Effective leadership requires more than just strategy—it demands emotional intelligence, resilience, and the ability to navigate difficult conversations. In this episode of the Compass PD Podcast, Dr. Stephanie Brenner is joined by licensed counselor Claire Weton to discuss how educational leaders can support their staff emotionally, manage workplace challenges, and build the confidence needed for tough discussions.

Join us as we explore:
🔹 How burnout is impacting educators and what leaders can do to help
🔹 Strategies for handling negative feedback & high-pressure environments
🔹 Techniques for leaders to recharge and protect their own emotional well-being
🔹 How to foster professional growth while addressing heightened sensitivity to feedback

Whether you’re an administrator, instructional coach, or teacher leader, this episode is filled with practical, real-world strategies to help you lead with empathy and confidence.

As educators, balancing academic demands with students’ social-emotional needs can be overwhelming. In this episode of the Compass PD Podcast, Dr. Carrie Hepburn is joined by Hannah Patterson, a licensed professional counselor, to discuss trauma-informed strategies for educators.

Together, they explore how trauma affects student behavior, proactive classroom strategies, and ways to support students facing high-stress situations. Plus, Hannah shares essential tips for teacher well-being and emotional resilience, because caring for students starts with caring for yourself.

If you’ve ever felt the weight of your role as an educator, this episode is filled with practical, research-based strategies to help you create a safe learning environment while protecting your own well-being.

In this episode of the Compass PD Podcast, Dr. Carrie Hepburn welcomes back Dr. Bridgett Niedringhaus to continue the conversation on The Powerful Connection Between Teacher Empowerment and Student Achievement. Building on Episode 61, this discussion dives deeper into growth mindset, risk-taking, teacher well-being, and student-centered learning, all key components in fostering a thriving educational environment.

Dr. Niedringhaus also addresses common challenges schools face when working to empower teachers and provides practical solutions to overcome them. By prioritizing teacher support and engagement, schools can create meaningful connections between educators and students, leading to increased achievement and a stronger school community.

Join us for part two of this important series, and stay tuned for the next episode, where we’ll explore how strong teacher, student, and parent relationships fuel continued success.

A well-structured curriculum cycle can be the difference between constant reactionary changes and a sustainable, data-driven approach to improving student outcomes. In this episode of the Compass PD Podcast, Dr. Carrie Hepburn and Dr. Sherri Lorton explore the power of a curriculum cycle, how it ensures equitable education, and why it’s a crucial tool for evaluating resources like time, money, and staffing.

Join us as we break down the steps of an effective curriculum cycle, discuss how quantitative and qualitative data must work together, and share real-world examples of districts using this process to refine instruction, avoid unnecessary resource overhauls, and create stability for educators.

If your district is looking for a more innovative way to make curriculum decisions, this episode is packed with practical strategies to help you transition from overwhelmed to aligned.

Managing Change in Elementary Schools: Strategies for Success and Sustainability Webinar 02.25.25 @ 1:00 CST

In this episode of the Compass PD Podcast, Dr. Stephanie Brenner dives into practical strategies for using mid-year universal screening data to improve student learning and teacher effectiveness. From whole-group instruction and small-group differentiation to targeted interventions and planning professional development, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help educators make data-driven decisions. Learn how to analyze trends, tailor instruction, and empower both students and teachers with the tools they need to succeed.

Are you looking for effective ways to support students with disabilities in math? Join Dr. Natalie Fallert of Compass PD, along with math experts Dr. Sherri Lorton, Constance Hallemeier, and Dr. Stephanie Evans, as they break down the latest NCTM position statement and its collaboration with the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC).

In this video, you'll discover:

Strategies to ensure students with disabilities access grade-level content and high-quality instruction.
-Ways to bridge gaps between special and general education classrooms.
-Collaborative practices to foster inclusive learning environments.

Whether you're a teacher, instructional coach, or school administrator, this episode is packed with actionable insights to empower all learners and advance inclusive education. Don’t miss these proven tips for math educators!

This is part 3 of a three-part series. 

👉 Subscribe to Compass PD for more expert advice on math instruction and professional development!

Are you looking for effective ways to support students with disabilities in math? Join Dr. Natalie Fallert of Compass PD, along with math experts Dr. Sherri Lorton, Constance Hallemeier, and Dr. Stephanie Evans, as they break down the latest NCTM position statement and its collaboration with the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC).

In this video, you'll discover:

-Strategies to ensure students with disabilities access grade-level content and high-quality instruction.
-Ways to bridge gaps between special and general education classrooms.
-Collaborative practices to foster inclusive learning environments.

Whether you're a teacher, instructional coach, or school administrator, this episode is packed with actionable insights to empower all learners and advance inclusive education. Don’t miss these proven tips for math educators!

This is part 2 of a three-part series. 

👉 Subscribe to Compass PD for more expert advice on math instruction and professional development!

Are you looking for effective ways to support students with disabilities in math? Join Dr. Natalie Fallert of Compass PD, along with math experts Dr. Sherri Lorton, Constance Hallemeier, and Dr. Stephanie Evans, as they break down the latest NCTM position statement and its collaboration with the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC).

In this video, you'll discover:

-Strategies to ensure students with disabilities access grade-level content and high-quality instruction.
-Ways to bridge gaps between special and general education classrooms.
-Collaborative practices to foster inclusive learning environments.

Whether you're a teacher, instructional coach, or school administrator, this episode is packed with actionable insights to empower all learners and advance inclusive education. Don’t miss these proven tips for math educators!

This is part 1 of a three part series. 

👉 Subscribe to Compass PD for more expert advice on math instruction and professional development!

In this episode of the Compass PD Podcast, Carrie Hepburn and Dr. Stephanie Brenner discuss how the Comprehensive Standards Guides (CSGs) can help educators effectively implement the learning gained from LETRS training. As a former LETRS trainer, Dr. Brenner shares her insights on bridging the gap between professional development and classroom application.

Listeners will learn how unpacked standards, progressions, and proficiency scales can support instruction in areas like phonological awareness, phonics, and morphology. With practical strategies and actionable steps, this episode is a must-listen for educators and leaders looking to maximize the impact of LETRS training on student learning.

In this special episode of the Compass PD Podcast, Dr. Carrie Hepburn is joined by Dr. Stephanie Brenner, Dr. Sherri Lorton, and Dr. Natalie Fallert for a lively celebration of The Gift of Learning. Together, they reflect on their personal learning journeys, share their favorite professional development experiences, and offer practical strategies for overcoming the challenges of making time for growth. From book recommendations to ideas for fostering meaningful professional learning, this conversation will inspire educators and leaders to embrace the lifelong pursuit of learning.

Tune in to discover how investing in professional growth can transform your practice and ignite your passion for education!