Aspire: The Leadership Development Podcast

This week’s guest, Dr. Marcus Belin, shares how a difficult start to his role as a Principal allowed him to appreciate, learn, and not regret the hard lessons of his leadership experience.    In this episode, we discuss: Setting Fire to the “Comfort Box” Showing Vulnerability and Transparency to your Staff And his podcast, Unapologetic Leadership About Dr. Marcus Belin: Born and raised on the Southside of Chicago, Dr. Belin learned the value of education at a very young age. That belief has carried him into my career as an educator and my commitment to making an indelible mark on the lives of my students and colleagues.  He attended Bradley University, where he received his bachelor’s in elementary education followed by a master’s in education administration. He completed his doctorate at National Louis University in July 2020. His career as a 5th- and 6th-grade social studies teacher at Quest Charter Academy, a brand new charter school that was opening its doors in Peoria.  He then became the

This week’s guest, Elijah Carbajal, shares how to be the best version of ourselves to create an environment that is inviting, caring, and accepting of all students. If you are looking to improve your classroom culture, this is the episode for you!   In this episode, we discuss: Leading With Service  The Shut Up and Teach Podcast And his soon to be released book, A Place They Love: Creating Healthy School Culture and Positively Impacting Students About Elijah Carbajal: Elijah is a Title I Reading Interventionist who has been teaching for 9 years, all in the state of NM. Teaching runs in his family. He’s married to a teacher, Tracey Taylor. Elijah is the host of “Shut Up And Teach” and he wrote a book that is being published by EduMatch Publishing this fall. Follow Elijah Carbajal: Twitter: https://twitter.com/carbaeli (https://twitter.com/carbaeli)  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carbaeli/?hl=en (https://www.instagram.com/carbaeli/?hl=en)  Shut Up and Teach Podcast: https://podcast

In this bonus episode, Starr Sackstein shares her exciting announcement about Hacking Assessment and we discuss how to shift the “Grades Mindset”, change your grading system, and improve the feedback process.  In this episode, we discuss: A No-Grade Classroom Rebranding Assignments as learning experiences Project based learning - Teaching the Reflection Process Ditching the Traditional Gradebook And her new edition, Hacking Assessment: 10 Ways to Go Gradeless in a Traditional Grades School 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

This week’s guest, Dwight Carter, shares how the motto “Be GREAT” changed his mindset, school culture assessment, and trajectory of his leadership journey. Join us as we explore Dwight’s new district position and new book, Be Great!   In this episode, we discuss: Assessing School and District Culture Gratitude Techniques And his new book, Be Great: Five Principles to Improve School Culture from the Inside Out About Dwight Carter: Dwight Carter is a nationally recognized school leader from Central OH. Because of his collaborative and innovative leadership, in 2010, he was inducted into the Jostens Renaissance Educator Hall of Fame. He was also named a 2013 National Association of Secondary School Principals Digital Principal of the Year, the 2014 Academy of Arts and Science Education High School Principal of the Year, the 2015 Ohio Alliance of Black School Educators Principal of the Year, and the 2021 Columbus Africentric Early College Sankofa Emerging Leader.  He is currently the Director of Stud

This week’s guest, PJ Caposey, shares how experiencing a tragedy at a young age shifted his mindset on the value of time and how time management is key in any successful leader’s skill set. In this episode, we discuss: The Reflection Process Valuing Coaching from Others Preparing our Students for their Future.  About PJ Caposey: PJ Caposey is a dynamic speaker and a transformational leader and educator. PJ began his career as an award-winning teacher in the inner-city of Chicago and has subsequently led significant change in every administrative post he has held. PJ became a principal at the age of 28 and within three years was able to lead a small-town/rural school historically achieving near the bottom of its county to multiple national recognitions. After four years, PJ moved to his current district, Meridian CUSD 223, as superintendent and has led a similar turnaround leading to multiple national recognitions for multiple different efforts. PJ is a best-selling author and has written 8 books

