Explore every episode of the podcast Coaching the Whole Educator
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| #163: Coaching Through Student Learning Production Behaviors | 16 Nov 2025 | 00:29:21 | |
[Podcast Sponsor] Kind Cotton: Soft, sustainable apparel, where every purchase provides a book to a child. 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: Packed with real-world insights and practical takeaways, this episode is a powerful reminder that when we focus on students first, everything else follows. Check out The Principals Exchange Virtual Conference [January 28-29, 2026]! 🔗 Click HERE to learn more and register. Let's Stay Connected! | |||
| #161: Beyond Policies & Promises: How Real Leaders Create Conditions for Equity | 02 Nov 2025 | 00:23:26 | |
[Podcast Sponsor] Kind Cotton: Soft, sustainable apparel, where every purchase provides a book to a child. 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. Let's Stay Connected! | |||
| #153: Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak: Why Great Leaders Pause Before Acting | 07 Sep 2025 | 00:29:02 | |
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:
Let's Stay Connected! | |||
| #68: Leaving Them Feeling Appreciated | 11 Dec 2023 | 00:07:25 | |
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. Let's Stay Connected! | |||
| #67: Engaging Professional Development Tips | 03 Dec 2023 | 00:20:45 | |
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. Whole Educator Free Resources Let's Stay Connected! | |||
| #66: It doesn't matter what you say. It matters what they hear. | 26 Nov 2023 | 00:14:57 | |
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. 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. Let's Stay Connected! | |||
| #65: The One Where Becca Gets Interviewed | 19 Nov 2023 | 00:19:22 | |
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 Let's Stay Connected! | |||
| #64: The Mental Skills Needed to Function | 13 Nov 2023 | 00:22:45 | |
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. Contact Information: Let's Stay Connected! | |||
| #63: Implicit vs. Explicit Agreements: Their Impact on Trust | 05 Nov 2023 | 00:19:00 | |
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. Let's Stay Connected! | |||
| #62: When They Go Back to Their Old Ways | 30 Oct 2023 | 00:21:18 | |
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. 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. Want to use this podcast for free professional development? Let's Stay Connected! | |||
| #61: A Coaching Tool That Supports Your School Improvement Plan | 23 Oct 2023 | 00:23:32 | |
Join Becca and Whitney Triplett for an insightful episode where they discuss a Response to Coaching Intervention tool, created by Whitney and designed specifically for instructional coaches and leaders. This transformative tool offers practical support in five distinct tiers, catering to the specific coaching and guidance needs of teachers. Throughout this conversation, Becca and Whitney emphasize that the Response to Coaching Intervention tool is all about empowerment and motivation, steering clear of labels or judgments. By addressing resistance and focusing on individualized support, instructional coaches and leaders can not only help educators improve their teaching skills but also foster a sense of professional growth. This tool serves as a valuable resource, equipping instructional coaches and leaders with concrete actions they can take to enhance their abilities and support their school communities effectively. Want to use this podcast for free professional development? Let's Stay Connected! | |||
| #60: The Predictive Index: Improve Leadership Self Awareness, Team Cohesion and Job Satisfaction | 16 Oct 2023 | 00:22:19 | |
In this episode, Becca and Sean Bennett dive into the pivotal role of self-awareness and the Predictive Index (PI) assessment tool in fostering a cohesive leadership team. Sean recounts his journey into school leadership, highlighting early role ambiguity that led to frustration and inefficiency among administrators. Let's Stay Connected! | |||
| #59: Overcoming Our Addiction to Being Right | 08 Oct 2023 | 00:10:30 | |
With our hyper focus on standards, curriculum and assessments, there is a resulting disconnection of relationships that happens in schools. In this episode, Becca Silver explores how to combat that by highlighting our addiction to being right (trust me, it relates) and how it impacts our relationships and connections. Join Becca as she encourages us to reflect on our own tendencies and provides strategies to help us shift our mindset from a need to be right to a commitment to genuine connection. This is something all human beings deal with. Let's Stay Connected! | |||
| #152: The Science of Depletion: Why Small Changes Can Feel Impossible | 31 Aug 2025 | 00:04:21 | |
Every coach and leader has felt the sting of teacher pushback, especially when the change you’re asking for seems so small it shouldn’t cause resistance. But here’s the catch: sometimes it’s not the change itself that sparks resistance, it’s depletion. When teachers are constantly pulled in a dozen directions, their self-control tanks become empty. That’s when even minor adjustments feel like mountains. This episode unpacks the concept of ego depletion and why willpower is more like a muscle than an endless supply. You’ll discover how exhaustion masquerades as resistance, why “just one more thing” pushes teachers over the edge, and how to spot when pushback is really about depletion. More importantly, you’ll learn practical ways to protect teacher bandwidth so that when you do introduce a change, it has a fighting chance of sticking. Because here’s the shift: what looks like defiance is sometimes just depletion. And if you can recognize that difference, you can respond in a way that actually builds trust and momentum instead of frustration on both sides. 🔗Check out this research on Ego Depletion The Resistance Remedy On Demand Course is HERE! Let's Stay Connected! | |||
