Discover how to navigate the complexities of instructional coaching in January with Dr. Carrie Hepburn and Dr. Stephanie Brenner as they share heartwarming tales and transformative tips. From celebrating life's milestones, such as Stephanie's sons' achievements, to addressing the challenges that coaches face, this episode is a treasure trove of insight. They peel back the layers of professional development, revealing "Empowering Coaches: A Monthly Journey to Transforming Minds and Unlocking Potential," the game-changing program tailored for educational coaches eager to enhance their craft. 

Listen in as they tackle structured data conversations vital for academic triumph and delve into the art of resetting classroom norms to align with the year's educational goals. To leave a lasting impact on a million students in the coming school year, Stephanie and Carrie share the vision for early planning and the power of collaboration among educators and stakeholders. Prepare to be encouraged and educated with purpose and passion as we journey through the second semester.

Episode 32: Maximize Coaching Effectiveness at the End of the Semester
Episode 11: Got Data? Steps to Analyzing and Planning Reading Interventions for Our Youngest Readers

Embark on a journey to reshape education as Dr. Carrie Hepburn discusses the secrets of systems thinking in educational organizations. She dissects the inner workings of a robust curriculum cycle and its critical role in aligning teaching standards with district initiatives, all to boost student achievement. Hear about the remarkable transformation of districts that have embraced this approach, and understand why keeping curricula relevant and comprehensible is the cornerstone of educational success.

She also tackles the art of monitoring student proficiency—highlighting the importance of analyzing data with a critical eye. The podcast underscores the strategic use of data and the need for professional development to align with district initiatives and expectations.

Help Compass PD reach its goal of impacting the educational journey of 1 million students in the 2023-2024 school year. Find out how you can join us in this mission by engaging with our podcast community or actively participating in the ongoing educational narrative. This episode isn't just a conversation; it's a call to action for everyone invested in the future of learning.

Helpful Episodes
Episode 20: Leading the Organization
Episode 26: Navigating the School Year with Data and Strategy
Episode 29: Mastering District Leadership-Budget Planning to Effective Communication
Episode 38: District Leaders in December
Episode 12: Is PD Planning and Curriculum Overwhelming? 

Have you ever considered the true backbone of our future lies not in technology or innovation but in the hands of those who stand at the front of the classroom? Join me, Dr. Carrie Hepburn, as I sit down with Dr. Jessica Arico of Initiative Co., exploring the critical intersection of health and wellness for educators—a group of unsung heroes whose well-being is pivotal to our society. As we share memories of our journey in the educational field—from teaching Jessica's daughter, Monica, to evolving as curriculum leaders—we reveal why self-care is not a luxury for educators but a necessity.

Dr. Arico brings to light how her health-conscious upbringing shaped and clashed with the reality within the demanding education landscape. The discussion doesn't shy away from the heavy shadow cast by COVID-19 on the mental health of educators. We delve into the findings from Dr. Arico's research with Missouri secondary educators, uncovering the subtle links between nutrition and job satisfaction. This episode is an urgent call to action, spotlighting the need for holistic health initiatives that support our educators and, by extension, nurture our future generations.

The episode doesn't just stop at identifying challenges; it offers a beacon of hope through actionable self-care strategies. We stress the monumental impact small changes in nutrition and movement can have on educators and the bright young minds they guide. The conversation rounds off with the importance of mindfulness and a holistic approach to well-being in education. For every educator out there, for anyone invested in the well-being of those shaping minds, this heartfelt discussion promises to inspire, motivate, and perhaps even transform the way we support our educators' health and happiness.

To connect with Dr. Jessica Arico, check out the The Initiative Co.

Are you ready for valuable insights from Dr. Carrie Hepburn from Compass PD? 
Imagine a world where your professional workload doesn't feel like a crushing burden! This episode focuses on the demanding duties of educators and offers a fresh perspective on maintaining a sustainable workload. Hear Dr. Hepburn's enlightening account of a curriculum team's exercise that aimed at understanding the impact of changes and expectations on elementary teachers. She emphasizes the importance of deep, multifaceted learning in a world overloaded with resources and technology. Remember, 'blue sky thinking' is not just a jargon; it's a space where your imagination runs free to dream about the future of learning. 

