Aspire: The Leadership Development Podcast

What if our so-called "discipline problems" were really just connection problems in disguise? In this engaging episode of Aspire to Lead, we sit down with the visionary founder of Differentiated Discipline, author of The Connection Driven Classroom, to flip the script on how educators approach discipline. Together, we explore the deeper stigma surrounding the word "discipline" and uncover the magic of fostering connections that transform classroom culture. Learn practical techniques to quickly build meaningful relationships with students, even in the busiest school day, and discover how these connection-driven strategies can help you gather key evidence for your state evaluations. Plus, hear about exciting upcoming projects, including a nationwide book tour, the Train the Trainers initiative, and a comedy show that blends humor with heart to inspire educators everywhere. This isn’t just a conversation—it’s a movement to shift how we see and shape our classrooms. Tune in and leave equipped to lead with empat

What if leadership were less about control and more about connection? In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Jeff Springer challenges us to rethink how we lead by focusing on building authentic relationships, cultivating a vibrant school culture, and embracing the power of play. Together, we dive into the art of repurposing roles, fostering strength-based conversations, and unlocking the true potential of every individual in a school community. Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or lifelong learner, this episode offers fresh perspectives and bold strategies to redefine what leadership can look like in education. About Dr. Jeff Springer An educator for 34 years, is the founder of the G.O.A.L. TEAM (Getting Others to Achieve Higher Levels). The G.O.A.L. TEAM was created for helping high school students and young adults to maximize their personal leadership potential. Jeff recently released his book titled dad prep and is available on Amazon. Jeff, a former Texas High School Head Football Coach and elev

What if the secret to unlocking student success lies in their ability to self-regulate? In this energizing episode of Aspire to Lead, we welcome back Mitch Weathers, the brilliant author and CEO of Organized Binder, to uncover the powerful link between student regulation and executive functioning. Mitch shares game-changing insights and practical strategies to help students master focus, time management, and self-control—skills that serve as the foundation for both academic achievement and life-long success. Tune in for a conversation filled with innovative ideas, empowering stories, and tools you can bring straight into your classroom! About Mitch Weathers: Mitch became a gifted teacher because he was a mediocre student.  Mitch rarely felt comfortable in the classroom. In fact, it took him 7 years for him to graduate from college.  Choosing to become a teacher, Mitch was fortunate enough to experience school as if it was happening all around him. He was unsure how to jump into his learning with confidenc

In this episode of Aspire to Lead, we’re joined by AI expert William Grube, founder of Gruvy Education, to explore how artificial intelligence is shaping the future of education. William shares practical strategies for adopting AI in schools and how educators can overcome the fear often associated with new technology. We dive into common mistakes made when using tools like ChatGPT and discuss how educators can integrate AI into lesson plans to engage students effectively. William also highlights specific AI tools that simplify educators’ lives, improve efficiency, and foster creativity in the classroom. Whether you’re new to AI or eager to take your use of technology to the next level, this episode provides actionable insights and valuable resources to help you navigate the AI revolution in education. About William Grube: William Grube is the founder of Gruvy Education. Through Gruvy Education, he partners with over 100 schools and several state-level organizations to provide AI training. William has comple

In this week’s episode, I sit down with Alex Kajitani and Tom Hierck, authors of the insightful book You're A Teacher Now! What's Next?. Together, we tackle essential topics for educators at any stage of their career, including the differences between classroom management and behavior management, strategies for building healthy relationships with students, and tools for creating engaging lessons that keep learners motivated. We also dive into the importance of mental health strategies for teachers, sharing practical tips to maintain balance and resilience in such a demanding profession. Finally, we discuss how educators can determine their long-term career plans while staying connected to their purpose and passion for teaching. Whether you're stepping into the classroom for the first time or seeking a renewed sense of direction in your teaching career, this episode offers a refreshing perspective. Alex and Tom bring a mix of wisdom, humor, and real-world experience to help educators not just survive but tru

