Episodes

Bonus Episode: The Failure Files with Dave Schmittou
April 20, 2023

Bonus Episode: The Failure Files with Dave Schmittou

In this new BONUS episode, we learn from Dave’s story of failure as he tried to be the only one to save the campus with ALL the answers. He quickly found out that this was a direct route to failure. About Dave Schmittou: As a...
235. The Helpful Guide to Teacher Retention: Featuring Martin Silverman
April 17, 2023

235. The Helpful Guide to Teacher Retention: Featuring Martin Silverman

In this week’s episode, Martin Silverman shares the importance, as a leader, on focusing on the teachers so they can focus on the students. In this episode, we discuss: Improving Teacher Retention The Longevity of a Principal...
Aspire Mailbag: Questions about the Interview Process Featuring Brad Hughes
April 10, 2023

Aspire Mailbag: Questions about the Interview Process Featuring Brad Hughes

The Aspire Mailbag In this 28th 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 the interview proc...
Toddle School Leaders Bootcamp: Featuring Ashleigh Woodward and Golfdan
April 7, 2023

Toddle School Leaders Bootcamp: Featuring Ashleigh Woodward and Golfdan

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...
234. Important Leadership Principles: Featuring Bobby Pollicino
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:...
233. Change the Narrative: Featuring Henry J. Turner
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...
Toddle School Leaders Bootcamp: Featuring Katie Ahmadzai
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...
232. The Emotional Attachment to Learning: Featuring Manny Curiel
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...
231. Daily Classroom Management Strategies: Featuring CJ Reynolds
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...
Toddle School Leaders Bootcamp: Featuring Adam Hill and Annette de Graaf
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...
230. Improving mental wellness in Schools: Featuring Maria Barrera
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...
Toddle School Leaders Bootcamp: Featuring Dr. Brenda Diaz
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...
Bonus Episode: The Failure Files with Kim Gameroz
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...
229. The Benefits of Emotional Regulation and Mindfulness: Featuring Ipek Williamson
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...
Toddle's School Leaders Bootcamp: Featuring Jim Laird
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...
228. Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome: Featuring Alfonso Mendoza
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...
Toddle’s School Leaders Bootcamp: Featuring Carolina Ulloa
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...
227. Foundations of Instructional Coaching: Featuring Ashley Hubner
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...
Aspire Mailbag: Sustaining Staff Happiness
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 ...
226. Pushing the Boundary of a Title: Featuring Michael Vick and Sam Shropshire
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...
225. Changing the Trajectory of Each Lesson: Featuring Ken Ehrmann
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 ...
224. Empowerment Through Mentorship: Featuring Lauren Kaufman
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...
Bonus Episode: The Failure Files with Frederick Buskey
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...
223. Out of the Trenches: Featuring Dana Goodier
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...