Episodes

Have you ever started a difficult leadership task and felt alone, inadequate or unworthy? This week’s guests, Jeff Zoul and Jimmy Casas, share how through their connection with other educators and leaders, they were able to gain inspiration, knowledge, and confidence to overcome the most difficult tasks of their careers. In this Episode, we discuss: The Process to Connect with Other Leaders Regaining your Confidence Best Advice for Leaders And ConnectEDD Books About Jeff Zoul: Dr. Jeffrey Zoul...

As a leader, have you ever found yourself feeling attacked when a colleague is providing critical feedback? This month’s aspiring leader, Alana Gilliam, shares how she struggles to feel comfortable and confident in crucial conversations. In this Episode, we discuss: A challenge Alana shares in her leadership experience Importance of emotional intelligence for leaders and complexity in giving and receiving feedback Resources for engaging in important and effective conversations About Alana Gi...

In this 15th Aspire Mailbag episode, Jeff Gargas, Lindsay Titus, and I answer questions on different leadership topics provided by the listeners. Please join us for this episode as we answer questions and discuss how to build relationships with our staff during virtual learning, create a culture of change, learn about the Teach Better Podcast Network and the newest podcast addition! Featuring Jeff Gargas and Joshua Stamper 50% Off Mindset Meet Up with Discount Code: ASPIRE https://progressive...

Have you ever been in a situation where you needed guidance in your leadership journey? In this episode of Aspire to RISE, Sarah Johnson and Joshua Stamper share their vision of the show and how coaching helped them face their leadership challenges. In this Episode, we discuss: Our Leadership Backgrounds The Podcasts Origin Stories Coaching and Mentorship And Future Episodes We are glad you joined us on Aspire to Rise where we will ascend to new leadership heights together. Join us again ne...

Have you ever acted differently in a new leadership position because you thought you had to present a certain persona? This week’s guests, Latrese Younger, shares how she realized authenticity with her staff was the key to building connections and enhancing collaboration in her building. In this Episode, we discuss: Equity Practices in Schools Enhancing Student’s Writing Skills New Leadership Mistakes And Helping Aspiring Black Women Educational Leaders About Latrese Younger: Latrese D. Younge...

What is the driving force to improve the culture of your building and move your school toward success? This week’s guests, Emily Paschall, shares how she makes connections to help every student, parent, and colleague achieve excellence! In this Episode, we discuss: How to Build Partnerships with Families Feedback to Teachers Making an Impact as a New Leader And Multiply Excellence in Your Schools About Emily Paschall: Emily Paschall has served as a teacher, district coach, school administrator...

In this 14th 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 and discuss how to be transparent as a leader, reigniting burn out, promoting new leaders and Teach Better announcements! Featuring Jeff Gargas and Joshua Stamper 50% Off Mindset Meet Up with Discount Code (ASPIRE): https://progressivemasterylearning.lpages.co/mindset-meet-up/ Follow Jeff Gargas: Twitter: https:...

Every day, educators across the country give students their very best. Often, many teachers feel overwhelmed, stressed out, underpaid, and unheard. This week’s guests, Adam Welcome and Rae Hughart, share how teachers and educators deserve more respect, time, connection and autonomy. This is a time to celebrate teachers and all the wonderful things they do for our students. Tweet This In this Episode, we discuss: How Important Teachers are The Future of Education Modeling as a Leader And Teacher...

On this podcast, we have talked about mentorship before and the importance of seeking coaching. However, sometimes there are people in our lives that are extremely persistent even when we aren’t looking for it. So, have you ever had someone who saw something in you that you didn’t even see yourself? This week’s guest, Greg Moffitt, shares how he was tapped on the shoulder multiple times to become an administrator, the reasons he fought the idea, and the importance of breaking through doubt. Twee...

In this bonus episode Sarah Johnson shares how leaders can positively cope with stress, rediscover their passion and find safety in coaching. Tweet This Follow Sarah Johnson: Twitter: Sarah on Twitter Website: Sarah's Website Instagram: Sarah on Instagram Facebook: facebook.com/sarahsajohnson Podcast: The In AWE Podcast Website LinkedIN: Sarah on LinkedIN About Sarah Johnson: Sarah Johnson is a former teacher and school principal, turned author, speaker, and podcaster. She is passionate about a...

Have you ever had a student or a teacher tell you that they are not creative? This week’s guest, Dr. Jacie Maslyk, shares how she instills creativity in her district and how her STEAM programs inspire the students to read and write. Join us as Jacie provides steps on how she constructed a maker space and STEAM program to enhance student’s life skills, imagination and creativity. Tweet This In this Episode, we discuss: Enhancing Literacy Through STEAM Leadership in a Digital World The Importance...

