Episode summary: Teacher observation is supposed to improve teaching and learning—but Craig Randall argues that in many schools it produces fear, limits risk-taking, and reduces growth. Craig shares the core principles of Trust-Based Observations (TBO), including strengths-based walkthroughs, reflective follow-up conversations, and the routines leaders can use to build a culture of trust and continuous improvement.

In this episode, we cover:

* Why many traditional observation systems backfire (fear vs. growth)

* The mentorship moment that shaped TBO—and the two questions that drive the model

* What a high-impact 20-minute observation looks like (and why frequency matters)

* How to run post-observation conversations that build trust and spark teacher reflection

* Common implementation mistakes and how to avoid turning TBO into another checklist

* What changes in a school when teachers feel safe taking instructional risks

Guest: Craig Randall — author and founder of Trust-Based Observations Links: Trust-Based Observations / Meet Craig

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