In this week’s episode, we flip the script! Sarah Johnson is hosting the Aspire to Lead Podcast to celebrate the 200th episode and to learn about the exciting news of Joshua’s new educational role! Thank you to all of the loyal listeners that have supported the show for the past 4 years.  In this episode, we also discuss: Influence is not about a Title A look behind the scenes of the Aspire to Lead Podcast And a IN AWE Podcast announcement! About Sarah Johnson: Sarah Johnson is a former teacher and school principal, turned author, speaker, and podcaster. She is passionate about assisting others in seeking greater satisfaction in all areas of their full lives by helping them go beyond work-life balance as well as develop strong leadership foundations. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education, Master of Science in Educational Administration, and a Certificate for Women in Leadership from Cornell University. She hosts the weekly In AWE Podcast where she is proud to amplify women’s stori

This week’s guest, Erik Francis, shares how depth of knowledge and questioning is the missing link in education. Join us as we break down the stages of depth of knowledge and how you can incorporate multiple strategies into your classroom.     In this episode, we discuss: Inquiry based instruction Changing the way we view education And his Newly Released Book, Deconstructing Depth of Knowledge: A Method and Model for Deeper Teaching and Learning  About Erik Francis: Erik M. Francis, M.Ed., M.S., is an international author, educator, presenter, and professional development provider with over 25 years of experience in education. He is the author of Deconstructing Depth of Knowledge: A Method and Model for Deeper Teaching and Learning published by Solution Tree. He is also the author of Now That’s a Good Question! How to Promote Cognitive Rigor Through Classroom Questioning published by ASCD.. Erik is the owner of Maverik Education, providing professional development, guidance, and support on how to

This week’s guest, Tom Schimmer, dives into the frequent struggles and misperceptions of assessment practices. Tom provides excellent strategies to help provide feedback to your students and how to complete this important strategy in a timely manner.     In this episode, we discuss: Frequent Mistakes in the World of Grading, Rubrics, and Assessments Student Investment through Assessment And his Newly Released Book, Concise Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Assessment and Grading About Tom Schimmer: Tom Schimmer is an independent education author, speaker, and consultant from Vancouver, BC. Over the course of his career he has been a classroom teacher, school administrator, and district level leader. Tom is an internationally recognized leader and expert in the areas of assessment, grading, RTI, and educational leadership. He has delivered both keynote and workshop sessions at several national and international conferences. As well, Tom has worked directly with schools and school distric

This week’s guest, Dr. Michael Nagler, shares how he uses the motto “Think Differently” to shift his district into a problem solving and innovative group of educators, which prepare the students to be successful in their unknown future careers.  In this episode, we discuss: Standards Based badge books for k-4th grade New model of High school called Synergy And his book, The Design Thinking, Entrepreneurial, Visionary Planning Leader About Dr. Michael Nagler: Michael is the Superintendent of the Mineola School District, a suburb of NYC. Mike began his career as a social studies teacher in NYC.  While teaching he earned his doctorate from Columbia University and accepted an administrative position with Mineola in 1999. He believes strongly in the district’s mission to inspire students to become lifelong learners that exhibit strength of character and contribute positively to a global society. During his twenty three years with the district, he has been a big proponent of using technology to engage

This week’s guest, Noah Daniel, shares how in her leadership journey, she needed mentors to provide guidance, wisdom, and inspiration to build beyond her position and explore new opportunities.  In this episode, we discuss: TEDx Talk about Personal Narrative Music Project Extending Beyond Her Comfort Zone And her book, Strum and the Wild Turkeys About Noa Daniel: Noa Daniel MEd, is a classroom teacher in the York Region District School Board outside Toronto, Canada. Through her consulting work at https://buildingoutsidetheblocks.com/ (Building Outside the Blocks) she creates personalizing projects and initiatives for schools, boards, and communities. Noa is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of http://thementoree.com/ (The Mentoree). She is also a https://buildingoutsidetheblocks.com/boblog (blogger), a children’s book author and podcaster. Noa’s children’s books include Crazy for Canada, Old Timers: The One That Got Away, and her newest, http://strumandthewildturkeys.com/ (Strum and The Wild

