341. The Truth Behind Leadership Clarity and Collaboration: Featuring Casey Watts

What if the leadership phrases we rely on—like “clear is kind”—are actually holding us back? In this thought-provoking episode, Casey Watts, educational consultant and creator of the Clarity Cycle Framework, challenges conventional leadership wisdom and invites us to rethink how we lead, grow, and collaborate. We explore how faux collaboration is silently stalling school progress, how to recognize real growth beyond promotions, and the importance of embracing both vertical and lateral leadership opportunities. Casey shares powerful insights into how school leaders can move from surface-level clarity to deep, impactful communication—and how to build cultures where professional growth and authentic teamwork truly thrive. Tune in for a refreshingly honest look at what it means to lead with intention, clarity, and courage in today's schools.   About Casey Watts Casey Watts is a Team Leadership Expert and the founder of Casey Watts Coaching & Consulting, LLC. With over 20 years of experience as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and district leader, she’s seen how a lack of clarity—not effort—is what keeps teams stuck. Drawing from her time in schools and her own leadership journey, Casey created the Clarity Cycle Framework to help leaders build capacity, improve retention, and create dream teams (on purpose). She now speaks, coaches, and consults nationally, equipping leaders with tools that lead to real alignment and lasting impact. Casey also hosts The Catching Up with Casey Podcast, where she explores practical strategies for leading with clarity and intention. Follow Casey Watts: Website: www.catchingupwithcasey.com  Twitter (X): www.twitter.com/catchupcasey  Instagram: www.instagram.com/catchupwithcasey   Facebook: www.facebook.com/catchupwithcasey  Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/catchupwithcasey  YouTube: youtube.com/@catchupwithcasey  Other: https://a.co/d/25wWrLq  – Tired of the same old PD that leaves you inspired but still stuck? What if one night could shift everything? VIBEEDU: Educators Defining Unity A one-night revolution — no fluff, no empty inspiration. Just bold ideas, real strategies, and lasting change.

What if the key to classroom behavior isn’t discipline—but cognitive clarity? In this mind-shifting episode of Aspire to Lead, Mitch Weathers, author of Executive Functions for Every Classroom and creator of Organized Binder, joins us to unpack the real impact of cognitive overload and working memory on student behavior. We explore how executive functioning isn’t just a set of skills—it’s the backbone of a thriving learning environment. Mitch breaks down practical strategies that help educators reduce chaos, boost student focus, and build routines that make better behavior the natural outcome of smarter systems. If you're ready to ditch reactionary discipline and lean into structure, mindset, and clarity—this episode is your blueprint. 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 active subject. From the moment he entered the classroom Mitch relied on his personal experiences as a learner. He recognized that what we teach, the content or curriculum, is secondary. We must first lay the foundation for learning before we can get to teaching. Mitch designed Organized Binder to empower teachers with a simple but research-backed strategy to teach students executive functioning skills while protecting the time needed for content instruction. The secret is found in establishing a predictable learning routine that serves to foster safer learning spaces. When students get practice with executive functions by virtue we set them up for success. Follow Mitch Weathers: Website: www.organizedbinder.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/organizedbinder Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/organizedbinder/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/organizedbinder Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchweathers/ Vimeo OB showcase: https://vimeo.com/showcase/8775721 —   Tired of the same old PD that leaves you inspired but still stuck? What if one night could shift everything? VIBEEDU: Educators Defining Unity A one-night revolution — no fluff, no empty inspiration. Just bold ideas, real strategies, and lasting change. August 1st, 2025 | 5–9 PM | ARTIC, Anaheim, CA Join authors, educational leaders, neuropsychologists, and advocates for powerful conversations that challenge the status quo. Designed for district leaders, principals, teachers, and parents of neurodivergent students ready to lead with intention and take action. Learn More and Register HERE: https://www.teachinginsideout.com/vibe-edu — Magic Mind If you are a long time listener, an ASPIRE Leader, You know I only work with brands that I believe in myself and I integrate in my everyday life, so I’m super happy to talk to you guys about Magic Mind! I started...

