Episodes

Join us as we delve deep into the transformative power of instilling a growth mindset in both educators and students. Brian Martin, a recognized expert in education, lends his expertise to illuminate how fostering a growth mindset can pave the way for nurturing future champions. Explore actionable strategies for fostering resilience and determination and discover how these principles can elevate both teaching and learning experiences. Don't miss this enlightening conversation as we unlock the ke...

In this remarkable episode, we are honored to welcome Steve Mesler, an Olympic gold medalist and the visionary mind behind Classroom Champions. Tune in as Steve delves into the essential skills that pave the path to successful leadership. From making tough decisions with confidence to embracing change as a catalyst for growth, Steve imparts invaluable insights that resonate far beyond the sports arena. Join us as we explore his mission to equip our students with the tools they need to triumph in...

Welcome to this week's inspiring episode of "Aspire to Lead," as we sit down with this week’s special guest, the esteemed Jillian DuBois. In this compelling conversation, Jillian opens up about powerful strategies to effectively decrease stress and prioritize mental well-being. Explore valuable insights and practical tips that will help you navigate life's challenges with resilience and purpose. Whether you're a leader, educator, or simply seeking personal growth, this episode will provide pract...

Welcome to this week's dynamic episode of "Aspire to Lead" with the CEO and founder of Organized Binder, Mitch Weathers. In this compelling installment, Mitch delves into the vital topic of executive functioning skills and their profound impact on students' success. Join us as we explore the significance of executive functioning skills and how they play a pivotal role in enhancing students' learning experiences and overall development. Mitch shares valuable insights on how these skills can empow...

Welcome to this week's enlightening episode of "Aspire to Lead" with Lainie Rowell. Join us as Lainie shares the transformative power of journaling and her motivation to create a useful journal for educators. In this captivating conversation, she delves into her personal journey of self-discovery and reveals how journaling can fuel personal and professional growth. Explore the profound insights and practical strategies Lainie has gained through her own journaling practice, and be inspired to emb...

Welcome to this week's empowering episode of "Aspire to Lead" with Dan Wolfe. Join us as Dan shares his insightful journey of using the five Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) components to navigate a crucial decision in his professional path. Gain valuable insights into the transformative power of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. Tune in and discover how you can leverage these SEL pillars to enhance your own leadership jou...

In this week’s Aspire to lead episode, Bradley James Davies shares how a panic attack and a near death experience enlightened him on how he was dealing with stress and mental health. Join us as we discuss the lessons learned through this important experience and how Bradley coaches leaders to combat stress. In this episode, we discuss: Improving our Appreciation, Culture, and making sure Leaders Go Last How Not to Lose Your Way…Coach, Community, & Teflon And his Book, School Leadership from A t...

In this week’s Aspire to lead episode, Amber Calderon shares about the importance of recovering emotionally over the summer and establishing health work boundaries to protect our emotional wellbeing. In this episode, we discuss: Creative professional development and communities Accelerating learning Are you emotionally safe at work? And about Classroom Champions! About Amber Calderon: Amber attended Baylor University with a degree in Psychology & Rhetoric and Argumentation. During that time...

In this new BONUS episode, we learn from Michael and Sam’s failure in expecting staff and students to be able to use technology well beyond their current ability. I also share 3 strategies on Building Capacity vs Enabling Staff. About Michael Vick: I have been an educator for 12 years. I’ve been a Digital Learning Coach, Instructional Technology Facilitator, Online Algebra Teacher, 8th Grade Math Teacher, and Special Education Resource Teacher. For the last 7 years, I’ve been involved with digit...

In this week’s Aspire to lead episode, Ryan Steuer shares how, as a teacher, he struggled to connect real world concepts to his curriculum and how Project Based Learning (PBL) transformed his classroom and engaged his students immediately. In this episode, we discuss: What not to do when implementing PBL The benefits of using this structure campus wide Strategies to kick off PBL on a campus And Ryan's book and podcast, PBL Simplified! About Ryan Steuer: Ryan Steuer sees Project Based Learning ...

