Coaching the Whole Educator – Détails, épisodes et analyse

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In this episode, Becca sits down with Steve Barkley, a pioneer in instructional coaching whose influence has shaped how educators think about growth, feedback, and collaboration. Together, they unpack what it really takes to create lasting change in classrooms; not through evaluation, but through curiosity and conversation.

Steve shares his journey from being observed every day as a student teacher to becoming one of the most respected voices in peer coaching. Along the way, he reveals a mindset shift that changed everything: great coaching isn’t about watching teachers. It’s about watching students.

You’ll hear how focusing on student actions opens new doors for learning, reflection, and impact. Becca and Steve explore how to:

 → Plan lessons and coaching sessions with student behaviors in mind
 → Use observation and questioning to drive meaningful reflection
 → Support teachers with empathy, not judgment
 → Build thriving professional learning communities that keep everyone growing

Packed with real-world insights and practical takeaways, this episode is a powerful reminder that when we focus on students first, everything else follows.

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In this powerful episode, Becca sits down with Dr. Ann Ishimaru and Dr. Decoteau Irby, authors of Doing the Work of Equity Leadership for Justice and Systems Change, to unpack what it really means to lead for equity in today’s schools.

Together, they trace the evolution of equity leadership through four distinct phases: morning (where new roles and policies first take root), midday (when equity becomes embedded in systems), evening (as communities and intentional connections deepen), and night (when resistance and federal mandates challenge the work).

The conversation gets real about what it takes to sustain momentum through each phase, using data with purpose, centering student and parent voices, and investing in professional learning that drives genuine change.

Listeners will walk away with actionable strategies like applying targeted universalism, navigating relationships with challenging stakeholders, and creating school environments where adults learn and grow just as much as students do.

Check out The Principals Exchange Virtual Conference [January 28-29, 2026]!

 🔗 Click HERE to learn more and register.

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Diagnose why your team is resisting or stuck: Take the Quiz!

In this episode, Becca Silver interviews Bethany Rees about her unique approach to leadership, using the metaphor of the "body of leadership": head (mindset), heart (relationships), hands (execution), and guts (accountability). They discuss the importance of pausing, reflection, and focusing on what truly matters ("rocks over sand") to avoid burnout and be more effective leaders. Bethany shares practical mantras and strategies for nourishing leadership and emphasizes the value of self-accountability and proactive problem-solving. The episode also highlights Bethany’s new book, Leadership on the Rocks.

Take the Catalyst Mindsets Quiz!

Bethany Rees is a leadership coach, speaker, and author of the Amazon bestseller Leadership on the Rocks: How to Survive, Adapt, and Succeed in the Wilderness of Leadership. With humor and practical wisdom, she equips overwhelmed leaders with her Leadership Survival Kit framework to trade chaos for clarity and thrive in the wilderness of leadership.

Bethany Rees' Info:

• Order the book: Leadership on the Rocks on Amazon 
• Free resource: Leadership Survival Checklist 
• Learn more: leadershipontherocks.com 
• Connect: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

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This episode explores the often overlooked practice of acknowledgments and their vital importance, especially in educational settings. Yes- we said overlooked! Acknowledgments (also called Generous Appreciation), described as specific positive statements about someone, are discussed as a powerful tool for creating connections. This is distinguished from general kind words.

Becca emphasizes the neurological impact of acknowledgments, explaining that they trigger the release of oxytocin in the brain, fostering genuine human connection. It is important we move beyond generic expressions of gratitude ("Thanks for your hard work this year") and this episode discussed ways to create meaningful acknowledgments for teachers, leaders, and friends. Develop a habit of generously appreciating those around you, not only in professional settings but also in personal relationships.

*OUR CALENDAR IS FILLING UP!*
Interested in scheduling us in for 2024? Fill out this form to connect about meeting your goals for the school year.

FREE RESOURCES:
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In this enlightening podcast episode, Tami Shaw shares invaluable strategies for impactful professional development facilitation. The focus is on creating engaging learning experiences, with Tami advocating for experiential activities like the continuum exercise to establish credibility and foster connection. The discussion delves into common facilitator mistakes to avoid and the need for clear expectations, positive phrasing, and time savers. The episode underscores the profound impact of effective facilitation on adult learners and encourages facilitators to show up authentically, not feeling the need to mimic others' styles, owning your unique ways of being.

Tami Shaw's Info:
Website: PositiveStrategery.com
FREE resource: "Better Than Icebreakers"
LinkedIn

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In this episode, Becca welcomes Kim Wynn, a former educator consultant turned performance and leadership coach, to discuss the nuances of communication, specifically focusing on the concept of "speaking to the listening." 

So, why should you care?  Communication isn't just about what you want to say; it's about understanding what the other person needs to hear. We're talking about creating a space where people feel heard, and that, alone, can transform whether someone actual hears your intended message or not – whether it's in a classroom or your daily interactions. 

Kim drills down into the nuances of "speaking to the listening." That means tailoring your message to what the other person needs and understanding the listener's preferences, whether visual/auditory  or knowing what's important to them, and asking questions to ensure clarity and alignment. Kim breaks down the importance of wrapping up a conversation with intention and making sure everyone leaves with what they need (including you- their leader).

Tune into this episode if you have communicated a message before and it seemed to fall on deaf ears. This is one of those episodes that can impact not only your professional life, but also your personal one.

Contact us to share your barriers to causing sustained positive change.
Reach out to Becca directly: becca@thewholeeducator.com.

