Aspire: The Leadership Development Podcast

With the new experience of teaching virtually, many educators are struggling to teach in this new setting. What is the measure of success for teachers and students? What should our goal be as we teach online? This week’s guest, CJ Reynolds, shares his struggles with virtual teaching and his successful online tactics to build relationships, enhance digital tools, and create a safe environment.     In this episode, we discuss: Digital Relationship Building Strategies How to Engage Students Online As Teachers, Do we Discuss Difficult Topics? And CJ’s “Real Rap with Reynolds” About CJ Reynolds:Mr. Reynolds is a West Philadelphia high school literature teacher, author, YouTuber, & public speaker. In his book, Teach Your Class Off, on his YouTube Channel, Real Rap With Reynolds, and on his Podcast, Sunday Night Teacher Talk, Reynolds offers an authentic glimpse into what it looks like to teach high school in the inner city. Using “Real Rap” to share teaching tips and strategies, Reynolds hel

With the battle of teaching students from a variety of learning environments, our schools are challenged with uncovering and solving many community challenges at the same time. In today’s episode featuring Andrew Stanton, Sarah Johnson and Joshua Stamper tackle the topics of risk-taking and equity practices.    In this episode, we discuss: Creating Change during a Pandemic Balancing Initiatives to Avoid Burn-Out Resources to Learn more about Equity   About Andrew Stanton:Andrew is a middle school educator, PBIS tier-one leader, behavior coach, and dedicated to the future of every student. Follow Andrew Stanton: Twitter: https://twitter.com/Stanton_A_/media (https://twitter.com/Stanton_A_/media) Resources from this Episode: Leading Equity Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-equity/id1419821427 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-equity/id1419821427)   Interested in being a guest on Aspire to Rise?  We would love to hear from you https://forms.gle

As our educational setting has shifted dramatically in a short period of time, the teaching strategies and educational tools needed to be successful have pushed educators to discover new ways to provide information and collaborate. This week’s guest, Jesse Lubinsky, shares some exciting emerging technology and innovative solutions to enhance student exploration, creativity and risk taking.     In this Episode, we discuss: The Benefits of Esports in Schools AR and VR Tools in the Classroom Ready Learner One Programs to Support Teachers with Technology And Jesse’s books, “The Esports Education Playbook” and “Reality Bytes” About Jesse Lubinsky:Jesse is currently the Chief Learning Officer for Ready Learner One LLC. He is an education technologist, teacher, and former school administrator based out of Westchester County in New York. Prior to entering the learning space, he was a technology consultant for Fortune 500 companies specializing in network engineering and software development projec

In this 17th 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 and discuss how to coach the coaches, establish relationships with new staff members, keep staff on board through all the many changes that are occurring, and learn about one of the newest Teach Better podcast network additions!   Featuring Jeff Gargas, Joshua Stamper and special guest, Brittany Rincon.Follow Brittany Rincon:Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrittRincon (https://twitter.com/BrittRincon) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teacherleadercoach/ (https://www.instagram.com/teacherleadercoach/) Podcast: https://www.teachbetter.com/podcasts/teacher-leader-podcast/ (https://www.teachbetter.com/podcasts/teacher-leader-podcast/) Follow Jeff Gargas:Twitter:https://twitter.com/jeffgargas ( https://twitter.com/jeffgargas) Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/_jeffgargas/ ( https://www.instagram.com/_jeffgargas/) Follow

As educators, we know what an IQ is but what is an EQ? This week’s guests, Dr. Adam Saenz shares the critical value of practicing Social Emotional Learning skills in the classroom, for both students and faculty, to decrease negative behavior and increase student academic performance, social skills, and relational engagement.     In this Episode, we discuss: The Importance of Developing a Emotional Intelligence  Strategies for Teachers to Improve Their Emotional Health The Impact of Trauma on the Brain And his books, The Power of a Teacher” and “The EQ Intervention About Dr. Adam Saenz:Dr. Adam Sáenz earned his Ph.D. in School Psychology from Texas A&M University as a United States Department of Education doctoral fellow. He completed his predoctoral clinical training under a fellowship appointment to Harvard Medical School, and he has a post doctorate in clinical psychology from the Alpert Medical School of Brown University. Dr. Sáenz also earned a Doctorate of Ministry

