308. Finding Fulfillment in Leadership: Featuring Walter McKenzie

In this Aspire Mailbag episode, Jeff Gargas and Joshua Stamper dive into listener questions about school leadership, connecting with students and staff, building future leaders, and navigating career aspirations. Topics include: How can you consistently connect with students and staff to make a greater impact? What are some ideas to help build future leaders within your school? For building leaders, what’s a must-do on your daily list, and what’s something you wish you could do every day but aren’t able to? How do you fully enjoy your current role while dreaming of a different position? Packed with real talk, actionable advice, and a dash of inspiration—don’t miss it! Follow Jeff Gargas: Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeffgargas Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_jeffgargas/ Follow The Teach Better Team: Twitter: https://twitter.com/teachbetterteam Website: https://www.teachbetter.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teachbetterteam Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachbetterteam The Teach Better Podcast: https://www.teachbetter.com/podcast/ https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1949595668/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1949595668&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=aspirewebsite-20&amp;linkId=76f63506c1e5b2f907d05fb13ab6f8e4 Grid Method Cohort APPLICATION DATES: Nov 1st - 17th: https://teachbetter.com/tgmcert2024-2025/ -- SMORE Newsletters I'm thrilled to announce the newest title sponsor of the Aspire to Lead podcast is Smore! 🎉 As an administrator, I constantly faced the challenge of effective communication with parents and the community. The big question that always came up: Are our school newsletters going unread? Well, let me introduce you to Smore, the ultimate newsletter creator specifically built for educators— and a service my schools have used for years. It's incredibly easy to use! With customizable templates, you can add text, images, videos, links, and even polls. Smore’s detailed analytics show you exactly who opens your emails and which links get clicked, so you can stop guessing and start KNOWING what’s working. And the cherry on top? Smore translates your newsletters into more than 100 languages! Beautiful, effective, and simple. Ready to elevate your newsletters? Head over to smore.com/teachbetter and get $50 off your first year of any Smore Subscription plan. Let’s make sure your school’s communication gets the attention it deserves! — Need a Presenter for a conference or school PD? Contact Joshua Stamper  for presentations on Leadership Capacity, Mental Health Strategies, Alternative Behavior Practices, Leadership Development, and Innovative campus systems. Follow the Host, Joshua Stamper: Contact:<a...

In this thought-provoking episode, I sit down with Nathan Maynard to explore restorative practices that truly change the way we approach student behavior. Nathan dives into the importance of restoration within the behavior process, emphasizing how forgiveness plays a crucial role in helping students learn and grow from their actions. We also discuss practical mindfulness techniques that can empower school staff to stay balanced and resilient in challenging situations. Plus, Nathan shares insights into the High Five application, a powerful tool designed to support schools and educators in creating a positive, connected environment. This conversation is packed with actionable strategies to build a more compassionate and effective school culture. About Nathan Maynard: When Nathan was younger, he struggled in school. He was diagnosed with ODD and ADHD combined with a high amount of trauma. Nathan was motivated by fitting in and pursued that by associating with paths to criminality as a kid. These lived experiences later helped Nathan become a successful youth worker, teacher, and school administrator for over 11 years. Nathan was nominated and won "Youth Worker of the Year" in Indiana voted by the youth he worked with in the juvenile justice system across the county he lived after being a youth worker for 7 years This work led him then to teach and later become an administrator in two cutting-edge charter networks. At Goodwill’s Excel Center, he helped students become college-and-career ready with work-based education and skill development. At Purdue’s Polytechnic High School, he was the Dean of Culture and helped found the first high school. Nathan is now the global thought leader in discipline. With a bachelor's degree in Neuroscience from Purdue University, he combined hard lived experience with research to understand how trauma impacts students, learning environments, and brain development. These experiences inspired him to co-write the best-selling book "Hacking School Discipline," which has been recognized internationally as a best-seller in 23 countries and used in over 400 universities. ​He  is currently the CEO and Founder of Highfive​ to create connected school communities and reduce recidivism in negative classroom behaviors with reimagining discipline practices internationally.​ Additionally, Highfive has recently been awarded as EdTech Week's #1 Most Innovative K-12 Ed Tech. Follow Nathan Maynard: Website: https://www.highfive.school/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highfive.k12/  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-maynard-6849827a/  – SMORE Newsletters I'm thrilled to announce the newest title sponsor of the Aspire to Lead podcast is Smore! 🎉 As an administrator, I constantly faced the challenge of effective communication with parents and the community. The big question that always came up: Are our school newsletters going unread? Well, let me introduce you to Smore, the ultimate newsletter creator specifically built for educators— and a service my schools have used for years. It's incredibly easy to use! With customizable templates, you can add text, images, videos, links, and even polls. Smore’s detailed analytics show you exactly who opens your emails and which links get