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Coaches and leaders, get ready to kick back and enjoy a podcast episode that gets a little more relaxed. In this unique episode, Becca flips the script, letting Tami Shaw take the reins and ask some questions. Unwind and delve into the host's preferences, from rom com favorites to a surprising weightloss journey. Beyond the casual banter, the episode imparts invaluable life advice gleaned from personal experiences and parental wisdom. Expect a dose of real talk as the discussion navigates through professional transitions, the significance of human connection in educational leadership, and strategies for overcoming resistance. This episode strikes a harmonious balance between laid-back conversation and substantive professional insights, creating a unique opportunity to glean insights from Becca’s journey along with gaining practical strategies for navigating the challenges of coaching and leadership.

Free Resources from The Whole Educator

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In this episode, coaches and leaders will gain valuable insights into the realm of executive functions. This discussion with Becca and Candace Heiken, a seasoned education professional and Executive Director of the Lively Minds Institute, sheds light on the critical role executive functions play in adult learning and productivity. The episode not only defines these functions but also offers a practical framework for identifying behaviors associated with deficiencies and implementing targeted strategies. Candace's emphasis on self-awareness and humility in acknowledging skill gaps provides a relatable perspective, allowing coaches and leaders to approach skill development with empathy and understanding.

The episode goes beyond theory, delving into actionable steps for professional development. You will learn effective strategies to address team struggles, provide specific structures, and utilize modeling techniques. The focus on application and habit-building is relevant, offering insights into transferring skills across diverse environments, developing action plans, and instilling accountability. With a growth mindset at its core, this episode will equip you with the tools and knowledge needed to guide your teams toward effective executive function skill development, ultimately enhancing both individual and collective performance.

Candace Heiken's Info and Resources:
Executive Functions Defined
Ways to Model Executive Functions
Executive Function Journal Prompts
Executive Function Challenges

Contact Information:
Email:  candace@cerebrate.education | Cerebrate Website | Lively Minds Institute Website

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Resources
[FREE E-BOOK] Download my 17 Coaching Tips Ebook
[FREE EMAIL SERIES]  Teacher Growth Mindset Series
[FREE WEBINAR] Happy Secret to Building Buy In

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Unlock the power of clear agreements and foster trust with this enlightening podcast episode featuring Brendalyn King, an executive leadership coach with extensive experience in education. Join Becca and Brendalyn as they delve into the often-overlooked world of agreements and the pivotal role they play in effective leadership and coaching. Discover actionable steps, practical tips, and proven strategies to navigate the complexities of agreements, both explicit and implicit. Brendalyn highlights the significance of making implicit agreements explicit and shares the practical benefits of clarity, helping you sidestep misinterpretations and misunderstandings.

In this episode, you'll gain practical advice on creating transparent agreements, overcoming communication challenges, and recognizing the signs of agreement breakdowns. Explore the importance of pausing for awareness, capturing agreements, and the power of setting promises with clear deadlines ("by when"). These valuable insights empower educational coaches and leaders to enhance their communication, build trust, and establish a culture of accountability within their organizations. Don't miss the opportunity to access a free PDF resource that deepens your understanding of agreements and offers additional guidance. Elevate your leadership skills and revolutionize your approach to coaching with this podcast.

Brendalyn's Info and Resources:
Free PDF Download (specify The Whole Educator Podcast)
3:37 Video here from Conscious Leader Group that expands on agreements (and more!)
The 2024 Programs from Bhavana Learning Group
LinkedIn Contact

Want to use this podcast for free professional development?
Check out our new Podcast Playlists.

Resources
[FREE E-BOOK] Download my 17 Coaching Tips Ebook
[FREE EMAIL SERIES]  Teacher Growth Mindset Series
[FREE WEBINAR] Happy Secret to Building Buy In

Podcast Sponsor:
[FREE] Sibme Coaching Platform

Let's Stay Connected!
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Join Alissa Crabtree and Becca Silver in this enlightening podcast episode as they delve into the complexities of driving (and sustaining) change beyond the coaching cycle. Discover the keys to creating sustained change in educational settings, addressing the frustrations and challenges that educators, coaches, and leaders often encounter. 

Key Takeaways for Coaches and Leaders:
1. **Understanding Teacher Frustrations**: Gain insights into teacher challenges and get actionable tips and strategies for addressing them, fostering a healthy change process.

2. **Emphasize Relevance and Investment**: Highlight the relevance of change and its alignment with teachers' values and goals. Discover actionable strategies that will motivate teachers to invest in the change as a solution to their problems.

3. **Build Strong Relationships**: Prioritize one-on-one conversations, active listening, and understanding teachers' individual needs and motivations. Uncover actionable tips and tricks that will help you build and maintain strong relationships, fostering a more supportive and sustainable change process.

Most times, we talk about how to cause change to happen. Here, we are talking about how to make it "sticky" - how to sustain the change!

Info and Resources from Alissa:
Website | Facebook |Twitter | Instagram  | Linkedin | YouTube | Pinterest | TikTokThe ARC between Adults and Motivation Guide

Want to use this podcast for free professional development?
Check out our new Podcast Playlists.

Resources
[FREE E-BOOK] Download my 17 Coaching Tips Ebook
[FREE EMAIL SERIES]  Teacher Growth Mindset Series
[FREE WEBINAR] Happy Secret to Building Buy In

Podcast Sponsor:
[FREE] Sibme Coaching Platform

Let's Stay Connected!
Website  |  Instagram |  Twitter |  Linkedin |  Facebook |  Contact Us