Episodes

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: Mental, Physical, Spiritual Decision Making as a leader And his book, Principled Leader About Bobby Pollicino: Bobby Pollicino is the Head of Upper School at Bullis School in Potomac, MD. He has served as a school administrator for over 15 years, also in dean of studen...

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 systems to enhance the voices of his students, parents, and community members. In this episode, we discuss: Strategies to Empower Students Evaluation for Culturally Responsive Practices And his book, Change the Narrative: How to Foster an Antiracist Culture in Your School A...

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 leaders across the globe with 5000+ school leaders in attendance. Today we are going to speak to a fantastic leader who was in attendance to provide their takeaways and insights from the many wonderful presentations offered. My guest, Katie Ahmadzai, is a Principal located in...

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 engaging video techniques Breaking through the fear of technology And all the wonderful ways to use Edpuzzle About Manny Curiel: Super Manny is the global Community Manager at Edpuzzle. He travels the world loving on teachers and reminding them to share their shine. Prior ...

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 get your creativity going. In this episode, we discuss: Student Management Techniques How to handle unengaged and defiant students And his YouTube Videos, Real Rap with Reynolds About CJ Reynolds: Mr. Reynolds is a West Philadelphia high school literature teacher, author,...

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 leaders across the globe with 5000+ school leaders in attendance. Today we are going to speak to two fantastic educators who were in attendance to provide their takeaways and insights from the many wonderful presentations offered. My first guest is Adam Hill, a Principal locat...

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: Creating a business based on a community need Partnering with schools to assist in crisis Resources to battle mental health About Maria Barrera: Maria is the founder of Clayful, a company on a mission to help kids build the skills and resilience to tackle anything that comes the...

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 this episode, we discuss: Trauma-informed practices Increasing diversity among educators Toddle’s School Leader Bootcamp! About Dr. Brenda Diaz: As the Executive Principal of Nashville Big Picture High School in Nashville TN, Dr. Brenda leads with love, courage, and moral c...

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 for schools and districts who seek to revolutionize classrooms by taking on a systematic approach to teaching social and emotional skills. For over 15 years, Kim has coached, trained, and mentored teachers, students, and families around the globe. She was invited to speak at ...

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 for mental health issues Cultivating awareness on the positive impact of meditation and mindfulness among educators Introducing new generations to the importance of knowing their values and implementing them into their lives And her children's book! About Ipek Williamson: I...

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 stakeholders. As an entire school community, they created a middle school that was unique, innovative, and learner-centered. This episode is intended to share the engagement strategy, leadership moves, and process that created a school culture involving all stakeholders, guided by the ...

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 his message of “keeping it simple”. In this episode, we discuss: Tech Implementation: Getting Clicky With It Immersive Technology of ARVR AI & Chat GPT in schools And his podcast, My Ed Tech Life! About Alfonso Mendoza: Alfonso Mendoza Jr., a passionate educator with over a ...

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 constructing an educational environment that connects to the children and the community. In this episode, we discuss: The Rhythmic Arts Project Development of Community Service Project And the Curriculum Development of this New School About Carolina Ulloa: Carolina Ulloa, vice ...

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 of leaving the classroom Differentiating for adults and finding success as a coach And her new book, Foundations of Instructional Coaching! About Ashley Hubner: Ashley Hubner is a passionate educator who values relationships. She started her career as an elementary school t...

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 leadership growth, gaining support of your Superintendent, and the latest news with the Teach Better Team! Featuring Jeff Gargas and Joshua Stamper Follow Jeff Gargas: Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeffgargas Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_jeffgargas/ Follow Joshua S...

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 the teachers. In this episode, we discuss: Building relationships with their teachers and staff to serve effectively Expanding the role of technology in the classroom And the TCEA conference presentations! About Michael Vick: I have been an educator for 12 years. I’ve been a...

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 the typical trajectory of a lesson where students experience phenomena first and learn concepts second Incorporating STEM concepts into the curriculum And his podcast PowerED UP Podcast About Ken Ehrmann: Ken Ehrmann is a Pennsylvania Department of Education 2019 Teacher ...

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 Leadership Through a Coaching Lens The Power of Connecting with other Leaders And her book contributions! About Lauren Kaufman: Lauren Kaufman is the Director of Literacy K-12 for a school district in Long Island, New York. With over 17 years in education, she has served as an a...

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 learned through this misstep. About Frederick Buskey: Frederick is the founder of Strategic Leadership Consulting, and the host of The Assistant Principal Podcast. He is passionate about improving life and leadership for school leaders by making complex ideas simple and building t...

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 episode, we discuss: Supporting new teachers in your building Being the Administrator that is there to support teachers throughout the year, not just on scheduled observations Her podcast and book Out of the Trenches About Dana Goodier: Dana Goodier has served as a World Langua...

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 discuss: Finding joy in the journey Leaning into areas that we are passionate about to be the best leader possible His podcast and book Unlocking Unlimited Potential About Brandon Beck: Dr. Brandon Beck is an educator, speaker, coach, and author of "Unlocking Unlimited Pote...

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 resolution and the lesson learned through this misstep. About Danny Bauer: Daniel Bauer is an unorthodox Ruckus Maker who has mentored thousands of school leaders through his Better Leaders Better Schools blog, books, podcasts, and powerful coaching experiences. Mastermind: Unlo...

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 discuss: How change is an opportunity to do something amazing Anxiety as a strength not a weakness “Not paying for a course twice” as a leader About George Couros: My name is George Couros, and I am currently an Innovative Teaching, Learning, and Leadership Consultant and speak...

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 resolution and the lesson learned through this misstep. About Michael Earnshaw: Michael Earnshaw, The Punk Rock Principal, is helping to change the game of education. By implementing a mobile office, Mr. Earnshaw has been able to be “all in” working with students and staff. Mike buil...