Aspire: The Leadership Development Podcast

Dive into a dynamic conversation with Mitch Weathers as we explore practical techniques for teaching executive functioning skills to students. Discover how to cultivate safe learning environments and understand the crucial role of structure and routine in education. Gain insights into assessing students' mastery of executive functioning skills and learn strategies to enhance their overall academic success. Join us for an insightful episode packed with actionable advice for educators seeking to empower their students with essential life skills. 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 ac

Explore trauma-responsive strategies for fostering empathy and love in schools with Matthew Bowerman. Discover the significance of origin-building and how individuals can find their purpose through personal assessment. Gain insights into providing social-emotional support to students and staff, and learn how to create trauma-sensitive spaces. Plus, learn about Matthew's transformative book, "HEARTLEADER: A Trauma Responsive Approach to Teaching, Leading, and Building Community." About Matthew J. Bowerman Matthew J. Bowerman is a husband and father of six, as well as an educator of twenty six years, Matthew currently serves as a school administrator. As well as an author/researcher, speaker and trainer with TeacherGoals, focusing on trauma-responsive teaching, leading, and school-family engagement. Much of Matthew’s writing and training centers around trauma-responsive education operationalizing love and equity to empower students, uplift families, and engage and support school staff. An Emmy-award winning w

In this episode of the Aspire to Lead podcast, we sit down with Brad Hughes to discuss the essential steps needed to secure a promotion in school administration at both the school and district levels. Brad shares valuable insights, tips, and tricks to help you gain the necessary experience, ace your interviews, and cultivate the right mindset to achieve your goal of advancement in your educational career. Whether you're aspiring to become a principal, assistant principal, or district-level administrator, this conversation offers practical advice to help you navigate the path to professional growth and success. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from Brad's expertise and take your career to the next level! About Brad Hughes: Brad Hughes is the host of The Good News, Brad News Podcast. Brad is an elementary school principal in Ontario, Canada, with 25 years’ experience in education. Prior to becoming a school leader, Brad taught for 16 years from Kindergarten to eighth grade, most recently teaching m

Discover valuable insights in our conversation with Alana Winnick as we delve into the implications of artificial intelligence on education. Learn how AI is reshaping assessment and learning, and delve into its implications for detecting cheating. We also discuss AI policies in schools and how it impacts the game of education, prioritizing process over product. Plus, don't miss out on exciting announcements from the Empowerment Project and recommendations for further exploration in her book, "The Generative Age," and Alana's podcast, "The Generative Age Podcast." Tune in now for a stimulating conversation about AI in Education! About Alana Winnick Alana Winnick resides in New York City and currently holds key leadership positions as the Educational Technology Director and Data Protection Officer for Pocantico Hills Central School District in Sleepy Hollow, NY, and the Hudson Valley Director for NYSCATE, where she blends her degrees, certifications, and experience in Childhood Education, Educational Technolo

Join us for an insightful follow-up Q&A session on behavior prevention strategies with Joshua Stamper and Charle Peck. Building upon our recent webinar, we dive deeper into practical approaches for fostering positive behavior in educational settings. From proactive interventions to cultivating a supportive learning environment, this episode addresses common questions and offers actionable insights for educators. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable strategies and resources to enhance behavior management in your school or classroom. 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 veteran in education (K-12). As a global keynote speaker, she delivers powerful messages of hope to educators and facilitates meaningful professional development. Charle successfully equips school staff with practical tools to mitigate teacher burnout and

Join us for an insightful conversation with Matthew Ebert as we delve into the importance of cultivating a "Culture of Care" for adults in our educational settings. Learn how to operationalize this essential doctrine and why leaders should prioritize creating space for adults, both personally and professionally. Don't miss out on Matthew's upcoming TED Talk and explore his valuable insights through Ebert Educational Consulting and his thought-provoking articles in EdWeek. About Matthew Ebert Matthew Ebert is a human-centered leader with 20+ years of experience in education, primarily focused on school leadership in urban settings. Matthew’s consulting is grounded in his experiences as a teacher, director of academic innovation, academy leader, and a decade of successful leadership as a public charter school principal. Throughout his leadership tenure, Matthew has developed teams that exceed expectations, consistently achieving strong results. He is committed to cultivating healthy work and learning environm

Explore the transformative power of compassionate leadership with Dr. Matthew Woods in this engaging Aspire to Lead episode. Dr. Woods shares insights from his new role as Assistant Superintendent of Student Services and delves into the importance of defining common school etiquette and misbehavior verbiage. Don't miss out on the opportunity to learn more about his additional resources, such as his podcast, "Leading Out The Woods," and his book, "Leading Out The Woods: Nurturing School Etiquette for Success." Join us for an enlightening discussion that promises to inspire and inform the way we communicate as a leader.  About Dr. Matthew Woods Dr. Matthew Woods has served for more than 13 years assisting students, educators, and schools in a variety of roles. His professional experience includes being a high school social studies teacher, a middle and high school assistant principal, a middle school principal, a director of student support services, an adjunct professor, and a field instructor for student-te

