Episodes

In this energizing episode of Aspire to Lead, Chad Dumas, award-winning researcher and author of The Teacher Team Leader Handbook, joins the conversation to break down what it truly means to lead within a professional learning community. Chad shares how teacher team leaders can move beyond the title and embrace a powerful, purpose-driven role that impacts culture, collaboration, and student achievement. Together, we explore the foundational responsibilities of teacher leadership, the essential m...

In this inspiring episode, Vicki Davis, veteran educator, edtech expert, and edublogger, joins me to explore the evolving world of educational technology and artificial intelligence in the classroom. Vicki shares how she teaches students to use AI art tools with prompt stacking techniques, discusses the importance of formative assessment, and explains how educators can reach every learner. We also dive into the mindset behind servant leadership, the value of collaboration in education, and why e...

Leadership isn’t about staying busy—it’s about making an impact. In this episode, Dr. Samuel Nix, author of 6 Steps to a Strong School Culture, shares how school leaders can shift their focus from activity to meaningful results. We dive into the leadership cycle, common pitfalls in creating change, and real-world examples of schools that have successfully implemented sustainable improvements. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by daily responsibilities, this conversation will provide actionable steps...

What if building a positive school culture didn’t have to be so traditional? In this week’s episode of Aspire to Lead, the amazing educator, speaker, consultant, and magician, Dr. David Rishe, shares his innovative strategies for transforming school environments in ways that inspire both staff and students. We explore the power of creative leadership through unique approaches like staff mud runs, flipped faculty meetings, and using magic to motivate and engage. David also unpacks how leaders can...

How can school leaders prepare for the challenges of tomorrow while making informed decisions today? In this episode of Aspire to Lead, Dr. Richard Bernato, author of Co-Creating the Future, shares groundbreaking insights on futures-based leadership and how simulations can help leaders experiment with change in a low-risk environment. We explore the power of futuring in leadership, how simulation design can enhance professional and academic development, and what it means to lead from the top of...

What if the key to student success lies in the environment we create? In this episode of Aspire to Lead, Dr. Layne Dillard shares how building a strong, student-centered learning environment is essential for growth. She introduces the LEAD Framework, a powerful approach that emphasizes leadership and vision, engaged instruction, and data-driven accountability—all with students at the core. Dr. Dillard also dives into innovative programs like Ready, Set, Work!, a simulated workforce experience de...

Society is evolving at an unprecedented pace, but are our schools keeping up? In this compelling conversation, Adriano Di Prato, co-author of Game Changers: Leading Today’s Learning for Tomorrow’s World, explores the balance between honoring our traditions and exploring innovation in education. We discuss how school leaders can adapt to a rapidly changing world, what it means to be a "game-changing" leader, and the role courage and purpose play in transforming schools for a future-ready model. I...

In this special bonus episode, Charle Peck and I join Jeff Gargas from the Teach Better Team to celebrate the release of our new book, The Language of Behavior! We dive into the framework, share key strategies for supporting students, and discuss how educators can shift their approach to behavior management in meaningful ways. Whether you've already started reading or are just hearing about the book, this episode is packed with insights to help you create a more supportive and responsive learnin...

Get ready for a conversation that flips the script on leadership, motivation, and what it truly means to connect with today’s students. Dr. Christopher Culver, an experienced educator, consultant, and professor, joins me to unpack the evolving dynamics of Gen Z and Gen Alpha, the power of kindness in shaping school culture, and why understanding motivation is key to retention and success. With his high-energy approach and passion for cultivating strong, positive environments, Dr. Culver shares i...

In this Aspire Mailbag episode, Jeff Gargas and I tackle two critical leadership questions submitted by our listeners: How do you know when it's time to coach someone out instead of coaching them up? How do we coach teachers so they don’t feel fear through the process of evaluation? We dive into the delicate balance of supporting struggling staff while recognizing when a different path may be best for both the educator and the school community. We also explore how to shift the evaluation proc...

Leadership isn’t just a role—it’s a journey that evolves over time. In this powerful episode, I sit down with educational leader and author Julia Bialenski to explore what it means to lead with grace at every stage of the leadership lifespan. We discuss the realities of burnout, imposter syndrome, and the challenges of maintaining well-being while leading others. Julia shares practical strategies for staying authentic, fostering hope, and keeping people at the heart of leadership. With insights ...

In this special BONUS episode, Joshua Stamper reads the introduction to The Language of Behavior: A Framework to Elevate Student Success. Dive into the heart of the book as Joshua explores key sections like Are We Failing?, Regaining Trust in the System, and Why Traditional Approaches to Misbehavior Aren't Working. Discover how this new approach redefines student behavior support, fosters stronger connections, and equips educators with practical strategies to elevate success in every classroom. ...

What does it truly mean to lead with intention in today’s fast-paced educational landscape? In this powerful episode of Aspire to Lead, I’m joined by Michael D. Nelson and Peter DeWitt, authors of Leading With Intention: How School Leaders Can Unlock Deeper Collaboration and Drive Results. Together, we explore how school leaders can move beyond just checking off tasks to reconnecting with their core purpose and fostering meaningful engagement in their work. We dive into practical strategies for ...

What does it truly mean to emerge as a middle leader? In this episode of Aspire to Lead, Gavin Grift, author of Emerge: Overcoming Common Challenges Associated with Middle Leadership, joins us to reimagine leadership in today’s educational landscape. We explore the profound concept that "Clarity Precedes Competence," reframing hardships as stepping stones to growth, and the role self-awareness plays in transformative leadership. Gavin unpacks how busyness has become the modern-day "I'm fine" and...

What does it take to truly lead with confidence and inspire others to do the same? In this thought-provoking conversation with LaVonna Roth, renowned author, speaker, and creator of Ignite Your S.H.I.N.E.®, we explore the transformative power of self-awareness and strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome. LaVonna shares practical tools to help leaders strengthen their confidence, even in the face of tough challenges, while creating environments that foster growth and resilience for their team...

In this insightful episode of Aspire to Lead, I’m joined by the dynamic duo Susan Rosenthal and Tessa Brock to uncover the journey of leadership through its many seasons. Susan shares why she coined the term "Dips of Doubt" and the inspiration behind their podcast, exploring the cycles that leaders experience throughout the school year—from the highs of August to the challenges of November and beyond. We dive deep into the importance of self-aware leadership and its evolution over time, introduc...

In this captivating episode of Aspire to Lead, Greg Bennick, author of Reclaim the Moment: 7 Strategies to Build a Better Now, shares profound insights on leadership, focus, and creating a thriving work culture. Together, we dive into key concepts from his book, including the transformative power of “Keeping Your Eyes on the Knife” to improve focus, and the courage to “Leap Into the Dark” by embracing creative risks and stepping into the unknown. Greg also unpacks the “Reverberation Effect™,” a ...

To conclude this year's episodes, I sit down with Dr. Jasmine Kullar, chief school leadership officer and author of Training Teacher Leaders in a PLC at Work: A Guide to Cultivating Shared Leadership, to uncover the power of teacher leadership. Dr. Kullar shares why principals can’t do it all alone and why cultivating teacher leaders is crucial for school success. We dive into the barriers that often hinder teachers from stepping into leadership roles and explore practical strategies for overco...

In this thought-provoking Aspire Mailbag episode, Jeff Gargas and I unpack some of the trickiest challenges leaders face in education and beyond. Ever had to deal with someone who says one thing to your face but something completely different behind your back? Or been left in the cold after a disagreement with an administrator, only to be met with silence? We’ve got you covered with practical strategies and fresh perspectives to tackle these tough situations head-on. We also dive into the emoti...

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...