In this bonus episode, I delve into the art of collaborative coaching through the lens of personal experience and relationship-building. I discuss how the universe brings people together at the right moments, particularly highlighting my connection with Karrie Fansler and our work with her responsive coaching cycle.

I share how I have implemented the innovative eight-phase responsive coaching model developed by Karrie and her 36 Evergreen Public Schools district coaches, explaining how it can be flexibly implemented in five practical sessions.

Key topics include
➡️The importance of choice and autonomy in coaching relationships
➡️How to document and track coaching progress effectively
➡️Practical strategies for implementing coaching cycles
➡️Building trust between coaches and teachers
➡️Maintaining confidentiality while keeping administrators informed using Learning Forward's 4Ts of Confidentiality
➡️The parallel between coaching teachers and conferring with students

The episode offers valuable insights for instructional coaches, teachers, and educational leaders looking to enhance their coaching practice while keeping students at the center of their work.

Check out my episode with Karrie here!

#InstructionalCoaching #ResponsiveCoachingCycle #CoachingCycle #EDUCoach #TeacherCoaching #TeacherPD #StudentLearning #TeacherLeadership #SchoolLeadership #EDULeadership #TeacherDignity #TeacherAgency #CoachingInEducation #TeachingAndLearning #K12Education #EDUChat #CoachingConversations #TeacherSupport #InstructionalLeadership #CoachingPractice #CoachingFramework #StudentCentered #CoachingPartnership #RealityBasedCoaching #ResponsiveCoaching #TeacherInquiry #CoachingDocumentation #ClassroomReality #TeacherReflection #CoachingSparkMoments

When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.

Join me in conversation with Karrie Fansler, Learning Design Specialist with Evergreen Public Schools, as we explore her innovative eight-phase coaching cycle that transforms traditional instructional coaching. Karrie shares how her team of 36 coaches developed this dynamic framework that puts student learning at the center while honoring teacher dignity and inquiry.

Learn about each phase of the cycle - from capturing initial "sparks" of teacher interest to establishing shared classroom reality, refining focus areas, and setting intentional next steps. Karrie explains how coaches can make this cycle responsive to individual teachers' needs, whether working through a quick 15-minute conversation or engaging in deeper long-term partnerships. 

This episode offers practical strategies for instructional coaches looking to:

➡️Build stronger coaching partnerships grounded in student learning

➡️Make coaching conversations more intentional and impactful

➡️Balance structure and flexibility in coaching cycles

➡️Document and capture learning in ways that work for different teachers

➡️Center teacher agency while maintaining a clear coaching purpose

Whether you're new to instructional coaching or looking to refine your practice, this conversation provides a fresh framework for making coaching more responsive, collaborative, and focused on what matters most - student learning.

Episode Mentions: 

• Responsive Coaching Cycle (graphic)
• Evergreen Public Schools
• That Workshop Book by Sam Bennett & Sam’s Circles of Engagement
• Why Do I Have to Read This? Literacy Strategies to Engage Our Most Reluctant Students by Cris Tovani
• How to use both print and digital notebooks to organize your coaching practice by Matt Renwick
• Reggio Emilia Documentation Panels 

Get in touch with Karrie @[email protected]

#InstructionalCoaching #ResponsiveCoachingCycle #CoachingCycle #EDUCoach #TeacherCoaching #TeacherPD #StudentLearning #TeacherLeadership #SchoolLeadership #EDULeadership #TeacherDignity #TeacherAgency #CoachingInEducation #TeachingAndLearning #K12Education #EDUChat #CoachingConversations #TeacherSupport #InstructionalLeadership #CoachingPractice #CoachingFramework #StudentCentered #CoachingPartnership #RealityBasedCoaching #ResponsiveCoaching #TeacherInquiry #CoachingDocumentation #ClassroomReality #TeacherReflection #CoachingSparkMoments

When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.

In this bonus episode of Schoolutions: Coaching and Teaching Strategies, I discuss creating safe, inclusive school environments during election season. Following my interview with Ari Gerzon-Kessler, I explore how educators can lean on the strategies and writing of experts to support students and families during politically sensitive times. Drawing from various education experts and authors, I examine the importance of welcoming all perspectives while maintaining professional boundaries, processing fear productively, and fostering genuine curiosity. Rather than promoting specific political views, I urge us to consider the educator's role in facilitating thoughtful discussions and ensuring every student and caregiver feels seen, heard, and valued in school spaces.

