Episode
376. Unlocking Social Emotional Learning with Hip Hop: Featuring David Spellmon
- Podcast
- Aspire to Lead
- Published
- Apr 11, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1948
- Processing state
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Summary
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 b…