376. Unlocking Social Emotional Learning with Hip Hop: Featuring David Spellmon

What if the key to unlocking social emotional learning for your students has been playing in their earbuds all along? In this episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper sits down with David Spellman, also known as the Positive Archer, an unorthodox educator who built a unique book and curriculum called Just Like Music: Social Emotional Learning Inspired by Hip Hop after years of recognizing a deep disconnect between the SEL strategies schools were using and the students they were trying to reach. David unpacks the powerful connection between the five elements of hip hop and the core competencies of social emotional learning, walking through how his curriculum uses hip hop lyrics from artists like Common, Jay Electronica, and A Tribe Called Quest to teach self-awareness, relationship skills, reading comprehension, and so much more. Each chapter of the curriculum is structured as a workshop built around a city, an artist, a lyric, and activities that bring SEL to life in a culturally responsive and deeply engaging way. The conversation also explores how school leaders and teachers can push back against the stigma of using hip hop in the classroom, why culturally responsive teaching is a foundation for student success, and how David's two powerful action steps for aspiring leaders can transform the way you show up for your school community. About David Spellmon David Spellmon is an experienced Behavioral Specialist with a demonstrated history of working in the primary/secondary education industry. He is a fellow for the National Fellowship for Black and Latino Male Educators. He is also the CEO and Founder of Positive Archer Solutions, an educational consulting firm that specializes in Culturally Responsive Social Emotional Learning, building Positive School Culture, and boosting up the Social Capital of students. Follow David Spellmon Website: https://positivearchersolutions.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjappiLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-spellmon https://www.amazon.com/Just-Like-Music-Emotional-Learning/dp/1734923709?&amp;linkCode=ll2&amp;tag=aspirewebsite-20&amp;linkId=1c034c2166f0bde96bf289682cc63220&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl — #1 New Release, "The Language of Behavior" is NOW Available! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DVT32KQ1?&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=aspirewebsite-20&amp;linkId=d18e5a44a6582a22d15ee23193af7bb8&amp;language=en_US&amp;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:<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AspirePodcast" target="_bla