The episode encourages listeners to reflect during winter break, set realistic goals, and take control of different aspects of their lives.  As the year ends and winter break looms, we encourage you to catch your breath and reflect on your journey. We suggest two transformative reads - "Atomic Habits" and "The Four Disciplines of Execution" that can help shape your habits and bring clarity to your goals.

As the episode ends, we leave you with a warm wish for a restful winter break and a gentle nudge to keep the flame for education burning brightly.

Prepare to unlock the secrets of strategic planning in school districts as Dr. Carrie Hepburn and Dr. Chris Greiner delve into the importance of this fundamental process. This is no mere administrative task; strategic planning is the key to continuous improvement, driving success, and, most importantly, equipping students with the skills they need for their future. We promise you a wealth of information and insights as we tackle how "all means all" and the unique methods of supporting every student's learning pace.

Guest expert, Dr. Greiner, joins us to delve further into the planning process, simplifying the steps to developing an effective strategic plan. He shares invaluable tips on engaging the community, monitoring progress, and making necessary adjustments over time. Get ready as we unravel the mystery of how strategic planning can provide a return on investment for school districts and bring to life big dreams for staff, schools, and students. This is your opportunity to understand how strategic planning can transform your district and guarantee a brighter future for your students.

If you missed the first part of this conversation, check out Episode 34: Delving into What is Strategic Planning Pt. 1. 

Ever battled the end-of-year frenzy in your classroom? Chaos seems to have a field day with homecoming, Halloween, elections, and holidays all vying for your and your students' attention. But worry not! Join us for a transformative conversation with educators Dr. Carrie Hepburn and Dr. Natalie Fowler from Compass PD as they provide a lifeline with practical strategies to navigate this whirlwind period.

As high school teachers know, the challenge of maintaining academic focus amidst shortened bell schedules for assemblies is a tricky balancing act. We uncover the significance of incorporating mini-lessons and practice activities and the potential of implementing flipped classrooms to counteract this disruption. But don't miss out on the essential angle of sensitively maintaining inclusivity during holiday-themed lesson planning. We underline the need to prioritize core curriculum and skills even more during this period.

Let's not ignore the elephant in the room - the holiday season. It comes with its share of potential absences and difficult family situations for students. We'll arm you with proactive strategies to prepare for these. Plus, we'll share tips on making work relevant and tied to the curriculum to prevent students from falling behind. Because acknowledging and addressing the potentially harmful effects of the holiday season for some students is as crucial as academics, so, lend us your ears for this episode crammed with valuable insights and strategies to help you thrive amidst classroom disruptions during the holiday season!

Check out previous episodes with Dr. Fallert
Episode 18: Cultivating Classroom Excellence
Episode 19: Embracing Classroom Routines
Episode 24: An Innovative Approach to Enhance Student Success and Motivation
Episode 30: A Deep Dive Into Goal Setting, Monitoring, and Tracking

Curriculum, Instruction, and Professional Development Leaders, join us for a deep-dive discussion with education expert Dr. Carrie Hepburn from Compass PD as we navigate the nuances of district leadership and talk about enhancing instructional practices and curriculums in November and December. Carrie shares her insights on gathering meaningful observational data through classroom visits and Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and the significance of forging solid relationships with teachers and students.

Strategizing is critical when planning for change in curriculum, instruction, assessments, and professional learning. Carrie unravels the importance of having a plan in place and how it can potentially safeguard against disruptions.  This episode is packed with valuable insights and practical strategies that can revolutionize your approach to district leadership.

