In this week’s episode, I sit down with Alex Kajitani and Tom Hierck, authors of the insightful book You're A Teacher Now! What's Next?. Together, we tackle essential topics for educators at any stage of their career, including the differences between classroom management and behavior management, strategies for building healthy relationships with students, and tools for creating engaging lessons that keep learners motivated.

We also dive into the importance of mental health strategies for teachers, sharing practical tips to maintain balance and resilience in such a demanding profession. Finally, we discuss how educators can determine their long-term career plans while staying connected to their purpose and passion for teaching.

Whether you're stepping into the classroom for the first time or seeking a renewed sense of direction in your teaching career, this episode offers a refreshing perspective. Alex and Tom bring a mix of wisdom, humor, and real-world experience to help educators not just survive but truly thrive. Tune in for an energizing conversation that will leave you feeling empowered, motivated, and ready to tackle the unique challenges—and incredible rewards—of being an educator.

Alex Kajitani is the 2009 California Teacher of the Year, and a Top-4 Finalist for National Teacher of the Year.  He is the author of several books, including Owning It, which was named “Recommended Reading” by the U.S. Department of Education, and his newest book (for new teachers!), You’re a Teacher Now! What’s Next? is receiving rave reviews!

A highly sought after education speaker, Alex is known around the world as “The Rappin’ Mathematician. He has a popular TED Talk, and was honored at The White House. He was also featured on The CBS Evening News, where Katie Couric exclaimed, “I LOVE that guy!” (and you will too!).

Tom Hierck has been an educator since 1983 in a career that has spanned all grade levels and many roles in public education including as a sessional instructor for UBC. Tom is a compelling presenter, infusing his message of hope with strategies culled from the real world. He understands that communities face unprecedented challenges and knows which strategies will produce the best results.

Tom has presented to schools, districts, community leaders, and business groups across North America with a message of celebration for those seeking to make a difference. His belief that “every student is a success story waiting to be told” has led him to work with teachers and administrators to create positive school cultures and build effective relationships that facilitate learning for all students. He is the author/co-author of 25 books. His work has resulted in his being recognized as one of the world's Top 30 Education Professionals for 2024 with a ranking of #8

Tom and his wife of 43 years, Ingrid, are the proud parents of three children and grandparents of six. In his spare time Tom likes to run and he has completed 50 marathons.

https://www.amazon.com/classroom-management-relationship-effective-instruction/dp/195859055X?crid=3KG0TAW5N54LU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.uGfUjMsO_n3FJxvn5m6kYQ.gu_0RTu5AbIDa9CgS-IgrQO50Oq__i2nIg1veSXpT28&dib_tag=se&keywords=youre+a+teacher+now%21+Whats+next%3F&qid=1731793286&sprefix=youre+a+teacher+now+whats+next+%2Caps%2C174&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=cd56cc22c6e0aa2e2dfc03c69c0ffce5&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

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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!

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Contact Joshua Stamper  for presentations on Leadership Capacity, Mental Health Strategies, Alternative Behavior Practices, Leadership Development, and Innovative campus systems.

[caption id="attachment_5255" align="alignnone" width="237"] Joshua Stamper Keynote Presentation, Enhancing Your Capacity with Healthy Habits[/caption]

Contact: https://joshstamper.com/contact/

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Subscribe: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aspire-the-leadership-development-podcast/id1384210762?mt=2

 

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.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1953852386/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1953852386&linkCode=as2&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=0d9c336e3db6ab16cbb08421ef3e4175

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.

[caption id="attachment_3022" align="alignnone" width="300"] Teach Better Podcast Network, Aspire: The Leadership Development Podcast[/caption]