Aspire to Lead

What does it take to truly engage a middle schooler, build a classroom where every student feels like they belong, and sustain yourself as a leader for the long haul? In this second bonus episode recorded live at the NCMLE Moving the Middle Forward Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, Joshua Stamper brings you three more energizing conversations straight from the conference floor, sponsored by New Horizons Global. First, Joshua sits down with educator, speaker, and author Katie Powell to talk about her two books, Boredom Busters and Frustration Busters, and the powerful message from her conference sessions on why lack of motivation is not a behavior problem. Katie unpacks the psychology behind task avoidance and work resistance, shares why empowering students with agency and classroom jobs can transform the culture of a room, and explains how teachers can build engagement strategies that honor both student needs and their own frustration in the process. Next, Joshua connects with the high energy Ronell Blackman, speaker, MC, and community builder, who talks about his work on the power of presence, why showing up fully wherever you are is the foundation for growth, consistency, and confidence, and how small steps forward change everything in education and in life. Rounding out the episode is a returning Aspire to Lead guest, Illinois school leader, author, and speaker Charles Williams, who shares his framework for sustainable leadership built around clarity, capacity, and care, and his evolving work on belonging and what it actually means to create the conditions for every student and staff member to feel genuinely included. All three guests are returning to NCMLE because of one reason: community. And this episode captures exactly why. If you want professional development that makes an impact from day one, visit newhorizonseducation.net and click on Educational Speakers. About Katie Powell Katie Powell is the Director for Middle Level Programs for AMLE and author of the books Boredom Busters and Frustration Busters. As part of her role with AMLE, Katie works closely with schools, districts, and affiliate organizations through the Successful Middle School book study, assessment, and Schools of Distinction programs as well as providing professional development and coaching on a variety of middle grades topics. Follow Katie Powell Website: www.teachbeyondthedesk.comTwitter (X): @beyond_the_deskInstagram: @teach_beyond_the_deskLinkedin: katiepowellbeyondthedesk About Ronnel Blackmon Originally from Akron, Ohio, and currently living in Atlanta, Georgia, he’s been modeling for over 20 years, married for over 18 years, a father for over 10 years, and in business with his wife, Tinika Blackmon (CFO), for over 13 years. They have traveled to over 180 cities modeling with the Ebony Fashion Fair and many other Class A clients. He has emceed live events, fundraising events, and facilitated corporate events across the country. Ronnel has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and a Master’s Degree in Psychology with a focus on Industrial Organization. He's valued as a fitness influencer and has received a host of certifications including, personal and executive life coaching. Ronnel has a passion for fatherhood, being a husband, a businessman, motivating others through life and fitness, educating communities, and being the connector of people looking to further their dreams and visions. His diverse hobbies include sports, manly conversations, and trying something new. The vision that Ronnel has is robust, but with the help of others he believes that the future is bright for so many, and with exposure to more than what surrounds you brings vision, goals, and a desire for success. Help us build a community through conversations by following all of our projects and those we collaborate with. Follow Ronnel Blackmon Website:https://www.ronnelblackmon.com About Charles Willaims Charles Williams has been an educator for more than 15 years serving as a teacher, a mentor/lead teacher, an assistant principal, and a principal for urban students in grades K-12. He also serves as an equity advocate through his work with Great Expectations Mentoring, Chicago Public School's Office of Equity, and The City of Chicago's Equity Office. Charles is the host of The Counter Narrative Podcast, a show designed to challenge the dominant narrative that often negatively portrays our disenfranchised populations. He is also the co-host of Inside the Principal's Office, a bi-monthly show featuring educational leaders from around the world. After presenting at numerous events including nationwide conferences, educational workshops, and fundraising events, Charles decided to launch CW Consulting - an organization committed to delivering personalized keynotes, workshops, and consulting services focused on helping institutions to unlock their potential and delivering results. Follow Charles Williams: Links: https://linktr.ee/_cwconsulting --

What does it look like when a third grade STEM teacher from Houston uses comedy, creativity, and storytelling to pull back the curtain on the real life of an educator and build a community that refuses to feel alone? In this episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper sits down with educator, podcaster, and doctoral student Brandon Jenkins to talk about the power of authentic storytelling in education and why laughter might be one of the most underrated tools in our profession. Brandon shares how social media became a lifeline for connection in a career that can feel deeply isolating, and how his comedic content gives educators permission to laugh at the hard stuff while sparking real conversations with people outside of education who had no idea what teachers actually face every day. He also unpacks why representation in schools goes far beyond skin tone and covers zip code, access to programs, arts, technology, and the profound impact of seeing yourself reflected in the adults who show up for you. The conversation goes deeper as Brandon shares his doctoral research on trust within Black and Brown communities in education, the inspiration behind his podcast Teaching in Color now in its third season, and a simple but powerful leadership challenge to sit down, grab a journal, and write your own story before someone else writes it for you. About Brandon Jenkins Brandon Jenkins is a 3rd grade Math and Science teacher in Houston, Texas and the creator of the Teaching in Color podcast, a platform dedicated to amplifying diverse voices and perspectives in education. As an educator, Brandon is passionate about creating engaging learning environments that empower students and highlight the cultural experiences that shape how communities interact with schools. Beyond the classroom, Brandon is a nationally recognized education content creator known for his humorous and insightful takes on teacher life, education policy, and classroom culture. Through his social media platform @allabout.brandon, he has built a large community of educators by blending storytelling, satire, and honest conversations about the realities of teaching. Brandon is also pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, where his research focuses on how families from historically underserved communities perceive and engage with the education system. Through his teaching, scholarship, and digital storytelling, he works to reimagine a more equitable and culturally responsive future for education. Follow Brandon Jenkins Facebook: Allabout.brandon YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@allabout.brandon Teaching in Color Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teaching-in-color/id1753541231 -- NEW Aspire to Lead Cohort: Join the April 1st Launch Ready to move from teacher to administrator? The Aspire to Lead Cohort is a monthly leadership program designed for educators pursuing administrative roles. Get expert training, peer accountability, interview prep, and a clear roadmap to advance your career. December 1st cohort launching soon. Limited spots available. READY TO JOIN? Apply for the Aspire to Lead Cohort: https://bit.ly/47xWzIu Limited spots available. Next cohort starts 4/1/26 📧 QUESTIONS? Email me: [email protected] — #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 Stampe