Although my two guests have been in education and known each other since the mid 1990’s, this year has been the most challenging in their careers. This week’s guests, Adam Dewitt and Dr. Jeffry Prickett share how during this difficult time, they’ve leaned heavily on each other and their professional learning network to work through the daily adversity and grow as leaders. Join us as they share their connected leadership journey and how their friendship strengthened their skills, values and contributions to the educational profession.     In this Episode, we discuss: Tactics to Increase Student Engagement How to Support Teachers Through Difficult Times The Benefits of Being Forced to Be Innovative And the Principal Leadership Lab Podcast About Adam DeWitt:Started my teacher career back in 1996 at Heritage Elementary School Moved to Minocqua, WI to teach science in a middle school Opened a private school for one year. Moved back to my hometown, Marinette, WI to serve as a MS AP. Principal Di

As we battle the trials of a pandemic, many leaders are asking one similar question. How do we create and maintain a positive school environment during a crisis? In today’s episode featuring Brianna Zwiefelhofer, Sarah Johnson and Joshua Stamper tackle this important and relevant topic on school culture.   In this Episode, we discuss: Important Leadership Qualities Needed to Establish a Strong Culture Resources to Improve Communication  And The Importance of Being Transparent in Your Conversations   About Brianna Zwiefelhofer:Brianna has been an educator for 15 years and she is currently teaching at a K-4th grade school. She has her Masters in Education and currently is in the process of attaining my Director of Instruction and Curriculum licensure and Principal licensure from Viterbo University. Beyond the classroom, she is married and has three wonderful children. Follow Brianna Zwiefelhofer: Twitter: https://twitter.com/BriannaKZwief (https://twitter.com/BriannaKZwief)   Resou

In your current position, have you worked so hard for so long that you feel like you are going to crash and burn? This week, William D. Parker, shares how his first year as an Assistant Principal almost became his last. William provides strategies he used to take as a step back, reevaluate and focus on other unique areas in his life.   In this episode, William also shares:  Building trusting relationship for vulnerable moments Gathering Constructive Leadership Feedback Balancing Important Areas of Our Life And the Principal Matters Podcast About William D. Parker:William D. Parker is the Founder of Principal Matters, LLC, an author and speaker who uses his expertise in school culture, leadership and communication to equip educators with solutions and strategies for motivating students, inspiring teachers, and reaching communities. He also proudly serves as the executive director of Oklahoma’s Association of Secondary Principals and Oklahoma’s Middle Level Educator Association. An Oklahoma educa

In a previous Aspire episode, I had a wonderful conversation with https://joshstamper.com/aspire-episodes/leading-equity-and-change-featuring-dr-sheldon-l-eakins/ (Dr. Sheldon Eakins) as we discussed the issues of racial justice, equity and implicit bias. After that conversation, I was convicted to assess not only my own practices, but the practices of my school to determine the biases that exist. I didn’t want to stop the conversation there. This week, I have an amazing leader, Andre Daughty, as we focus on the questions, what is the starting point for a school or a district to create equitable practices?  Andre shares a variety of stories on how to:  Use Student Interest to Guide Engagement Identify Multiple Intelligences Diversifying Literature Options for students And Andre’s YouTube Channel About Andre Daughty:Andre Daughty's educational journey truly began after hearing Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu state, "If you observe children, they will teach you how to teach them." That phrase shifted An

As the year has progressed, the educational landscape has changed dramatically during the school year. Districts throughout the country have multiple learning environments from distance learning, face to face or a hybrid system. Regardless of how students are learning, educators everywhere are asking, “What technology tools are going to provide the most engagement, accurate assessments and organization of the curriculum. This week's guest, Jake Miller, shares how his journey from Technology Coach to Science Teacher has influenced his choice of technology tools and has changed his perspective on how to lead during this time of change.    In this Episode, we discuss: Changing the Collaboration model Engagement Strategies for Online Learning Effective Technology Tools And “Educational Duct Tape Podcast” About Jake Miller:Jake is an edtech and learning enthusiast who hosts the Educational Duct Tape podcast and has created more than 100 #EduGIFs. He works as a science teacher for a public middle sch