Have you ever had a conversation and you start to think about what you are about to say instead of listening to the other person? In this week’s episode, Bradley James Davies, author of Next Level Listening: How to Listen Like Your Life Depends on It. Because it Does, shares key insights on listening as a transformative tool—not just for leaders, but for anyone looking to strengthen connections at work and at home. With practical tips to elevate your listening game, this conversation reveals why listening might just be the most underrated skill that can truly change lives. About Bradley James Davies: Award-winning, best-selling author and speaker with over 25 years of corporate and nonprofit leadership experience, Bradley James Davies’ clients span all sectors, from technology and entertainment to government and education, and all levels of leadership, from rising stars to c-suite veterans. As an ICF-certified (PCC) leadership coach trained at Georgetown University, Davies has partnered with leaders from companies, schools, and organizations such as Delta Airlines, Harvard Business School, Victoria’s Secret, Kent Denver School, Boise Cascade, Kimball Union Academy, Rocket Lab, Gentherm, 3Pillar Global, Milton Academy, Norfolk Southern, and the United States Army. By blending a lighthearted style with a keen ability to get to the heart of the matter and the confidence to compassionately challenge when needed, Davies’ approach helps leaders expand their self-awareness, leverage their strengths, improve their listening skills, prioritize their wellness, and optimize life both at work and at home. A strategic listening expert and dedicated leadership wellness practitioner, Davies speaks and facilitates workshops on “Next Level Listening,” “Next Level Leadership,” and “Next Level Wellness.”  Davies’ first book, School Leadership from A to Z: How to Lead Well Without Losing Your Way, is about the ups, downs, and all-arounds of school life and leadership.  Born and raised in Minnesota, Davies calls Crested Butte, Colorado and Madrid, Spain home. Follow Bradley James Davies: Website: www.bradleyjamesdavies.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradley.james.davies/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bradley.james.davies  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradleyjamesdavies/  ...

In this special #AspireLead bonus episode, Mitch Weathers, author and creator of Organized Binder, discusses how to rethink traditional goal setting. Together, Josh &amp; Mitch dive into why the old methods of setting goals often fall short and explore practical strategies to make goal setting more effective. Mitch shares real-world examples of how to set achievable goals with students and explains how self-regulation is crucial in the process. Tune in for fresh insights on how to set goals that stick and lead to meaningful progress! 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  ...

In this heartfelt episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper sits down with children's book author Gail Boe for an inspiring conversation about living with authenticity, kindness, and purpose. Gail delves into the importance of not just talking about kindness, but truly walking the walk. She emphasizes the significance of being who you are meant to be and following your passions in life. Gail also explores how we can go beyond the simple “How are you?” by being more empathetic, understanding that we often don’t know the struggles others are facing. Additionally, Gail shares the story behind her two children’s books, Lettuce and HAY, which highlight themes of kindness, compassion, and understanding others. Join us for an uplifting discussion on making a difference through kindness, both in our own lives and in the lives of others. About Gail Boe: Gail grew up in Minneota, MN with her parents, and two older sisters. She graduated from Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, MN with a degree in Elementary Education, Pre Primary Specialty. Gail has been in education both as a teacher and a paraprofessional. She currently lives in New Ulm, MN with her husband and two children. She works at Jefferson Elementary School, as the Media Paraprofessional. During her time working in the Media Center, Gail has seen countless children's books, inspiring her to write her own. Gail's first book, Lettuce, was published in April 2021 and her second book, HAY, was published in October 2023. When not at school, Gail enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and puppy, reading, exercising, making popcorn and snack mixes, and listening to Christmas music all year round! Follow Gail Boe: Website: www.gailboe.com  Instagram: www.instagram.com/gail.boe  Facebook: www.facebook.com/gail.boe.3  Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/gail-boe-b4bb5520  YouTube: www.youtube.com/@gailboe9318  Purchase Books: HAY: https://a.co/d/e7SrlTP Lettuce: https://a.co/d/5H9snFb – SMORE Newsletters I'm thrilled to announce the newest title sponsor of the Aspire to Lead podcast is <span...

