Episodes
March 9, 2023
Toddle School Leaders Bootcamp: Featuring Adam Hill and Annette de Graaf
This BONUS episode is sponsored by Toddle. Toddle is an all-in-one teaching and learning platform used by over 40,000 educators around the world! On March 3rd and 4th, Toddle hosted the largest virtual gathering for school le...
March 4, 2023
230. Improving mental wellness in Schools: Featuring Maria Barrera
In this week’s episode, Maria Barrera shares how she discovered a mental health crisis and was determined to help solve the issues that were affecting students, teachers, and the community. In this episode, we discuss: Creati...
Feb. 28, 2023
Toddle School Leaders Bootcamp: Featuring Dr. Brenda Diaz
In this bonus episode, Dr. Brenda Diaz shares how traditional student discipline didn’t improve the students behavior and the shift her campus made to implement relationship building strategies and restorative practices. In t...
Feb. 22, 2023
Bonus Episode: The Failure Files with Kim Gameroz
In this new BONUS episode, we learn from Kim’s story of failure as she was honest and authentic with her Superintendent, which left her feeling disappointed and disheartened. About Kim Gameroz: Kim Gameroz is a change agent f...
Feb. 20, 2023
229. The Benefits of Emotional Regulation and Mindfulness: Featuring Ipek Williamson
In this week’s episode, Ipek Williamson shares the benefits and power of emotional regulation, mindfulness, and meditation, which creates peaceful and harmonious classrooms. In this episode, we discuss: Meditation’s support f...
Feb. 16, 2023
Toddle's School Leaders Bootcamp: Featuring Jim Laird
In this bonus episode, Jim Laird shares the story of Canyon Falls Middle School, an innovative, 21st-century learning school in Kelowna, and the purposeful educational transformation focus on engaging students and stakeholder...
Feb. 12, 2023
228. Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome: Featuring Alfonso Mendoza
In this week’s episode, Alfonso Mendoza shares his philosophies of improvising, adapting and overcoming obstacles in education. As a tech leader, Alfonso has seen a major shift the past few years and he continues to spread hi...
Feb. 9, 2023
Toddle’s School Leaders Bootcamp: Featuring Carolina Ulloa
In this bonus episode, Carolina Ulloa shares how she ventured to build a brand new school that focused on the physical, spiritual, and emotional aspects of every student. Join us as we discuss this incredible journey of const...
Feb. 5, 2023
227. Foundations of Instructional Coaching: Featuring Ashley Hubner
In this week’s episode, Ashley Hubner shares how she transitioned from teacher to coach, struggled to develop a Coaching Mindset and the impact of intentional curriculum design. In this episode, we discuss: The difficulties o...
Feb. 2, 2023
Aspire Mailbag: Sustaining Staff Happiness
In this 27th 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 on sustaining staff happiness, creating ...
Jan. 29, 2023
226. Pushing the Boundary of a Title: Featuring Michael Vick and Sam Shropshire
In this week’s episode, Michael and Sam discuss how they changed the perception of a technology coach, pushed the scope of their impact on instruction, and differentiated their professional development to meet the needs of th...
Jan. 22, 2023
225. Changing the Trajectory of Each Lesson: Featuring Ken Ehrmann
In this week’s episode, Ken Ehrmann shares how he rebuilt his classroom to empower every student with a student-centered learning experience, which changed the trajectory of each lesson. In this episode, we discuss: Changing ...
Jan. 15, 2023
224. Empowerment Through Mentorship: Featuring Lauren Kaufman
In this week’s episode, Lauren Kaufman shares how she created a mentorship program for her district and the immediate impact it made on the lives of the mentees and the mentors. In this episode, we discuss: Approaching Leader...
Jan. 12, 2023
Bonus Episode: The Failure Files with Frederick Buskey
In this new BONUS episode, we learn from Frederick’s story of failure as he missed opportunities to have a crucial conversation with a special education teacher. Join us as we work through the resolution and the lesson learne...
Jan. 8, 2023
223. Out of the Trenches: Featuring Dana Goodier
In this week’s episode, Dana Goodier shares her story of being an elective teacher, identifying several areas of the school system that she wanted to improve, and becoming a building leader to develop solutions. In this episo...
Dec. 29, 2022
222. Unlocking Unlimited Potential: Featuring Dr. Brandon Beck
In this week’s episode, Brandon Beck shares how he is unlocking his student’s potential by seeking new practices for his classroom, such as bringing in a service dog and mentorship program to his school. In this episode, we d...
Dec. 22, 2022
Bonus Episode: The Failure Files with Danny Bauer
In this new BONUS episode, we learn from Danny Bauer’s story of failure as he had a crucial conversation with a teacher but used several ineffective communication strategies in the meeting. Join us as we work through the reso...
Dec. 17, 2022
221. Changing the Trajectory of Those We Serve: Featuring George Couros
In this week’s episode, George Couros shares stories of his leadership journey, advises on how to serve as a young leader, and explains how creating content enhances the trajectory of those we serve. In this episode, we discu...
Dec. 13, 2022
Bonus Episode: The Failure Files with Michael Earnshaw
In this new BONUS episode, we learn from Michael Earnshaw’s story of failure as he assumed a teacher took care of an important Special Education task and realized the miscommunication. Join us as we work through the resolutio...
Dec. 10, 2022
220. Make Learning Magical: Featuring Tisha Richmond
In this week’s episode, Tisha Richmond shares her experience of losing joy as a teacher and how using gamification in her classroom increased her happiness, student motivation, and overall engagement. In this episode, we disc...
Dec. 3, 2022
219. The Strategic Leadership Timeline: Featuring Frederick Buskey
In this week’s episode, Frederick Buskey shares the trap that all new leaders get caught in and how to shift into an effective and strategic leader. In this episode, we discuss: The black hole that new leaders fall into A tim...
Nov. 30, 2022
Bonus Episode: The Failure Files with Bryan Zwemke
In this new BONUS episode, we learn from Bryan Zwemke’s story of failure by not including his teachers in an important shift in procedure. Join me as I also share a similar mistake and how I worked through the misstep of not ...
Nov. 26, 2022
218. Essential Steps for Aspiring Leaders: Featuring Hunter Flesch
In this week’s episode, Hunter Flesch shares his journey as a teacher, Masters student, and aspiring leader as he learns how to lead a building. In this episode, we discuss: Asking the correct questions as a new leader Findin...
Nov. 19, 2022
217. SELebrate Good Times: Featuring Kim Gameroz
In this week’s episode, Kim Gameroz breaks down the misconceptions of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and how to build a systematic approach to have the most impact with SEL. In this episode, we discuss: Creating a common lan...