Observation does not have to feel like a gotcha. Lauren Kaufman shows school leaders how to turn classroom walkthroughs into real coaching moments that build trust, improve instruction, and make feedback actually stick.With 21 years in education—from classroom teacher to reading specialist, instructional coach, assistant principal, and district literacy leader—Lauren shares the mindset shift that changed how she leads: be the leader you always needed. That simple question shapes everything from how she enters a classroom to how she follows up with teachers. You'll discover: <ul class="css-1uuldnr" data-md-block="list"> <li class= "root--v_1_169_1--hcxfpIUi bodyMedium--v_1_169_1--73AdKUte color-secondary-c200--v_1_169_1--RUo3R-S4"> How to make pre-observation conversations feel collaborative instead of intimidating</li> <li class= "root--v_1_169_1--hcxfpIUi bodyMedium--v_1_169_1--73AdKUte color-secondary-c200--v_1_169_1--RUo3R-S4"> Why in-the-moment feedback can be more powerful than a written evaluation</li> <li class= "root--v_1_169_1--hcxfpIUi bodyMedium--v_1_169_1--73AdKUte color-secondary-c200--v_1_169_1--RUo3R-S4"> How to read resistance, build emotional intelligence, and know when to ease off</li> <li class= "root--v_1_169_1--hcxfpIUi bodyMedium--v_1_169_1--73AdKUte color-secondary-c200--v_1_169_1--RUo3R-S4"> The small coaching moves that can create big change over time</li> <li class= "root--v_1_169_1--hcxfpIUi bodyMedium--v_1_169_1--73AdKUte color-secondary-c200--v_1_169_1--RUo3R-S4"> Why leaders should be willing to teach, model, and learn alongside their staff</li> </ul> Lauren also explains how her most-read blog post on observation evolved into a practical framework for school leaders, including eight actionable moves you can use right away. She breaks down how to balance empathy, courage, and accountability so observations become a tool for growth rather than fear.If you're a principal, assistant principal, coach, or anyone responsible for supporting teachers, this conversation is a reminder that great leadership is not about checking boxes. It's about time, attention, partnership, and the willingness to keep refining your practice. Perfect for educators who want observations that feel human, useful, and truly instructional. Listen in, then head to LaurenMKaufman.com to explore her blog, book, and resources.

Observation does not have to feel like a gotcha. Lauren Kaufman shows school leaders how to turn classroom walkthroughs into real coaching moments that build trust, improve instruction, and make feedback actually stick.With 21 years in education—from classroom teacher to reading specialist, instructional coach, assistant principal, and district literacy leader—Lauren shares the mindset shift that changed how she leads: be the leader you always needed. That simple question shapes everything from how she enters a classroom to how she follows up with teachers. You'll discover: How to make pre-observation conversations feel collaborative instead of intimidating Why in-the-moment feedback can be more powerful than a written evaluation How to read resistance, build emotional intelligence, and know when to ease off The small coaching moves that can create big change over time Why leaders should be willing to teach, model, and learn alongside their staff Lauren also explains how her most-read blog post on observation evolved into a practical framework for school leaders, including eight actionable moves you can use right away. She breaks down how to balance empathy, courage, and accountability so observations become a tool for growth rather than fear.If you're a principal, assistant principal, coach, or anyone responsible for supporting teachers, this conversation is a reminder that great leadership is not about checking boxes. It's about time, attention, partnership, and the willingness to keep refining your practice. Perfect for educators who want observations that feel human, useful, and truly instructional. Listen in, then head to LaurenMKaufman.com to explore her blog, book, and resources.

