In this episode of Coaching Conversations, I had the pleasure of connecting with Mark Verde, a deeply thoughtful and incredibly experienced primary school teacher from Patana, a British international school in Bangkok. With more than 30 years in education under his belt, Mark opened up about his journey into instructional coaching and how it’s transformed not only his teaching but the learning experiences of his students as well.

Our conversation dove into some real, powerful stories from the field—including one especially meaningful coaching experience he had with a colleague named Pim. That story in particular really brought to life the impact that authentic, collaborative growth can have in a school setting.

Throughout our talk, we kept coming back to the same core idea: coaching relationships thrive on strong communication, mutual trust, and genuine respect. It was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when partnerships are built on those foundations.

If you're curious about what it looks like to walk the path of coaching—from the Intensive Instructional Coaching Institute, through The Impact Cycle, Introduction to Leadership Coaching, and 1:1 Impact Coaching—you'll want to tune in to hear Mark’s journey firsthand.

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In this episode, I’m joined by Tim Dohrer and Tom Golebiewski for a powerful conversation about something that matters deeply in education today: mental health. Tim and Tom—who co-authored The Schools We Need Now—share their insights on how schools can create environments where everyone, students and educators alike, feel safe, supported, and connected.

We talk about the importance of trust in relationships, and why we can’t separate learning from well-being. Academic success doesn’t happen in isolation—it’s tied to the emotional, social, and even physical well-being of our students. That’s why we explore practical, proactive strategies to support mental health, including building strong community partnerships and weaving mindfulness into the fabric of school life.

This isn’t just about reacting to challenges—it’s about reimagining schools as places where humans flourish. If we want thriving classrooms, we have to prioritize mental health as a foundational part of learning.

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Learn more about Consulting:

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/instructional-coaching-program/

Learn more about the Impact Cycle workshop:

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/the-impact-cycle/

Join me and Jessica Wise as we discuss the pivotal concept of "contracting" within instructional coaching. Contracting is that crucial initial dialogue where we lay the groundwork for our coaching relationship, setting clear expectations and defining our roles. 

In this episode, Jessica and I walk through a comprehensive checklist for effective contracting. We underscore its vital role in nurturing trust and fostering collaboration.

We also share our thoughts on maintaining confidentiality, the power of silence, and the importance of being adaptable during coaching sessions. This episode is packed with practical strategies designed to help coaches refine their practice and cultivate strong, trusting relationships with the educators they support.

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Learn more at:

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Download the Contracting Checklist:

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Contracting-Checklist-Handout_2025-1.pdf

This week I have the opportunity to sit down with TLC 2025 keynote speaker Juliana Urtubey, the 2021 National Teacher of the Year, to explore what it really means to create schools where joy and justice aren’t just ideas — they’re lived experiences.

Juliana’s story is compelling. As a bilingual, first-generation immigrant, her journey into education has been deeply personal, and that lived experience shows up in every part of her practice.

Throughout our conversation, Juliana talks about how her background has shaped not only how she teaches, but why she teaches. She emphasizes the central role of community and reflection — two elements we know are foundational for authentic learning and growth. Her "Choice and Just Framework" is all about reimagining the classroom as a space for collaboration rather than compliance, where students are seen, heard, and valued.

What I found especially powerful is Juliana’s unwavering belief that classrooms can be places of both rigor and joy — that justice and belonging aren’t add-ons, but essential. 

If you’re an educator looking to build inclusive, affirming environments where every student’s strengths are honored, this conversation offers not just inspiration, but real insights you can act on.

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Learn more about TLC 2025:

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Learn more about the Virtual Institute:

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In this episode of Coaching Conversations, I sit down with instructional coach Meg Groseclose as she shares her journey into coaching and her work with Rachel, a third-year teacher. Together, they embarked on a coaching cycle focused on improving student engagement and achievement. Starting with a baseline of 64% comprehension, they set an ambitious goal of 90%. Through strategies like cooperative learning and data-driven adjustments, they made remarkable progress, reaching 88% comprehension. 

This conversation highlights the power of collaboration, adaptability, and data in instructional coaching. It’s a perfect example of how coaching can drive real, meaningful change in both teaching and student outcomes.