We are starting the season of teacher evaluations and there are many questions from the teacher and administrator perspectives. In this episode we are going to be answering many questions on this topic, such as: Have you ever had a terrible evaluation and wished you could have a redo?  Or began your first administrative job to find you are extremely nervous to evaluate a teacher?  What do you do if you observe a teacher that needs to grow in multiple areas? Evaluations for educators can be a tough part of the job and this week's guest, Michael Earnshaw and Joshua Buckley, discuss the important areas of performing an evaluation from both the administrator and teacher perspective.   In this Episode, we discuss: How much time is needed to observe The Important aspects of providing feedback Encouraging risk taking in the classroom And what it means to have a “Punk Rock Classroom”  About Michael Earnshaw:Michael Earnshaw, The Punk Rock Principal, is helping to change the game of educa

In this 16th 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 and discuss preparing staff for changes, practices we would keep after virtual learning, goals for starting a new school and some exciting announcements!   Featuring Jeff Gargas and Joshua Stamper  NEW Aspire Swag with Discount Code: ASPIRE  https://teachbetterswag.com/collections/aspire-the-leadership-development-podcast https://joshstamper.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Not-Just-A-Teacher-Ad2.jpg () Follow Jeff Gargas:Twitter:https://twitter.com/jeffgargas ( https://twitter.com/jeffgargas) Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/_jeffgargas/ ( https://www.instagram.com/_jeffgargas/) Follow Joshua Stamper:Contact:https://joshstamper.com/contact/ ( https://joshstamper.com/contact/) Twitter:http://www.twitter.com/Joshua__Stamper ( www.twitter.com/Joshua__Stamper) Instagram:http://www.instagram.com/joshua__stamper

Have you ever interviewed for a job only to find you were not selected for the position? This experience can be extremely painful and defeating. This week’s guest, Tim Cavey, shares how he overcame the disappointment, changed his mindset, and advanced to the next level.   In this Episode, we discuss: The Key Aspects of Administration Unexpected Challenges of Teaching and Leading Tips to Balance Work and Family And the “Teachers on Fire” Podcast About Tim Cavey:Tim Cavey is a husband, stepfather of two, 8th grade teacher, and assistant principal in Vancouver, Canada. In 2019, he completed a Master's in Educational Leadership degree that reignited his fire for teaching and put him on a new path of growth, professional reflection, and content creation. Tim is a firm believer in the growth mindset and advocates often for the kinds of informal professional learning that can be found on social media and in blogs, vlogs, or podcasts. When he's not creating content or spending time with his family, you'll f

I want to kick this episode off with a statement and I want to see if you agree. As a leader, you can grow and learn from creating content. Now, initially, you may think that to create content we have to have all the answers. In this episode I have two amazing teachers, Chey Cheney and Pav Wander, who share how through the content creation process, they became better leaders, inspired educators and connected to a greater community.   In this Episode, we discuss: The Benefit of Genius Hour Personal Professional Development Sharing Your Voice with Other Connected Educators  And their passion projects, “The Staff Room Podcast” and “The Drive” About Chey Cheney:Chey Cheney is a middle school teacher with 20 years of teaching experience, originally from Ottawa, Ontario. He currently teaches English and Physical Education in the north Toronto area, and does lots of coaching and leadership work with students in the school. Along with his former teaching partner Pav Wander, Chey co-hosts a podcast

It’s the chicken before the egg dilemma of career advancement. How does a person gain experience while not in the role they seek when aspiring up the proverbial career ladder? In today’s episode featuring Adam Cottos, we tackle the issue many aspiring leaders face.  In this Episode, we discuss: The challenges Adam has faced in gaining experience for administrative positions Strategies has used to communicate his experience to prospective employers Suggested ways to navigate hearing no, gaining authentic feedback, and seeking out mentors with similar experience About Adam Cottos:Adam W. Cottos is an educator in the greater Cleveland area. He is married and enjoys spending time with his wife, family, and golfing. He is currently a 4th and 5th grade teacher at Communion of Saints School in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. He has worked at the high school and elementary grade levels for over the past 10 years. He has worked with a diverse group of students which has allowed him to develop a greater passion for educa

