Aspire: The Leadership Development Podcast

In your lesson plans, outside of the content in the curriculum, what skills do you teach your students? This week’s guest, Dennis Mathew, shares how he goes beyond the curriculum to share essential life skills, such as conflict resolution simulations and social skills practice activities.  In this episode, we also discuss: Leading with the “1” Social emotional learning tactics Equity in public schools And his new book, “How Grizzly Found Gratitude”! About Dennis Mathew:Dennis is an elementary school speech pathologist going into my 15th year working in the public schools. Since 2019 I have also been a children's author and songwriter. I have three books and one music album published. My content is all integrated with SEL, the 7 mindsets, the growth mindset, trauma informed care, language enrichment, social skills topics etc. To date I have sold around 15K copies of my books (90% of which has been distributed to public schools nationwide), presented to around 120 schools and reached 70K+ students with my

I had the amazing opportunity to moderate a segment for the Teach Better Team on mental health and trauma informed practices. In this bonus episode, Maurice Martin and I discuss important strategies to use to enhance our emotional well-being, practice mindfulness, and overcome failure.  About Maurice Martin:Maurice F Martin is a sought after speaker, counselor, certified life coach, and co-host of the TV show “Getting The Word Out”. He also works with schools and businesses to take their culture and relationships to the next level. Maurice’s true passion is shown in the combining of inspirational speaking and his EMBRACE Method, helping others to harness the power of today, love the moment they are in, and realize their purpose in order to live their best life. In 2020, Maurice’s powerful video “Color Blind” was featured in the Youtube Original “Bear Witness, Take Action”, which has been viewed by over 4 million people. In addition to speaking, Maurice is an award-winning vocalist and songwriter who

If you have thought about becoming a campus or district leader, what are the next steps in the process to get to the next leadership level? This week’s guest, Robert Breyer, shares steps to gain additional and necessary experiences, finding the right coach, and excelling in the interview process.  In this episode, we also discuss: Preparing and guiding aspiring leaders to successfully attain leadership positions. The importance of leadership coaching. Impactful leadership experiences for aspiring leaders outside the classroom. And Rob’s new book, “Taking The Leap: A field guide for aspiring school leaders”! About Robert Breyer:Robert is married to Jennifer and together they have 4 children. He is the author of Taking The Leap: A Field Guide for Aspiring School Leaders, and also makes time to coach aspiring leaders who are looking to make the transition from teacher to administration. He is also the host of The Guiding Principals Podcast, where he allows visionary school leaders to share the story of

In this bonus episode, Michelle Papa shares her five top leadership books and the reasons she loves these amazing resources. In addition, we discuss her new promotion and the transition to the new school year.  About Michelle Papa:Michelle Papa is an Assistant Principal at Jefferson Township High School in Oak Ridge, New Jersey. She is passionate about the amplification of student’s voices, healthy school culture, trauma-informed education, and equity for all students. She has presented workshops on the topics of using digital tools for formative assessment, community building in the virtual classroom, text-dependent questioning, state testing rubrics, and the ALICE response to active shooter events. She is also a mom of two and wife to Danny Papa, a K-12 Supervisor of Social Studies, Fine Art, and Technology Education in the same school district. Follow Michelle Papa: Twitter: http://twitter.com/MPapaEdu (@MPapaEdu) Blog: https://edlifeweb.wordpress.com/ (https://edlifeweb.wordpress.com/) Link

With the stress of your leadership role, how do you take care of your mental health? This week’s guest, Lindsay Titus, shares important steps to take to improve your mental well-being, decrease anxiety and combat stress.     In this episode, we also discuss: Administrative Certification Program  Behavior Management Strategies for Students Gratitude Reflections And Lindsay’s 30 day journal, “Define YOUniversity”! About Lindsay Titus:Lindsay Titus is a passionate and energetic educator! She uses her expertise as a board certified behavior analyst and a former classroom teacher, to ignite the passion of any educator. She is eager to transform the mindset educators hold about behavior, and use this dynamic shift to increase connections with all students! Lindsay is a speaker, coach, podcaster, author, and founder of DEFINE YOUniversity where she offers weekly podcast episodes, courses, coaching, and events for educators to help guide them through the journey of finding relief from the ove