This week’s guest, BreAnn Fennell, shares how play in the classroom can address the physical and emotional development of our students, while increasing engagement.  In this episode, we discuss: The benefit of being an Ambassador for multiple organizations Teach Better Conference And her book, Play? Yay! About BreAnn Fennell: BreAnn Fennell is a 1st and 2nd grade looping teacher at Reagan Elementary in Ashland City School District. She has earned the title of Ohio Teacher of the Year for 2021 for District 5. She has 12 years of teaching experience, educating students in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades. She believes that early education and interventions can change the course of a child’s life.  Fennell holds a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education with an endorsement in reading from Ashland University and a 4-5 generalist endorsement from The Ohio State University. She has a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Ashland University. She is always learning and serving the world of e

Research proves that by intentionally practicing gratitude, we can dramatically improve our disposition, bringing us more joy and better health. Consistently and intentionally practicing gratitude can also lead to better relationships and more successful learning experiences. This week’s guest, Lainie Rowell, shows how educators can use small gratitude practices to make a big difference with kids, peers, and the world. In this episode, we discuss: The importance health aspects of showing gratitude New book, Evolving with Gratitude  And Lainie’s new podcast, “Evolving with Gratitude” 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 l

In this week’s episode, Kyle Krueger and Wilkie Law, share their struggles as a teacher and how providing their authentic self to their students allowed them to gain deeper relationships, model failure, and enhance creativity.  In this episode, we discuss: The Lighthouse Project And their relaunched podcast, “We Teach Inspire” About Kyle Krueger Kyle Krueger has been a middle school social studies teacher for 11 years split between Houston and the Twin Cities. Along with teaching he started a non-profit called Lighthouse Educator Development with best buddy Wilkie Law. They have a passion for helping teachers early in their careers and helping students develop their creativity. In his spare time Kyle enjoys working outside, eating good food, and watching Hallmark movies with his wife of almost two years. Follow Kyle Krueger: Website: http://www.theledproject.com (www.Theledproject.com)  Twitter: @itskylekrueger  Instagram: @itskylekrueger  TicTok: @itskylekrueger  About Wilkie Law Wil

Skillful leadership is critical as schools return to a new normalcy. Improving students’ learning and addressing the challenges many learners experienced due to recent learning interruptions are top priorities for all school leaders. This week’s guest, Evan Robb, offers leaders a framework for creating an environment where both effective instruction and a focus on social and emotional needs benefits all students and teachers. Evan Robb maps a route to building a positive, trusting culture of collaboration, creativity, and empowerment.  In this Episode, we also discuss: School reading Initiatives  Inequities in school resources And coaching students, teachers, and parents About Evan Robb: Evan Robb is presently Principal of Johnson-Williams Middle School in Berryville, Virginia. He has over twenty years of experience serving as a building level principal. Prior to being a school principal, he was an English teacher, department chair, and Assistant Principal. Evan is a recipient of the Horace Mann

In this week’s episode, my amazing wife, Leslie Stamper, offers trauma-informed strategies to help teachers identify and respond to student triggers, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation.  In this episode, we discuss: Tools in the classroom to help student with trauma And additional book recommendations on trauma-informed strategies About Leslie and Joshua Joshua and Leslie became foster parents in 2011, and had the privilege of adopting three of their children from foster care. Joshua and Leslie are trained in trauma-informed practices for meeting the emotional, social and behavioral needs of children who have been through adverse childhood experiences, which Joshua also applies to his role as administrator. Joshua and Leslie have co-written the following blog posts to help and support other educators and parents with Trauma Informed practices: https://joshstamper.com/in-the-face-of-trauma/ (In the Face of Trauma) https://joshstamper.com/the-language-of-behavior/ (The Language of Behavior)