In this Aspire Mailbag episode, Jeff Gargas and Joshua Stamper dive into listener questions about school leadership, connecting with students and staff, building future leaders, and navigating career aspirations. Topics include: How can you consistently connect with students and staff to make a greater impact? What are some ideas to help build future leaders within your school? For building leaders, what’s a must-do on your daily list, and what’s something you wish you could do every day but aren’t able to? How do you fully enjoy your current role while dreaming of a different position? Packed with real talk, actionable advice, and a dash of inspiration—don’t miss it! Follow Jeff Gargas: Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeffgargas Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_jeffgargas/ Follow The Teach Better Team: Twitter: https://twitter.com/teachbetterteam Website: https://www.teachbetter.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teachbetterteam Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachbetter

In this thought-provoking episode, I sit down with Nathan Maynard to explore restorative practices that truly change the way we approach student behavior. Nathan dives into the importance of restoration within the behavior process, emphasizing how forgiveness plays a crucial role in helping students learn and grow from their actions. We also discuss practical mindfulness techniques that can empower school staff to stay balanced and resilient in challenging situations. Plus, Nathan shares insights into the High Five application, a powerful tool designed to support schools and educators in creating a positive, connected environment. This conversation is packed with actionable strategies to build a more compassionate and effective school culture. About Nathan Maynard: When Nathan was younger, he struggled in school. He was diagnosed with ODD and ADHD combined with a high amount of trauma. Nathan was motivated by fitting in and pursued that by associating with paths to criminality as a kid. These lived experience

Have you ever had a conversation and you start to think about what you are about to say instead of listening to the other person? In this week’s episode, Bradley James Davies, author of Next Level Listening: How to Listen Like Your Life Depends on It. Because it Does, shares key insights on listening as a transformative tool—not just for leaders, but for anyone looking to strengthen connections at work and at home. With practical tips to elevate your listening game, this conversation reveals why listening might just be the most underrated skill that can truly change lives. About Bradley James Davies: Award-winning, best-selling author and speaker with over 25 years of corporate and nonprofit leadership experience, Bradley James Davies’ clients span all sectors, from technology and entertainment to government and education, and all levels of leadership, from rising stars to c-suite veterans. As an ICF-certified (PCC) leadership coach trained at Georgetown University, Davies has partnered with leaders from com

In this special #AspireLead bonus episode, Mitch Weathers, author and creator of Organized Binder, discusses how to rethink traditional goal setting. Together, Josh & Mitch dive into why the old methods of setting goals often fall short and explore practical strategies to make goal setting more effective. Mitch shares real-world examples of how to set achievable goals with students and explains how self-regulation is crucial in the process. Tune in for fresh insights on how to set goals that stick and lead to meaningful progress! About Mitch Weathers: Mitch became a gifted teacher because he was a mediocre student.  Mitch rarely felt comfortable in the classroom. In fact, it took him 7 years for him to graduate from college.  Choosing to become a teacher, Mitch was fortunate enough to experience school as if it was happening all around him. He was unsure how to jump into his learning with confidence. There is a loneliness to experiencing your education as a passive object as opposed to an active subje

In this heartfelt episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper sits down with children's book author Gail Boe for an inspiring conversation about living with authenticity, kindness, and purpose. Gail delves into the importance of not just talking about kindness, but truly walking the walk. She emphasizes the significance of being who you are meant to be and following your passions in life. Gail also explores how we can go beyond the simple “How are you?” by being more empathetic, understanding that we often don’t know the struggles others are facing. Additionally, Gail shares the story behind her two children’s books, Lettuce and HAY, which highlight themes of kindness, compassion, and understanding others. Join us for an uplifting discussion on making a difference through kindness, both in our own lives and in the lives of others. About Gail Boe: Gail grew up in Minneota, MN with her parents, and two older sisters. She graduated from Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, MN with a degree in Element