In this 13th Aspire Mailbag episode, Jeff Gargas, special guest Rae Hughart and I answer questions on different leadership topics provided by the listeners. Please join us for this episode as we answer questions and discuss preparing for the first staff meeting, showing appreciation to teachers, Social emotional strategies for staff, Rae’s new book, and Teach Better announcements! Featuring Jeff Gargas and Joshua Stamper with Special Guest, Rae Hughart! This Weeks Questions: "I’m afraid that w...

When you lead, are you giving positivity or negativity to those around you? I’m excited to have Taylor Armstrong on the podcast to share his story on how being a negative person affected his job and the people surrounding him. Join us as Taylor explains the steps needed to modify our perspectives and discusses how focusing on the positive changed his leadership style and the results of his performance. Tweet This In this Episode, we discuss: How the military influenced his educational journey I...

How important is it to be connected to other educators outside of your building? This week’s guest, Kristen Nan, shares how she almost walked away from teaching and how she took a gamble on education, which led her to an amazing professional learning network. Join us as Kristen provides steps of how she constructed a community of support and the risks she took to enhance her leadership skills. Tweet This In this Episode, we discuss: Constructing a Community of Support Taking Risks Virtual Confe...

If I asked you, tell me a time you sat down with a leader and felt immediate inspiration and growth? What and who would you describe? Well, for me, this occurred during this interview on multiple occasions as I had the great pleasure of speaking with my guest, Dr. Shaun Woodly, while he provides fantastic stories about his passion for music, culturally responsive classrooms, equity in schools, and mental health for educators. Please join us as we discuss these very important educational and soci...

In this 12th Aspire Mailbag episode, Jeff Gargas and I answer questions on different leadership topics provided by the listeners. Please join us for this episode as Jeff and I answer questions on preparing for changes in plans, focusing on SEL initiatives, leadership pitfalls and some exciting Teach Better announcements for upcoming events! Featuring Jeff Gargas and Joshua Stamper Teach Better Announcement 25% Off New Teach Better Gear with Discount Code: ASPIRE https://teachbetterswag.com/ F...

On your campus or in your district, how do you allow students to lead? After reflecting on this question myself, I realized that I needed to learn more about this topic so I found a great resource to gain more student leadership strategies. I’m excited to have the authors of the new book “When Kids Lead”, Todd Nesloney and Adam Dovico, on the podcast to share about how to create future student and adult leaders! Tweet This In this Episode, we discuss: Student Leadership Characteristics Roles f...

Have you ever started a career and quickly realized it wasn’t what you anticipated? This week’s guest, Dr. Danny Brassell, shares how his career as a political journalist was short lived and the reason it propelled him to turn to education and leadership. Danny is the author of 15 books, a world renown speaker and an educational and corporate leadership coach. I’m so excited to share Danny’s unique leadership story with you! Tweet This In this Episode, we discuss: Characteristics to a Successfu...

Often, as a leader, we are met with difficult barriers and problems that create stress and fear. This week’s guest, Justin Belt, shares his message on how leaders can slay our doubts, take the necessary actions and find creative solutions. I’m really excited to share this important message from this fantastic author, podcaster and friend. Tweet This In this Episode, we discuss: Aspiring Leadership Steps Teacher’s Social and Emotional Health “Slaying the Lion” And the power of TicTok Follow Jus...

As a leader, how do you impact and grow new teachers and leaders in our organization? This week’s guest, Dr. Samantha Fecich, shares how she uses innovative programs and resources to prepare new teachers to overcome the initial hurdles of teaching and develop them into future leaders. Join us as we dive into the topic of developing aspiring teachers with EduMagic! Tweet This In this Episode, we discuss: Growing in New Positions Virtual Co-ops Microsoft Tools to use for Online Learning And EduMa...

In this 10th Aspire Mailbag episode, Jeff Gargas and I answer questions on different leadership topics provided by the listeners during the Teach Better 12 Hour Live event. Please join us for this episode as Jeff and I answer questions on preparing for the upcoming school year, including parents in professional development, racial inequity and share some exciting Teach Better announcements for upcoming events! Featuring Jeff Gargas and Joshua Stamper Ways to connect: Aspire Leadership Voxer Gr...

When you hear that a student is playing in school, what are your first thoughts as an educator? My guest, a former kindergarten teacher, shares how he used play to transform the classroom, increase learning and engage students of all ages. I’m excited for everyone to hear the amazing insight of Adam Peterson, the author of “Teach, Play, Learn!”, as we discuss how to lead through play. Tweet This In this Episode, we discuss: Tips to engage your students Free Resources to Impact your Teaching Fin...

As we continue through this journey of distant learning, I wanted to bring you some content specific to our current struggle. Instead of asking one person, I asked many of my friends to share their insight and wisdom using one question: what tips or strategies would you suggest during this unprecedented time? I hope their responses provide value and strength during your distant learning experience. Tweet This Featuring Sarah Johnson, Jessica Cabeen and Sarah Thomas Follow Sarah Johnson: Twitter...