Episodes

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 Instagram: Sarah on Instagram Facebook: facebook.com/sarahsajohnson Podcast: The In AWE Podcast Website LinkedIN: Sarah on LinkedIN About Sarah Johnson: Sarah Johnson is a former teacher and school principal, turned author, speaker, and podcaster. She is passionate about a...

Have you ever had a student or a teacher tell you that they are not creative? This week’s guest, Dr. Jacie Maslyk, shares how she instills creativity in her district and how her STEAM programs inspire the students to read and write. Join us as Jacie provides steps on how she constructed a maker space and STEAM program to enhance student’s life skills, imagination and creativity. Tweet This In this Episode, we discuss: Enhancing Literacy Through STEAM Leadership in a Digital World The Importance...

In this 13th Aspire Mailbag episode, Jeff Gargas, special guest Rae Hughart 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 for the first staff meeting, showing appreciation to teachers, Social emotional strategies for staff, Rae’s new book, and Teach Better announcements! Featuring Jeff Gargas and Joshua Stamper with Special Guest, Rae Hughart! This Weeks Questions: "I’m afraid that w...

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. Join us as Taylor explains the steps needed to modify our perspectives and discusses how focusing on the positive changed his leadership style and the results of his performance. Tweet This In this Episode, we discuss: How the military influenced his educational journey I...

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 amazing professional learning network. Join us as Kristen provides steps of how she constructed a community of support and the risks she took to enhance her leadership skills. Tweet This In this Episode, we discuss: Constructing a Community of Support Taking Risks Virtual Confe...

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 pleasure of speaking with my guest, Dr. Shaun Woodly, while he provides fantastic stories about his passion for music, culturally responsive classrooms, equity in schools, and mental health for educators. Please join us as we discuss these very important educational and soci...

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 plans, focusing on SEL initiatives, leadership pitfalls and some exciting Teach Better announcements for upcoming events! Featuring Jeff Gargas and Joshua Stamper Teach Better Announcement 25% Off New Teach Better Gear with Discount Code: ASPIRE https://teachbetterswag.com/ F...

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 leadership strategies. I’m excited to have the authors of the new book “When Kids Lead”, Todd Nesloney and Adam Dovico, on the podcast to share about how to create future student and adult leaders! Tweet This In this Episode, we discuss: Student Leadership Characteristics Roles f...

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 turn to education and leadership. Danny is the author of 15 books, a world renown speaker and an educational and corporate leadership coach. I’m so excited to share Danny’s unique leadership story with you! Tweet This In this Episode, we discuss: Characteristics to a Successfu...

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 creative solutions. I’m really excited to share this important message from this fantastic author, podcaster and friend. Tweet This In this Episode, we discuss: Aspiring Leadership Steps Teacher’s Social and Emotional Health “Slaying the Lion” And the power of TicTok Follow Jus...

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 initial hurdles of teaching and develop them into future leaders. Join us as we dive into the topic of developing aspiring teachers with EduMagic! Tweet This In this Episode, we discuss: Growing in New Positions Virtual Co-ops Microsoft Tools to use for Online Learning And EduMa...

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 questions on preparing for the upcoming school year, including parents in professional development, racial inequity and share some exciting Teach Better announcements for upcoming events! Featuring Jeff Gargas and Joshua Stamper Ways to connect: Aspire Leadership Voxer Gr...

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 students of all ages. I’m excited for everyone to hear the amazing insight of Adam Peterson, the author of “Teach, Play, Learn!”, as we discuss how to lead through play. Tweet This In this Episode, we discuss: Tips to engage your students Free Resources to Impact your Teaching Fin...

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 one question: what tips or strategies would you suggest during this unprecedented time? I hope their responses provide value and strength during your distant learning experience. Tweet This Featuring Sarah Johnson, Jessica Cabeen and Sarah Thomas Follow Sarah Johnson: Twitter...

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 technology in the classroom and how becoming a student again changed her perspective as a teacher, a leader and a technology specialist. Tweet This In this Episode, we discuss: New Technology Advances Tools to Incorporate after Distance Learning Preparing student for the Future And ...

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 how it feels to live through inequity and injustice but I do know that I cannot be silent about these important topics. The latest murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and so many others have shown how our country's systems continue to be slanted and oppressive. This doe...

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 about not only our new system of learning, but our traditional educational systems. My hope is this conversation with Dr. Sheldon L Eakins, the host of Leading Equity Podcast, begins your search for inequity in your schools and drives action for change. Tweet This In this E...

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 one question: what tips or strategies would you suggest during this unprecedented time? I hope their responses provide value and strength during your distant learning experience. Tweet This Featuring Denis Sheeran, Lavonna Roth and Rachelle Dene Poth Follow Denis Sheeran: Twi...

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 Appel as we dive into the subject of social emotional learning, how SEL has set the culture of their campus and how it's positively impacted every aspect of the school. Join us as they share how every school can create an Award Winning Culture! Tweet This In this Episode, we dis...

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 episode, I ask the question, Do the students in your school love to read? This week’s guest, Evan Robb, shares how his battle with reading and writing as a child established his belief and strategies to increase literacy in all schools. In this Episode, we discuss: Fightin...

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 one question: what tips or strategies would you suggest during this unprecedented time? I hope their responses provide value and strength during your distant learning experience. Tweet This Featuring Dr. Nathan Lang, Bethany Hill, Jeff Gargas and Tim Cavey Follow Dr. Nathan L...

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 increased student curiosity, responsibility and learning. I’m so excited to have the author of “Dive into Inquiry” on the Aspire podcast! #AspireLead Tweet This In this Episode, we discuss: Inquiry Learning Model Distance Learning Inquiry Online Professional Development And Fin...