What does it mean to lead like a BISON? In this energizing episode, Kim Gameroz joins me to talk about her new book Becoming the Bison, her powerful new podcast Unleashing the Bison, and the highly anticipated VIBE Edu event on August 1st—where I’m honored to be speaking! Together, we explore how school leaders can launch Social Emotional Learning the right way, avoiding the culture-killing mistakes that make it feel like “just one more thing” for teachers. Kim shares how her team partners with schools and districts to reduce student discipline issues and improve learning outcomes. She also reveals how her B.I.S.O.N. community has become a beacon of hope and resilience for educators nationwide. This conversation is all about practical strategies, bold leadership, and the kind of community that makes transformation possible. Tune in and get ready to charge forward with courage, purpose, and a herd by your side! About Kim Gameroz Kim Gameroz, M.Ed., is a change agent and founder of Teaching Inside Out, revolutionizing classrooms through a systematic approach to teaching social and emotional skills. With over 15 years of experience coaching, training, and mentoring educators, students, and families globally, Kim has spoken at numerous conferences, consults for school districts, serves on SEL panels, and contributes to various publications and podcasts. Through Teaching Inside Out, as well as her second company, SELebrate Good Times, she has created a supportive community for heart-centered educators nationwide where she is committed to making teachers feel seen, valued, and SELebrated at her events and teacher retreats. Kim's upcoming book, "Becoming The Bison," is set to be published in 2025.   She currently resides in Dallas, Texas with her husband, Shaun, and son, Wyatt, and is looking forward to spreading her knowledge of SEL and best practices in teaching even further to schools, districts, and homes around the world.  Visit SELebrate Good Times to learn more about the teacher community that is changing lives all over the country, and her annual National SELebration: The Bloom! Follow Kim Gameroz: Website: SELebrateGoodTimes.com and TeachingInsideOut.com Instagram: @SELebrateGoodTimes and Teaching_Inside_Out LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-gameroz-18144b1b0/  Private Facebook Group: Becoming the B.I.S.O.N. &nbsp; Tired of the same old PD that leaves you inspired but still stuck? <span...

In this milestone episode of Aspire to Lead, we’re celebrating eight years of the podcast alongside the incredible CJ Reynolds, educator, speaker, and creator of Real Rap with Reynolds. As both of our platforms mark eight impactful years of serving educators, we reflect on the journey, share lessons learned, and look ahead to what’s next—including CJ’s exciting new TV show, The Rules of Engagement. Together, we explore how educators can finish the year strong and prepare for the next one with clarity and renewed energy. From meaningful end-of-year strategies to daily practices that support your physical and mental health, CJ offers powerful insight on creating sustainable systems rooted in your values. If you’re feeling the weight of burnout or searching for ways to reconnect with your purpose, this energizing conversation will inspire and empower you to thrive in and beyond the classroom. About CJ Reynolds:  Mr. Reynolds is an author, YouTuber, &amp; 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 veteran teachers alike become the teacher they always dreamed of being. Follow CJ Reynolds: Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/realrapreynolds Website: https://teachyourclassoff.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realrapwithreynolds/ Teach Your Class Off YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRGA_FqyigEPmh5U37Yn7fA The Rules of Engagement: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1l43k7ZS2YuiqMj0Av1q-1TLHJ4qIhz9  &nbsp; https://www.amazon.com/Teach-Your-Class-Off-Teaching/dp/195160010X?crid=3BROTRPFRQR7O&amp;keywords=real+rap+with+reynolds&amp;qid=1650747175&amp;sprefix=real+rap+with+reynolds%2Caps%2C127&amp;sr=8-3&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=aspirewebsite-20&amp;linkId=aab1975b82a180d6741cfe0700afe56f&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl — Magic Mind If you are a long time listener, an ASPIRE Leader, You know I only work with brands that I believe in myself and I integrate in my everyday life, so I’m super happy to talk to you guys about Magic Mind! I started drinking Magic Mind a while back as I was looking for several things, specifically in the afternoon. A boost of energy Healthy...