Episode Mentions:

• Risk.Fail.Rise.: A Teacher’s Guide to Learning from Mistakes. by M. Colleen Cruz 
• Why Do I Have to Read This?: Literacy Strategies to Engage Our Most Reluctant Students by Cris Tovani
• Jess Lifshitz & November 2024 (Special Edition): A Word About Creating Safety Post-Election 2024
• Nourishing Caregiver Collaborations: Elevating Home Experiences and Classroom Practices for Collective CarebyNawal Qarooni 
• Jennifer L. Eberhardt 
• Drive by Daniel H. Pink 
• Dr. Robert Keegan and Dr. Lisa Leahy

#Education #FamilyEngagement #EducatorResources #SchoolLeadership #FETteams #TeacherPodcast #FamilyPartnerships #EquitableEducation #SchoolCommunity #TeacherResources #EdLeadership #SchoolAdmin #K12 #TeacherPD #ParentEngagement #Schoolutions #UnderrepresentedFamilies #EducationalEquity #CommunityEngagement #SchoolCulture #BetterTogether #TeachersOfInstagram #EdChat #PrincipalLife #SchoolSuccess #FamilyPartnerships #EducatorPodcast #ProfessionalDevelopment #SchoolImprovement #EquitableSchools

When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.

In this powerful episode, Ari Gerzon-Kessler shares practical strategies for creating meaningful connections between schools and underrepresented families through his innovative Families and Educators Together (FET) teams model. Drawing from his experience as a teacher, principal, and current leader of the Family Partnerships Department for Boulder Valley School District, Ari discusses:

➡️The critical difference between family involvement versus authentic partnership

➡️How to successfully launch and sustain FET teams 

➡️The importance of moving beyond traditional involvement to true collaboration

➡️Practical ways to build trust through intentional practices

➡️Creating sustainable structures for family-school partnerships

➡️Seven key strategies for promoting positive family communication

➡️Real examples of successful action projects and outcomes

➡️The value of flattening hierarchies and creating psychological safety

🌟Ari’s Book: On the Same Team: Bringing Educators and Underrepresented Families Together, won the Independent Publishers Book Awards 2024 IPPY Gold Medal for outstanding education book.

↪️Other Resources Mentioned:

• 7 Ways to Promote Positive Communication with Families
• Beyond the Bake Sale by Anne Henderson
• The Talking Points communication platform
• Ari's School-Family Partnerships Resources to Support Your Next Steps

Ari’s Bio:

Ari Gerzon-Kessler is author of On The Same Team: Bringing Educators & Underrepresented Families Together, which won the Independent Publishers Book Awards 2024 IPPY Gold Medal for outstanding education book. He is a speaker, trainer, and coach working with schools and districts committed to forging stronger school-family partnerships. Ari also leads the Family Partnerships department for the Boulder Valley School District (CO). 

🎙️New episodes release every Monday featuring research-backed coaching and teaching strategies you can apply right away to better serve the children in your care.

When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.

Join instructional coaching expert Matt Renwick as he shares practical strategies for organizing your coaching practice using print and digital notebooks. Drawing from research like the Zeigarnik effect and his extensive experience in education, Matt offers you invaluable insights on:

➡️When to use print vs. digital documentation

➡️Creating effective daily coaching logs

➡️Maintaining teacher trust while taking notes

➡️Providing meaningful post-observation feedback

➡️Managing confidentiality with administrators

➡️Building sustainable documentation systems

Whether you're a new coach struggling with note-taking or a veteran looking to streamline your practice, this episode provides concrete strategies you can implement right away. Matt shares his personal system for using both physical and digital tools to create a "second brain" that helps manage the complexity of instructional coaching.

Perfect for:

⏩Instructional Coaches

⏩Teacher Leaders

⏩Administrators

⏩Professional Learning Specialists

⏩Anyone supporting teacher growth

Don't miss this practical conversation about building effective coaching documentation practices while maintaining trust and confidentiality with teachers.

Mentions: 

• The Zeigarnik effect 
• Matt’s blog 
• Why Writing by Hand Is Better for Memory and Learning (Scientific American - February 21, 2024)
• Why writing by hand beats typing for thinking and learning (NPR - May 11, 2024)

Don’t forget to check out my last conversation with Matt, S2 E33: How to Support Educators Resistant to Change.  

Matt’s other recommended resources:

• Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen
• The Bullet Journal Method by Ryder Carroll
• BUJO U - The Bullet Journal Community 

Matt’s book and companion resources:

• Leading Like a C.O.A.C.H.: Five Strategies for Supporting Teaching and Learning (Corwin, 2022)
• Asynchronous course

When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.

In this episode of Schoolutions: Coaching and Teaching Strategies, I have an insightful discussion with education expert Michael B. Horn about the complex issue of smartphone bans in schools. Horn, a co-founder, distinguished fellow, and chairman at the Clayton Christensen Institute for Disruptive Innovation, offers a balanced perspective on this hot-button topic.

