Aspire to Lead

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 tea...

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...

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...

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...

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 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...

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...

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 a...

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 Reyno...

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 in...

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,...

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...

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,...

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 the...

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, l...

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 p...

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 Pr...

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 Hubne...

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...

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 T...

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...

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...

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 passiona...

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 He...

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 Br...