In this forward-thinking episode of Aspire to Lead, Dr. Matthew Rhoads, author of Co-Teaching Evolved and Crush it from the Start, joins me to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping instructional coaching, co-teaching, and school leadership. Dr. Rhoads shares powerful insights on building equitable and inclusive classrooms while embracing tech-powered strategies that truly support educators and students alike. Together, we break down the essential components of successful co-teaching partnerships, dive into AI-supported planning and leadership practices, and discuss how to cultivate collaborative cultures where every voice matters. Whether you're a coach, a classroom teacher, or a school leader, this episode will spark new ideas for transforming teaching and learning in the modern era. About Dr. Matthew Rhoads: Matthew Rhoads, Ed.D. is an expert and innovator in educational technology and instructional strategy integration within online, blended, and traditional in-person classroom settings. As a practicing technology and instructional leader, trainer, integrationist, and coach in Adult Education, K-12, and Higher Education, he develops EdTech tool instructional integrations with research-based instructional strategies to drive instruction. He is a coach and professional learning specialist for new and experienced teachers within the consortium and at a local university. Dr. Rhoads is also a doctoral dissertation chair who coaches doctoral students to conduct their research, write, and defend their dissertations. Dr. Rhoads publications focus on integrating instructional strategies with EdTech tools to amplify student learning within in-person, online, and blended learning classrooms. His latest books include Crush it from the Start: 25 Tips for Instructional Coaches and Leaders,  Co-Teaching Evolved: Partnership Strategies Equitable, Inclusive, and Tech-Powered Classrooms,  Crush it from the Start: 50 Tips for New Teachers,  Instruction Without Boundaries: Enhance Your Teaching Strategies with Technology Tools in Any Setting, Amplify Learning: A Global Collaborative - A Four Part Book Series, and Navigating the Toggled Term: A Guide for K-12 Classroom and School Leaders. He also has his podcast, Navigating Education - The Podcast, which discusses all topics related to education and instruction. For more on Dr. Rhoads, check out his website at...

In this heart-centered episode of Aspire to Lead, I’m joined by globally recognized speaker, educator, and author Angela Maiers to explore the movement that changed everything—#YouMatter. Angela shares the powerful story behind the origin of this global initiative and how a simple affirmation can shift mindsets, unlock potential, and ignite lasting change in students, educators, and communities. We unpack how leaders can go beyond surface-level praise to cultivate environments where everyone feels seen, valued, and empowered. Angela also reveals how her workshops help people rediscover their purpose and reignite their passion for contribution, and we dive into her latest project—M is for Mattering, a science-based picture book designed to embed the language of significance in learners from the start. This episode is less of a conversation and more of a call to remember what we too often forget: that real leadership begins with seeing, hearing, and believing in the people right in front of us. Tune in, take a breath, and get ready to lead like you truly mean it. About Angela Maiers: Futurist. Innovator. Educator. Entrepreneur. Change Maker. Angela Maiers is on a relentless mission to disrupt the status quo and empower individuals everywhere to transform their own world—and the world around them. As the founder of the global movement Choose2Matter, Angela’s singular focus is to help people realize their value and potential contribution to creating change, whether in their personal lives or the world at large.   It is fair to say, she leaves no room unchanged. Angela’s journey began in 2011 when she delivered a TEDTalk on the power of two simple words that went viral—You Matter!—which catalyzed the creation of Choose2Matter in 2014. What followed was a movement that ignited over a million children across 78,000 classrooms in 100 countries, encouraging them to launch 170 social enterprises and pass 117 laws. As one of the most influential thought leaders in education and transformative thinking, Angela is celebrated for helping businesses, organizations, and industries tackle the global $15 trillion employee engagement crisis. Her work with Fortune 500 companies such as Apple, Microsoft, IBM, and global entities like the U.S. Air Force and West Point have set new standards for creating purpose-driven cultures of motivation and inclusion. Angela’s visionary approach has earned her numerous accolades, including being named one of Forbes’ Top 5 Edupreneurs to Watch, one of IBM’s Top 20 Global Influencers, and one of the Top 100 Women in Technology by Onalytics. She has also been recognized as one of the Top 20 Education Thought Leaders by TrustEd. Angela is the author of nine books, including Genius Matters and Classroom Habitudes, and the forthcoming M is for Mattering. Angela is a much  sought-after keynote speaker, consultant, and researcher who brings a unique blend of education, neuroscience, and innovation to help individuals and organizations cultivate purposeful leadership, meaningful work, and transformative change. Angela’s work is grounded in the belief that everyone is built for purpose, deserves dignity, and can create meaningful impact. She has worked with over 50 global companies, educational institutions, nonprofits, and military organizations to implement practical tools for cultivating positive team cultures and igniting the genius within every...

