In this week’s Aspire to lead episode, Dave Schmittou discusses ways to confront your own thinking and how to challenge the status quo. But the aim of our conversation is not to provide a step-by-step, one size fits all solution. Instead, the goal is to create a spark that inspires you to engage in difficult conversations. In this episode, we discuss:

• Why an “open door policy” doesn’t work
• Ways to push past the fear of uncomfortable situations
• And his new book, Poking the Bear

About Dave Schmittou:

As an educator for more than two decades, Dave has earned a reputation for being a disruptor of the status quo, an innovator, and a change agent. Having served as a classroom teacher, school-based administrator, central office director, and professor of Educational Leadership, he often uses real-life stories and examples of his own life and career to describe why and how we need to confront “the way we have always done it.” He is now the Director of Leadership and Development with the Teach Better Team where he speaks, consults, and partners with districts around the country.  He has written multiple books, including “It’s Like Riding a Bike: How to make learning last a lifetime”,  “Bold Humility”,  “Making Assessment Work for Educators Who Hate Data but Love Kids”, and “Poking the Bear”. Follow Dave Schmittou:

• Website: https://schmittou.net 
• Twitter: @daveschmittou
• Instagram: @daveschmittou
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LastingLearning1
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-schmittou-90022a41 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKwwjU4R1TYyRZfQ2VjY5JQ 
• Podcast: The Lasting Learning Podcast
• Phone Number: (734) 377-3457 

https://www.amazon.com/Poking-Bear-engaging-conversations-matter/dp/1959347004?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1683941974&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=06ca461b93d74ee81b5ad57d4bb12400&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl   Official Sponsor of the Aspire to Lead Podcast! As a passionate coffee drinker, I am always looking for the best cup of premium coffee. Once Leslie and I tasted Papa Rob's Coffee, we instantly fell in love with the flavor of the Espresso Special Blend. Papa Rob's Coffee is the only coffee we drink and I'm proud to have them as the exclusive sponsor of the podcast! [caption id="attachment_4053" align="alignnone" width="720"] Papa Rob's Coffee, Joshua Stamper, Aspire to Lead[/caption] Papa Rob's Roasting Company was started to pass on the love for premium coffee that is as fresh as it is delicious! Rob sources only the finest green coffee beans from around the world and then roasts them to perfection upon order in small batches, so that they will always be at their peak flavor and freshness. One taste and you will experience the difference! Make sure you use the coupon code "Aspire15" to save 15% off your order!

https://paparobscoffee.com/ 

  Supporting the Podcast! Have you ever thought about supporting the Aspire to Lead podcast? For just $5 a month, you can help me continue to create and produce valuable content for aspiring leaders in education. I understand that everyone has their own preferences and budgets, so if $5 a month isn't feasible for you, no worries! The podcast will always be available to listen to for free. However, if you do find value in the podcast and can afford to contribute, your support would mean the world to me. By becoming a patron, you're enabling me to continue doing what I love and providing you with quality content. Thank you for considering supporting the Aspire to Lead podcast on Patreon. Your contribution, no matter how small, is greatly appreciated https://patreon.com/AspiretoLead   

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!

[caption id="attachment_4030" align="alignnone" width="1024"] FireBird Speak Up Radio Book Award Winner, Joshua Stamper, Aspire to Lead[/caption] 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. [caption id="attachment_3022" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Teach Better Podcast Network, Aspire: The Leadership Development Podcast[/caption] 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.