Aspire to Lead
Episodes
224. Empowerment Through Mentorship: Featuring Lauren Kaufman
15 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Bonus Episode: The Failure Files with Frederick Buskey
12 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 educa...
223. Out of the Trenches: Featuring Dana Goodier
08 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
222. Unlocking Unlimited Potential: Featuring Dr. Brandon Beck
29 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 bringi...
Bonus Episode: The Failure Files with Danny Bauer
22 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this new BONUS episode, we learn from Danny Bauer’s story of failure as he had a crucial conversation with a teacher but used several ineffective...
221. Changing the Trajectory of Those We Serve: Featuring George Couros
17 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, George Couros shares stories of his leadership journey, advises on how to serve as a young leader, and explains how creating...
Bonus Episode: The Failure Files with Michael Earnshaw
13 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this new BONUS episode, we learn from Michael Earnshaw’s story of failure as he assumed a teacher took care of an important Special Education tas...
220. Make Learning Magical: Featuring Tisha Richmond
10 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Tisha Richmond shares her experience of losing joy as a teacher and how using gamification in her classroom increased her ha...
219. The Strategic Leadership Timeline: Featuring Frederick Buskey
03 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Frederick Buskey shares the trap that all new leaders get caught in and how to shift into an effective and strategic leader....
Bonus Episode: The Failure Files with Bryan Zwemke
30 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this new BONUS episode, we learn from Bryan Zwemke’s story of failure by not including his teachers in an important shift in procedure. Join me a...
218. Essential Steps for Aspiring Leaders: Featuring Hunter Flesch
26 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Hunter Flesch shares his journey as a teacher, Masters student, and aspiring leader as he learns how to lead a building. ...
217. SELebrate Good Times: Featuring Kim Gameroz
19 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Kim Gameroz breaks down the misconceptions of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and how to build a systematic approach to have...
216. Strive for Happiness in Education: Featuring Robert Dunlop
13 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I met my amazing guest at Teach Better 22 and we had a wonderful conversation, which I wanted to continue on the Aspire to Lead Podcast. In this week’...
215. Seeking Guidance in a New Position: Featuring Bryan Zwemke
05 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Bryan Zwemke shares how he started a new position this summer to serve his district in a new role. Regardless of your positi...
214. Leading 5 Generations in Schools: Featuring Mark White
29 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s leaders face the challenge of leading five generations: Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and brand-new Generation Z teachers, along ...
213. The Autism Outreach: Featuring Rose Griffin
22 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Rose Griffen, shares her story of discovering a need with non- verbal autistic children and how she stepped up to create her...
Teach Better 22 Recap: Featuring Katie Miglin
19 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
After a fantastic weekend of learning and fun, I had to get one of my Teach Better Teammates on with me to recap this epic event. In this week’s b...
212. The Mental Health Crisis in Education: Featuring Jeff Kubiak
08 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What do we do when we are at our breaking point and feel completely overwhelmed? For many, unfortunately, masking and ignoring the problems become the...
211. Student Inclusion and Partnership: Featuring Lindsay Lyons
01 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week’s guest, Lindsay Lyons, shares how by including student voice and enhancing the curriculum to include opportunities to discuss important t...
210. Action Research on SEL Practices: Featuring Jorge Valenzuela
24 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week’s guest, Jorge Valenzuela, shares his journey of how he was introduced to Emotional Intelligence in his personal life and how he used his ...
209. Changed Instructional Habits: Featuring Kevin J. Butler
17 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week’s guest, Kevin J. Butler, shares how he lost his passion to teach and how he transformed his teaching style to become more engaging. While...
Aspire Mailbag: New Leadership or New Initiatives?
14 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this 26th Aspire Mailbag episode, Jeff Gargas and I answer questions on different leadership topics provided by the listeners. Please join us for t...
208. Helping Parents and Educators with Students who Struggle: Featuring Kyle Hill
10 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week’s guest, Kyle Hill, shares how his role as a Special Education Lead and parent has uncovered a huge gap in the communication and relations...
207. Ready. Set. FAIL: Featuring Carl Hooker
03 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week’s guest, Carl Hooker, shares how to tackle the challenge of creating innovation in the classroom and he provides ideas for both teachers a...
206. Going Gradeless: Featuring David Frangiosa
27 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week’s guest, David Frangiosa, shares how he used multiple grading procedures to discover a process that revolutionized his classroom and shift...