Join us for a recap of the School Behavior Solutions Summit! In this episode, Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper discuss the incredible speakers, valuable resources, and free recap videos available on YouTube. Plus, they dive into their upcoming webinar, "The Language of Behavior: Tools to Decode and Defuse Conflict." This live, interactive session will provide you with practical strategies for understanding and addressing challenging behaviors in the classroom. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from experts and gain valuable insights. Upcoming Webinar Details Date: Wednesday, October 23 Time: 7 PM - 8:30 PM EST Format: Live, interactive session with Q&A Link: https://thrivingeducator.myflodesk.com/webinar2 Summit Speakers and Resources: https://www.thrivingeducator.org/speakers -- About Charle Peck: Charle Peck is the co-creator of Thriving School Community, a revolutionary program designed for schools to improve mental health. She holds an MS in Education and an MS in Social Work as a 20+ year v

Tired of the traditional classroom setting but still passionate about education? Join us as we chat with bestselling author Starr Sackstein about her new book, "Making an Impact Outside of the Classroom." Discover a world of alternative career paths that leverage your teaching skills, hard work, creativity, and experience. From school administration to EdTech startups, Starr shares insights on how to transition seamlessly and continue making a meaningful impact in education. Don't miss this inspiring episode! About Starr Sackstein: Starr Sackstein is an accomplished educator, author, and advocate, dedicated to transforming education through innovative practices. With a background in secondary education, she has championed student-centered learning, assessment reform, and technology integration. As an author of several influential books, including "Hacking Assessment," Starr empowers educators globally with practical strategies for creating learner-driven classrooms. Her insights, shared through speaking eng

In this engaging episode of Aspire to Lead, we sit down with Walter McKenzie, author, ASCD leader, and co-creator of The Worthy Educator, to explore the complexities of leadership in education. Walter shares his thoughts on the temptation to say "yes" to roles because of titles, money, or pride, and the importance of staying where you are if you’re happy and mentally healthy. We also dive into the significance of staying connected with other educational leaders and how isolating the climb up the district ladder can be. If you're navigating your own leadership journey or contemplating your next steps, this conversation offers invaluable insights for balancing ambition with personal well-being and meaningful connections. About Walter McKenzie: Walter McKenzie is the co-founder of The Worthy Educator, a thriving community of leaders in education supporting each other to have impact and build lasting legacies in their work. Since retiring from ASCD, he served 25 years in Massachusetts and Virginia public schools:

In this impactful episode, award-winning author and family partnerships expert, Ari Gerzon-Kessler, explores the crucial topic of building authentic connections between educators and underrepresented families. Ari shares his expertise on the current reality of family engagement in schools and how it often falls short of creating genuine, lasting partnerships. We dive deep into the difference between family involvement and authentic partnerships, unpacking why traditional approaches to family engagement may not be enough. Ari also provides practical strategies for school leaders on how to create sustainable family partnerships that promote equity, trust, and collaboration. Lastly, we explore the concept of FET Teams (Families and Educators Together Teams), and how these innovative teams are transforming school-family relationships for the better. This episode is packed with actionable insights for educators and leaders looking to strengthen their connection with families and build inclusive, supportive schoo

In this Bonus episode of Aspire to Lead, we dive into an insightful conversation with Mitch Weathers, author of Executive Functions for Every Classroom. Together, we explore the critical role of working memory in student success and how establishing effective beginning routines can set the tone for learning. Mitch shares practical strategies from his book on how educators can support students in developing essential executive functioning skills, helping them stay organized, focused, and better equipped to handle classroom demands. This conversation offers valuable takeaways for fostering strong routines and improving student outcomes! About Mitch Weathers: Mitch became a gifted teacher because he was a mediocre student.  Mitch rarely felt comfortable in the classroom. In fact, it took him 7 years for him to graduate from college. Choosing to become a teacher, Mitch was fortunate enough to experience school as if it was happening all around him. He was unsure how to jump into his learning with confidence.

