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 episode, Liz Sherman shares all about the ins and outs of special education and how administrators can best support those teachers and students.

In this episode, Liz Sherman shares all about the ins and outs of special education and how administrators can best support those teachers and students.

Special Education & The School Administrator with Liz Sherman

In this epsiode, school principal Zac Bauermaster shares the importance of servant leadership and how we can lead all our people when we truly invest in them.

In this epsiode, school principal Zac Bauermaster shares the importance of servant leadership and how we can lead all our people when we truly invest in them.

Servant Leadership with Zac Bauermaster

In this episode we talk with LaNesha Tabb about how writing and social studies instruction doesn't have to be an after thought! She shares great insight into how we as administrators can support this on our campus!

In this episode we talk with LaNesha Tabb about how writing and social studies instruction doesn't have to be an after thought! She shares great insight into how we as administrators can support this on our campus!

Supporting Writing and Social Studies Instruction with LaNesha Tabb

In this episode we chat with Amelia Capotosta about how administrators and supervisors can best support high quality reading instruction! You won't want to miss these nuggets of wisdom!

In this episode we chat with Amelia Capotosta about how administrators and supervisors can best support high quality reading instruction! You won't want to miss these nuggets of wisdom!

Supporting Reading Instruction with Amelia Capotosta

In this episode, Brittany Hege (Mix & Math) shares how campus administratros can best support high quality math instruction, gain buy in to good instructional practices, and look-fors when you're doing classroom walkthroughs!

In this episode, Brittany Hege (Mix & Math) shares how campus administratros can best support high quality math instruction, gain buy in to good instructional practices, and look-fors when you're doing classroom walkthroughs!

In this episode, Brittany Hege (Mix &amp; Math) shares how campus administratros can best support high quality math instruction, gain buy in to good instructional practices, and look-fors when you're doing classroom walkthroughs!

Supporting Math Instruction with Brittany Hege

In this episode of TEPSA Talk, we chat with principal Tyler Cook who shares with us the importance of empowering those around us to lead, and lead well. You won't want to miss this dynamic conversation.

In this episode of TEPSA Talk, we chat with principal Tyler Cook who shares with us the importance of empowering those around us to lead, and lead well. You won't want to miss this dynamic conversation.

Empowering Others to Lead with Tyler Cook

The words we speak matter. In this episode of TEPSA Talk, Hayward Jean shares just how important and powerful our words can be to speak life into others. He also shares about "Speak Life Day" and how we can all celebrate.

The words we speak matter. In this episode of TEPSA Talk, Hayward Jean shares just how important and powerful our words can be to speak life into others. He also shares about "Speak Life Day" and how we can all celebrate.

Speak Life with Hayward Jean

In this TEPSA Talk episode, Principal Kathleen Eckert shares about the importance of making your teachers feel appreciated and a few easy to start ways!

In this TEPSA Talk episode, Principal Kathleen Eckert shares about the importance of making your teachers feel appreciated and a few easy to start ways!

Do Your Teachers Feel Appreciated with Kathleen Eckert

In this episode we chat with educator and graphic designer, Sarah Dlouhy about the potential that lies within how schools make us feel. Design matters! And no matter how old your school is, you can still add some spice!

In this episode we chat with educator and graphic designer, Sarah Dlouhy about the potential that lies within how schools make us feel. Design matters! And no matter how old your school is, you can still add some spice!

School Community and Design with Sarah Dlouhy

In this episode Assistant Superintendent Dr. Tron Young shares about how each of us can be the thermostat of our school and control the temperature instead of just being the thermometer that just identifies the temperature! You won't want to miss this!

In this episode Assistant Superintendent Dr. Tron Young shares about how each of us can be the thermostat of our school and control the temperature instead of just being the thermometer that just identifies the temperature! You won't want to miss this!

Be the Thermostat...Not the Thermometer with Tron Young

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.

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