In this powerful episode of Aspire to Lead, Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket, co-author of Relational Intelligence, joins me to explore how trust, empathy, and authentic connection transform school leadership. Together, we discuss how leaders can shift from transactional to transformational practices, especially during times of crisis and change.

Dr. Edoho-Eket introduces the HOPE framework—Hope, Opportunity, Praise, and Encouragement—as a practical tool for cultivating cultures where teachers feel valued and supported. We also unpack the common communication pitfalls leaders face and share strategies for fostering authentic dialogue that builds stronger relationships across a school community.

Finally, we dive into one of the most pressing challenges today: burnout. Dr. Edoho-Eket shares how relational intelligence not only helps leaders model balance but also equips them to create healthier, more sustainable environments for themselves and their teams.

If you’re ready to lead with heart and transform the way you connect with your staff, this episode will give you the insights and strategies you need.

About Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket

Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket is a wife, mother, principal, TEDx speaker, author, and the President of the Maryland Association of Elementary School Principals. With decades as a teacher and leader in public education, she has earned the reputation as a strong instructional leader, passionate educational advocate, and dedicated mentor. As the Principal of a National Blue Ribbon school in Maryland, she is a life-long learner who strives for excellence not only for herself, but also for everyone she serves. She also serves as an adjunct professor at McDaniel College helping to support the personal and professional growth of aspiring and current school leaders, and is an ASCD faculty member.

Named as one of the Top 100 Influencers in Education by District Administration magazine, Dr. Edoho-Eket’s belief in fostering meaningful relationships serves as the foundation for everything she does, and her highly effective teaching and leadership style continues to inspire up and coming aspiring teacher leaders. During her educational career, she has proudly served as a classroom teacher, instructional team leader, mentor teacher, Assistant Principal, and Principal. Her first best-selling book, “The Principal’s Journey: Navigating the Path to School Leadership” provides a helpful and practical blueprint for educators to follow as they transition into new leadership roles. Her second bestselling book, "Relational Intelligence: The Key to Exceptional School Leadership" centers on the importance of trusting and authentic relationships as the driver of school success. Dr. Edoho-Eket holds a B.S. in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Temple University, a M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction from McDaniel College, and a Doctorate in Leadership and Professional Practice from Trevecca Nazarene University.

To invite Dr. Edoho-Eket to speak at your next event, please visit: www.racheledohoeket.com

Follow Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket

• Website:Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket 
• Instagram:@racheledohoeket
• Linkedin:Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket
• Twitter:@racheledohoeket
• Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@racheledoho-eket
• Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/author/dr.edoho-eket
• The Elevated Leadership course:The Elevated Leadership Course Series

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#1 New Release, "The Language of Behavior" is NOW Available! 

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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 

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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

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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.

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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

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.

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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/