In this week’s episode, Kyle Morin shares the journey that took him from substitute teaching in Colorado to leading a charter school through the pandemic and now shaping education policy with a practitioner’s lens. Kyle reflects on his teaching experience in Taiwan, how international education systems compare to the U.S., and the leadership challenges he faced during one of the most disruptive periods in modern education. We also explore why it’s essential for educators to have a voice in policy conversations—and how decision-makers can better support those on the frontlines of education. About Kyle Morin: Kyle Morin is an experienced educator and education policy professional with over 15 years of experience in teaching, education leadership, and policy. His career has spanned both his home state of Colorado and international settings, including Taiwan, where he taught as a Fulbright Fellow before later working at a private school. Currently, Kyle is an education policy resident with ExcelinEd, where he is expanding his expertise in education policy to bridge the gap between practitioners and policymakers in a state agency. Kyle holds two B.A. degrees in Elementary Education and History and an M.P.A. in Education Policy from the University of Colorado-Denver. While in graduate school, he co-authored On the Road of Innovation: Colorado’s Charter School Law Turns 20 as part of a policy internship. His proudest professional accomplishment was stepping into a principal role during COVID-19, leading his school through the complexities of the pandemic as a first-year administrator. This experience reinforced his core belief that education is most effective when schools and families work together. In addition to his policy and leadership work, Kyle owns Morin Educational Services LLC, where he provides tutoring for native Chinese speakers and consulting services for education leaders and teachers in organizational leadership, curriculum design, and classroom practice. He can be reached via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-morin-mpa-42830a14/. Follow Kyle Morin Linkedin: Kyle Morin, MPA | LinkedIn &nbsp; — Introducing Thriving Educator: Powered by TMI Founded on the 9 Essential Skills, Thriving Educator offers educators with the knowledge and tools to address the most common issues contributing to the youth mental health crisis.  Thriving Educator is available in two exciting options - the core Thriving Educator Course and Thriving Educator Premium. Learn more today!: https://www.talentmagnet.com/thriving-educator-purchase — Magic Mind If you are a long time listener, an ASPIRE Leader, You know I only work with brands that I believe in myself and I integrate in my everyday life, so I’m super happy to talk to you guys about Magic Mind! I started drinking Magic Mind a while back as I was looking for several things, specifically in the afternoon. <span style="font-weight:...

In this inspiring episode of Aspire to Lead, I’m joined by renowned inclusion expert Toby Karten to explore the heart of inclusive education through her ADMIRE Inclusion Framework. Together, we dismantle common misconceptions about inclusion, dive into strategies for supporting diverse learners, and reveal how strong family partnerships can transform the learning environment. Toby shares hands-on tools that empower educators to meet a wide range of student needs without losing momentum. If you're ready to rethink inclusion, reimagine support, and reignite your passion for reaching every learner, this conversation is the spark you’ve been waiting for. About Toby Karten: Toby Karten is an experienced educator, author, and consultant specializing in inclusive education. She has extensive experience in teaching students with diverse needs and disabilities and is known for her work in promoting inclusive practices in schools. Karten has written numerous books and resources on inclusive education, providing strategies for teachers to support all learners effectively. She often conducts professional development workshops and presentations to help educators and SE administrators to implement inclusive strategies in their classrooms and schools. Her work emphasizes the importance of creating learning environments where all students can thrive. Follow Toby Karten Website:  http://www.inclusionworkshops.com/ Twitter (X): TobyKarten@TJK2INCLUDE Instagram: @tobyjkarten Facebook: Inclusion Education Services Linkedin: ttps://www.linkedin.com/in/toby-karten-2022a621 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/inclusioneducation Pinterest:https://www.pinterest.com/tkarten/ Podcast: Karten’s Inclusion Conversations (KIC)https://open.spotify.com/show/7k01BvoDrZuOcKmvWvbbVo Facebook: Inclusion Education Services EMail: [email protected] Projects: Understanding Special Education Beyond the Jargon https://www.ascd.org/people/toby-karten Released March 30, 2025 ASCD-ISTE-Leveraging Collaboration for GE &amp; SE Coaches &amp; Coordinators June 30th, 2025  3-4:00PM San Antonio,TX https://conference.iste.org/2025/program/search/detail_session.php?id=118085950 https://www.amazon.com/ADMIRE-Framework-Inclusion-cultivating-environment/dp/1960574248?crid=1HHIV6I658VNP&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.rw50QfhPQoCgZiUspub_Wg.g__jqHpVjW3sDInv4Ygm_85saryo63lq_jPSBP36zRE&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=The+ADMIRE+Inclusion+Framework&amp;qid=1745930812&amp;s=books&amp;sprefix=the+admire+inclusion+framework%2Cstripbooks%2C165&amp;sr=1-1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=aspirewebsite-20&amp;linkId=99f2597f3adec8b4b568f28023708a6f&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl — Magic Mind If you are a long time listener, an ASPIRE Leader, You know I only work with brands that I believe in myself and I integrate in my everyday life, so I’m super happy to talk to you guys about Magic Mind! I started drinking Magic Mind a while back as I was...

