Episodes

In this 17th 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 coach the coaches, establish relationships with new staff members, keep staff on board through all the many changes that are occurring, and learn about one of the newest Teach Better podcast network additions! Featuring Jeff Gargas, Joshua Stamper and special guest, Brittany Rincon. Follow Brit...

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 negative behavior and increase student academic performance, social skills, and relational engagement. In this Episode, we discuss: The Importance of Developing a Emotional Intelligence Strategies for Teachers to Improve Their Emotional Health The Impact of Trauma on the Bra...

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 difficult time, they’ve leaned heavily on each other and their professional learning network to work through the daily adversity and grow as leaders. Join us as they share their connected leadership journey and how their friendship strengthened their skills, values and contr...

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 Johnson and Joshua Stamper tackle this important and relevant topic on school culture. In this Episode, we discuss: Important Leadership Qualities Needed to Establish a Strong Culture Resources to Improve Communication And The Importance of Being Transparent in Your Conversatio...

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. William provides strategies he used to take as a step back, reevaluate and focus on other unique areas in his life. In this episode, William also shares: Building trusting relationship for vulnerable moments Gathering Constructive Leadership Feedback Balancing Important Areas of...

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 practices, but the practices of my school to determine the biases that exist. I didn’t want to stop the conversation there. This week, I have an amazing leader, Andre Daughty, as we focus on the questions, what is the starting point for a school or a district to create equita...

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 system. Regardless of how students are learning, educators everywhere are asking, “What technology tools are going to provide the most engagement, accurate assessments and organization of the curriculum. This week's guest, Jake Miller, shares how his journey from Technology Coac...

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 had a terrible evaluation and wished you could have a redo? Or began your first administrative job to find you are extremely nervous to evaluate a teacher? What do you do if you observe a teacher that needs to grow in multiple areas? Evaluations for educators can be a tou...

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, practices we would keep after virtual learning, goals for starting a new school and some exciting announcements! Featuring Jeff Gargas and Joshua Stamper NEW Aspire Swag with Discount Code: ASPIRE https://teachbetterswag.com/collections/aspire-the-leadership-development-...

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 his mindset, and advanced to the next level. In this Episode, we discuss: The Key Aspects of Administration Unexpected Challenges of Teaching and Leading Tips to Balance Work and Family And the “Teachers on Fire” Podcast About Tim Cavey: Tim Cavey is a husband, stepfather...

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. In this episode I have two amazing teachers, Chey Cheney and Pav Wander, who share how through the content creation process, they became better leaders, inspired educators and connected to a greater community. In this Episode, we discuss: The Benefit of Genius Hour Persona...

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 tackle the issue many aspiring leaders face. In this Episode, we discuss: The challenges Adam has faced in gaining experience for administrative positions Strategies has used to communicate his experience to prospective employers Suggested ways to navigate hearing no, gaining...

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 do we lead in education? This week’s guest, Barbara Bray, shares how we can use our creativity, passion, and talents to revolutionize our profession. In this Episode, we discuss: Growing as a Leader through Stories Redefining Virtual Learning Coaching through Observation and...

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 world transformed her as a leader, educator, and coach to enhance the skills of others by creating a wonderful program called SHINE. In this Episode, we discuss: Coaching with Confidence Multiple forms of Intelligence Mental Health During a Difficult Time And Prime to SHIN...

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 characteristics and skills. However, as Trevor Muir shares, the number one desired skill is collaboration. How are we as educators creating dynamic and effective opportunities for our students to work together? In this Episode, we discuss: Making Learning Authentic Soft Skill...

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 gain inspiration, knowledge, and confidence to overcome the most difficult tasks of their careers. In this Episode, we discuss: The Process to Connect with Other Leaders Regaining your Confidence Best Advice for Leaders And ConnectEDD Books About Jeff Zoul: Dr. Jeffrey Zoul...

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 conversations. In this Episode, we discuss: A challenge Alana shares in her leadership experience Importance of emotional intelligence for leaders and complexity in giving and receiving feedback Resources for engaging in important and effective conversations About Alana Gi...

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 relationships with our staff during virtual learning, create a culture of change, learn about the Teach Better Podcast Network and the newest podcast addition! Featuring Jeff Gargas and Joshua Stamper 50% Off Mindset Meet Up with Discount Code: ASPIRE https://progressive...

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 their leadership challenges. In this Episode, we discuss: Our Leadership Backgrounds The Podcasts Origin Stories Coaching and Mentorship And Future Episodes We are glad you joined us on Aspire to Rise where we will ascend to new leadership heights together. Join us again ne...

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 building connections and enhancing collaboration in her building. In this Episode, we discuss: Equity Practices in Schools Enhancing Student’s Writing Skills New Leadership Mistakes And Helping Aspiring Black Women Educational Leaders About Latrese Younger: Latrese D. Younge...

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 excellence! In this Episode, we discuss: How to Build Partnerships with Families Feedback to Teachers Making an Impact as a New Leader And Multiply Excellence in Your Schools About Emily Paschall: Emily Paschall has served as a teacher, district coach, school administrator...

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 leader, reigniting burn out, promoting new leaders and Teach Better announcements! Featuring Jeff Gargas and Joshua Stamper 50% Off Mindset Meet Up with Discount Code (ASPIRE): https://progressivemasterylearning.lpages.co/mindset-meet-up/ Follow Jeff Gargas: Twitter: https:...

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 educators deserve more respect, time, connection and autonomy. This is a time to celebrate teachers and all the wonderful things they do for our students. Tweet This In this Episode, we discuss: How Important Teachers are The Future of Education Modeling as a Leader And Teacher...

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 ever had someone who saw something in you that you didn’t even see yourself? This week’s guest, Greg Moffitt, shares how he was tapped on the shoulder multiple times to become an administrator, the reasons he fought the idea, and the importance of breaking through doubt. Twee...