Aspire to Lead

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 empowe...

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...

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 explai...

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...

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 unders...

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...

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 t...

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 betwe...

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...

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 recogni...

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...

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 stude...

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 s...

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, p...

Join us for a compelling conversation with Trisha Backman as she explores some of the most urgent challenges in today’s education system. Trisha shares her insights on the critical role of mental health in schools and how cultivating a culture of learning can empower both students and educators. We dive into her efforts to connect state agencies and uplift the voices of marginalized groups, such a...

Join us in this special 300th episode of Aspire to Lead as award-winning author, Rick Wormeli, shares about the evolving educational landscape as the post-pandemic practices have shifted. Rick shares his insights on the major challenges schools are currently facing and how he is actively supporting educators and administrators in overcoming these hurdles. We delve into the exciting potential of AI...

In this special episode, Charlie Peck and Joshua Stamper share thrilling updates about their upcoming book, "The Language of Behavior," which is set to transform how educators approach student behavior in the classroom. But that's not all—get ready for some exciting announcements about several new projects on the horizon that promise to elevate the field of education. You won't want to miss these...

In this enlightening episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper collaborates with leadership expert Darrin Peppard to explore essential strategies for avoiding burnout and overcoming superhero syndrome in the field of education. Together, they delve into the importance of creating systems of collaboration that foster a supportive and efficient work environment. Discover how focusing on what truly m...

In this compelling episode of Aspire to Lead , we delve into the creative process and inspiration behind the influential book "Simplifying the Journey." Discover the story behind why Bob felt it was essential to share his insights on educational leadership and we break down the six pivotal action steps outlined in the book, offering clear guidance for those seeking to navigate their leadership rol...

Join us in this educational and inspiring episode of Aspire to Lead as Vanessa Castañeda Gill, co-founder of Social Cipher and a champion for neurodivergent students, dives into the transformative power of play and fandom culture. Episode Highlights: Importance of Play and Fandom Culture: Discover why play and fandom culture are crucial for neurodivergent students and how they create inclusive and...

Welcome to a special bonus episode of Who Smarted?, the world’s most popular kids' educational podcast! With over 15 million downloads in just three years, Who Smarted? delivers fun, educational content three times a week, making learning an adventure for kids everywhere. In this episode, we tackle a fascinating question: "How Did Football Become Known as Soccer?" Dive into the history and quirky...

In this enlightening episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper sits down with the Emmy-nominated co-creator and Showrunner of National Geographic’s #1 series, Brain Games, Jerry Kolber. Known for his creative genius behind educational shows like Netflix's Brainchild with Pharrell Williams, Jerry shares his remarkable journey and insights into the world of educational media. Episode Highlights: Per...

Join us for an enlightening conversation with leadership expert Sarah Johnson as we explore the essential introduction topics needed to embark on your leadership journey. In this episode, Sarah shares her wisdom on how to gain support in a non-biased way as a current leader, ensuring you have the backing needed to drive positive change. We also delve into the crucial steps required to be successfu...

In this brilliant conversation on assessment and standards based grading, we explore the vital connection between student wellness and assessment with special guest Natalie Vardabasso. We delve into planting a seed of change regarding shifting perspectives on assessment, exploring practical starting points for standards-based grading, and examining the intricate relationship between student emotio...

Join us for another insightful conversation with our monthly guest, Mitch Weathers, the founder of Organized Binder. In this episode, we dive deep into the critical aspects of executive functioning and explore the 3 keys that are essential for student success. Mitch shares his expertise on the importance of Tier 1 interventions and teacher efficacy in fostering executive functioning skills in all...