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Learn more about Using AI in Instructional Coaching: Best Practices & Tools

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/using-ai-in-instructional-coaching-best-practices-tools/

This week I had the pleasure of speaking with Ammie Franklin and Jade West from Salesian College in Sunbury, Melbourne. We had a wonderful conversation about the impact of instructional coaching and its pivotal role in enhancing educational practices. 

Ammie, the Deputy Principal for People and Culture, and Jade, the Director of Staff Learning, shared their insights on their school's coaching model. This model not only supports individualized student learning pathways but also fosters staff development.

We discussed the delicate balance between professional practice and well-being, emphasizing the importance of fostering a culture of care. Ammie and Jade highlighted how continuous improvement through reflective practices is at the heart of their approach. 

This episode truly underscores the significant impact that coaching can have on both educators and students, driving meaningful change and growth in educational settings.

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Learn more about the Instructional Coaching Done Well Roadshow:

https://shorturl.at/UAFap

In this episode of Coaching Conversations, I sit down with TLC 2025 Keynote presenters Dr. Christian van Nieuwerburgh and Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener to explore the power of radical listening. We discuss how an intentional, empathetic approach to listening can strengthen both personal and coaching relationships. Christian and Robert share key strategies—such as acknowledgment, intentionality, and thoughtful interjection—that help speakers feel truly seen, valued, and heard. We also examine the importance of creating an environment that fosters deep listening. Ultimately, this conversation highlights how radical listening not only enhances communication but also builds stronger connections and contributes to a more compassionate world.

Radical Listening Model

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/RL-Model.pdf

Dr. Christian van Nieuwerburgh's website:

coachonamotorcycle.com

Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener's website:

http://www.robertdiener.com/

Author of Positive Provocation: 25 Questions to Elevate Your Coaching Practice

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In this episode of Coaching Conversations, Jessica Wise and I explore how instructional coaches and teachers can collaboratively engage with data to drive meaningful improvements in teaching and learning. I use the metaphor of viewing art to highlight an essential truth: data, like a painting, can be seen from multiple perspectives, and the richest insights come from exploring it together.

Throughout our conversation, we discuss why frequent data collection—beyond just standardized tests—is critical for understanding instructional effectiveness. We also examine the core elements of effective coaching: mutual respect, trust, and open, dialogical conversations that empower teachers rather than evaluate them.

Technology, when used thoughtfully, can enhance data analysis, making it easier to track progress and inform next steps. However, the key to impactful coaching lies in the way we communicate about data—providing specific, non-attributive feedback that sparks reflection and growth.

We wrap up the episode with practical strategies for fostering a coaching culture where data becomes a tool for learning rather than judgment—helping educators feel supported, challenged, and inspired to keep growing.

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Learn more about TLC here:

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Learn more about Better Conversations here:

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In this episode of Coaching Conversations, I have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Pasi Sahlberg, one of the most respected voices in educational policy and reform. Our conversation explores the evolution of Finland’s education system and the powerful lessons it holds for educators everywhere.

Dr. Sahlberg shares how Finland built an equitable education system by prioritizing trust, teacher professionalism, and autonomy. Instead of relying on high-stakes accountability, Finnish schools focus on creating calm, supportive environments where teachers can truly engage students in deep learning. We also discuss the challenges of standardized testing, the importance of student agency, and why effective teaching isn’t about theatrics—it’s about meaningful, lasting connections.

Throughout our discussion, one theme remains clear: great education is built on strong relationships. When teachers feel trusted and students feel valued, real learning happens. I hope this conversation sparks new insights for you and encourages all of us to think more deeply about how we create schools where both students and educators thrive.

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Learn more about Introduction to Leadership Coaching:

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In this episode of Coaching Conversations, I sit down with two incredible educational leaders, Art Costa and Bob Garmston. Our discussion delves into the deep connections between cognition, emotion, and action in learning—something I’ve always believed is essential for meaningful growth.

Art shares his insights on fostering resilience in students, while Bob emphasizes the importance of agency and collective efficacy in shaping strong learning communities. 

This episode is especially meaningful as we celebrate Art and Bob as recipients of the Don Deshler Leadership Award, recognizing their incredible contributions to education. At its core, our conversation reinforces the urgent need for holistic student development and learning spaces where everyone—students, teachers, and leaders—can thrive.

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Learn more about System Support: What Administrators Need to Know About Coaching: 

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