Helpful links that support this episode:
EPISODE 20: Leading the Organization Essential Skills for Curriculum and Professional Learning Leaders

EPISODE 26: Navigating the School Year with Data and Strategy

EPISODE 29: Mastering District Leadership, From Budget Planning to Effective Communication

Episode 12: Is PD Planning and Curriculum Overwhelming?

Plan Outline (example of what Carrie used in previous district)

Mastering the Art of Professional Learning: Unlocking the Five Critical Attributes for Success 

Ready to reimagine the strategic planning process in education? Join me, Dr. Carrie Hepburn, as we embark on a thought-provoking journey with the brilliant Dr. Chris Greiner, unraveling the essence of strategic planning and its impact on educational institutions. Dr. Greiner introduces us to the concept of strategic plans as promises districts make to themselves and their communities, shedding light on how this approach can transform the reactive nature of many educational districts into proactive, goal-driven entities. 

The engaging conversation takes a deeper look at the crucial role of stakeholders - including board members, teachers, community members, and volunteers - in crafting a successful plan. We underscore the necessity of comprehensive, forward-thinking plans that respect and celebrate the district's achievements. 

Compass PD supports communities in this vital work. The strategic planning process can breathe life into communities, providing valuable support to districts on their continuous improvement journey. Whether you're a district leader, school board member,  or an educator invested in strategic planning, this episode arms you with practical insights to begin the exciting process of goal setting and achievement in the educational field. So, buckle up and prepare to transform your strategic planning process with us!

Welcome to the Compass PD podcast, where we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of professional learning in education. In this episode, join Dr. Stephanie Brenner as she sits down with special guests Kelly and Chris to embark on a transformative journey in literacy education.

Tune in as Dr. Stephanie and her guests share their remarkable odyssey of reshaping phonemic awareness and phonics instruction within their district. Their story begins with a quest to elevate the content knowledge of literacy leaders in their community, setting the stage for a profound shift in how they approach teaching reading.

The heart of their journey lies in meticulously examining their existing phonics resources, which they systematically compare with evidence-based research on the foundational principles of reading. This critical analysis leads to a pivotal decision – to leverage the materials already at their disposal while constructing a new scope and sequence aligned with the science of reading.

The podcast delves into the nuts and bolts of how the literacy team tirelessly crafted daily lessons that adhere to the best practices of phonics instruction. They share the challenges they encountered along the way, emphasizing that their path was not always smooth, but every moment of effort was worth it.

Kelly and Chris candidly recount their realization that while they were working hard before, the desired results in student learning remained elusive. The turning point came when they realized it's not about the program itself; it's about harnessing evidence-based research, expanding content knowledge, and being unafraid to roll up their sleeves and get to work.

The podcast highlights the tangible outcomes of their dedication and determination: heightened expertise within their district and a curriculum that now harmonizes with the science of reading. Perhaps most inspiring of all, they achieved this transformation by making the most of the resources already available at their fingertips.

Join us in this illuminating episode of Compass PD as we explore the inspiring journey of Dr. Stephanie Brenner, Kelly, and Chris. Their story serves as a testament to the power of research-based practices, continuous learning, and the unwavering commitment to improving student outcomes in literacy education. Tune in now and chart your course for transformative professional development in education!

Ever wonder how to maximize your coaching effectiveness, especially as the semester draws to a close and the holiday season approaches? Join us for an insightful discussion with Dr. Stephanie Brenner as we navigate critical considerations for coaches. We'll discuss ways to fully utilize remaining coaching time, strategic planning for a fruitful new year, and the value of data analysis and reading interventions for young learners. 

Our conversation with Dr. Brenner spans teacher growth and reflection, exploring coaching strategies such as copycat teaching, whispering, and jigsaw teaching to empower teachers. We stress the importance of revisiting goals set at the beginning of the coaching cycle and maintaining a consistent pace and devoted intervention time. We round off our chat, focusing on the first semester's final stages and discussing the predictable hurdles that may arise in November and December. We underscore the coach's role as an emotional support pillar and the organization's backbone during these challenging times. So tune in because this episode is about setting you, the coach, up for success!