What role and impact does your school culture have within your building? This week’s guest, Darrin Peppard, shares how the culture created by the leaders in the building impacts every aspect of the school, which could lead down the road to awesome!    In this episode, we discuss: The importance of knowing the logistical management and the instructional development   Surprises as a Superintendent  How to improve your leadership skills through coaching And Darrin’s new book, Road to Awesome! About Darrin Peppard:Darrin Peppard is a keynote speaker, author, publisher and consultant focused on what matters most in leadership. Darrin is an expert in school culture and climate as well as coaching and growing emerging leaders. He is known for his keen insight, culture-first leadership style, and dynamic personality. In 2016, Darrin was named Wyoming Secondary School Principal of the Year by WASSP/NASSP and was the 2015 Jostens Renaissance Educator of the Year. In 2017, Darrin earned his

In this bonus episode, Dr. Jill Siler shares her five top leadership books and the reasons she loves these amazing resources. In addition, we discuss the latest book award she received and her new position.  About Dr. Jill Siler:Dr. Jill Siler has been serving as the Superintendent of Gunter ISD, a growing school district an hour north of Dallas, since 2012. Jill grew up in Rochester & Buffalo, NY and completed her undergraduate work at the University of Pittsburgh where she was a collegiate swimmer. She moved to Austin in 1996 and began serving as a high school World Geography teacher and swim coach at John B. Connally High School in Pflugerville ISD. Jill earned her Masters from Texas State University and began her administrative career in Marble Falls ISD where she served as the Assistant Principal for Instruction. In 2004, Jill went to Lake Travis ISD where she served as a campus and district leader for 8 years. During that time, she completed her doctorate at the University of Texas. In her firs

How would you describe a productive and effective Professional Learning Community (PLC)? In my experience in multiple schools and districts, this model has looked drastically different in each setting. This week’s guest, Chad Dumas, shares a practical guide for leaders on how to collaborate and get sustained results for students.   In this episode, we discuss: The Steps Needed to Get the Correct Leadership Experience for Aspiring Leaders Tips to Create Effective Meetings How to Increase Your Professional Development And Chad’s new book, Let’s Put the C in PLC About Chad Dumas:Chad Dumas is a Solution Tree associate and international educational consultant, presenter, and award-winning researcher whose primary focus is collaborating to develop capacity for continuous improvement. With over two decades of successful leadership experience, Chad has led significant improvements for both students and staff. He shares his research and knowledge in his new books, Let’s Put the C in PLC and An Action Guide

What if, in the world of education, grades did not exist? This week’s guest, Starr Sackstein, shares how she removed grades from her classroom, focused on critical feedback to her students, and incorporated social emotional and equity components to the assessment process.  In this episode, we discuss: Systems of evidence mastery Changing the way we assess The stigma that is attached to grades And Starr’s new book, Assessing with Respect: Everyday Practices That Meet Students' Social and Emotional Needs About Starr Sackstein:Starr Sackstein is a recovering perfectionist who is an assessment reforming enthusiast. Currently, she works with teacher teams to engage students in the learning process, advocate for personal growth, and effectively use student data to drive instruction with the Core Collaborative. She also works as publisher for Mimi & Todd Press. In her past lives, she was a high school English and journalism teacher, a lead Humanities learner, and social media manager. Additionally, Sta

Have you ever interviewed for a job and not received the promotion you were seeking? In today’s episode featuring Alex Valencic, Sarah Johnson and Joshua Stamper discuss the topics of working through the disappointment, establishing your relationship with your new supervisor, and the way to have transparent conversations about your goals.  About Alex Valencic:Alex Valencic is an educator, former small business owner, Boy Scout, volunteer drug prevention specialist, unrepentant bibliophile, and a geek of all things. His professional teaching career began thirteen years ago when he began working as a substitute teacher for three years before achieving his lifelong dream of teaching fourth grade, which he did for seven years in Urbana, Illinois. He currently lives and works in Freeport, Illinois, as a Curriculum Coordinator in an EC-12 district. Alex's job duties include supporting innovative educational practices; planning, developing, and coordinating professional learning for all staff; and overseeing th

