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

National Teacher of the Year, Tabatha Rosproy, shares how leaders can support early learning students and teachers. You won't want to miss this inspiring and honest conversation.

National Teacher of the Year, Tabatha Rosproy, shares how leaders can support early learning students and teachers. You won't want to miss this inspiring and honest conversation.

Supporting Early Learning

In this episode we chat with Allyson Apsey and Jessica Gomez about how as leaders we can lead with collaboration. Based after this best selling book, Lead with Collaboration, Allyson & Jessica share pitfalls, collaboration ideas, and where to just begin!

In this episode we chat with Allyson Apsey and Jessica Gomez about how as leaders we can lead with collaboration. Based after this best selling book, Lead with Collaboration, Allyson & Jessica share pitfalls, collaboration ideas, and where to just begin!

In this episode we chat with Allyson Apsey and Jessica Gomez about how as leaders we can lead with collaboration. Based after this best selling book, Lead with Collaboration, Allyson &amp; Jessica share pitfalls, collaboration ideas, and where to just begin!

Lead with Collaboration

TEPSA is proud to bring our members an exclusive learning experience with Dr. Adam Saenz from Applied EQ. In this episode, Adam will share with you 3 strategies on how you as the campus/district leader (and your team) can move beyond the pandemic and escape living in survival mode!

TEPSA is proud to bring our members an exclusive learning experience with Dr. Adam Saenz from Applied EQ. In this episode, Adam will share with you 3 strategies on how you as the campus/district leader (and your team) can move beyond the pandemic and escape living in survival mode!

Escaping Survival Mode

In this episode of TEPSA Presents, Marianne Renner shares her tips about how each of us can navigate change more successfully. Not only for ourselves but also for our teams!

In this episode of TEPSA Presents, Marianne Renner shares her tips about how each of us can navigate change more successfully. Not only for ourselves but also for our teams!

Navigating Change

Your front office staff matters too. Join Brain Stephens from CaissaK12 as he shares his top 5 tips for the school front office!

Your front office staff matters too. Join Brain Stephens from CaissaK12 as he shares his top 5 tips for the school front office!

Top 5 Tips for the Front Office

In this episode of TEPSA Presents we chat with Danieli Parker and Cristi Parsons about what PLCs are, top tips, and pitfalls to look out for. Check out their online course at tepsa.org.

In this episode of TEPSA Presents we chat with Danieli Parker and Cristi Parsons about what PLCs are, top tips, and pitfalls to look out for. Check out their online course at tepsa.org.

PLCs 101

Join Principal Amen Rahh as he shares all that he's learned about AI and ChatGPT and how we as administrators can use it to take things off our plate and the plate of our teachers!

Join Principal Amen Rahh as he shares all that he's learned about AI and ChatGPT and how we as administrators can use it to take things off our plate and the plate of our teachers!

The Ins and Outs of ChatGPT

Join an all new member spotlight with Jason Morgan as we talk tech tools, leadership advice, and culture building ideas!

Join an all new member spotlight with Jason Morgan as we talk tech tools, leadership advice, and culture building ideas!

Member Spotlight: Jason Morgan

Join an all new TEPSA Member Spotlight with Jaci Underwood as we talk about tech tools, culture building ideas, and leadership advice!

Join an all new TEPSA Member Spotlight with Jaci Underwood as we talk about tech tools, culture building ideas, and leadership advice!

Member Spotlight: Jaci Underwood

Join an all new TEPSA Member Spotlight with Rachelle Ysguierdo as we talk about tech tools, culture building ideas, and leadership advice!

Join an all new TEPSA Member Spotlight with Rachelle Ysguierdo as we talk about tech tools, culture building ideas, and leadership advice!

Member Spotlight: Rachelle Ysquierdo

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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