Our conversation explores:

➡️Effective strategies for implementing smartphone restrictions in schools

➡️The importance of community involvement in decision-making

➡️Potential positive uses of smartphones in educational settings

➡️The impact of smartphone use on student well-being and learning

➡️The need for nuanced, context-specific approaches rather than blanket bans

Horn advocates for empowering educators to make decisions about technology use in their classrooms rather than relying on top-down policy mandates. He also discusses the broader implications of smartphone use among young people and the role of parents in navigating this challenging landscape.

You will leave our conversation with valuable insights on how to grapple with the role of technology in education and young people's lives. You'll also come away with a more nuanced understanding of the smartphone debate and practical considerations for addressing this issue in your communities.

Send me a voice memo or email me at [email protected] to share your strategies for navigating restrictions and innovations with technology in your home, school, or district.

🌟Episode Mentions:

• Yondr Pouches
• Jonathan Haidt
• Dr. Jean Twenge
• Parentsquare App
• Remind App
• Douglas County School District - Highlands Ranch High School
• St. Lukes
• Duolingo
• Quizlet 
• Kahoot
• Sam Bennett - That Workshop Book 
• Asking college students when they should have received their first smartphone (in retrospect)
• Wait Until 8th Pledge

#MichaelBHorn #ChristensenInstitute #DisruptiveInnovation #SmartphonesinSchools #WaitUntil8th #YondrPouch  #JonathanHaidt #AnxiousGeneration #JeanTwenge #DigitalDetox #MindfulTech #EdTech #DigitalCitizenship #TeachingStrategies #ClassroomManagement #EducationInnovation #SchoolPolicy #TechInEducation #StudentEngagement #21stCenturyLearning #DigitalLiteracy #SchoolLeadership #ParentingTech #TeacherAutonomy #BlendedLearning #ScreenTime #DigitalWellbeing #FutureofEducation #K12Education #EducatorEmpowerment

When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.

In this episode of Schoolutions: Coaching and Teaching Strategies, I welcome back Julie Wright, a veteran educator and instructional coach, for an insightful discussion on the role of coaches in data meetings. 

Together, we unpack the evolving terms RtI (Response to Intervention) and MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Support) and delve into how coaches can use qualitative and quantitative data to enhance their impact. 

Julie shares actionable strategies for fostering collaboration, balancing coaching approaches, and ensuring that every student's strengths are at the forefront of educational planning. 

Coaches, teachers, and administrators alike will walk away with fresh insights and tools to better support their school communities.

✨Don’t forget to check out my last conversation with Julie, S2 E24: Solving Problems of Practice When It Comes to Our Current RtI Models.  Here are Julie’s other recommended resources. 

#InstructionalCoaching #RTI #MTSS #DataDrivenTeaching #EducationPodcast #CoachingInEducation #StudentSuccess #CollaborativeTeaching #TeacherSupport #EducationStrategies #StudentCenteredLearning #ProfessionalDevelopment #K12Education #InstructionalStrategies #PodcastForEducators #WhatsOurResponse #JulieWright #JulieWrightConsulting

When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.

In this episode of Schoolutions: Coaching and Teaching Strategies, I welcome back New York Times bestselling author and educator Jennifer Serravallo to discuss her latest book, Teaching Reading Across the Day: Methods and Structures for Engaging Explicit Instruction.

Jen shares insights on:

• The importance of balancing research-based practices with teacher autonomy
• Nine different lesson structures for teaching reading throughout the school day
• How to use various grouping strategies like focus groups, guided inquiry, and conversation groups
• Incorporating socio-cultural context into reading instruction
• Practical tips for implementing these structures in the classroom

Whether you're a seasoned educator looking to enhance your practice or a pre-service teacher seeking guidance, this episode offers valuable strategies for effective reading instruction. Jen and I discuss the research behind these methods and how teachers can adapt them to meet the needs of their students.

Tune in for an enlightening conversation on making reading instruction more meaningful and complete by acknowledging students' diverse backgrounds and funds of knowledge.

Jen’s Research Recommendations:

• The Science of Reading Progresses: Communicating Advances Beyond the Simple View of Reading by Nell K. Duke & Kelly B. Cartwright (2021)
• Principles of Instruction: Research-Based Strategies That All Teachers Should Know by Barak Rosenshine (2012)

#JenniferSerravallo #TeachingReadingAcrossTheDay #ReadingStrategies #WritingStrategies #ReadingInstruction #Corwin #TeacherPD (Professional Development) #LiteracyEducation #TeachingStrategies #EducatorResources #ClassroomIdeas #ReadingTeacher #TeacherAutonomy #TeacherTips #EducationInnovation #TeacherResources #LiteracyMatters #EdChat #DifferentiatedInstruction #LiteracyAcrossTheCurriculum #TeacherEmpowerment  #TeacherPodcast

When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.

