Episodes

What if the key to thriving as an educator lies in the same skills we often teach our students? In this inspiring episode of Aspire to Lead, Mitch Weathers, author and creator of Organized Binder, takes us on a deep dive into the world of executive functioning—not just for students, but for educators themselves. Mitch unpacks how a foundation of predictable routines, intentional practice, and emotional regulation can transform your approach to teaching and leadership. Together, we explore how m...

What if our so-called "discipline problems" were really just connection problems in disguise? In this engaging episode of Aspire to Lead, we sit down with the visionary founder of Differentiated Discipline, author of The Connection Driven Classroom, to flip the script on how educators approach discipline. Together, we explore the deeper stigma surrounding the word "discipline" and uncover the magic of fostering connections that transform classroom culture. Learn practical techniques to quickly b...

What if leadership were less about control and more about connection? In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Jeff Springer challenges us to rethink how we lead by focusing on building authentic relationships, cultivating a vibrant school culture, and embracing the power of play. Together, we dive into the art of repurposing roles, fostering strength-based conversations, and unlocking the true potential of every individual in a school community. Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or lifelon...

What if the secret to unlocking student success lies in their ability to self-regulate? In this energizing episode of Aspire to Lead, we welcome back Mitch Weathers, the brilliant author and CEO of Organized Binder, to uncover the powerful link between student regulation and executive functioning. Mitch shares game-changing insights and practical strategies to help students master focus, time management, and self-control—skills that serve as the foundation for both academic achievement and life-...

In this episode of Aspire to Lead, we’re joined by AI expert William Grube, founder of Gruvy Education, to explore how artificial intelligence is shaping the future of education. William shares practical strategies for adopting AI in schools and how educators can overcome the fear often associated with new technology. We dive into common mistakes made when using tools like ChatGPT and discuss how educators can integrate AI into lesson plans to engage students effectively. William also highlight...

In this week’s episode, I sit down with Alex Kajitani and Tom Hierck, authors of the insightful book You're A Teacher Now! What's Next?. Together, we tackle essential topics for educators at any stage of their career, including the differences between classroom management and behavior management, strategies for building healthy relationships with students, and tools for creating engaging lessons that keep learners motivated. We also dive into the importance of mental health strategies for teache...

In this Aspire Mailbag episode, Jeff Gargas and Joshua Stamper dive into listener questions about school leadership, connecting with students and staff, building future leaders, and navigating career aspirations. Topics include: How can you consistently connect with students and staff to make a greater impact? What are some ideas to help build future leaders within your school? For building leaders, what’s a must-do on your daily list, and what’s something you wish you could do every day but ...

In this thought-provoking episode, I sit down with Nathan Maynard to explore restorative practices that truly change the way we approach student behavior. Nathan dives into the importance of restoration within the behavior process, emphasizing how forgiveness plays a crucial role in helping students learn and grow from their actions. We also discuss practical mindfulness techniques that can empower school staff to stay balanced and resilient in challenging situations. Plus, Nathan shares insight...

Have you ever had a conversation and you start to think about what you are about to say instead of listening to the other person? In this week’s episode, Bradley James Davies, author of Next Level Listening: How to Listen Like Your Life Depends on It. Because it Does, shares key insights on listening as a transformative tool—not just for leaders, but for anyone looking to strengthen connections at work and at home. With practical tips to elevate your listening game, this conversation reveals why...

In this special bonus episode, Susan and Tessa are joined by Mitch Weathers, author and creator of Organized Binder, to rethink traditional goal setting. Together, they dive into why the old methods of setting goals often fall short and explore practical strategies to make goal setting more effective. Mitch shares real-world examples of how to set achievable goals and explains how self-regulation is crucial in the process. Tune in for fresh insights on how to set goals that stick and lead to mea...

In this heartfelt episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper sits down with children's book author Gail Boe for an inspiring conversation about living with authenticity, kindness, and purpose. Gail delves into the importance of not just talking about kindness, but truly walking the walk. She emphasizes the significance of being who you are meant to be and following your passions in life. Gail also explores how we can go beyond the simple “How are you?” by being more empathetic, understanding that...

Join us for a recap of the School Behavior Solutions Summit! In this episode, Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper discuss the incredible speakers, valuable resources, and free recap videos available on YouTube. Plus, they dive into their upcoming webinar, "The Language of Behavior: Tools to Decode and Defuse Conflict." This live, interactive session will provide you with practical strategies for understanding and addressing challenging behaviors in the classroom. Don't miss this opportunity to learn ...

