In this episode, I’m joined by Tim Dohrer and Tom Golebiewski for a powerful conversation about something that matters deeply in education today: mental health. Tim and Tom—who co-authored The Schools We Need Now—share their insights on how schools can create environments where everyone, students and educators alike, feel safe, supported, and connected.We talk about the importance of trust in relationships, and why we can’t separate learning from well-being. Academic success doesn’t happen in isolation—it’s tied to the emotional, social, and even physical well-being of our students. That’s why we explore practical, proactive strategies to support mental health, including building strong community partnerships and weaving mindfulness into the fabric of school life.This isn’t just about reacting to challenges—it’s about reimagining schools as places where humans flourish. If we want thriving classrooms, we have to prioritize mental health as a foundational part of learning.Thank you for being a part of our community. Feedback: We love hearing from you! Leave us a rating or comment to let us know what you think.Stay Connected: Follow our podcast for more episodes packed with insights and inspiration.Learn more about Consulting:https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/instructional-coaching-program/Learn more about the Impact Cycle workshop:https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/the-impact-cycle/
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45:37
Coaching Q&A
Join me and Jessica Wise as we discuss the pivotal concept of "contracting" within instructional coaching. Contracting is that crucial initial dialogue where we lay the groundwork for our coaching relationship, setting clear expectations and defining our roles. In this episode, Jessica and I walk through a comprehensive checklist for effective contracting. We underscore its vital role in nurturing trust and fostering collaboration.We also share our thoughts on maintaining confidentiality, the power of silence, and the importance of being adaptable during coaching sessions. This episode is packed with practical strategies designed to help coaches refine their practice and cultivate strong, trusting relationships with the educators they support.Thank you for being a part of our community. Feedback: We love hearing from you! Leave us a rating or comment to let us know what you think.Stay Connected: Follow our podcast for more episodes packed with insights and inspiration.Learn more at:www.instructionalcoaching.comDownload the Contracting Checklist:https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Contracting-Checklist-Handout_2025-1.pdf
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47:07
Juliana Urtubey, NBCT 2021 National Teacher of the Year
This week I have the opportunity to sit down with TLC 2025 keynote speaker Juliana Urtubey, the 2021 National Teacher of the Year, to explore what it really means to create schools where joy and justice aren’t just ideas — they’re lived experiences.Juliana’s story is compelling. As a bilingual, first-generation immigrant, her journey into education has been deeply personal, and that lived experience shows up in every part of her practice.Throughout our conversation, Juliana talks about how her background has shaped not only how she teaches, but why she teaches. She emphasizes the central role of community and reflection — two elements we know are foundational for authentic learning and growth. Her "Choice and Just Framework" is all about reimagining the classroom as a space for collaboration rather than compliance, where students are seen, heard, and valued.What I found especially powerful is Juliana’s unwavering belief that classrooms can be places of both rigor and joy — that justice and belonging aren’t add-ons, but essential. If you’re an educator looking to build inclusive, affirming environments where every student’s strengths are honored, this conversation offers not just inspiration, but real insights you can act on.Thank you for being a part of our community. Feedback: We love hearing from you! Leave us a rating or comment to let us know what you think.Stay Connected: Follow our podcast for more episodes packed with insights and inspiration.Learn more about TLC 2025:https://shorturl.at/E9wTaLearn more about the Virtual Institute:https://shorturl.at/dXnK6
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40:47
Meg Groseclose
In this episode of Coaching Conversations, I sit down with instructional coach Meg Groseclose as she shares her journey into coaching and her work with Rachel, a third-year teacher. Together, they embarked on a coaching cycle focused on improving student engagement and achievement. Starting with a baseline of 64% comprehension, they set an ambitious goal of 90%. Through strategies like cooperative learning and data-driven adjustments, they made remarkable progress, reaching 88% comprehension. This conversation highlights the power of collaboration, adaptability, and data in instructional coaching. It’s a perfect example of how coaching can drive real, meaningful change in both teaching and student outcomes.Thank you for being a part of our community. Feedback: We love hearing from you! Leave us a rating or comment to let us know what you think.Stay Connected: Follow our podcast for more episodes packed with insights and inspiration.Learn more about Using AI in Instructional Coaching: Best Practices & Toolshttps://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/using-ai-in-instructional-coaching-best-practices-tools/
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30:40
Ammie Franklin & Jade West
This week I had the pleasure of speaking with Ammie Franklin and Jade West from Salesian College in Sunbury, Melbourne. We had a wonderful conversation about the impact of instructional coaching and its pivotal role in enhancing educational practices. Ammie, the Deputy Principal for People and Culture, and Jade, the Director of Staff Learning, shared their insights on their school's coaching model. This model not only supports individualized student learning pathways but also fosters staff development.We discussed the delicate balance between professional practice and well-being, emphasizing the importance of fostering a culture of care. Ammie and Jade highlighted how continuous improvement through reflective practices is at the heart of their approach. This episode truly underscores the significant impact that coaching can have on both educators and students, driving meaningful change and growth in educational settings.Thank you for being a part of our community. Feedback: We love hearing from you! Leave us a rating or comment to let us know what you think.Stay Connected: Follow our podcast for more episodes packed with insights and inspiration.Learn more about the Instructional Coaching Done Well Roadshow:https://shorturl.at/UAFap
Jim Knight is the founder of The Instructional Coaching Group, a professional development provider dedicated to offering PD for coaches, teachers, and leaders based on a partnership approach that creates better learning environments for all students. As a research associate at the University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning Jim has spent 25 years studying professional learning and instructional coaching. He earned his PhD in Education from the University of Kansas and has won several university teaching, innovation, and service awards. The pioneering work Jim and his colleagues have conducted has led to many innovations that are now central to professional development in schools. Jim wrote the first major article about instructional coaching for the Journal of Staff Development, and his book Instructional Coaching (2007) offered the first extended description of instructional coaching. Jim has written several books in addition to those described above, including the bestsellers Unmistakable Impact (2011), High-Impact Instruction (2013), Focus on Teaching (2014), Better Conversations (2015), The Impact Cycle (2018), and The Definitive Guide to Instructional Coaching (2021). He has also authored articles featured in Educational Leadership, The Journal of Staff Development, Principal Leadership, The School Administrator, and Kappan.
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