Embark on an enlightening journey with us as we delve into the science of happiness with Kim Strobel. Uncover the profound connection between happiness and success, and explore practical strategies for enhancing teacher wellbeing. From adopting happiness habits to implementing effective techniques for fostering joy in the classroom, this conversation offers invaluable insights to enrich your life. Don't miss the chance to glean wisdom from Kim's latest book, "Teach Happy: Small Steps to Big Joy," and take a step towards a happier, more fulfilling existence. About Kim Strobel Kim Strobel is a renowned motivational speaker, sought after by schools, businesses, and organizations worldwide. With her powerful message about the impact of happiness on well-being and the pursuit of fulfillment, she traverses the globe, sharing her insights. Kim specializes in empowering educators and professionals, equipping them with the necessary tools and strategies to shift their mindsets, reclaim their happiness, reignite thei

Welcome to our latest episode featuring Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper as they unveil their exciting new book, "The Language of Behavior''. Join us as we explore the nuances of interpreting behavior, assessing underlying issues, and devising creative solutions to foster positive behaviors in students. Scheduled for release in fall 2024, just in time for the new school year, this book promises to be a game-changer in the field of education.  Don't forget to check out the link in the show notes for a free webinar coming up in April where we'll delve deeper into this important topic. Stay tuned and subscribe for more updates! Sign Up here for the Free Webinar: https://calendly.com/thrivingschool/webinar1    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 veteran in education (K-12). As a global keynote speaker, she delivers powerful me

Join us for an enlightening conversation on the Aspire to Lead podcast with special guest Katie Novak as we delve into the transformative power of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Discover why UDL is essential in education and how educators can seamlessly integrate its principles into their teaching practices to benefit students of all learning abilities. We also explore the shift towards a student-led environment, exploring its benefits and strategies for implementation. Additionally, we tackle the challenge of minimizing distractions inherent in technology and discuss practical approaches for teaching students to navigate digital tools effectively. Don't miss this insightful episode packed with valuable insights and actionable strategies for educators. Plus, learn more about Katie's innovative projects like "Shift Writing Into The Classroom with UDL and Blended Learning" in collaboration with Catlin R. Tucker. About Katie Novak Katie Novak, Ed.D. is an internationally renowned education consultant, a

In this special bonus episode of Aspire to Lead, Steve Milliken discusses the upcoming Midwest Education Leadership Conference (MELC) in Breckenridge, Colorado. Steve provides an insider's perspective on the conference, highlighting key presentations and themes that will be covered during this impactful event. From national special education information and regulations to innovative strategies for student discipline and Joshua’s Keynote presentation on improving leadership capacity and our mental health, the MELC promises to offer valuable insights and resources for educational leaders. Don't miss this informative episode as we explore the diverse range of topics and opportunities awaiting attendees at this premier education conference! You can join this wonderful conference at bit.ly/MELC2024 Contact Steve Milliken for any questions: Email: smilliken5@gmail.com [caption id="attachment_5016" align="alignnone" width="740"] Enhance your Leadership Capacity, Joshua Stamper, MELC Conference, Keynote Presenta

In this captivating episode, Coach Jim Johnson joins us to delve into the art of creating safe and predictable learning environments. Drawing from his wealth of experience in coaching and leadership, Coach Johnson shares invaluable insights into fostering environments where students feel secure, supported, and empowered to thrive. Throughout the discussion, he emphasizes the importance of instilling qualities such as perseverance and loyalty in team members, highlighting their profound impact on building a positive team culture. Coach Johnson also recounts the legendary "Miracle Game," offering a firsthand account of how faith, teamwork, and unwavering determination led to an extraordinary victory against all odds. From inspiring stories to practical strategies for leadership development, this episode is sure to leave listeners inspired and equipped with the tools to create transformative learning environments. In this Episode, we also discuss: Listening as a Leader The Power of Perseverance   And Coa

Join us for an engaging conversation with Mitch Weathers as we delve into the crucial topic of creating safe and predictable learning environments. Mitch, an expert in the field and a "Best Selling" book, shares insights and practical strategies for educators to establish environments that foster trust, security, and optimal learning conditions for students. From implementing proactive measures to address behavioral challenges to promoting positive relationships and routines, this episode offers valuable guidance for educators seeking to cultivate safe and supportive classroom environments. Tune in to gain actionable tips and inspiration for enhancing the learning experience for all students! 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

Engage in a compelling conversation with Laura Williams as we delve into the core principles of authentic learning through Project-Based Learning (PBL). Discover how Laura leverages partnerships with local businesses to enhance programing, creating valuable work-based experiences for students. We'll also explore the importance of recognizing our shared humanity and the power of lifting each other up in both personal and professional realms. Laura will also share insights from her book "Improvement Game," offering practical strategies for driving positive change in educational settings. Don't miss this enriching conversation on empowering authentic learning experiences and fostering collaborative growth.  In this Episode, we also discuss: Iowa’s Clearinghouse for Work Based Learning Project Putting things in perspective after experiencing trauma and depression And her new book,  "Improvement Game" About Laura Williams Laura Williams (MAT, MA ELPS) is your resident authentic learning expert, co-facili