Join us for a recap of the School Behavior Solutions Summit! In this episode, Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper discuss the incredible speakers, valuable resources, and free recap videos available on YouTube. Plus, they dive into their upcoming webinar, "The Language of Behavior: Tools to Decode and Defuse Conflict." This live, interactive session will provide you with practical strategies for understanding and addressing challenging behaviors in the classroom. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from experts and gain valuable insights. Upcoming Webinar Details Date: Wednesday, October 23 Time: 7 PM - 8:30 PM EST Format: Live, interactive session with Q&amp;A Link: https://thrivingeducator.myflodesk.com/webinar2 Summit Speakers and Resources: https://www.thrivingeducator.org/speakers -- 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 the youth mental health crisis providing relief to schools all across the country. Her unique lens as a high school teacher turned clinical therapist specializing in trauma makes her stories relevant and captivating to educators struggling in today’s system. You can purchase her book “Improving School Mental Health: The Thriving School Community Solution” on Amazon and connect with her on X @CharlePeck. Follow Charle Peck:  Website: www.ThrivingEducator.org  Twitter: https://twitter.com/CharlePeck Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlepeckconsulting?mibextid=LQQJ4d  Other: [email protected] Podcast: Thriving Educator Additional Resource - School Mental Health Audit: Free resource on ThrivingEducator.org https://www.amazon.com/Improving-School-Mental-Health-Community/dp/B0BTS3MN2P?crid=EIKAGWZ4V006&amp;keywords=charle+peck&amp;qid=1705780803&amp;sprefix=charle+peck%2Caps%2C181&amp;sr=8-1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=aspirewebsite-20&amp;linkId=6456f4f1bc2440be71d094a5d14656a4&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl -- SMORE Newsletters I'm thrilled to announce the newest title sponsor of the Aspire to Lead podcast is Smore! 🎉 As an administrator, I constantly faced the challenge of effective communication with parents and the community. The big question that always came up: Are our...

Tired of the traditional classroom setting but still passionate about education? Join us as we chat with bestselling author Starr Sackstein about her new book, "Making an Impact Outside of the Classroom." Discover a world of alternative career paths that leverage your teaching skills, hard work, creativity, and experience. From school administration to EdTech startups, Starr shares insights on how to transition seamlessly and continue making a meaningful impact in education. Don't miss this inspiring episode! About Starr Sackstein: Starr Sackstein is an accomplished educator, author, and advocate, dedicated to transforming education through innovative practices. With a background in secondary education, she has championed student-centered learning, assessment reform, and technology integration. As an author of several influential books, including "Hacking Assessment," Starr empowers educators globally with practical strategies for creating learner-driven classrooms. Her insights, shared through speaking engagements, workshops, and online platforms, inspire educators to reimagine traditional teaching paradigms. Starr's commitment to fostering critical thinking, growth, and equity underscores her role as a thought leader shaping the future of education. Follow Starr Sackstein: Website:  https://www.mssackstein.com/  Twitter (X): @MsSackstein Instagram: @Starr53177 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/starrsackstein/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/StarrSackstein  Amazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/3ZysLsX https://www.amazon.com/Making-Impact-Outside-Classroom-Possibilities/dp/1032585560?_encoding=UTF8&amp;pd_rd_w=zFec8&amp;content-id=amzn1.sym.f76d456a-cb0d-44de-b7b0-670c26ce80ba&amp;pf_rd_p=f76d456a-cb0d-44de-b7b0-670c26ce80ba&amp;pf_rd_r=142-9890661-1969516&amp;pd_rd_wg=NIpYW&amp;pd_rd_r=83f920fd-4a61-4d93-a586-c8b70e922f7d&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=aspirewebsite-20&amp;linkId=81de50f5379be293416ceb42dce86d36&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl – SMORE I'm thrilled to announce the newest title sponsor of the Aspire to Lead podcast is Smore! 🎉 As an administrator, I constantly faced the challenge of effective communication with parents and the community. The big question that always came up: Are our school newsletters going unread? Well, let me introduce you to Smore, the ultimate newsletter creator specifically built for educators— and a service my schools have used for years. It's incredibly easy to use! With customizable templates, you can add text, images, videos, links, and even polls. Smore’s detailed analytics show you exactly who opens your emails and which links get...

