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 -- #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 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 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. 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/
