Ever wonder what the music industry and education have in common? This week, we sit down with Jeff Gargas, the COO and co-founder of the Teach Better Team, whose career path started in a very different world. Jeff shares his incredible journey from running a record label and managing bands to partnering with his former drummer, Chad Ostrowski, to launch an educational movement.
In this conversation, we unpack the core philosophy of "Teach Better"—the idea that progress isn't about perfection, but about getting a little better every day. Jeff gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how he supports teacher-entrepreneurs in his "Edu-Creator" mastermind, discusses the biggest challenges facing educators today (including AI and burnout), and tells the wild, inspiring story of landing their first major contract and taking a massive leap of faith.
Whether you're a new teacher looking for encouragement or a veteran educator seeking to reignite your passion, you'll walk away with actionable ideas and a renewed sense of purpose.
Jeff Gargas is the COO and co-founder of the Teach Better Team, an organization dedicated to empowering educators and transforming classrooms. He is the co-author of the book
Teach Better, which shares strategies and stories to inspire educators. Before becoming a leader in professional development, Jeff came from the music industry, bringing a creative and entrepreneurial mindset to his work. His passion lies in helping teachers build confidence and remember that teaching better is about the journey of daily improvement.
Jeff's unconventional path from running a record label to co-founding a major educational organization with the former drummer of a band he managed.
The origin story of Teach Better, which grew from a simple idea for an e-book into a global community.
What the "Teach Better" mindset truly means: "Be better today than you were yesterday, be better tomorrow than you were today".
His work helping teacher-entrepreneurs (or "Edu-Creators") build their own businesses and brands through the Educator Club Community and mastermind group.
The common challenges facing teachers across the country, from the rapid changes brought by AI to the very real threat of teacher burnout.
Why foundational skills like critical thinking are more essential than ever for preparing students for a future that is changing faster than ever before.
Jeff's key piece of advice for brand new or overwhelmed teachers: Be patient with yourself, and know that it's okay to ask for help because you don't have to have it all figured out.
The incredible, high-stakes story of landing their first big three-year contract, which required Chad to leave the classroom with only a few months of runway before the company would run out of money.
Social Media: You can find Jeff at @JeffGargas on all social channels, except for Instagram where he is @_JeffGargas.
Email: You can email him at Jeff@teachbetter.com
Teach Better Website: teachbetter.com
Edu-Creator Community: teachcreator (EduCreator)