In this episode of Schoolutions, host Olivia Wahl engages in a thought-provoking conversation with educators Nawal Qarooni and Sarah Schlessinger, Ed.D., about the crucial impact of language in educational settings. Drawing from their ASCD article Consider Your Words, they discuss:

• The importance of mindful language when discussing students and families
• Strategies for avoiding harmful labels and preconceived notions
• Practical steps for educators to reflect on and improve their use of language
• The role of coaches in facilitating these important conversations

Key topics include:

• Critical disability studies and linguistic justice in education
• Techniques for reframing discussions about student abilities and needs
• Engaging families as experts on their children
• Building trust and vulnerability in coaching relationships

This episode offers valuable strategies for teachers, coaches, and administrators looking to create more inclusive and supportive learning environments through thoughtful communication.

Featuring research insights from Dr. Sami Schalk, Dr. Subini Ancy Annamma, and Dr. April Baker-Bell, this conversation provides both theoretical grounding and practical advice for educators at all levels.

✨Check Out Nawal and Sarah’s Recommended Researchers & Resources:

• Dr. Sami Schalk, who wrote Bodyminds Reimagined and Black Disability Politics
• Dr. Subini Ancy Annamma, who was part of the team that coined DisCrit as a term, particularly this piece on DisCrit Classroom Ecology
• Dr. April Baker-Bell's Black Linguistic Justice 
• The Resilient Teacher: Creating Positive Change through Inclusive Classrooms, authored by Sarah L. Schlessinger, collection edited by Janise Hurtig

📣More Episode Mentions: 

• S3E25: Nourishing Caregiver Collaborations 
• Nawal’s book, Nourishing Caregiver Collaborations: Elevating Home Experiences and Classroom Practices for Collective Care
• S4 E2: The Art of the Classroom Visit: Insights from Morgan Davis on Effective Coaching Practices

When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.

Join host Olivia Wahl as she sits down with Meg and Brett Reichert, a military family navigating the unique challenges and unexpected joys of frequent relocation. In this heartfelt episode of Schoolutions: Coaching & Teaching Strategies, the Reicherts open up about:

• The realities of moving 6-9 times during a child's K-12 education
• Strategies for helping kids build friendships across distances  
• Balancing career purpose with family needs
• Adapting parenting styles to different communities
• Finding stability amidst constant change

Meg, a health and wellness coach, and Brett, an Army officer pursuing a Ph.D., share candid insights on raising two young boys while embracing a nomadic lifestyle. Their story illuminates the resilience of military families and offers valuable perspectives on creating "home" wherever you land. Whether you're a military family yourself or simply curious about this unique way of life, this episode provides an intimate look at the sacrifices, adventures, and unexpected gifts of frequently uprooting your family for service.

Meg and Brett offer several strategies for managing life as a military family with frequent moves:

1. Community Building:
   • Joining local mom's Facebook groups to gather information about the new area
   • Researching and enrolling in summer camps for kids before moving
   • Joining gyms or fitness groups to meet like-minded people and build community
2. Maintaining Connections:
   • Using social media to stay in touch with friends from previous locations
   • Setting up video game accounts for kids to play with distant family members and friends
   • Encouraging pen pal relationships for children
3. Education and Transition:
   • Researching school districts and academic standards before moving
   • Communicating with teachers about the unique needs of military children
   • Focusing on the quality of education and community fit rather than just test scores
4. Home Setup:
   • Prioritizing setting up the children's rooms quickly to provide a sense of familiarity and stability
   • Creating a "home base" feeling in each new location
5. Emotional Support:
   • Framing moves as adventures to help children view them positively
   • Having open conversations about the challenges and benefits of their lifestyle
   • Encouraging acceptance and adaptability in different communities
6. Continuity in Interests:
   • Researching opportunities to continue children's hobbies in new locations (e.g., horseback riding for their son)
7. Parenting Approach:
   • Adapting parenting styles to fit into new communities while maintaining core family values
   • Balancing work commitments with family time (e.g., Brett consistently putting the kids to bed)
8. Preparing for Moves:
   • Involving children in discussions about potential future locations
   • Reflecting on positive aspects of previous homes to create excitement for new possibilities

These strategies focus on maintaining stability, building connections, and fostering resilience in both parents and children as they navigate frequent relocations.

#MilitaryFamily #MilKids #ArmyLife #FrequentMoves #MilitarySpouse #ParentingOnTheMove #ResilienceInKids #MilitaryCommunity #ServiceAndSacrifice #AdventureLifestyle #BalancingCareerAndFamily #MakingFriendsOnTheGo #EducationAcrossBorders #MilitaryChildEducation #AdaptableKids

When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.