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 conversation with Superintendent Ben Gilpin he shares some of his lessons learned and tips for other leaders. You won't want to miss these nuggets of wisdom.

In this conversation with Superintendent Ben Gilpin he shares some of his lessons learned and tips for other leaders. You won't want to miss these nuggets of wisdom.

Leading from the Top (Advice from a Superintendent) with Ben Gilpin

In this epsiode with chat withe pirate himself, Dave Burgess. He shares all about how we can each use our passions to inspire and lead others. Whether it's a staff meeting, professional development, or giving teachers ideas! Don't miss this high energy conversations!

In this epsiode with chat withe pirate himself, Dave Burgess. He shares all about how we can each use our passions to inspire and lead others. Whether it's a staff meeting, professional development, or giving teachers ideas! Don't miss this high energy conversations!

Teach Like A Pirate (Use Your Passions) with Dave Burgess

In this episode, award winning leader and author, Jimmy Casas shares all about how we can all work to grow the culture on our campus. Check out his book "Culturize" for even more ideas.

In this episode, award winning leader and author, Jimmy Casas shares all about how we can all work to grow the culture on our campus. Check out his book "Culturize" for even more ideas.

School Culture with Jimmy Casas

Every one of us has passions. But how do we know what passions to pursue and which ones to let go of? In this episode of TEPSA Talk Stephanie McConnell, leader and creator of Principal Principles, shares her journey and offers some advice on how to make time for what you love.

Every one of us has passions. But how do we know what passions to pursue and which ones to let go of? In this episode of TEPSA Talk Stephanie McConnell, leader and creator of Principal Principles, shares her journey and offers some advice on how to make time for what you love.

Following Your Passions with Stephanie McConnell

Student leadership is incredibly important for any school. In this episode, Adam Dovico (author of When Kids Lead), share several ideas of how school leaders can grow ALL their students into leaders. We also talk briefly about TEPSA's Student Leadership Workshops!

Student leadership is incredibly important for any school. In this episode, Adam Dovico (author of When Kids Lead), share several ideas of how school leaders can grow ALL their students into leaders. We also talk briefly about TEPSA's Student Leadership Workshops!

Student Leadership with Adam Dovico

In this episode we chat with high school students Shriya Sreeju, Hansika Kantheti, and Tanisha Makam about their FREE financial literacy program for kids!

In this episode we chat with high school students Shriya Sreeju, Hansika Kantheti, and Tanisha Makam about their FREE financial literacy program for kids!

Project Bright Beginnings

In this episode we talk with principal NaTasha Crain abou ther journey and what she's learned along the way. From getting your hands dirty, to taking care of yourself, and everything in between!

In this episode we talk with principal NaTasha Crain abou ther journey and what she's learned along the way. From getting your hands dirty, to taking care of yourself, and everything in between!

A Principal's Journey: Leading with the Hand, Heart, and Mind

In this episode of TEPSA Presents, we talk about creating high performing teams with Tia McIntosh from FranklinCovey Education!

In this episode of TEPSA Presents, we talk about creating high performing teams with Tia McIntosh from FranklinCovey Education!

Create High Performing Teams

Join Dr. Adam Saenz, from AppliedEQ, as he shares with you how you can navigate the stressful season of spring testing.

Join Dr. Adam Saenz, from AppliedEQ, as he shares with you how you can navigate the stressful season of spring testing.

Stress Management Playbook for Spring Testing

In this episode Kamilah Antoine, from National University, shares how we can all work to create a connected culture where everyone feels involved.

In this episode Kamilah Antoine, from National University, shares how we can all work to create a connected culture where everyone feels involved.

Creating a Connected Culture

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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