In this engaging episode of Aspire to Lead, we sit down with Walter McKenzie, author, ASCD leader, and co-creator of The Worthy Educator, to explore the complexities of leadership in education. Walter shares his thoughts on the temptation to say "yes" to roles because of titles, money, or pride, and the importance of staying where you are if you’re happy and mentally healthy. We also dive into the significance of staying connected with other educational leaders and how isolating the climb up the district ladder can be. If you're navigating your own leadership journey or contemplating your next steps, this conversation offers invaluable insights for balancing ambition with personal well-being and meaningful connections. About Walter McKenzie: Walter McKenzie is the co-founder of The Worthy Educator, a thriving community of leaders in education supporting each other to have impact and build lasting legacies in their work. Since retiring from ASCD, he served 25 years in Massachusetts and Virginia public schools: 14 years as a classroom teacher and 11 years as a district director and assistant superintendent. He also served as a senior training specialist for the Department of Housing and Urban Development in Washington, D.C., and its field offices around the nation. In addition to his work in public schools in public education, Walter is an internationally known presenter and author. He has been instrumental in launching and leading online professional development programs and postgraduate professional education courses, and he has actively facilitated online educator communities and web-based interdisciplinary instructional projects over the past 30 years. Walter lives in suburban Washington, DC with his wife and two children. Learn more at waltermckenzie.com. &nbsp; Follow Walter McKenzie: Website: www.waltermckenzie.com  Twitter (X): https://x.com/WalterinDC  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008265858213  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wmckenzie  &nbsp; Worthy Educator Community: https://www.theworthyeducator.com   – 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 Ingredients Easy to...

In this impactful episode, award-winning author and family partnerships expert, Ari Gerzon-Kessler, explores the crucial topic of building authentic connections between educators and underrepresented families. Ari shares his expertise on the current reality of family engagement in schools and how it often falls short of creating genuine, lasting partnerships. We dive deep into the difference between family involvement and authentic partnerships, unpacking why traditional approaches to family engagement may not be enough. Ari also provides practical strategies for school leaders on how to create sustainable family partnerships that promote equity, trust, and collaboration. Lastly, we explore the concept of FET Teams (Families and Educators Together Teams), and how these innovative teams are transforming school-family relationships for the better. This episode is packed with actionable insights for educators and leaders looking to strengthen their connection with families and build inclusive, supportive school communities. Don’t miss this essential conversation on fostering meaningful partnerships in education! About Ari Gerzon-Kessler: Ari Gerzon-Kessler is a sought after speaker and professional learning provider. He is the author of On The Same Team: Bringing Educators &amp; Underrepresented Families Together, which won the Gold Medal from the Independent Publishers Book Awards for outstanding education book of 2024. He is a speaker, trainer, and coach working with schools and districts committed to forging stronger school-family partnerships. Ari also leads the Family Partnerships department for the Boulder Valley School District (CO).  Ari has been an educator since 2000, having served as a principal and bilingual teacher. In 2006, Ari was a recipient of the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund. As principal, his school received the Governor’s Distinguished Improvement Award in 2013. His leadership efforts to strengthen partnerships with underrepresented families and dismantle unjust practices was featured in Education Week in 2015.  Ari regularly presents at national and international conferences on Families and Educators Together (FET) teams and other innovative family partnership best practices. His writings have been featured in a variety of educational publications, including Educational Leadership and Principal Magazine.  Ari received his bachelor’s in African American Studies from Wesleyan University and a master’s in instruction and curriculum from the University of Colorado. Follow Ari Gerzon-Kessler: Website:https://www.mediatorsfoundation.org/current-projects/families-and-educators-together-project Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ari.gerzonkessler/ Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/arigerzon-kessler Email: [email protected]    Free resources:

In this Bonus episode of Aspire to Lead, we dive into an insightful conversation with Mitch Weathers, author of Executive Functions for Every Classroom. Together, we explore the critical role of working memory in student success and how establishing effective beginning routines can set the tone for learning. Mitch shares practical strategies from his book on how educators can support students in developing essential executive functioning skills, helping them stay organized, focused, and better equipped to handle classroom demands. This conversation offers valuable takeaways for fostering strong routines and improving student outcomes! 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  ...