Episodes
July 31, 2020
111. Pardon My Positivity: Featuring Taylor Armstrong
When you lead, are you giving positivity or negativity to those around you? I’m excited to have Taylor Armstrong on the podcast to share his story on how being a negative person affected his job and the people surrounding him...
July 25, 2020
110. Taking a Gamble on Education: Featuring Kristen Nan
How important is it to be connected to other educators outside of your building? This week’s guest, Kristen Nan, shares how she almost walked away from teaching and how she took a gamble on education, which led her to an amaz...
July 21, 2020
109. Sparking Creativity in a Culturally Responsive Classroom: Featuring Dr. Shaun Woodly
If I asked you, tell me a time you sat down with a leader and felt immediate inspiration and growth? What and who would you describe? Well, for me, this occurred during this interview on multiple occasions as I had the great ...
July 17, 2020
Aspire Mailbag: Avoiding Leadership Pitfalls with Jeff Gargas and Joshua Stamper
In this 12th Aspire Mailbag episode, Jeff Gargas and I answer questions on different leadership topics provided by the listeners. Please join us for this episode as Jeff and I answer questions on preparing for changes in plan...
July 12, 2020
108. When Kids Lead: Featuring Todd Nesloney and Adam Dovico
On your campus or in your district, how do you allow students to lead? After reflecting on this question myself, I realized that I needed to learn more about this topic so I found a great resource to gain more student leaders...
July 9, 2020
107. Read, Lead, and Succeed: Featuring Dr. Danny Brassell
Have you ever started a career and quickly realized it wasn’t what you anticipated? This week’s guest, Dr. Danny Brassell, shares how his career as a political journalist was short lived and the reason it propelled him to tu...
July 4, 2020
106. Slaying the Lion: Featuring Justin Belt
Often, as a leader, we are met with difficult barriers and problems that create stress and fear. This week’s guest, Justin Belt, shares his message on how leaders can slay our doubts, take the necessary actions and find crea...
June 25, 2020
105. EduMagic for New Leaders: Featuring Dr. Samantha Fecich
As a leader, how do you impact and grow new teachers and leaders in our organization? This week’s guest, Dr. Samantha Fecich, shares how she uses innovative programs and resources to prepare new teachers to overcome the initi...
June 21, 2020
Aspire Mailbag: Teach Better Live Event with Jeff Gargas
In this 10th Aspire Mailbag episode, Jeff Gargas and I answer questions on different leadership topics provided by the listeners during the Teach Better 12 Hour Live event. Please join us for this episode as Jeff and I answer...
June 17, 2020
104. Teach, Play, Learn: Featuring Adam Peterson
When you hear that a student is playing in school, what are your first thoughts as an educator? My guest, a former kindergarten teacher, shares how he used play to transform the classroom, increase learning and engage student...
June 14, 2020
Distance Learning Support with Sarah Johnson, Jessica Cabeen and Sarah Thomas
As we continue through this journey of distant learning, I wanted to bring you some content specific to our current struggle. Instead of asking one person, I asked many of my friends to share their insight and wisdom using on...
June 10, 2020
103. Unconventional Growth: Featuring Rachelle Dene Poth
As we have spent several months implementing a distant learning model, I asked my guest, what was the greatest take away from her online experience? This week’s guest, Rachelle Dene Poth, shares the role of advanced technolog...
June 5, 2020
Aspire Mailbag: Breaking Traditional Practices with Jeff Gargas and Joshua Stamper
Important Message I wanted to address the injustices that are occurring in this country, even though this episode does not consist of questions regarding racism, equity or privilege. As a white male, I do not truly understand...
May 30, 2020
102. Leading Equity and Change: Featuring Dr. Sheldon L. Eakins
With a heavy heart, I bring you this episode, in a time where our country is fighting against inequality and racism. During the duration of distant learning, the subject of equity has come to the forefront of many discussions...
May 28, 2020
Distance Learning Support with Denis Sheeran, Lavonna Roth and Rachelle Dene Poth
As we continue through this journey of distant learning, I wanted to bring you some content specific to our current struggle. Instead of asking one person, I asked many of my friends to share their insight and wisdom using on...
May 23, 2020
101. Award Winning Culture: Featuring Jennifer and Hans Appel
This is a special episode because I get to celebrate the two year anniversary of the Aspire podcast and my guest, Hans Appel, has released his new book, “Award Winning Culture”! This week, I'm joined by Jennifer and Hans Appe...
May 16, 2020
100. Schools Full of Readers: Featuring Evan Robb
As I have shared on this podcast before, when I was younger, I didn’t enjoy reading. Of course, once I got older, I found great pleasure in reading books and I love to share the joy of reading. In this special milestone 100th...
May 13, 2020
Distance Learning Support with Dr. Nathan Lang-Raad, Bethany Hill, Jeff Gargas and Tim Cavey
As we continue through this journey of distant learning, I wanted to bring you some content specific to our current struggle. Instead of asking one person, I asked many of my friends to share their insight and wisdom using on...
May 9, 2020
99. Dive into Inquiry: Featuring Trevor MacKenzie
How is your school or classroom encouraging and enhancing student curiosity and self directed learning? This week’s guest, Trevor MacKenzie, shares how embracing student questions through an inquiry based model gradually incr...
May 5, 2020
Distance Learning Support with Neil Gupta, Alicia Ray, Tara Martin and Evan Robb
As we continue through this journey of distant learning, I wanted to bring you some content specific to our current struggle. Instead of asking one person, I asked many of my friends to share their insight and wisdom using on...
May 2, 2020
98. Unforgettable Leader: Featuring Chuck Poole
Who in your life has made the greatest difference and impact on your leadership skills? This week’s guest, Chuck Poole, shares how failing as a mentor changed his outlook on being a teacher and a leader and the steps he took ...