Episodes

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 world problems. In this episode, we discuss: Struggles with Blended Learning Building Authentic Relationship Remotely Social Media Burnout And The Pixel Classroom Podcast About Dr. Ryan Read: Ryan is serving as a business and technology teacher at Stillman Valley High Sch...

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 Based Mindset Grading True North Myths about Standards Based Grading And Grading From the Inside Out About Tom Schimmer: Tom Schimmer is an independent education author, speaker, and consultant from Vancouver, BC. Over the course of his career he has been a classroom teacher...

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 classrooms. About Greg Moffitt: Greg Moffitt is the Principal at Fairmont Charter Elementary School in the Vacaville Unified School District (Vacaville, CA) where he works with staff, parents, and – most importantly – students to create a school community that champions the streng...

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 he could make on student’s lives and his leadership capacity. In this episode, we discuss: The Challenges of Higher Education Equity practices in schools Teaching Students “Professional Skills” And Basil’s character in the new book by Jeff Kubiak, “It’s Me” About Dr. Basi...

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 teach problem solving skills, similar to Glenda in “The Wizard of Oz”. In this episode, we discuss: Listening instead of speaking Providing the correct tools and resources as a leader Creating boundaries to help with mental health And his book, The Teachers of OZ: Leading with ...

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 disc jockey and how to inspire others to take action and serve others. In this episode, we discuss: Why it’s important to share when you made a mistake How to go above and beyond your position And his book, If the Dance Floor is Empty, Change the Song About Dr. Joe Clar...

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 resources to her district, she made sure all students had the same resources at their fingertips and she explains how to build partnerships with community businesses to expand her student’s experiences. In this episode, we discuss: First steps when leading in a new district B...

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, especially mental health and emotional regulation. This week’s guests, Jamie Peden and Kelly Starnes, share how they started to find solutions to improve students struggling with emotional triggers, empathy and resilience. In this episode, we discuss: Implementing Soluti...

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 retain staff, make every student feel included in school, top characteristics of a good leader, and the newest Teach Better projects! About Hedreich Nichols: Hedreich Nichols, author, educator, and host of the YouTube series on equity strategies for educators, #SmallBites, is ...

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 be prepared for every situation. As a leader, what strategies are you using to be successful in this unpredictable time in education? This week’s guest, Randy Russell, shares how he has used his relationships and partnerships to provide support, resources and hope to his dist...

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 strategies to make homework deliberate and valuable in our new educational settings. In this episode, we discuss: Homework and Grading Practices Growth Mindset as a student and leader Building Leaders through Coaching And “12 Characteristics of Deliberate Homework”. About Dr....

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 Learning structure? Today's guest, Tre Gammage, shares how the majority of schools don’t have programs for the adults in schools and strategies to help with mental health for all ages. In this episode, we discuss: Being Proactive vs Reactive SEL strategies for Adults Creating ...

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 enough to provide true feedback to help with their progress? This week’s guest, Craig Randall, shares how he struggled with the traditional teacher assessment process and the strategies he used to create a new trust based program. In this episode, we discuss: Teaching and leadi...

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 mistakes by new leaders, how to gain student feedback, increase staff morale, learn about the Teach Better Podcast Network and the newest podcast addition! Featuring Todd Nesloney, Jeff Gargas, and Joshua Stamper About Todd Nesloney: Todd Nesloney is the Director of Culture and ...

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 the key ingredients to flourish as a leader. In this episode, we discuss: Why it’s important to focus on our purpose Focusing and building on our strengths The keys to finding multiple mentors And her new book, “Principal Ed: The Educator’s Survival Guide” About Rachael G...

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 discuss the mission of our podcasts and how podcasts impact professional development. Follow Dr. Jeffry Prickett: Twitter: @jdprickett Instagram: jdprickett Facebook: Jeffry Prickett Linkedin: Dr. Jeffry Prickett Blog: Wordpress Blog Site Podcast: https://www.teachbetter.com/p...

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 conversations, empower student’s voices, and increase equity in schools. In this episode, we discuss: Asking important questions about who else was apart of our country’s history Making sure we have opportunities to share and celebrate people of color Hedreich’s books on Ant...

I had the amazing opportunity to moderate during the Teach Better 12 Hour Live Event with two amazing educators. In this bonus episode, Hans Appel, Tre Gammage, and I discuss how to incorporate Social Emotional Learning (SEL) strategies on the campus for teachers and students. Follow Hans Appel: Website: www.awardwinningculture.com Twitter: @HansNAppel @awculture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awardwinningculture/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Award-Winning-Culture-102176471490533/?...

With the new experience of teaching virtually, many educators are struggling to teach in this new setting. What is the measure of success for teachers and students? What should our goal be as we teach online? This week’s guest, CJ Reynolds, shares his struggles with virtual teaching and his successful online tactics to build relationships, enhance digital tools, and create a safe environment. In this episode, we discuss: Digital Relationship Building Strategies How to Engage Students Online As ...

With the battle of teaching students from a variety of learning environments, our schools are challenged with uncovering and solving many community challenges at the same time. In today’s episode featuring Andrew Stanton, Sarah Johnson and Joshua Stamper tackle the topics of risk-taking and equity practices. In this episode, we discuss: Creating Change during a Pandemic Balancing Initiatives to Avoid Burn-Out Resources to Learn more about Equity About Andrew Stanton: Andrew is a middle schoo...

As our educational setting has shifted dramatically in a short period of time, the teaching strategies and educational tools needed to be successful have pushed educators to discover new ways to provide information and collaborate. This week’s guest, Jesse Lubinsky, shares some exciting emerging technology and innovative solutions to enhance student exploration, creativity and risk taking. In this Episode, we discuss: The Benefits of Esports in Schools AR and VR Tools in the Classroom Ready Lea...