NCMLE Bonus: Resilience, AI, and Community with Julie Hasson, Brad Waid, and David James
From Aspire to Lead by Joshua Stamper
March 27, 2026 · 16 min
About this episode
This episode features conversations with educators about resilience, AI, and community building at the NCMLE conference.
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…
People in this episode
Host: Joshua Stamper
Guests: Julie Hasson, Brad Waid, David James
Topics covered
- resilience
- AI in education
- community building
- professional development
- middle level education
Keywords
- resilience
- AI
- education
- professional development
- middle level educators
- school culture
- community
Sponsors
New Horizons Global
Mentioned in this episode
Places: Charlotte, North Carolina
More episodes of Aspire to Lead
- 384. Keeping Great Educators in the Profession: Featuring Brad Gaynor · June 7, 2026 · 28 min
- 383. Increasing Student Engagement with Purposeful Instruction: Featuring Megan Diede · May 31, 2026 · 23 min
- BONUS: The EQ Impact with Charle Peck · May 27, 2026 · 17 min
- 382: Teacher Essentials for Classroom and Career Success: Featuring Gretchen Bridgers · May 24, 2026 · 28 min
- 381. Leading With Hope When the Pressure Is Heavy: Featuring Dr. Brandi Kelly · May 17, 2026 · 29 min
- 380. Every Student Needs a Chance to Win: Featuring James O’Neal Jr. · May 9, 2026 · 29 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Aspire to Lead podcast page.