What if the traditional education system isn’t broken—but outdated? In this compelling episode of Aspire to Lead, I’m joined by Richard DeLorenzo, founder of the Re-Inventing Schools Coalition, Roxy Mourant, CEO of CBE Ignited, and Jessica Enderson, COO of CBE Ignited, to explore the transformative power of Competency-Based Education (CBE). Together, we unpack the foundational principles from their book, Competency-Based Education Ignited, and examine how CBE differs from past reform efforts. We discuss why this student-centered, mastery-driven approach holds real promise for sustainability and equity in education. The team shares what mindset shifts are needed for teachers, how leaders can guide schools through the transition, and what it truly looks like when students take ownership of their learning. From redefining success to scaling system-wide change, this episode is filled with bold ideas, proven strategies, and the passion to reshape the future of learning. About Richard DeLorenzo: A dynamic leader who is part of the team leading the largest education reform ever from a traditional time-based model to a digital personal proficiency system that will impact over 72,000 schools in Russia. Over 20 years ago, he led the first district to win the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige Award in education by moving from a time-based system to a digital personal mastery, thereby setting a revolution in school change in motion. He founded the Re-Inventing Schools Coalition (RISC) to impact 1,000,000 children by scaling this system worldwide. Marzano Research purchased the foundation, which is now called Reinventing Schools https://rs.marzanoresearch.com.  About Jessica Enderson: Jessica Enderson is a nationally recognized leader in learner-centered transformation with over two decades of experience in education. She has held leadership roles at various levels, guiding schools and districts through transforming from traditional systems to competency-based, personalized learning. As the Chief Operations Officer of CBE Ignited and founder of Learner Centered Leadership, Jessica brings a practical, inspiring approach to change—empowering leaders and educators to design learning environments where all students thrive. &nbsp; Follow Richard, Roxy, and Jessica: Website: https://cbeignited.org/  Twitter (X): Richard:  https://x.com/CBEIgnitedCEO Twitter (X): Jessica: https://x.com/J_EndersonSD  Twitter (X): Roxy https://x.com/CBEIgnitedCEO  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roxannemourant/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087944445826  Linkedin: Richard:...

In this energizing episode of Aspire to Lead, Chad Dumas, award-winning researcher and author of The Teacher Team Leader Handbook, joins the conversation to break down what it truly means to lead within a professional learning community. Chad shares how teacher team leaders can move beyond the title and embrace a powerful, purpose-driven role that impacts culture, collaboration, and student achievement. Together, we explore the foundational responsibilities of teacher leadership, the essential mindsets that fuel successful teams, and 40 actionable strategies that can help your PLC gain traction and overcome obstacles. If you're just stepping into leadership or looking to refine your practice, this episode is packed with practical tools, fresh perspectives, and encouragement to help you lead with clarity, confidence, and impact. 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 to Put the C in PLC, and consulting that includes research, stories, hands-on tools, useful knowledge, and practical skills. For more information, or to reach Chad, visit www.NextLearningSolutions.com Follow Chad Dumas: Website: www.NextLearningSolutions.com  Twitter: @ChadDumas Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChadDumasNextLearningSolutions  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-dumas-611ba51b5/  &nbsp; https://www.amazon.com/Teacher-Team-Leader-Handbook-Collaboration/dp/1960574981?crid=DLHN62VRQMAA&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.7TodWE798J8l5iQkGh4xxTQfpeBShXo7oehMEt1-O1-EnZB3EN-deOMmKiHIo92NRL45Y4yJe8qp6C3-grNtxqpg0tOfkn13DyMEfq7xfEEXarmoLX7xpZleS9897OQJOaqJ2TvlqFSwdYyx4-bX4v2p_HNXy1mMOkzaJu_WjzJmXLKCAgkm669b5Uz3K8MpSufTVbZFmLKPjFBzWL4-u-AsZB8rMCp8szmuGAhq8fs.OBC-S8nfEoham46UPNZ2KrPa5mAQP8HYUdd39v5i6L4&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=the+teacher+team+leader+handbook&amp;qid=1744597125&amp;sprefix=the+teacher+team+leader+handboook%2Caps%2C160&amp;sr=8-1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=aspirewebsite-20&amp;linkId=a261ba5dee54256ded57a7971b50d4f6&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl — Thriving Educator Free Webinar I want to invite you to a free webinar on Student Mental Health + Behavior! On April 29, I’ll be co-hosting this event with Thriving Educator to share...