Aspire to Lead

• Recognize subtle signs of stress before they erupt into burnout or meltdown
• Create “micro-moments” of recovery and regulation throughout the school day
• Lead with empathy while maintaining healthy boundaries and routines
• Use reflection, humor, and movement to strengthen community and connection

• Consider the Environment
• Explore the Root Causes of Behavior
• Respond with Intentionality

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You know consistency matters. You know relationships are essential. So why does responding to the same classroom behaviors still feel so difficult?

In this episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper welcomes back educator, author, and coach Kim Gameroz to explore the gap between knowing a strategy and making it work with your students. Kim shares how meaningful coaching begins with listening, asking thoughtful questions, and helping educators see what might be missing in their classroom language, routines, and environment.

Together, they discuss why teachers need more than another list of ideas, how coaching can turn frustration into specific next steps, and the value of ongoing support that gives educators space to reflect, practice, and refine. Kim also explains how her coaching communities are helping teachers grow into mentors for one another.

Plus, Joshua and Kim introduce their coaching partnership, share a special offer for Aspire to Lead listeners, and preview their upcoming collaboration at the Southeast Conference on School Climate in Savannah, Georgia. This conversation is a reminder that asking for support is not a sign of failure. You do not have to figure out the hard parts of teaching and leadership

• Ready to make the shift?⁠Get the 5-Day Shift Experience⁠and start becoming a BISON - Be Intentional So Others Notice ®
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• Consider the Environment
• Explore the Root Causes of Behavior
• Respond with Intentionality

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What does it feel like to be a student, staff member, or family walking into your school? And does that experience reflect the values your school says it stands for?

In this episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper sits down with educator, leadership consultant, and author Nathaniel Provencio to explore a question that deserves more attention in education. Is customer service and experience getting lost in our schools? Drawing from his book, Five Stars, Nathaniel explains why exceptional service goes beyond a friendly greeting and begins with how leaders support their staff, build trust, and create meaningful connections with families.

Together, they discuss the everyday interactions that shape a school’s reputation, from front office welcomes to parent meetings and difficult phone calls. Nathaniel shares why leaders must recognize their own blind spots, model effective communication, and rehearse challenging conversations rather than wait for conflict to happen. He also offers a practical faculty meeting activity that helps teams identify what outstanding service looks like and turn those ideas into action.

• Website:www.provenprincipalllc.com 
• Instagram: @nateprovencio
• YouTube: @TheCommunityConnection

Challenging behavior tells a story. The Language of Behavior helps educators understand what students are communicating and respond with intentionality.

Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper offer a practical, trauma-informed framework built around three core tenets.

• Consider the Environment

• Explore the Root Causes of Behavior

• Respond with Intentionality

Through real-world case studies and actionable strategies, the book helps school leaders move beyond reactive discipline, strengthen relationships, and create a culture where empathy and accountability work together.

Get your copy of The Language of Behavior

Bring the conversation to your entire team. Explore bulk ordering for your school or district.

Give your team more than inspiration. Equip them with practical strategies they can put into action.

Joshua’s keynotes and professional learning sessions focus on understanding student behavior, supporting school mental health, and building healthy habits that help educators sustain their impact.

Contact Brad Waid to discuss availability and book Joshua for your next event.

Continue the conversation, explore resources, and follow along with Aspire to Lead.

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Your leadership journey deserves encouragement, reflection, and a clear sense of purpose.

Explore Joshua Stamper’s Aspire to Lead, recognized with a 2022 Firebird Book Award in Leadership from Speak Up Talk Radio.

Thank you to everyone who has read, recommended, and shared the book. Your support means so much.

Get your copy of Aspire to Lead

Has an episode encouraged you, challenged your thinking, or given you something new to try?

Take a moment to rate the show on your favorite podcast platform or leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Share what resonated with you and why another educator should listen.

Thank you for listening, sharing, and helping this community grow.

Aspire to Lead is proud to be part of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Explore conversations on school leadership, classroom practice, educator growth, and student learning. Find a show that speaks to your work and keep learning wherever you listen.

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Four hundred episodes. Countless connections. And plenty of lessons that never made it into principal school.

In this special 400th episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper welcomes back two friends who have helped shape the podcast’s journey: Todd Nesloney and Sarah Johnson. From Todd’s encouragement to launch the show, and his appearance as the very first guest, to Sarah’s collaboration on Aspire to Rise, this celebration brings together the friendships, laughter, and shared learning behind the microphone.

Together, they look back on their early days as campus administrators and share what they wish they had known before stepping into leadership. The conversation explores letting go of the pressure to fix every problem, navigating imposter syndrome, protecting mental health, clarifying core values, and learning to share leadership. Todd and Sarah also reflect on the quiet moments with students, staff, and families that make the hard days worth it.

Plus, Todd offers a preview of his upcoming book, More Than Enough: Breaking Free from the Lies That Tell You Otherwise. Join us for a heartfelt celebration of the people who open doors for others—and a reminder that your impact matters, regardless of your title.

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• Website:https://www.toddnesloney.com/
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• Understanding student behavior and responding with intentionality
• Supporting mental health across the school community
• Building healthy habits that sustain educators and their impact

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What does it say about your leadership if everything falls apart the moment you step out of the building?

In this episode, Joshua Stamper sits down with educational leader, consultant, author, and Legacy 7 podcast host James M. Holloway to explore leadership as architecture rather than simply a position. James shares how adversity shaped his journey and why strong school leadership requires relationships, emotional regulation, and systems that do not depend on one person. Together, they discuss building plans with staff rather than for them, monitoring progress, adjusting processes, and creating accountability with grace. James also shares the experiences behind Principal Protection, practical advice for preparing for your next leadership role, and a preview of his upcoming collaboration with Joshua, The Leadership Lens.

