Episodes

April 2, 2023

234. Important Leadership Principles: Featuring Bobby Pollicino

In this week’s episode, Bobby Pollicino shares how a transformation of self improvement practices allowed him to develop an important set of leadership principles. In this episode, we discuss: Relationship Principles Fitness:...
March 29, 2023

233. Change the Narrative: Featuring Henry J. Turner

In this week’s episode, Henry Turner shares his experience as a young leader and how he learned to listen to his students during a tough time in the community. As a building Principal, Henry has built a strong communication s...
March 26, 2023

Toddle School Leaders Bootcamp: Featuring Katie Ahmadzai

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 18, 2023

232. The Emotional Attachment to Learning: Featuring Manny Curiel

In this week’s episode, Manny Curiel shares how he used his own experiences of overcoming a language barrier to construct emotional attachments to the reading content and lessons. In this episode, we discuss: Incorporating en...
March 11, 2023

231. Daily Classroom Management Strategies: Featuring CJ Reynolds

The #1 question CJ Reynolds gets from teachers is "What classroom management strategies do you use?" So here are some of his daily practices to make sure your classroom runs smoothly. He also threw in a few weird ones just to...
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...