205. Interdisciplinary Learning and Teaching: Featuring Katie Miglin
20 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week’s guest, Katie Miglin, shares how to create an interdisciplinary learning experience in the classroom, while using the Grid Method to enha...
204. Unapologetic Leadership: Featuring Dr. Marcus Belin
13 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 ha...
203. A Place They Love: Featuring Elijah Carbajal
06 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Bonus Episode: Hacking Assessment Featuring Starr Sackstein
02 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this bonus episode, Starr Sackstein shares her exciting announcement about Hacking Assessment and we discuss how to shift the “Grades Mindset”,...
202. Be GREAT: Featuring Dwight Carter
30 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week’s guest, Dwight Carter, shares how the motto “Be GREAT” changed his mindset, school culture assessment, and trajectory of his leadersh...
201. Manage Your Time or Time Will Manage You: Featuring PJ Caposey
23 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
200. Celebrating 200 Episodes with Sarah Johnson
16 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 th...
199. Deconstructing Depth of Knowledge: Featuring Erik Francis
11 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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...
198. Frequently Asked Questions about Assessment: Featuring Tom Schimmer
01 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week’s guest, Tom Schimmer, dives into the frequent struggles and misperceptions of assessment practices. Tom provides excellent strategies to ...
197. The Design Thinking, Entrepreneurial, Visionary Planning Leader: Featuring Dr. Michael Nagler
25 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week’s guest, Dr. Michael Nagler, shares how he uses the motto “Think Differently” to shift his district into a problem solving and innovat...
196. The Personal Playlist of Mentorship: Featuring Noa Daniel
18 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week’s guest, Noah Daniel, shares how in her leadership journey, she needed mentors to provide guidance, wisdom, and inspiration to build beyon...
195. We All Need to Play Right Now: Featuring BreAnn Fennell
12 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week’s guest, BreAnn Fennell, shares how play in the classroom can address the physical and emotional development of our students, while increa...
194. Evolving with Gratitude: Featuring Lainie Rowell
06 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Research proves that by intentionally practicing gratitude, we can dramatically improve our disposition, bringing us more joy and better health. Consi...
193. We Teach to Inspire: Featuring Kyle Krueger and Wilkie Law
30 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 all...
192. Aiming High to Increase Learning Gains: Featuring Evan Robb
22 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Skillful leadership is critical as schools return to a new normalcy. Improving students’ learning and addressing the challenges many learners experi...
191. In the Face of Trauma: Featuring Leslie Stamper
15 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, my amazing wife, Leslie Stamper, offers trauma-informed strategies to help teachers identify and respond to student triggers...
190. The Reading Teacher’s Playbook: Featuring Eva Mireles
08 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Eva Mireles offers coaching strategies to help teachers perfect their craft and see new ways to approach teaching reading co...
189. Infusing Creativity to Enhance Engagement: Featuring Nick Moskaluk
01 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Nick Moskaluk offers educators strategies to enhance the inclusion of creativity into your lessons to enhance student engage...
188. Teach Your Class Off: Featuring CJ Reynolds
23 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s educational climate of budget shortages, rigid testing standards, and diminishing autonomy in the classroom, how can teachers bring creat...
187. Wisdom and Productivity: Featuring Dr. Efrain Martinez
17 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 f...
186. Discipline Win: Featuring Dr. Andy Jacks
09 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 exclu...
Aspire to Lead Course Launch with the Teach Better Team
05 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Aspire to Lead with Empathy, Creativity, and Passion I have a new book study course available for Aspire to Lead FREE on www.teachbetteracademy.com! ...
185. Moving Beyond for Multilingual Learners: Featuring Carly Spina
03 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week’s guest, Carly Spina, shares how, when it comes to serving our multilingual learners, there are countless ways for us to serve their needs...
184. Foundation of Skills: Featuring Matt Dunbar
27 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week’s guest, Matt Dunbar, shares how developing the foundational and essential skills of our students is important for their future success in...
Aspire Mailbag: How to Finish Strong and Stay Motivated
19 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this 25th Aspire Mailbag episode, Jeff Gargas and I answer questions on different leadership topics provided by the listeners. Please join us for t...
183. Balancing Life as a Leader: Featuring Sarah Johnson
12 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Is balancing the many things you are in charge of in your life too much? This week’s guest, Sarah Johnson, shares how a shift in her career forced h...
182. Personalizing Student Support Through Mastery Learning: Featuring Rae Hughart
08 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week’s guest, Rae Hughart, shares how she used mastery learning in her classroom, the creation of Dailey Drop In, and how she is providing teac...
