In this episode I share a few lessons I was reminded of this school year. 

In this episode of the Teaching Champions Podcast we explore three areas that are critical to the success of the students in your classroom and critical to creating a strong school culture.

If you liked this episode be sure to tune into the X factor Level Up Your Mental Game Podcast every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-doubt-to-drive/id1778957745?i=1000704877120

As the school year hits the final stretch, it’s easy to feel tired, overwhelmed, and like your to-do list is never-ending. In this episode, Brian shares a heartfelt reminder that you matter — right where you are — and you don’t need a title to lead.

Inspired by the powerful lessons in Lead From Where You Are by Dr. Joe Sanfelippo, Brian unpacks 5 simple but powerful strategies to refuel your motivation, reconnect to your purpose, and lead with heart in these final weeks of school.

From maximizing small 30-second moments to setting your daily “My Three” goals, this episode is packed with practical ideas and encouragement to help you finish the year strong, present, and proud of the difference you’re making.

Whether you’re running on empty or just need a little spark to get through the marathon of teaching, this episode is for you.

On this episode of the Teaching Champions Podcast we dive in to a few topics that are extremely important to your personal well being and how you approach the school day. 

Be sure to checkout my other podcast X factor Level Up Your Mental Game:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/x-factor-level-up-your-mental-game/id1778957745

In this heartwarming and reflective episode of the Teaching Champions Podcast, host Brian Martin takes you inside a powerful moment of celebration at his school: the retirement of a beloved colleague. Through the lens of this special day, Brian shares five impactful lessons every educator can apply in their daily lives.

Discover the importance of celebrating others—not just during milestones, but every day. Reflect on the fleeting nature of time and the magic of being present in the “nows.” Learn why listening, caring, and having fun are the simple but profound keys to building a legacy.

Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or support staff, this episode will leave you inspired to embrace connection, gratitude, and joy in your work. Tune in for a thoughtful reminder of the ripples we create in education and the lasting impact of the legacies we leave behind.


X Factor Level Up Your Mental Game Podcast
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/x-factor-level-up-your-mental-game/id1778957745?i=1000682312642

In this episode we dive into three strategies that you can use to maintain a positive mindset throughout the school year.

Be sure to check out my newest podcast: The X Factor: Level Up Your Mental Game. The episodes come out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. They are short and meant to give you a small thought to start your day with.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-x-factor-level-up-your-mental-game/id1778957745?i=1000677067356

In this episode I share a few takeaways from the past school year. 

Today I’m joined by Natalie Poli. She’s an elementary principal, an author, a former instructional coach, and so much more. 

And in this conversation listen as Natalie discusses about not taking no for an answer, how to persevere through tough situations, and ways to develop a hustler mindset. Listen as she discusses  embracing our uniqueness, becoming a great teacher by design, having an agenda for planning time, and so much more.

Topics Covered:
1. Be your unique self because that is the best person that you can be. 

2. Know how to persevere through a tough situation. 

3. Mindset - There’s only one way. It is forward and up! 

4.  I don’t take no for an answer. No challenge is too big. No barrier is to tall. 

5. Kids need to know that the environment they’re in is positive and supportive.

6. Embrace whatever uniqueness they bring to us.

7. We want the students to have the ability to ask questions of one another.

8.   Our kids need to know that everyone in our buildings care about them. 

9. We need to embody what we want others to be. 

10. We want great teachers by design, not by chance.

11. Understand what initiative we are driving towards. 

12. It’s ok when things don’t go ok instructionally. 

13.  Have an agenda for planning time. What are we focusing on? Are we making sure everyone’s voices are heard. What’s our time commitment. How are they going to function on effectively?

14. Recognize past experiences help create tools and skills. 

15.  Everyone makes parenting special in their own way.

16. How do we capitalize on the situation?

17. Podcast: Elaina Aguilar - Bright Morning Podcast and Unsupervised Leadership Podcast

22. It’s not about having a bucket list. It’s about having drive, determination. Perseverance. 

23. What’s meant for you will not miss you. 

24. Go do it!

25. Be bold. Be brave. Be you! 

Connect with Natalie:
X: @NataliePoliU46

Natalie’s Book;
https://www.amazon.com/Sparkles-Special-Adventures-Friends-Collection/dp/B0CWKWBB85/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=1WCRHGRI72JA5&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.3FJS6YopMaoWRWrEhikowCsLIDOprX2DNJpX3RYZ7hc6gFfBdDm2P2_bi5Em8fO5pvJ0U9Qz7_QKq6vbvvJ3HQ.0AutoBvF7jbRrvHoaQPCKR-_PcG0mlYtsRqQ-FcmNnk&dib_tag=se&keywords=sassy+sparkles+her+special+heart&qid=1719111135&sprefix=sassy+sparkles%2Caps%2C112&sr=8-1

Today I’m joined by LaVonna Roth – she is a former educator, an author, speaker, consultant, and founder of IGNITE your SHINE. And in this episode listen as LaVonna talks about ways to create confidence, the power of being vulnerable, what it means to fear less, why we shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help from those around us, ways to amplimfy our SHINE and so much more. 

Connect with LaVonna:
https://www.igniteyourshine.com/leadership/

Instagram: @igniteyourshinenow

Facebook: Ignite Your Shine

On Demand Educators Virtual Bash:
https://rfvbash.com/

This week on the podcast we dive into three strategies that we can use to stay positive and be more optimistic.