375. Executive Functions for Every K–3 Classroom: Featuring Sarah Oberle & Mitch Weathers
What if the reason so many young students struggle in the classroom has nothing to do with behavior, laziness, or defiance, and everything to do with emerging executive functions that have simply not been taught yet? In this episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper welcomes back two familiar faces, executive functioning expert Mitch Weathers…
NCMLE Bonus: Sustainable Leadership, Perseverance, and Motivation with Katie Powell, Ronnel Blackmon, & Charles Williams
What does it take to truly engage a middle schooler, build a classroom where every student feels like they belong, and sustain yourself as a leader for the long haul? In this second bonus episode recorded live at the NCMLE Moving the Middle Forward Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, Joshua Stamper brings you three more…
374. Teaching in Color: Featuring Brandon Jenkins
What does it look like when a third grade STEM teacher from Houston uses comedy, creativity, and storytelling to pull back the curtain on the real life of an educator and build a community that refuses to feel alone? In this episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper sits down with educator, podcaster, and doctoral student Brandon Jenkins to talk about the power of authentic storytelling in education and why laughter might be one of the most underrated tools in our profession. Brandon shares how social media became a lifeline for connection in a career that can feel deeply isolating, and how his comedic content gives educators permission to laugh at the hard stuff while sparking real conversations with people outside of education who had no idea what teachers actually face every day. He also unpacks why representation in schools goes far beyond skin tone and covers zip code, access to programs, arts, technology, and the profound impact of seeing yourself reflected in the adults who show up for you. The conversation goes deeper as Brandon shares his doctoral research on trust within Black and Brown communities in education, the inspiration behind his podcast Teaching in Color now in its third season, and a simple but powerful leadership challenge to sit down, grab a journal, and write your own story before someone else writes it for you. About Brandon Jenkins Brandon Jenkins is a 3rd grade Math and Science teacher in Houston, Texas and the creator of the Teaching in Color podcast, a platform dedicated to amplifying diverse voices and perspectives in education. As an educator, Brandon is passionate about creating engaging learning environments that empower students and…
NCMLE Bonus: Resilience, AI, and Community with Julie Hasson, Brad Waid, and David James
What does it look and feel like to be surrounded by 400 passionate middle level educators for three days straight? In this first bonus episode recorded live at the NCMLE Moving the Middle Forward Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, Joshua Stamper brings you three powerful conversations straight from the conference floor, sponsored by New Horizons Global. First, Joshua sits down with resilience researcher, speaker, and author Julie Hasson, who shares her message from her presentation “Recharge Your School Culture” and the simple, practical tools educators can weave into their school day to reduce stress, build individual resilience, and leave school with enough energy to actually have a life outside of it. Next, Joshua talks with Brad Waid, founder of New Horizons Global, former third grade teacher, and passionate advocate for AI and Industry 4.0 in education. Brad breaks down what skills students will need for a workforce that is changing faster than most schools can keep up with, and why educators are more important than ever in helping young people find their place in it. The series wraps up with a conversation with the man who built this incredible community, NCMLE Conference Director David James. David shares how he has grown the conference from a post-COVID rebuild to a 400 plus educator gathering that brings together the best voices in middle level education from across the country, and previews what is coming in 2027. If you want professional development that makes an impact from day one for your school, district, conference, or organization, visit newhorizonseducation.net and click on Educational Speakers About Dr. Julie Schmidt Hasson: Dr. Julie Schmidt Hasson is an Associate Professor in School Administration at Appalachian State University and the founder of the Teacher Recharge project. Julie’s research on teacher resilience, engagement, and impact is the heart of her keynotes, training programs, and her TEDx Talk, The Teachers We Remember. Julie is the author of four books, including Pause, Ponder, and Persist in the Classroom. Julie is a former classroom teacher and school principal, now on a mission to help educators stay longer, grow stronger, and keep making an impact. Follow Dr. Julie Schmidt Hasson Website:teacherrecharge.com Twitter (X): @julieshasson Instagram: @julieshasson Facebook: Julie Schmidt Hasson Linkedin: Julie Schmidt Hasson YouTube: Julie Schmidt Hasson About Brad Waid: Brad is an Award winning Emerging Technology Leader, International Keynote Speaker, Futurist, Educator, Visionary, and Author specializing in AR/VR/XR, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence and Industry 4.0. He is tabbed as one of the top 20 Global Futurist & Keynote Speakers…
373. Why Emotional Intelligence Is the Missing Link in Teacher Retention: Featuring Katrina Huels
What if the burnout crisis in education is not just a workload problem but a skills gap? In this episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper sits down with Corwin author and educator Katrina Huels to unpack why 54% of K through 12 educators report feeling burnt out often or always, and what leaders and…