181. The Curation of Exploration: Featuring Evin Schwartz
27 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What strategies do you use in the classroom to instill and enhance exploration on new subjects and real world connections? This week’s guest, Evin S...
180. Changing the Way We View Assessment: Featuring Natalie Vardabasso
19 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How will we prepare young people to thrive in this uncertain future? This week’s guest, Natalie Vardabasso, shares how educators can use assessment,...
179. Transforming Learning with Technology: Featuring Debbie Tannenbaum
12 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How are you using technology tools to empower students and give them ownership of their learning? This week’s guest, Debbie Tannenbaum, shares how e...
178. Lead From Where You Are: Featuring Dr. Joe Sanfelippo
05 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
School communities are full of people who have both the ability and desire to lead. Some lead without knowing it. Most lead without the recognition th...
177. One Tic at a Time: Featuring Britney Wolf
29 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week’s guest, Britney Wolf, shares her experience with Tourette Syndrome and how she is helping break the stigma of the disorder, providing awa...
176. The Counter Narrative: Featuring Charles Williams
23 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What is the narrative of each student group represented on your campus? This week’s guest, Charles Williams, shares his experiences as a student a...
Aspire Mailbag: Are We Providing Too Much Grace?
20 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this 24th Aspire Mailbag episode, Jeff Gargas, Brad Hughes, and I answer questions on different leadership topics provided by the listeners. Please...
175. The Gifts We Give: Featuring Livia Chan
15 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Do you see every interaction with students, staff, and parents as a gift? This week’s guest, Livia Chan, shares how every interaction is an opport...
174. Fired Up Teachership: Featuring Dr. Frank Rudnesky and Michelle Rispo Hill
09 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Education is a difficult field and many teachers don’t continue after three years in the classroom. This week’s guest, Dr. Frank Rudnesky and Mi...
Aspire to Lead Celebration with the Teach Better Team
03 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In reflecting about 2021, my favorite day was when Aspire to Lead launched. I had the wonderful opportunity to speak with the Teach Better Team about ...
173. The Foundation of Restorative Practices: Featuring Dr. Neil Gupta
30 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Most often, when restorative practices are discussed, it is described as a reactive measure to help students fix the harm that was caused. This week’...
Aspire Collaborative Conversation: Featuring Michael Earnshaw and Joshua Buckley
27 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
With the launch of The EduCulture Cookbook and Aspire to Lead, The Punk Rock podcasters joins me to share about leadership qualities and school cultur...
172. Developing Instructional Technology Coaches: Featuring Jeff Bradbury
18 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
How can an instructional technology coach be utilized on a campus to enhance student achievement and staff development? This week’s guest, Jeff Br...
171. Self Paced Mastery Learning: Featuring Chelsea Nicolino
12 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In your school or classroom, do your students have an opportunity to solve real life problems in their community? This week’s guest, Chelsea Nicol...
170. Save the Day: Featuring Maurice F Martin
05 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever asked yourself, have I unlocked the potential that lies within myself? This week’s guest, Maurice F Martin, shares how he overcame t...
169. Growing Through the Grind: Featuring Dr. Joseph Jones and Dr. T.J. Vari
27 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Low teacher retention rates in schools negatively impact student achievement for all the students in a school, not just those in a new teacher’s cla...
168. Breaking the Labels of Education: Featuring Trevor Timmerberg
21 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week’s guest, Trevor Timmerberg, shares how his experience in the military shaped his self discipline and changed his perspective on leadership...
167. Evolving Education: Featuring Dr. Katie Martin
13 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It’s time to leave behind practices that don’t best serve all learners and educators, and to prioritize what matters most: relationships, connecti...
166. Back to Normal or Back to Better: Featuring Tom Burton
07 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
After two years of new educational practices, are we trying to get back to normal or a way to get better? This week’s guest, Tom Burton, shares how ...
Bonus Episode: Aspire to Lead Featuring Evan Robb
03 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Aspire to Lead with Empathy, Creativity, and Passion With the launch of my new book, Aspire to Lead, Evan Robb joins me to share about his author con...
165. Engagement is Not a Unicorn, It’s a Narwhal: Featuring Heather Lyon
30 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
How do you define student engagement in your classroom? This week’s guest, Heather Lyon, shares a common understanding of what engagement looks and ...