How do we together dismantle barriers that exclude, recognize past trauma, and identify resources for those in need? This week’s guest, Marisol Quevedo Rerucha, shares how implementing restorative practices changed student behaviors, connected the community and recognized each person.  In this episode, we discuss: The importance of Morning Check Ins Restorative practices and circles Collective agreements  And Marisol’s new book, Beyond the Surface of Restorative Practices About Marisol Quevedo Rerucha:Marisol Quevedo Rerucha, author of Beyond the Surface of Restorative Practices: Building a Culture of Equity, Connection and Healing, serves as the Chief of Strategy and Partnerships for the National Parents Union. As a former teacher, principal, and district leader she uses her voice to challenge systems of oppression and more importantly amplifies the voices of others. The impact of her passion, experience, work, and voice is felt beyond her own community as she serves in the following ways as: Direc

In this 21st Aspire Mailbag episode, Evan Robb, 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 how to build an email to introduce yourself to a potential employer, ways to prepare yourself for a leadership position, summative evaluation feedback, and the latest news with the Teach Better Team!

With the drastic changes occurring in education, how do we propel students, staff and leaders to grow and explore in new ways? This week’s guest, Lainie Rowell, shares how providing opportunities of discovery and social emotional learning will enhance targeted change and innovative ideas for everyone in the organization.  In this episode, we discuss: Learning to Listen instead of Acting like the Expert The importance of Spending Time in Reflection “Evolving Learner” And Lainie’s new podcast, “Lemonade Learning” About Lainie Rowell:Lainie Rowell is an educator,https://www.amazon.com/Evolving-Learner-Shifting-Professional-Development/dp/1544338325 ( author),http://lemonadelearning.us/ ( podcaster), and international consultant who specializes in working with other educators to find innovative and sustainable ways to transform teaching and learning. Her areas of expertise include online/blended learning, designing innovative learning experiences, professional learning, and community building. During her mor

I had the amazing opportunity to moderate a segment during the Teach Better 12 Hour Live Event on social emotional learning (SEL). In this bonus episode, Mandy Froelich and I discuss important strategies to use in the classroom and on the campus to help regulate student’s emotions and assess student needs.     About Mandy Froehlich:Mandy Froehlich passionately encourages educators to create innovative change in their classrooms. A former Director of Innovation and Technology, technology integrator, and teacher, she has experience at many levels of the organizational structure. Her interest lies in reinvigorating and re-engaging teachers back into their profession, as well as what’s needed to support teachers in their pursuit of innovative and divergent thinking and teaching. She consults internationally with school districts and post-secondary institutions in the effective use of technology to support great teaching, mental health support for educators, and how to create organizational cha

What is the highest level of learning in professional development? This week’s guest, Dr. Michele Schmidt Moore, shares how leaders can design professional learning environments that encourage and enhance teacher’s discovery, passion, and curiosity.   In this episode, we discuss: Passion Projects for Educators Intentional PD Designs The Leader in You Series And Michele’s podcast, “Design Lessons” About Dr. Michele Schmidt Moore:Dr. Michele Schmidt Moore, host of the Design Lessons podcast is a coach, speaker and educational thought leader dedicated to helping you design a personal and professional life that you love. Through her Uncover the Leader in You Series, she helps educators know their purpose, uncover their story, and design a passion project to increase their impact. She helps you dream big, and design a blueprint to level up your impact in your community, your district and the world.  For over two decades she has worked as a district and school level administrator, instructional desig