In this week’s episode, Eva Mireles offers coaching strategies to help teachers perfect their craft and see new ways to approach teaching reading concepts that fits their personal teaching style. In this episode, we discuss: Reading and Instructional Coaching Struggles New Teacher Program  And her Podcast, The Reading Teacher’s Playbook Podcast  About Eva Mireles: Eva Mireles is a Reading Specialist and Instructional coach who helps teachers cut through the literacy noise and figure out what their students need most right now. She helps teachers confidently deliver instruction in every part of their reading block without stress and overwhelm. Eva has been awarded new teacher of the year and educator of the year awards and has taught grades 2nd, 3rd, and 5th. She enjoys her current role as instructional coach and reading specialist, supporting students and teachers in grades K-5. She is also a podcaster, PD presenter, Educational Consultant and TPT author. Follow Eva Mireles: Website: https://w

In this week’s episode, Nick Moskaluk offers educators strategies to enhance the inclusion of creativity into your lessons to enhance student engagement.    In this episode, we discuss: Including Social and Cultural Responsive Topics Questioning to Guide Learning Teaching Tools and Strategies to Engage Your Students And his Podcast, Ready Set Growth About Nick Moskaluk: Nick has been teaching for the last 12 years with the Calgary Board of Education, he has found himself in a variety of teaching settings including being an intervention specialist to a homeroom math and science teacher. He thrives on helping others around him and knows leadership starts with himself. Creativity is at the heart of his work and aims to infuse this in all his work.  Follow Nick Moskaluk: Website:  https://www.readysetgrowthpodcast.com/ (https://www.readysetgrowthpodcast.com/)  Twitter: https://twitter.com/ReadySetGrowth (https://twitter.com/ReadySetGrowth)  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/readysetgro

In today’s educational climate of budget shortages, rigid testing standards, and diminishing autonomy in the classroom, how can teachers bring creativity and passion back into their work? In this week’s episode, CJ Reynolds offers educators struggling with these issues and feeling burnt out a way to hit the reset button and reconnect with what energizes them about teaching.   In this episode, we discuss: Mental Health Strategies Teaching Tools and Strategies to Engage Your Students CJ’s YouTube Channel,  Real Rap with Reynolds And his book, Teach Your Class Off 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 helps new and vet

This week’s guest, Dr. Efrain Martinez, shares his story of trauma and how it shaped him as a leader, impacted his productivity, and pushed him to focus on his mental health.  In this episode, we also discuss: Using Emotional Intelligence as a Leader  Learning From Our Mistakes And his podcast, Wisdom and Productivity About Dr. Efrain Martinez: Dr. Efrain Martinez is a father, husband, principal, and podcaster. As a wisdom seeker, he has found productivity to be a great tool for success in life. On his podcast Wisdom & Productivity, he reflects on life and interviews luminary figures on what makes them be who they are. His one word is improvement and he tries every day to make the world better. Follow Dr. Efrain Martinez :  Website: https://about.me/efrainmartinez (https://about.me/efrainmartinez)  Twitter: https://twitter.com/EMartinezEdD (https://twitter.com/EMartinezEdD)  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinezefra (https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinezefra)  YouTube: htt

Why did we become school leaders and teachers? To educate, uplift, and inspire all students. So when things go wrong, why do schools seem to use exclusion as a first reaction, especially for kids that need to be in class the most? This week’s guest, Dr. Andy Jacks, shares ideas and practical suggestions that will actually make a difference to achieve the behavior balance we all want in schools.  In this episode, we also discuss: The power of consistent and lasting relationships Networking with other leaders And his book, Discipline Win About Dr. Andy Jacks: Dr. Andy Jacks is a highly regarded school leader known for the energy and passion he brings to ensure his students feel valued in school every day. He describes his favorite and most common compliment from visitors to his school as, “It just feels different here.” Andy has been recognized with state and national awards such as School Bell Award, Professional Development Award, Virginia Principal of the Year, and Nationally Distinguished Princ