In this episode of Aspire to Lead, we sit down with Lauren Kaufman, author of "The Leader Inside," to explore the untapped greatness that lies within each of us. Lauren shares her journey and insights on why mentorship plays a crucial role in personal and professional growth, and how mentors—whether we realize it or not—are often closer than we think. From discovering your inner leader to recognizing the mentors already in your life, this conversation is filled with meaningful reflections and practical takeaways that challenge conventional thinking. Tune in to discover how to harness the power of mentorship and unlock the potential within yourself and those around you, paving the way for transformative leadership. 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 assistant principal, elementary instructional coach, an elementary and middle school reading specialist, new teacher mentor co

In this engaging episode, we sit down with Todd Bloomer to explore critical topics in educational leadership. Todd shares his experiences and strategies for effectively leading a large campus in the wake of COVID, addressing key issues like teacher retention and the importance of modeling leadership behavior. We dive into the concept of soliciting student voice and discuss the Bloomer Triangle of Success, focusing on how visibility and trust contribute to a thriving school environment. Todd also explores the evolving role of advocacy and its significance as the next frontier for administrators. Additionally, Todd introduces his newly released book, The Blueprint, offering insights and practical advice for navigating the complexities of school leadership. Tune in for a conversation full of actionable strategies and inspiration for creating positive change in your educational community. About Todd Bloomer Originally from New York, Todd Bloomer now calls San Antonio, Texas, his home. Entering his 29th year in p

In this thought-provoking episode, Alison Smith discusses the pressing challenges facing both educators and educational leaders, including burnout, compassion fatigue, emotional dissonance, and a lowered sense of mattering. Alison delves into how cultivating resilience can not only help individuals overcome these challenges but also build collective efficacy, which in turn positively impacts student success. We also explore how educational leaders can actively support and foster resilience within their teams, ensuring long-term well-being and productivity. Alison introduces the THRIVE Design Principles, a framework that can help schools and educators create environments that encourage growth, support, and resilience. About Alison Smith Alison Smith is an author, speaker, and coach specializing in burnout and resilience. She helps audiences nationwide harness the power of small acts of resilience to design thriving personal and professional lives. Alison has coached hundreds of highly-motivated yet highly-b

In this insightful episode of Aspire to Lead, we're joined by Laura Lipton, co-author of Learning-Focused Supervision, to explore the transformative role of leaders in education. Laura dives into the concept of leaders as growth agents, group developers, and culture changers, shedding light on how they can drive meaningful change within their schools and districts. We discuss the importance of structured conversations for fostering professional growth and how these dialogues can empower educators to continuously evolve in their practice. Laura also shares valuable insights on the use of data—not as a tool to prove, but to improve—ensuring that feedback and evaluations lead to actionable improvements and enhanced learning outcomes. Tune in to gain valuable insights that will elevate your leadership and enhance the learning environment for everyone involved! About Laura Lipton Laura is an international consultant whose writing, research, keynotes, and seminars focus on effective and innovative instructional

In this episode, we dive deep into the newly released book "Personalize: Meeting the Needs of All Learners" by Eric Sheninger and Nicki Slaugh. Join us as we explore how personalized learning is set to revolutionize education. Through real-world examples, cutting-edge research, and practical advice, Eric and Nicki share how educators can implement high-agency strategies like voice, choice, path, pace, and place to meet each student's unique needs. We also discuss how to leverage data-driven approaches, feedback and risk taking will transform your leadership practices to ensure that every learner succeeds.  About Eric Sheninger Eric works with schools throughout the world, helping educators meet and exceed their potential to improve outcomes for learners. He is the founder and CEO of Aspire Change EDU, a collaborative consultancy designed to provide personalized support to all educational systems. Prior to this, he was a teacher and the award-winning Principal at New Milford High School. Under his leadership