After creating and implementing new teaching strategies and building procedures, many educators are seeking to go back to “normal”. Should we keep any practices from this past year or should we go back to our previous strategies? This week’s guest, Thomas Murray, shares how we design learning experiences that impact all students, while creating a future ready skills.  In this episode, we discuss: Future Ready Leaders Future Ready Learners Going Back to “Normal” vs Continuing New Practices And Tom’s Book, “Personal and Authentic” About Thomas Murray:Thomas Murray serves as the Director of Innovation for http://www.futureready.org/ (Future Ready Schools®), a project of the http://www.all4ed.org/ (Alliance for Excellent Education), located in Washington, D.C. Prior to his current role, Tom has been a director of technology and cyber education and a school principal in Pennsylvania. In addition to his director role, Tom is a Blogger, speaker, school district consultant and author. https://www.amazon.com/Pers

In this bonus episode, Latrese Younger shares her five top leadership books and the reasons she loves these amazing resources. In addition, we discuss her school and how she is ending the school year strong.  About Latrese Younger:Latrese D. Younger has over thirteen years of education experience across several different school districts. She began her journey as an English Language Arts teacher in Dinwiddie County, VA, which she credits with firming her foundation in education excellence. Throughout her career, she has taught ELA for grades 6-12. She possesses a Bachelor of Arts in English Education from Virginia State University and a Master of Educational Leadership with a concentration in Technology Education from Strayer University Henrico Campus. She is a writer, a web curator for thehttp://vate.org/about-us/officers-and-board/ ( Virginia Teachers of English (VATE)) social media sites, and founder of the non-profit,https://mobile.twitter.com/leaders_black ( BWEL, Inc). (Black Women Education Leader

Today, May 9th, is a special day for two reasons, 1. It’s mother’s day and 2. Today is the 3rd anniversary of the Aspire podcast! Join Todd Nesloney and I as we celebrate mothers day, the three year anniversary of the podcast and our discussion on classroom and campus culture! Featuring Todd Nesloney and Joshua StamperAbout Todd Nesloney:Todd Nesloney is the Director of Culture and Strategic Leadership for the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (http://www.twitter.com/tepsatalk (TEPSA)). He was previously a Principal/Lead Learner at a PreK-5 school in Texas. He is an award winning author for his work in co-authoring Kids Deserve It! and Sparks in the Dark. He has also written the book Stories from Webb and published a children’s book, Spruce & Lucy. Todd has been recognized by John C. Maxwell as a Top 10 Finalist for the 2018 Transformational Leadership Award, by the White House as a Connected Educator “Champion of Change”, the National School Board Association as one of the “20 to Wa

As the school year comes to a close, we can all agree that we are exhausted mentally and physically. This past year and a half has been difficult in many ways and every educator's mental health has been affected. Just the other day, I was telling a staff member that COVID has made even the easiest decisions much harder. With this in mind, how are we taking care of ourselves? This week’s guest, Dan Tricarico shares how he uses the 5 “S”s, Which are stillness, silence, space, subtraction, and slowing down, to improve his mental health. In this episode, we discuss: How Leaders Can Improve Their Staff’s Mental Health Strategies for Social Media  Ways to Balancing Stress  And Dan’s Book, “The Zen Teacher” About Dan Tricarico:Dan Tricarico, CEO of The Zen Professional, teaches people how to maximize their performance without sacrificing themselves. As a national speaker, author of two top stress management books, and creator of The Zen Professional 5-Step Blueprint for stress reduction, Tricarico now

In your classrooms, are your students participating in one interactive lesson per unit or are they experiencing natural learning opportunities each day? This week’s guest, Becky Schnekser, shares how transforming her classroom allowed her students to explore, engage, and discover new learning opportunities to model interactive field experiences.  In this episode, we discuss: Field Science Professional Development Flipping to an Outdoor Classroom Teach Better Speakers Network And Becky’s Upcoming Book! About Becky Schnekser:Becky Schnekser is a K-5 Science teacher in Virginia Beach, VA. She believes science should not only be taught to learners of all ages, but it should be experienced in an authentic way. In order to bring authenticity to her science instruction, she joins field expedition teams around the world to gain insight into how science looks and feels globally in order to scale it for her learners and provide resources to educators worldwide. She is the founder of Outdoor Education Collective,