Aspire to Lead

Tackling Cognitive Overload and Working Memory: Featuring Mitch Weathers


Listen Later

What if the key to classroom behavior isn’t discipline—but cognitive clarity?

In this mind-shifting episode of Aspire to Lead, Mitch Weathers, author of Executive Functions for Every Classroom and creator of Organized Binder, joins us to unpack the real impact of cognitive overload and working memory on student behavior. We explore how executive functioning isn’t just a set of skills—it’s the backbone of a thriving learning environment.

Mitch breaks down practical strategies that help educators reduce chaos, boost student focus, and build routines that make better behavior the natural outcome of smarter systems.

If you're ready to ditch reactionary discipline and lean into structure, mindset, and clarity—this episode is your blueprint.

About Mitch Weathers:
Mitch became a gifted teacher because he was a mediocre student.
Mitch rarely felt comfortable in the classroom. In fact, it took him 7 years for him to graduate from college.
Choosing to become a teacher, Mitch was fortunate enough to experience school as if it was happening all around him. He was unsure how to jump into his learning with confidence. There is a loneliness to experiencing your education as a passive object as opposed to an active subject.
From the moment he entered the classroom Mitch relied on his personal experiences as a learner. He recognized that what we teach, the content or curriculum, is secondary. We must first lay the foundation for learning before we can get to teaching.
Mitch designed Organized Binder to empower teachers with a simple but research-backed strategy to teach students executive functioning skills while protecting the time needed for content instruction. The secret is found in establishing a predictable learning routine that serves to foster safer learning spaces. When students get practice with executive functions by virtue we set them up for success.
Follow Mitch Weathers:
  • Website: www.organizedbinder.com
  • Twitter: https://twitter.com/organizedbinder
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/organizedbinder/
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/organizedbinder
  • Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchweathers/
  • Vimeo OB showcase: https://vimeo.com/showcase/8775721

  •  
    Tired of the same old PD that leaves you inspired but still stuck?
    What if one night could shift everything?
    VIBEEDU: Educators Defining Unity
    A one-night revolution — no fluff, no empty inspiration. Just bold ideas, real strategies, and lasting change.
    August 1st, 2025 | 5–9 PM | ARTIC, Anaheim, CA
    Join authors, educational leaders, neuropsychologists, and advocates for powerful conversations that challenge the status quo.
    Designed for district leaders, principals, teachers, and parents of neurodivergent students ready to lead with intention and take action.
    Learn More and Register HERE: https://www.teachinginsideout.com/vibe-edu
    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.
    1. A boost of energy
    2. Healthy Ingredients
    3. Easy to drink throughout the day

    4. EXCITING OFFER!
      Try Magic Mind for up to 49% off: https://www.magicmind.com/ATLMM20
      Use my code ATLMM20 in the checkout
      **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 Joshua Stamper  for presentations on Restorative Practices, Leadership Development, and Innovative campus systems.
      Watch my session on Trauma Informed, restorative and social emotional practices at www.teachsummit.com/stamper
      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.
      ...more
      View all episodesView all episodes
      Download on the App Store

      Aspire to LeadBy Joshua Stamper

      • 4.9
      • 4.9
      • 4.9
      • 4.9
      • 4.9

      4.9

      56 ratings


      More shows like Aspire to Lead

      View all
      This American Life by This American Life

      This American Life

      90,931 Listeners

      Andy Stanley Leadership Podcast by Andy Stanley

      Andy Stanley Leadership Podcast

      2,268 Listeners

      Angela Watson's Truth for Teachers by Angela Watson

      Angela Watson's Truth for Teachers

      1,247 Listeners

      The Harvard EdCast by Harvard Graduate School of Education

      The Harvard EdCast

      86 Listeners

      Principal Matters: The School Leader's Podcast with William D. Parker by Principal Matters: The School Leader's Podcast with William D. Parker

      Principal Matters: The School Leader's Podcast with William D. Parker

      125 Listeners

      Principal Center Radio by Justin Baeder

      Principal Center Radio

      62 Listeners

      Throughline by NPR

      Throughline

      16,335 Listeners

      Teaching Middle School ELA by Caitlin Mitchell

      Teaching Middle School ELA

      311 Listeners

      The Balance, by Dr. Catlin Tucker by catlinthebalance

      The Balance, by Dr. Catlin Tucker

      65 Listeners

      SmartLess by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, Will Arnett

      SmartLess

      57,911 Listeners

      Stellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers by Sara Marye, Literacy Teacher, Elementary Teacher

      Stellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers

      204 Listeners

      The Mel Robbins Podcast by Mel Robbins

      The Mel Robbins Podcast

      19,641 Listeners

      The Interview Chair by Jimmy Casas

      The Interview Chair

      39 Listeners