In this week’s Aspire to lead episode, Lindsay Titus shares her experience as an Assistant Principal and how she realized it wasn’t the position that served her the best. Join us as Lindsay shares her important reflection process to sort through her tough decisions. In this episode, we discuss: Teach Better Conference Transition back behavior specialist Strategies for the end of the year stress And the Eduprenuer Mastermind! About Lindsay Titus: Lindsay Titus is a passionate and energetic educ...

In this week’s Aspire to lead episode, Dr. Robert Martinez discusses how to make connections and be present in the lives of the people you serve, especially during the tough times. In this episode, we discuss: Finding ways to remember and celebrate our successes Preparing children for the adversities that will come their way And his new book, Recipes for Resilience About Dr. Robert Martinez: Dr. Robert A. Martinez is currently the Chief of Human Resources for the Antioch Unified School Distri...

In this week’s Aspire to lead episode, Dr. Tyler Cook discusses how there is a leader inside each one of us. Whether at work or inside the front doors of your home, you have influence and set an example through the life you live. That is why the call for true authentic leaders is greater than ever. Join us as we discuss: Understanding your core values Increasing self-awareness Building relational support systems Welcoming feedback into your life Fostering growth within those you lead Prioritizi...

In this new BONUS episode, we learn from Lindsay Titus’ failure in building relationships with her new staff. Join us as we work through the resolution, the lesson learned through this new environment, and my five strategies to enhance building relationships: Foster a positive and inclusive culture Show appreciation and recognition Support professional growth and development Building relationships through collaboration Practicing transparent and effective communication About Lindsay Titus: Lin...

In this week’s Aspire to lead episode, Dave Schmittou discusses ways to confront your own thinking and how to challenge the status quo. But the aim of our conversation is not to provide a step-by-step, one size fits all solution. Instead, the goal is to create a spark that inspires you to engage in difficult conversations. In this episode, we discuss: Why an “open door policy” doesn’t work Ways to push past the fear of uncomfortable situations And his new book, Poking the Bear About Dave Schmi...

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, I had the wonderful opportunity to speak to Danny Bauer about his fantastic presentation on building leadership momentum and how to become a Ruckus Maker! Get your FREE pass to the Toddle recordings today...

In this week’s Aspire to lead episode, Stacey Cohen shares the modern playbook that equips teens with strategies and tools to succeed in high school, college, and their first job. This episode is packed with sage advice, practical tips and in-depth skill-building guidance for networking, interviewing, entrepreneurship, and social media. In this episode, we discuss: Building your students a positive digital footprint Teaching students how to interview and professional norms And her new book, Bra...

In this week’s episode, Dr. Amy Mathews-Perez shares how, as a Principal, she felt successful but unfulfilled. Join us as we talk about being authentic in our desires and mission, while not conforming to other people's assumptions and expectations. In this episode, we discuss: Supporting special education as a leader Teaching those we serve how to collaborate And her upcoming projects! About Dr. Amy Mathews-Perez: Texas-born & raised, I am currently in my 30th year of public education where I ...

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, I had the wonderful opportunity to speak to Adriano Di Prato about his fantastic presentation on thriving high performing schools and how to become a Game Changer! Get your FREE pass to the Toddle recordi...

In this week’s episode, Joshua Buckley shares the surprises, misconceptions, and lessons learned as a new administrator of two elementary schools. In this episode, we discuss: The differences of teaching vs administration How to create the “Scene” on your campus And his podcast, Punk Rock Classrooms. About Joshua Buckley: Joshua Buckley is an Elementary Assistant Principal in Mesa, Arizona and co-host of the Punk Rock Classrooms podcast. He has been in public education for 17 years as a classr...

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 an educator for more than two decades, Dave has earned a reputation for being a disruptor of the status quo, an innovator, and a change agent. Having served as a classroom teacher, school-based administrator, central office director, and professor of Educational Leadership, h...

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 And his upcoming book. About Martin Silverman: Martin Silverman is a father, grandfather, husband, and long-time educator in beautiful San Antonio, Texas. He is committed to providing the best educational experience for the students and families at Salinas Elementary sc...

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 process 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 Stamper: Contact: https://joshstamper.com/contact/ Twit...

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. I have two guests this episode and both are Principa...