Observation does not have to feel like a gotcha. Lauren Kaufman shows school leaders how to turn classroom walkthroughs into real coaching moments that build trust, improve instruction, and make feedback actually stick.With 21 years in education—from classroom teacher to reading specialist, instructional coach, assistant principal, and district literacy leader—Lauren shares the mindset shift that changed how she leads: be the leader you always needed. That simple question shapes everything from how she enters a classroom to how she follows up with teachers. You'll discover: <ul> <li> How to make pre-observation conversations feel collaborative instead of intimidating</li> <li> Why in-the-moment feedback can be more powerful than a written evaluation</li> <li> How to read resistance, build emotional intelligence, and know when to ease off</li> <li> The small coaching moves that can create big change over time</li> <li> Why leaders should be willing to teach, model, and learn alongside their staff</li> </ul> Lauren also explains how her most-read blog post on observation evolved into a practical framework for school leaders, including eight actionable moves you can use right away. She breaks down how to balance empathy, courage, and accountability so observations become a tool for growth rather than fear.If you're a principal, assistant principal, coach, or anyone responsible for supporting teachers, this conversation is a reminder that great leadership is not about checking boxes. It's about time, attention, partnership, and the willingness to keep refining your practice. Perfect for educators who want observations that feel human, useful, and truly instructional. Listen in, then head to LaurenMKaufman.com to explore her blog, book, and resources.

Why Observations Should Feel Like Coaching, Not a Gotcha with Lauren Kaufman

Critical thinking is not a buzzword - it's the skill that helps students, staff, and school leaders thrive when the answer is not obvious. Todd Nesloney sits down with Adam Bellow, the educator-turned-entrepreneur behind Breakout EDU, for a conversation about why challenge, play, and productive struggle matter more than ever in classrooms and school culture. Adam shares how his own experiences as a deeply curious, sometimes "selective" learner shaped his belief that students should not just memorize and regurgitate. From there, he unpacks how Breakout EDU evolved from a physical engagement tool into a powerful learning experience built around puzzles, collaboration, and the four C's, while still keeping academics front and center. He also explains why the pressure to go faster, finish first, and always be right can actually work against real learning. You'll discover how to use hands-on experiences to help adults buy into new ideas, why modeling being wrong in front of others can change a staff culture, and how challenges can become opportunities instead of roadblocks. Adam also connects these ideas to the realities schools are facing right now, from reduced screen time to the rise of AI, and makes the case that critical thinking cannot be outsourced to a tool. He also shares how this mindset shows up at home with his two sons, including what it looks like to step back, let kids try, and trust them with real problem-solving. Along the way, Todd and Adam highlight the power of working together, embracing failure as part of learning, and creating spaces where every voice can matter. Essential listening for principals, teachers, and parents who want practical ways to build stronger thinkers and a stronger school culture. If you lead people, teach kids, or just want to make learning more meaningful, this conversation will give you plenty to think about and put into practice right away.

Critical thinking is not a buzzword - it's the skill that helps students, staff, and school leaders thrive when the answer is not obvious. Todd Nesloney sits down with Adam Bellow, the educator-turned-entrepreneur behind Breakout EDU, for a conversation about why challenge, play, and productive struggle matter more than ever in classrooms and school culture. Adam shares how his own experiences as a deeply curious, sometimes "selective" learner shaped his belief that students should not just memorize and regurgitate. From there, he unpacks how Breakout EDU evolved from a physical engagement tool into a powerful learning experience built around puzzles, collaboration, and the four C's, while still keeping academics front and center. He also explains why the pressure to go faster, finish first, and always be right can actually work against real learning. You'll discover how to use hands-on experiences to help adults buy into new ideas, why modeling being wrong in front of others can change a staff culture, and how challenges can become opportunities instead of roadblocks. Adam also connects these ideas to the realities schools are facing right now, from reduced screen time to the rise of AI, and makes the case that critical thinking cannot be outsourced to a tool. He also shares how this mindset shows up at home with his two sons, including what it looks like to step back, let kids try, and trust them with real problem-solving. Along the way, Todd and Adam highlight the power of working together, embracing failure as part of learning, and creating spaces where every voice can matter. Essential listening for principals, teachers, and parents who want practical ways to build stronger thinkers and a stronger school culture. If you lead people, teach kids, or just want to make learning more meaningful, this conversation will give you plenty to think about and put into practice right away.