What does it look and feel like to be surrounded by 400 passionate middle level educators for three days straight? In this first bonus episode recorded live at the NCMLE Moving the Middle Forward Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, Joshua Stamper brings you three powerful conversations straight from the conference floor, sponsored by New Horizons Global.​ First, Joshua sits down with resilience researcher, speaker, and author Julie Hasson, who shares her message from her presentation "Recharge Your School Culture" and the simple, practical tools educators can weave into their school day to reduce stress, build individual resilience, and leave school with enough energy to actually have a life outside of it.​ Next, Joshua talks with Brad Waid, founder of New Horizons Global, former third grade teacher, and passionate advocate for AI and Industry 4.0 in education. Brad breaks down what skills students will need for a workforce that is changing faster than most schools can keep up with, and why educators are more important than ever in helping young people find their place in it.​ The series wraps up with a conversation with the man who built this incredible community, NCMLE Conference Director David James. David shares how he has grown the conference from a post-COVID rebuild to a 400 plus educator gathering that brings together the best voices in middle level education from across the country, and previews what is coming in 2027.​ If you want professional development that makes an impact from day one for your school, district, conference, or organization, visit newhorizonseducation.net and click on Educational Speakers About Dr. Julie Schmidt Hasson: Dr. Julie Schmidt Hasson is an Associate Professor in School Administration at Appalachian State University and the founder of the Teacher Recharge project. Julie’s research on teacher resilience, engagement, and impact is the heart of her keynotes, training programs, and her TEDx Talk, The Teachers We Remember. Julie is the author of four books, including Pause, Ponder, and Persist in the Classroom. Julie is a former classroom teacher and school principal, now on a mission to help educators stay longer, grow stronger, and keep making an impact. Follow Dr. Julie Schmidt Hasson Website:teacherrecharge.comTwitter (X): @julieshassonInstagram: @julieshassonFacebook: Julie Schmidt HassonLinkedin: Julie Schmidt HassonYouTube: Julie Schmidt Hasson https://www.amazon.com/Safe-Seen-Stretched-Classroom-Remarkable/dp/0367634643?&linkCode=ll2&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=2bbea57e9b54f526fbba6976c820ed1f&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl About Brad Waid: Brad is an Award winning Emerging Technology Leader, International Keynote Speaker, Futurist, Educator, Visionary, and Author specializing in AR/VR/XR, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence and Industry 4.0. He is tabbed as one of the top 20 Global Futurist & Keynote Speakers by TAFFD (Transdisciplinary Agora for Future Discussions), recognized as the #14 influencer world-wide in Augmented Reality by Onalytica as well as being recognized as one of the “20 to Watch” by the National School Board Association. Follow Brad Waid Website:www.bradwaid.comTwitter (X): @techbradwaidInstagram: @techbradwaidFacebook: Brad WaidLinkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-waid-21187593/YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@bradwaid3790Other:www.newhorizonsglobal.net https://www.amazon.com/Racing-Future-Industry-Business-Education/dp/B0FPG6ZSYC?crid=2WQ7FZH03GKPL&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Nk30rAQk9p1cM4CPc-x8jdIM5o2io9g9PwurvJJOrz9tLU0dbnrdNibRvFp_ADjdh-5W8oTYn2x7K5GpJ0ISjm7mpwvzLGFOY07BhUr1lA9bbz4mwWhxSSncpKvdhAdm9IVne5LMKBi5VC5Dg-KBM5kAe_E8nBMB4gr2OIOIBxEUDPtr7oKISQ8FgvlEETgamIqcnXWbgi1hhLwP3ND-l1E2NBUN9GWFhek7qaY2cfo.XZKl7uL0tkzLkloMAGZufgbOD5Hj6Bmlo108mkWxD0g&dib_tag=se&keywords=brad+waid+book&qid=1774577229&s=books&sprefix=brad+waid+book%2Cstripbooks%2C185&sr=1-1-catcorr&linkCode=ll2&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=39e5f0693af6a9e51615929b42dbb837&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl About David James David is an 18 year veteran of K - 12 education. He started his teaching journey as a graduate of Ohio University in 2007. After moving to North Carolina in the fall of 2011, David became part of the inaugural teaching staff at the award winning Harold E. Winkler Middle School, a 6-8 International Baccalaureate school located in Concord, NC, 15 miles north of Charlotte. David currently serves in multiple teacher-leadership capacities at HWMS. As an English/Language Arts and Social Studies Teacher, Lead Mentor of the school’s highly successful beginning teacher mentoring program, School Leadership Team representative, and 7th grade level chair, David leans on his experience and enthusiasm in the classroom to influence kids, teachers, and parents in hopes of having a positive impact on student achievement. His student-first mindset in the classroom leading to positive results both academic