Episodes

As educators, we know what an IQ is but what is an EQ? This week’s guests, Dr. Adam Saenz shares the critical value of practicing Social Emotional Learning skills in the classroom, for both students and faculty, to decrease n...

Although my two guests have been in education and known each other since the mid 1990’s, this year has been the most challenging in their careers. This week’s guests, Adam Dewitt and Dr. Jeffry Prickett share how during this ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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...