Why Critical Thinking Is the Skill AI Can't Replace with Adam Bellow

In this epsiode we chat with Joshua Stamper and Charle Peck about their new book "The Language of Behavior" and how we, as school and district leaders, can better approach behavior concerns!

In this epsiode we chat with Joshua Stamper and Charle Peck about their new book "The Language of Behavior" and how we, as school and district leaders, can better approach behavior concerns!

The Language of Behavior with Joshua Stamper & Charle Peck

In this episode of the TEPSA Talk Podcast we talk with Andrew Marotta about how to put systems and strategies into place as leaders so that we can thrive instead of just survive.

In this episode of the TEPSA Talk Podcast we talk with Andrew Marotta about how to put systems and strategies into place as leaders so that we can thrive instead of just survive.

Systems and Strategies to Thrive with Andrew Marotta

In this TEPSA Talk Podcast episode with talk with Baruti Kafele (Principal Kafele) about the power of the assistant principal!

In this TEPSA Talk Podcast episode with talk with Baruti Kafele (Principal Kafele) about the power of the assistant principal!

The Assistant Principal with Baruti Kafele (Principal Kafele)

Join this TEPSA Talk Podcast episode with Eddie Damian where we talk about the power of learning how to communicate effectively.

Join this TEPSA Talk Podcast episode with Eddie Damian where we talk about the power of learning how to communicate effectively.

Communicating Effectively with Eddie Damian

In this episode we talk with Robert Thornell about how as school and district leaders we can juggle all the things, find our strengths, and be our best for our people! #WeLeadTX

In this episode we talk with Robert Thornell about how as school and district leaders we can juggle all the things, find our strengths, and be our best for our people! #WeLeadTX

Juggling the Job with Robert Thornell

In this episode we talk with Amy Mayer, from FriEDtech! Amy shares a few of her favorite tech tools for school administrators and how we can harness the power of AI to remove things from our plates! You won't want to miss this powerful conversation!

In this episode we talk with Amy Mayer, from FriEDtech! Amy shares a few of her favorite tech tools for school administrators and how we can harness the power of AI to remove things from our plates! You won't want to miss this powerful conversation!

Tech Tools for the School Administrator

In this episode we chat with Nathan Maynard about how we can transform student behavior on our campuses. He also discusses his upcoming Master Class at the TEPSA Summer Conference!

In this episode we chat with Nathan Maynard about how we can transform student behavior on our campuses. He also discusses his upcoming Master Class at the TEPSA Summer Conference!

Transform Student Behavior with Nathan Maynard

In this episode we talk with Kim Strobel (author of Teach Happy) about the importance of wellbeing and happiness and how we can protect our peach. You won't want to miss the inspiring conversation that gives some great immediate takeaways to change your mindsets!

In this episode we talk with Kim Strobel (author of Teach Happy) about the importance of wellbeing and happiness and how we can protect our peach. You won't want to miss the inspiring conversation that gives some great immediate takeaways to change your mindsets!

Wellbeing & Happiness with Kim Strobel

In this TEPSA Talk podcast episode we chat with Kamilah Antoine (from Harmony) about how we can take charge of our own learning, and the learning of our team, as school and district administrators

In this TEPSA Talk podcast episode we chat with Kamilah Antoine (from Harmony) about how we can take charge of our own learning, and the learning of our team, as school and district administrators

Take Charge of Your Learning with Kamilah Antoine

In this episode we talk with leader, Dr. Brad Johnson about the importance of mindsets and how we can work to build up our own and those of our team!

In this episode we talk with leader, Dr. Brad Johnson about the importance of mindsets and how we can work to build up our own and those of our team!

Leadership Mindsets with Brad Johnson

Texas school principals are some of the most influential figures in the community…and also the busiest! Join us for conversations with educational and political leaders on the hot topics affecting Texas public education.

Share TEPSA Talk

Sign up to save your podcasts

TEPSA Talk

TEPSA Talk episodes

About TEPSA Talk

More shows like TEPSA Talk

Crime Junkie