Join us for an engaging conversation with Jason Williamson as we explore the power of collective commitments in driving school culture. Jason discusses the importance of putting students first and prioritizing their learning experience. We delve into the significance of supporting each other as educators and committing to personal and professional growth. Discover how to incorporate collective commitments into every aspect of school life, including instructional conversations, coaching dialogues, and communications with students, staff, parents, and the community. Tune in to gain valuable insights into fostering a positive and thriving school culture centered around shared values and commitments. In this Episode, we also discuss: Checking objectives out of compassion Intentional communication as a leader And his new book, Second Mile Encouragement Devotional About Jason Williamson Dr. Williamson is serving in his 20th year in public education. He has enjoyed working as a teacher, coach, testing coor

Join special guest, Brad Hughes, as we discuss trauma responsive care and the upcoming Teach Better event, the 12Hour Live! Brad and Joshua break down misconceptions restorative practices, how trauma impacts the body, and strategies to implement in schools to help build relationship and teach students the correct behavior. About Brad Hughes: Brad Hughes is the host of The Good News, Brad News Podcast. Brad is an elementary school principal in Ontario, Canada, with 25 years’ experience in education. Prior to becoming a school leader, Brad taught for 16 years from Kindergarten to eighth grade, most recently teaching middle school Visual Arts, French and Special Education. Brad has an ongoing commitment to reframing the joys and challenges of school life through a Self-Reg lens. Brad is an optimist and recovering perfectionist, passionate about improving kids' lives by loving and supporting the adults that serve them. Follow Brad Hughes: Twitter: @brad_hughes Instagram: @bradnewspodcast Website: bit.ly

Join my special guest, Grace Stevens, for an insightful conversation on educator empowerment and avoiding burnout! We delve into the science of happiness and explore how teachers and leaders can incorporate these habits into their classrooms. Discover Grace’s ECHO Framework for educator empowerment, designed to promote balance and well-being. In addition, Grace shares insights from her podcast, "Balance Your Teacher Life," and her book, "Positive Mindset Habits for Teachers." Learn about the many resources available, including Grace’s courses on setting healthy boundaries and achieving better balance in the education profession. Tune in to gain valuable strategies for maintaining well-being and thriving as an educator! In this Episode, we also discuss: Habits to become a “Joy Detective” The struggle to separate work and home And her new podcast, Balance Your Teacher Life About Grace Stevens A former corporate girl, Grace quit VP life to pursue her dream job as a public school teacher. After 20 year

In this week’s insightful conversation, Jethro Jones candidly shares his journey of overcoming adversity and personal transformation. From being denied advancement opportunities in his district to taking a leap of faith and relocating to a new state and district, Jethro discusses the challenges and triumphs of his career path. He also opens up about his struggles with stress-induced eating and how he successfully transformed his habits, ultimately losing an incredible 70 pounds. As the host of impactful podcasts and author of inspiring books, Jethro offers valuable insights into leadership, resilience, and personal growth. Tune in to gain invaluable wisdom and inspiration from this compelling discussion! In this Episode, we also discuss: Improving our leadership through taking care of ourselves How to be a Transformative Principal And his new podcast, A Vision for Learning About Jethro Jones Jethro Jones, is a national award-winning former school leader, podcaster, and author of the books How to be

In this episode of the Aspire to Lead podcast, join host Joshua Stamper as he sits down with special guest Dr. Jerod Phillips to explore "Strategies to Build an Effective Leadership Team." Dr. Phillips shares invaluable insights on various aspects of leadership, including building winning teams, fostering personal growth, combating complacency, and the importance of engagement with state affiliations in school leadership organizations. Don't miss this engaging conversation packed with actionable strategies and inspiring ideas for school leaders at all levels.  In this Episode, we also discuss: Exploring ways to prevent stagnation in school leadership. The importance of continuous learning and development for leaders. And his wonderful podcast, “The Squad Builder” About Dr. Jerod Phillips Dr. Jerod Phillips Sr. is the Principal of David E. Robinson Elementary School (DRE) in Magnolia, DE. He arrived at DRE in February 2023 with a zeal to engage the school community with the vision of being great for

Embark on an insightful journey with Adam Stolzer as we delve into the topic of overcoming setbacks when not securing the job on the first attempt, navigating beyond traditional leadership styles, emphasizing the significance of school culture and leading with passion and pride rather than just from the school office. Uncover the Power of Purple and how it influences the culture of any campus. This episode is a treasure trove for aspiring leaders and seasoned professionals alike. Join us for a deep dive into the multifaceted dimensions of school culture and educational leadership. In this Episode, we also discuss: Servanthood is an essential quality for effective leadership The acronym of Purple And how to start to assess as a new leader About Adam Stolzer Adam Stolzer is in second year serving as the Jr./Sr. High School Principal at Burwell High School located in Burwell, Ne.  He started in Burwell as a math teacher and head boys basketball coach. He strives daily to lead with passion and pride to