• About James M. Holloway James M. Holloway, Ed.S., is a nationally emerging leadership voice, principal, and author of multiple books focused on building sustainable school leadership systems. As the founder of Leverage Leadership Nation, he equips leaders with practical frameworks that move beyond inspiration into execution. He is the creator of Principal Protection™, a leadership operating system designed to strengthen staff retention, stabilize school culture, and drive consistent performance. His work is grounded in real-world application, supporting leaders in developing systems that endure beyond moments and create long-term impact. Holloway is a sought-after speaker who has delivered leadership development experiences across school districts and organizations, including featured presentations with The Principal’s Note (Atlanta, GA), the South Fulton Scholarship Student-Athlete Luncheon, and multiple engagements throughout DeKalb County School District. Through his writing, speaking, and leadership, he is committed to helping educators build systems that sustain excellence, empower teams, and transform school communities. Follow James M HollowayLinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/james-m-holloway-6858aa3b0
• Website: https://leverageleadershipnation.com/
• https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GPFBV7P3?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback&linkCode=ll2&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=a48a873728d3c625452692ce491bf537&language=en_US&gaOptInStatus=true&ref_=as_li_ss_tl — #1 New Release, "The Language of Behavior" is NOW Available! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DVT32KQ1?&linkCode=ll1&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=d18e5a44a6582a22d15ee23193af7bb8&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl 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.

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. 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/

What if compliance was not the finish line for special education services, but the starting point for providing every student with the instruction and support they deserve?

In this episode, Joshua Stamper sits down with Korenne Wolken, Director of ANW Special Education Interlocal, to explore how leaders can create stronger, more collaborative, and student-centered special education programs. Korenne shares why Specially Designed Instruction must move beyond curriculum and paperwork to address each student’s unique needs, how advocacy can influence decisions beyond a local district, and why supporting staff as individuals is essential to building morale and improving outcomes for students.

• Website:www.anwcoop.com 
• Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/anwspecialeducationinterlocal603 
• Email: [email protected]

What changes when you stop waiting to feel motivated and start showing up with discipline, purpose, and presence?

In this episode, Joshua Stamper is joined by speaker, coach, entrepreneur, endurance athlete, and leadership strategist Ronnel Blackman. Ronnel shares the P.R.E.S.E.N.C.E. framework, a practical approach to helping leaders show up more intentionally in their professional and personal lives.

Ronnel explains why discipline is more reliable than motivation, especially when leaders are tired, stressed, distracted, or managing competing responsibilities. He also shares why effective communication begins with listening, emotional awareness, clarity, and a willingness to receive feedback that helps us grow.

This conversation explores how leaders can build stronger systems, keep promises to themselves, create meaningful relationships, and lead in a way that makes others feel seen, heard, and energized. Ronnel also breaks down the eight elements of P.R.E.S.E.N.C.E., including physical discipline, resilience, effective communication, self-image, energy, environment, community, execution, and elevated purpose.

• Twitter:https://twitter.com/jeffgargas
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What would shift in your leadership if you treated every interaction, observation, and moment of reflection as an opportunity to help someone grow?

In this episode, Joshua Stamper welcomes back district leader, author, speaker, and educator Lauren Kaufman. Lauren shares how her journey from classroom teacher and literacy specialist to instructional coach, assistant principal, and district leader has been shaped by mentorship, intentional reflection, and a deep commitment to keeping students at the center of every decision.

Lauren explains why people remember leaders who make them feel seen, listened to, and valued beyond their job title. She also shares the story behind her latest blog, “Mentorship Travels,” and reflects on the lasting impact that small, intentional acts can have on the educators we serve.

The conversation also explores how leaders can transform classroom observations into collaborative professional learning experiences. Lauren offers practical ways to reduce teacher anxiety, provide immediate and meaningful feedback, identify high-leverage learning goals, and share effective practices across a school community.

• Website:LaurenMKaufman.com
• Twitter:@Lau7210
• Instagram:laurenmkaufman
• Facebook:Lauren M. Kaufman

What if the challenges your child is having with homework, time management, organization, or emotional regulation are not about a lack of effort, but about skills that can be built?

In this bonus episode, Joshua Stamper welcomes back executive function coach and former middle and high school teacher Carrie Bonnett to discuss her upcoming free audio event, Get the Brain on Board. Designed for parents and educators of school-age children, this event offers practical, on-the-go support for understanding executive function and choosing strategies that meet kids where they are.

Carrie shares why executive function skills matter far beyond the classroom. From planning and organization to problem-solving, emotional regulation, effort management, and navigating the transition to college, these skills help young people manage the important parts of daily life.

The event runs September 14 through 18 and includes 18 audio conversations with experts in executive function, emotional regulation, school communication, time management, and supporting older teens and young adults. Listeners can access the full event free in their podcast app and choose the sessions that best fit the challenges their family, classroom, or school community is facing.

Sign Up for FREE: https://www.carriebonnett.com/summit

About Carrie Bonnett:

Carrie Bonnett is a veteran teacher, lifelong list-maker, and Executive Function coach based in Bend, Oregon. She works with students and families around the country using a practical, no-shame, brain-first approach that empowers students to thrive, helps parents and teachers better support them, and gives adults tools to stay on top of all that life requires.

In addition to coaching, Carrie creates digital resources—including her signature course Get the Brain on Board and a series of No-Shame Guides for Parents—and provides brain-based workshops and trainings for parents, teachers, and other professionals. She is also an adjunct instructor at the University of Portland, where she supports early-career teachers.

Follow Carrie Bonnett

• Website: www.carriebonnett.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachcarriebonnett/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachcarriebonnett
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-bonnett
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@carriebonnett