What happens when the very systems meant to support education begin driving great teachers out of the profession?
In this episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper sits down with Brad Gaynor to talk about the growing teacher retention crisis, the hidden emotional and psychological cost of teaching, and why so many good educators are leaving the profession. Brad shares insights from his leadership journey and his own experience with burnout, offering a powerful look at the pressures shaping schools today.
Together, they explore how workload, leadership pressure, parent expectations, and behavior challenges are affecting teachers and school leaders across education. Brad also discusses why resilience alone is not the answer and what leaders, teachers, and systems can do to rebuild trust, strengthen culture, and create more sustainable schools for the future.
About Brad Gaynor
Brad Gaynor is an Australian education leader, executive coach, speaker, and author with more than 35 years of leadership experience across schools and system leadership. Brad is the author of From Burnout to Breakthrough: The Leadership Reset and Not One More Teacher Lost. His work focuses on sustainable leadership, burnout prevention and recovery, leadership under pressure, organisational culture, and helping leaders thrive in complex environments without sacrificing their wellbeing. Grounded in both lived experience and evidence-informed practice, Brad speaks and writes with honesty about the hidden emotional load of leadership, while offering practical and sustainable approaches for leading well over time.
Follow Brad Gaynor
https://www.amazon.com/Burnout-Breakthrough-Leadership-Reset/dp/1041132069?crid=OPW0P6QSUO59&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.mCd_bTb9CnSZGB4qWPJ5Iwr2bI7NDWZ7BQi5DqTvx8CMIjeXCeo_RW3gx7HaX5Lq5mSsfLdfFHqyHeo7z00eOMRuIS_PlOB5BGJz5GOLWVt2Oo_O8L6glA32IbZ-uRz3kNOtoolKWTjAqUjydIsd5s3MvB4uCU_sic_GFZBlLrWpa_up8tuF4vDiqQbyw40jmVGW_UqYI0oBbFXJV9OeIp8mJ7tqT082EL2G0B97Mik.XtC4u9o6xBhgHb6PvPoymX8W8RWPcjjTWWvM7rVa_2c&dib_tag=se&keywords=From+Burnout+to+Breakthrough%3A+The+Leadership+Reset+and+Not+One+More+Teacher+Lost&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1780807092&sprefix=from+burnout+to+breakthrough+the+leadership+reset+and+not+one+more+teacher+lost+%2Caps%2C199&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll2&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=6bcab1e29a3d91c535bf93d41f0a5fb5&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
https://www.amazon.com/Not-One-More-Teacher-Lost-ebook/dp/B0GQT84TZH?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=z18Jh&content-id=amzn1.sym.f8e88413-4697-42ea-9bf7-b28eb886330d&pf_rd_p=f8e88413-4697-42ea-9bf7-b28eb886330d&pf_rd_r=147-6981761-1725338&pd_rd_wg=3DVNn&pd_rd_r=9020516c-81f0-43e0-b88b-b8f90052df7e&linkCode=ll2&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=c53fe8cbdc07c02b43a765b9a2ddea63&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
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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.
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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:
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/