Tired of the traditional classroom setting but still passionate about education? Join us as we chat with bestselling author Starr Sackstein about her new book, "Making an Impact Outside of the Classroom." Discover a world of alternative career paths that leverage your teaching skills, hard work, creativity, and experience. From school administration to EdTech startups, Starr shares insights on how to transition seamlessly and continue making a meaningful impact in education. Don't miss this insp...

In this engaging episode of Aspire to Lead, we sit down with Walter McKenzie, author, ASCD leader, and co-creator of The Worthy Educator, to explore the complexities of leadership in education. Walter shares his thoughts on the temptation to say "yes" to roles because of titles, money, or pride, and the importance of staying where you are if you’re happy and mentally healthy. We also dive into the significance of staying connected with other educational leaders and how isolating the climb up the...

In this impactful episode, award-winning author and family partnerships expert, Ari Gerzon-Kessler, explores the crucial topic of building authentic connections between educators and underrepresented families. Ari shares his expertise on the current reality of family engagement in schools and how it often falls short of creating genuine, lasting partnerships. We dive deep into the difference between family involvement and authentic partnerships, unpacking why traditional approaches to family eng...

In this Bonus episode of Aspire to Lead, we dive into an insightful conversation with Mitch Weathers, author of Executive Functions for Every Classroom. Together, we explore the critical role of working memory in student success and how establishing effective beginning routines can set the tone for learning. Mitch shares practical strategies from his book on how educators can support students in developing essential executive functioning skills, helping them stay organized, focused, and better e...

In this episode of Aspire to Lead, we sit down with Lauren Kaufman, author of "The Leader Inside," to explore the untapped greatness that lies within each of us. Lauren shares her journey and insights on why mentorship plays a crucial role in personal and professional growth, and how mentors—whether we realize it or not—are often closer than we think. From discovering your inner leader to recognizing the mentors already in your life, this conversation is filled with meaningful reflections and p...

In this engaging episode, we sit down with Todd Bloomer to explore critical topics in educational leadership. Todd shares his experiences and strategies for effectively leading a large campus in the wake of COVID, addressing key issues like teacher retention and the importance of modeling leadership behavior. We dive into the concept of soliciting student voice and discuss the Bloomer Triangle of Success, focusing on how visibility and trust contribute to a thriving school environment. Todd also...

In this thought-provoking episode, Alison Smith discusses the pressing challenges facing both educators and educational leaders, including burnout, compassion fatigue, emotional dissonance, and a lowered sense of mattering. Alison delves into how cultivating resilience can not only help individuals overcome these challenges but also build collective efficacy, which in turn positively impacts student success. We also explore how educational leaders can actively support and foster resilience with...

In this insightful episode of Aspire to Lead, we're joined by Lauren Lipton, co-author of Learning-Focused Supervision, to explore the transformative role of leaders in education. Lauren dives into the concept of leaders as growth agents, group developers, and culture changers, shedding light on how they can drive meaningful change within their schools and districts. We discuss the importance of structured conversations for fostering professional growth and how these dialogues can empower educa...

In this episode, we dive deep into the newly released book "Personalize: Meeting the Needs of All Learners" by Eric Sheninger and Nicki Slaugh. Join us as we explore how personalized learning is set to revolutionize education. Through real-world examples, cutting-edge research, and practical advice, Eric and Nicki share how educators can implement high-agency strategies like voice, choice, path, pace, and place to meet each student's unique needs. We also discuss how to leverage data-driven appr...

Join us for a compelling conversation with Trisha Backman as she explores some of the most urgent challenges in today’s education system. Trisha shares her insights on the critical role of mental health in schools and how cultivating a culture of learning can empower both students and educators. We dive into her efforts to connect state agencies and uplift the voices of marginalized groups, such as students with special learning needs, justice-involved youth, foster care children, homeless stude...

Join us in this special 300th episode of Aspire to Lead as award-winning author, Rick Wormeli, shares about the evolving educational landscape as the post-pandemic practices have shifted. Rick shares his insights on the major challenges schools are currently facing and how he is actively supporting educators and administrators in overcoming these hurdles. We delve into the exciting potential of AI integration in schools, discussing practical strategies for incorporating AI to enhance learning ex...

In this special episode, Charlie Peck and Joshua Stamper share thrilling updates about their upcoming book, "The Language of Behavior," which is set to transform how educators approach student behavior in the classroom. But that's not all—get ready for some exciting announcements about several new projects on the horizon that promise to elevate the field of education. You won't want to miss these incredible insights and innovations that are sure to inspire and empower educators everywhere! Abou...