345. Nurturing the Emerging Teacher Leader: Featuring Dr. Kathy Perez and Dr. Margaret Coughlan
In this inspiring episode of Aspire to Lead, I’m joined by Dr. Kathy Perez and Margaret Coughlan, co-authors of The Emerging Teacher Leader: 6 Dynamic Practices to Nurture Professional Growth. Together, we explore the true value of teacher leadership and how it shapes not only school culture but also student learning.
Kathy and Margaret share their own educational and leadership journeys, unpack what it means to lead without a title, and reveal strategies to help schools empower teachers to embrace their hidden leadership potential. We also dive into the six dynamic practices outlined in their book and discuss which one teacher leaders often find the most challenging to master.
If you’ve ever wondered how teacher leadership can drive meaningful growth in schools—or how to step into leadership yourself—this episode will give you the clarity, inspiration, and actionable tools to take the next step.
About Kathy Perez and Margaret Coughlan
Dr. Kathy Perez and Margaret Coughlan are committed to the ongoing growth of teachers as leaders through their collective work with teachers in the United States and across the globe. Dr. Kathy Perez is an international presenter and consultant in addition to her work within the United States. She works extensively with teachers, administrators, and parents to support teacher growth and leadership. In addition, Dr. Perez is a notable author who has written several books to guide and support educators. This is her first co-authored book with Dr. Coughlan. In addition, Dr. Perez has created and facilitated a master’s level teacher leadership program that encourages and develops the teacher leader’s voice – a needed ingredient in leadership, and action – through action research projects focused on practice. Dr. Coughlan has supported countless teachers developing their leadership development in the graduate program, working with teachers on deep reflection on the impact of their action research on practice. Her research has focused on teacher leadership development during the tenure of teaching.. Dr. Coughlan supports new teachers and mentors through her work in teacher induction. Dr. Coughlan is a teacher leader practitioner who is committed to the ongoing development of teacher leadership throughout a teacher leaders’ journey.
Follow Kathy Perez
Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/DrKathyPerez
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkathyperez/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katherine.perez.5817300
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-perez-1096482a/
Follow Margaret Coughlan
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaret-coughlan-ed-d-16727b2b/
—
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 drink throughout the day
EXCITING OFFER!
Aspire to Lead listeners get %50 off at magicmind.com/ATLMMJ and use the code ATLMMJ
**Shipping is not included
—
#1 New Release, “The Language of Behavior” is NOW Available!
The Language of Behavior is an essential guide for school leaders committed to transforming their school culture and addressing student behavior through a more compassionate, effective approach. Drawing on their extensive experience in education, Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper challenge outdated disciplinary practices and offer a clear, trauma-informed framework that empowers educators to interpret student behavior as a form of communication. Through three core tenets—Consider the Environment, Explore the Root Causes of Behavior, and Respond with Intentionality—this book equips leaders with actionable strategies to foster positive behavior, build stronger relationships, and cultivate a more supportive school climate.
Packed with real-world case studies, evidence-based practices, and insights into the lasting effects of childhood trauma, The Language of Behavior provides school leaders with the tools to create lasting, meaningful change. It offers a roadmap to reduce behavior issues, re-engage students and staff, and establish a culture of accountability and empathy. This book is not just a reference—it’s a call to lead with vision and transform how we approach discipline, ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive.
Bulk Orders: https://www.connectedd.org/bulk-orders
—
Need a Presenter for a conference or school PD?
Contact Brad Waid to book Joshua Stamper for your next event on Improving Student Behavior, Impacting School Mental Health, or Creating healthy habits.
Follow the Host, Joshua Stamper:
Contact: https://joshstamper.com/contact/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Joshua__Stamper
Instagram: www.instagram.com/joshua__stamper
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-stamper
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AspirePodcast
Subscribe: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aspire-the-leadership-development-podcast/id1384210762?mt=2
Aspire to Lead Won the FireBird Award!
I’m happy to announce that my book, “Aspire to Lead”, won the 2022 Leadership Book Award from Speak Up Talk Radio!
It is a great honor to get this kind of recognition and I really appreciate all your support!
The book is available for purchase on Amazon.
Review the Podcast
I want to give a huge shout out to those who have taken the time to provide a review on Apple, Spotify or any other podcast platform. It truly means the world to me that you would take the 30- 90 seconds to share how the podcast has positively impacted you or why other educators should check out the show.
This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase through these links, The Aspire Podcast gets a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you.
Teach Better Podcast Network
This podcast is a part of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Explore the Teach Better Podcast Network—your hub for insightful conversations covering diverse education topics. Our podcasts empower educators, fostering progressive, student-focused classrooms. Choose a podcast, subscribe, and dive into recent episodes now at https://www.teachbetterpodcastnetwork.com/
About the author, Joshua
Joshua Stamper is the Training and Development Specialist for the Teach Better Team and manages the Teach Better Podcast Network. Prior to Joshua's current position, he was a middle school Administrator, classroom art educator, and athletic coach.
In addition to being on the Teach Better Team, Joshua is the author of Aspire to Lead, podcaster, leadership coach, and education presenter.