Today, I wanted to bring on someone to help us reflect and refocus on what is important in our profession. As we are being challenged each day, it is so vital that we discover our “why”. Why do we work with students and Why do we lead in education? This week’s guest, Barbara Bray, shares how we can use our creativity, passion, and talents to revolutionize our profession.  In this Episode, we discuss: Growing as a Leader through Stories Redefining Virtual Learning Coaching through Observation and Listening And “Define Your Why” About Barbara Bray:Barbara Bray is a creative learning strategist on a mission to transform teaching to make learning more authentic and meaningful. On her website http://barbarabray.net/ (Rethinking Learning), she shares stories, events, and journeys of inspirational educators and difference makers, along with hosting the https://barbarabray.net/podcasts/ (Rethinking Learning podcas)t. She also co-hosts the #rethink_learning Twitter chat every other Monday at 4p PT. Barbara is the

Have you ever learned what not to do as a leader by experiencing a toxic working environment or encountering constant negative communication? This week’s guest, LaVonne Roth, shares how her negative experience in the business world transformed her as a leader, educator, and coach to enhance the skills of others by creating a wonderful program called SHINE.   In this Episode, we discuss: Coaching with Confidence Multiple forms of Intelligence Mental Health During a Difficult Time And Prime to SHINE About LaVonna Roth:LaVonna Roth was an elementary and secondary teacher, before setting out on her mission to help teachers understand the brain and how it learns to increase student achievement. Although educators teach the brain every day, many have never taken a teacher prep course on understanding the brain. What a disconnect! LaVonna strives to help teachers understand the latest brain research and its implications in the classroom through interactive presentations and workshops. If you are looking fo

In a recent study, 3000 employers were asked, what is the #1 skill they were seeking in their future employees? I know for myself, my mind went straight to hard work, content knowledge, and honesty, which are all important characteristics and skills. However, as Trevor Muir shares, the number one desired skill is collaboration. How are we as educators creating dynamic and effective opportunities for our students to work together? In this Episode, we discuss: Making Learning Authentic Soft Skills are Essential Skills Connecting Lessons to Real World Issues And the Collaborative Classroom About Trevor Muir:Trevor is a teacher, author, and international speaker. He is the author of the books The Epic Classroom and The Collaborative Classroom. Trevor is a professor at Grand Valley State University, a former faculty member for the Buck Institute for Education, and is one of the Andrew Gomez Dream Foundation speakers. His work has been featured in the Huffington Post, The Atlantic, Edutopia, EdWeek, and WeAreTeache

Have you ever started a difficult leadership task and felt alone, inadequate or unworthy? This week’s guests, Jeff Zoul and Jimmy Casas, share how through their connection with other educators and leaders, they were able to gain inspiration, knowledge, and confidence to overcome the most difficult tasks of their careers.   In this Episode, we discuss: The Process to Connect with Other Leaders Regaining your Confidence Best Advice for Leaders And ConnectEDD Books About Jeff Zoul:Dr. Jeffrey Zoul is a lifelong teacher, learner, and leader. During Jeff’s distinguished career in education he has served in a variety of roles, most recently as Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning with Deerfield Public Schools District 109 in Deerfield, Illinois, one of the highest-performing school districts in the state. Jeff also served as a teacher and coach in the State of Georgia for many years before moving into school administration. Jeff has been recognized as an outstanding principal in the State of

As a leader, have you ever found yourself feeling attacked when a colleague is providing critical feedback? This month’s aspiring leader, Alana Gilliam, shares how she struggles to feel comfortable and confident in crucial conversations.  In this Episode, we discuss: A challenge Alana shares in her leadership experience Importance of emotional intelligence for leaders and complexity in giving and receiving feedback Resources for engaging in important and effective conversations About Alana Gilliam:She is a 6th grade math teacher and team leader in Bentonville Arkansas. She just started her 11th year teaching, and is currently working on her specialist degree in educational leadership. Alana has a passion for supporting both students and teachers in meeting the diverse needs of students. Follow Alana Gilliam: Twitter: https://twitter.com/MrsAGilliam (https://twitter.com/MrsAGilliam) Blog: https://t.co/hoFN0ucjSV?amp=1 (inspiringinjuniorhigh.blogspot.com) Instagram: @InspiringintheMiddle Resources fro