Tannenbaum: Debbie Tannenbaum works as an...

School communities are full of people who have both the ability and desire to lead. Some lead without knowing it. Most lead without the recognition they deserve. Whether you lead in a classroom, department, building, or district, chances are you know how challenging it can be to identify and develop other strong leaders, and to grow the leadership capacity of your organization as a whole. This week’s guest, Dr. Joe Sanfelippo, shares how he made sure leaders around him knew their worth, helped t...

This week’s guest, Britney Wolf, shares her experience with Tourette Syndrome and how she is helping break the stigma of the disorder, providing awareness to educators, and motivating others to provide validation to those who have the disorder. In this episode, we also discuss: Strategies for teachers to use in the classroom The difference between complex and simple tics And her upcoming book One, “Ticcing My Way Through Life”! About Britney Wolf: Britney Wolf has one mission – to create an en...

What is the narrative of each student group represented on your campus? This week’s guest, Charles Williams, shares his experiences as a student and how it inspired him to change the negative portrayals of the disenfranchised populations. In this episode, we also discuss: Assessing Equity in Schools Inside the Principal’s Office And the Counter Narrative Podcast About Charles Williams: Charles Williams has been an educator for more than 15 years serving as a teacher, a mentor/lead teacher, an ...

In this 24th Aspire Mailbag episode, Jeff Gargas, Brad Hughes, and I answer questions on different leadership topics provided by the listeners. Please join us for this episode as we answer questions on giving too much grace, finding our creative outlets, when are you ready to be promoted, and the latest news with the Teach Better Team! Featuring Brad Hughes, Jeff Gargas, and Joshua Stamper Brad Hughes is the host of The Good News, Brad News Podcast. Brad is an elementary school principal in Onta...

Do you see every interaction with students, staff, and parents as a gift? This week’s guest, Livia Chan, shares how every interaction is an opportunity to uplift, inspire, encourage, and support others. In this episode, we also discuss: Belief in Other People Maximizing Opportunities to Inspire Learning And “Impact: The Power of Connected Leadership” About Livia Chan: Livia Chan is Head Teacher and author passionate about community, leading with heart, and daily lifelong learning. She truly be...

Education is a difficult field and many teachers don’t continue after three years in the classroom. This week’s guest, Dr. Frank Rudnesky and Michelle Rispo Hill, share how to help new teachers, support veteran educators, and stay passionate in a long career. In this episode, we also discuss: Creating a Positive School Culture How to Help the Teacher Shortage And Fired Up Teachership About Michelle Rispo Hill: Michele Rispo Hill is a passionate educator who has dedicated a lifetime to the edu...

In reflecting about 2021, my favorite day was when Aspire to Lead launched. I had the wonderful opportunity to speak with the Teach Better Team about the different aspects of this educational leadership resource and where the idea came from. 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 Funny stories about the writing process https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1953852386/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=93...

Most often, when restorative practices are discussed, it is described as a reactive measure to help students fix the harm that was caused. This week’s guest, Dr. Neil Gupta, shares how the most important steps in restorative practices are proactive practices to create a foundation of love and care. In this episode, we also discuss: Creating Healthy Collaborative teams Mental Health for Staff and Students And Coaching as an Associate with Creative Leadership Solutions Dr. Neil Gupta: Dr. Neil G...

With the launch of The EduCulture Cookbook and Aspire to Lead, The Punk Rock podcasters joins me to share about leadership qualities and school culture. In this Episode, we also discuss: The Reflections Process as a Leader Finding our Identity And the “EduCulture Cookbook” and “Aspire to Lead” EduMatch Holiday Bundle: www.bit.ly/edumatchholiday About Michael Earnshaw: Michael Earnshaw, The Punk Rock Principal, is helping to change the game of education. By implementing a mobile office, Mr. E...

How can an instructional technology coach be utilized on a campus to enhance student achievement and staff development? This week’s guest, Jeff Bradbury, shares his instructional technology instructional roadmap to determine the effectiveness of an instructional coach department and to help with instructional practices. In this episode, we also discuss: Lessons Learned as an Instructional Coach How to Build a Department of Coaches And Ask the Tech Coach Podcast Jeff Bradbury: Jeff Bradbury is ...

In your school or classroom, do your students have an opportunity to solve real life problems in their community? This week’s guest, Chelsea Nicolino, shares how she made a shift in her teaching to allow students to work at their own pace, partner with city leaders, and utilize the Grid Method. In this episode, we also discuss: Assessing student mastery Daily student check-ins And the Teach Better Ambassador Program About Chelsea Nicolino: Chelsea Nicolino is an eighth grade integrated science...

Have you ever asked yourself, have I unlocked the potential that lies within myself? This week’s guest, Maurice F Martin, shares how he overcame the hurdles that had been holding him back from healing, succeeding, and thriving in daily life. In this episode, we also discuss: Reflection and Learning Practices Self Help Strategies And his new book, Save the Day: Learning to Embrace Your Inner Hero About Maurice F Martin: Maurice F. Martin is an American entrepreneur and author. He is a premier i...

Low teacher retention rates in schools negatively impact student achievement for all the students in a school, not just those in a new teacher’s classroom. This week’s guest, Dr. Joseph Jones and Dr. T.J. Vari, give precise strategies for motivating, inspiring, and energizing a staff. In this episode, we also discuss: Leadership Qualities Needed in an Evolving Education Model Teacher Retention Strategies And their book, Candid and Compassionate Feedback: Transforming Everyday Practice in School...

This week’s guest, Trevor Timmerberg, shares how his experience in the military shaped his self discipline and changed his perspective on leadership. As a student who had labels placed on him, Trevor is determined to teach his students that mistakes don’t define who you are as a person. In this episode, we also discuss: Cafeteria as a Temperature Check Restorative Practices built on Relationships And Constructing a Leadership Mission Statement About Trevor Timmerberg: Trevor is a High School A...