Episodes

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...

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 Neil Gupta, Alicia Ray, Tara Martin and Evan Robb Follow Neil Gupta: Twitter...

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 to become an unforgettable leader. Tweet This In this Episode, we discuss: Developing student leaders Mentorship selection Opening your classroom Teacher Success School And Teachonomy Follow Chuck Poole: Website: www.myteachersuccess.com Twitter: @cpoole27 Instagram: @tea...

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 Todd Nesloney, CJ Reynolds, Stacey Roshan and Brian Aspinall Follow Todd Ne...

Have you ever started a new position only to find adversity and challenges? This week’s guest, Dr. Jill Siler, shares how, as a new superintendent, she fought through fear and failure to build a vision and discover new solutions for her district. Tweet This In this Episode, we discuss: Overcoming personal and professional Failure Interview Techniques Conquering Fear Leading through Crisis And Constructing Your Vision Follow Dr. Jill Siler: Website: jillmsiler.com Twitter: twitter.com/jillmsil...

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. The question I asked was, "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 Jake Miller, Kevin Butler, Mandy Froehlich, and Jorge Valenzuela F...

Obviously, we are living and educating in an unprecedented time and I wanted to discuss this question: How do we handle mental health during a time of isolation and what strategies should we use for distant learning? This week’s guest and my Teach Better speaking network teammate, Mandy Froehlich, shares the importance of structure and grace and provides practical strategies during distant learning. In this Episode, we discuss: Divergent Thinking Increasing Trust as a Leader Distance Learning S...

Have you ever failed so many times that you began to blame everyone and everything around you? This week’s guest, Dave Schmittou, shares his impactful story of how failure helped him create a reflective system to increase his humility. In this Episode, we discuss: Interview Techniques Changing Districts as a Leader Reflection after Failure Education is like Riding a Bike And The Lasting Learning Podcast Follow Dr. Dave Schmittou: Website: https://schmittou.net/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/da...

How important is creativity in leadership and what aspects of art can be essential skills needed to be an aspiring leader? This week’s guests, Matt and Laura Grundler, explains the power of art education and how creativity enhances leadership effectiveness. #AspireLead In this Episode, we discuss: Cross Curricular Design Learning Challenges Growing up Creative Leadership Ideas #k12ArtChat And The Creativity Department Podcast Follow Matthew and Laura Grundler: Website: https://www.grundlerart...