Aspire Mailbag: New School Year Problems
09 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Aspire Mailbag: New School Year ProblemsIn this 23rd Aspire Mailbag episode, Jeff Gargas and I answer questions on different leadership topics provide...
Bonus Episode: Aspire to Lead Featuring Allyson Apsey
09 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Aspire to Lead with Empathy, Creativity, and Passion With the upcoming launch of my new book, Aspire to Lead, Allyson Apsey joins me to share about h...
EduMatch Launch with Mandy Froehlich and Todd Nesloney
03 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
EduMatch Celebration for Aspire to Lead On the day my new book, Aspire to Lead, launched, I had the wonderful opportunity to speak with Mandy Fro...
Bonus Episode: Aspire to Lead Featuring Jill Siler
29 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Aspire to Lead with Empathy, Creativity, and PassionWith the launch of my new book, Aspire to Lead, Jill Siler joins me to share about her author cont...
164. EdTech Integration Mindset: Featuring Jake Miller
25 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, classroom teacher and edtech expert Jake Miller equips us to overcome the paradox of choice and select the right edtech tool...
Bonus Episode: Aspire to Lead Featuring Sarah Thomas
22 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Aspire to Lead with Empathy, Creativity, and PassionWith the upcoming launch of my new book, Aspire to Lead, Sarah Thomas joins me to share about her ...
163. Leading with Your Values: Featuring Richard Shell
18 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A fast-track colleague is elbowing their way up the professional ladder in your organization by faking reports. Your boss asks you to lie to a stakeho...
Bonus Episode: Aspire to Lead Featuring Sarah Johnson
11 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Aspire to Lead with Empathy, Creativity, and PassionWith the upcoming launch of my new book, Aspire to Lead, Sarah Johnson joins me to share about her...
162. Unlocking Talent in Every Leader: Featuring Danny Bauer
06 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Lack of mentorship and coaching is a leading reason for leader attrition in education, but it doesn’t have to be this way. If it’s true that "Ever...
Bonus Episode: Aspire to Lead Featuring Nathan Maynard
04 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Aspire to Lead with Empathy, Creativity, and PassionWith an exciting announcement coming September 7th, Nathan Maynard joins me to share about his aut...
161. Disruptive Thinking in Our Classrooms: Featuring Eric Sheninger
29 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The world has and continues to change in ways that are difficult to predict. Regardless of the forces at hand, educators and leaders play a pivotal ro...
Bonus Episode: Aspire to Lead with Latrese Younger
27 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Aspire to Lead with Empathy, Creativity, and PassionWith an exciting announcement coming September 7th, Latrese Younger joins me to share about her au...
160. Along Came a Leader: Featuring Kelly Croy
22 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What leadership qualities are the most important qualities to possess? This week’s guest, Kelly Croy, shares his six primary elements of leadership ...
159. The Expert Effect: Featuring Zach Rondot and Grayson McKinney
16 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What is the best way to prepare our students for future ready careers and enhance their essential skills? This week’s guests, Zach Rondot and Grayso...
Aspire Mailbag: Supporting New Staff
14 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
158. Increasing Leadership Capacity: Featuring Chris Legleiter
08 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Why is it important for schools to develop many leaders? This week’s guest, Chris Legleiter, shares how he continues to build leadership capacity in...
157. Advocate for Change: Featuring Traci Browder
02 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What does it mean to be equitable or inclusive in your school? This week’s guest, Traci Browder, shares powerful stories, actionable steps, and prac...
156. Integrating Critical Thinking and Social Skills: Featuring Dennis Mathew
28 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Bonus Episode: Inspiration and Healing with Maurice F. Martin
23 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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, M...
155. Taking the Leap: Featuring Robert Breyer
17 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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’...
Top 5 Reading Recommendations with Michelle Papa
09 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this bonus episode, Michelle Papa shares her five top leadership books and the reasons she loves these amazing resources. In addition, we discuss h...
154. Principles of Behavior: Featuring Lindsay Titus
04 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 tak...
153. Road to Awesome: Featuring Darrin Peppard
26 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 le...
Top 5 Reading Recommendations with Dr. Jill Siler
23 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
152. Let’s Put the C in PLC: Featuring Chad Dumas
19 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
How would you describe a productive and effective Professional Learning Community (PLC)? In my experience in multiple schools and districts, this mode...
151. Assessing with Respect: Featuring Starr Sackstein
13 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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, focu...
Aspire to RISE: Featuring Alex Valencic
11 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 J...