| #57: The Choice Map: A Guide to Shifting Mindsets | 24 Sep 2023 | 00:51:00 | |
In this episode, Becca takes a deep dive into the fascinating world of mindset and truly transformative coaching with Dr. Marilee Adams. Dr. Adams is a seasoned author and professor in psychology and social work who has created a map that guides you through shifting mindsets (your own and those you lead). 3. Mindset Matters: Dr. Marilee Adams highlights the profound influence of mindset on personal growth and communication. Discover how embracing a "learner mindset," characterized by curiosity and openness, can be a game-changer in both your personal and professional life. Let's Stay Connected! | |||
| #56: Their Coaching Model Made Them National News | 18 Sep 2023 | 00:50:34 | |
In this episode, Becca engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Kelli Crain and Jill Hoda, State Literacy Coordinators for the Mississippi State Department of Education. As Mississippi garners national recognition for its pioneering strides in education and literacy, Kelli and Jill generously share their invaluable insights and strategies for achieving that success. They stress the importance of practical coaching and give you some solid advice to make it work smoothly. Plus, they highlight how building trust and strong relationships is the first crucial step in being an effective coach. It's all about creating a culture of trust and teamwork among educators, principals, and superintendents. Here are some key highlights from the episode: Let's Stay Connected! | |||
| #55: New Teacher Success Strategies | 12 Sep 2023 | 00:19:47 | |
In this podcast episode, Becca engages in a conversation with Dr. Melissa Bonds, a highly experienced education leader, Director of a doctoral program and consultant. Melissa discusses various aspects of supporting new teachers and concrete tips and strategies to meet differing need throughout the school year. She starts by acknowledging the wide ranging definition of a "new teacher." She emphasizes the need to treat each new teacher as an individual with unique strengths and experiences, rather than making assumptions based on their background. The conversation delves into the concept of the destructive "shoulds" in teacher leadership, where Melissa highlights the common misconception that new teachers should already possess certain skills or knowledge. She advocates for a more personalized approach, recognizing each new teacher's specific needs and providing tailored support (and tells you how). This podcast episode provides valuable insights into the complexities of supporting new teachers and offers actionable strategies for improving teacher retention and success in the education field. Resources Podcast Sponsor: Let's Stay Connected! | |||
| #54: How One District is Retaining Early Career Educators | 05 Sep 2023 | 00:20:10 | |
In this episode Becca and Tami Shaw, Professional Development and Learning Specialist in Edmond Public Schools, explore the innovative strategies that Edmond is pioneering to support and retain early career educators ("new teachers"). Tami shares current structures she currently employs to “wrap around” early career educators and previous strategies that didn’t work. She shares out of the box strategies and concrete tools to support early career educators such as her high yield coaching model, the Peer Coaching Academy (empowering teachers to coach other teachers) and even how she has completely revamped the mentoring program. Podcast Sponsor: Let's Stay Connected! | |||
| #53: Sustaining Your Energy Throughout the School Year | 27 Aug 2023 | 00:16:28 | |
***[FULL EPISODE NOTES]*** Let's Stay Connected! | |||
| #52: Beginning of Year Series: Building a Growth Mindset Culture | 20 Aug 2023 | 00:16:08 | |
[FULL EPISODE SHOW NOTES]
Coaches and leaders, tap into the boundless potential of a growth mindset culture that impacts teacher empowerment, resilience, and innovative thinking. Let's Stay Connected! | |||
| #51: "Noticing" and "Wondering:" A Coaching Conversation Tool | 13 Aug 2023 | 00:19:02 | |
Becca Silver is back with a special guest, Dr. Christi Roberts, and they're unpacking an invaluable coaching tool: "Noticing and Wondering." Dive into a conversation that revolves around fostering genuine connections with educators and building a foundation of trust. Discover how "Noticing" and "Wondering" statements revolutionize coaching conversations, helping educators uncover their own solutions and ideas for improvement. Learn how this approach enhances coaching conversations, promotes collaboration, and cultivates a culture of continuous growth in the classroom. Becca and Christi demonstrate how to use Noticing and Wondering as they role play and debrief the importance of each step. This tool is invaluable from shifting from a formal coaching cycle to a relationship-based coaching conversation that is purely focused on growth and strengthens trust and coaching relationships. Listen in on the unexpected results coaches cause as they practice Noticing and Wondering with their spouses and friends as well! Let's Stay Connected! | |||
| #50: The Unexpected Skill Needed for a Growth Mindset | 06 Aug 2023 | 00:18:01 | |
Join us as we dive into the world of coaching and leadership with our special guest, Mary Kingston Roche, a TED talker with a unique perspective on a vital (and unexpected) skill needed to operate under a growth mindset. Let's Stay Connected! | |||
| #49: Untold Secrets of Teacher Retention and School Culture: The Art of Listening For What's Not Being Said | 30 Jul 2023 | 00:19:16 | |
In this captivating podcast episode, Becca dives into an intriguing conversation with Chanavia Patterson, affectionately known as Principal Patterson, on the powerful concept of "listening for what's not being said" in school culture. Discover the secrets behind understanding underlying messages, emotions, and nonverbal cues to foster a thriving school climate and increase teacher retention. From active and reflective listening techniques to creating open communication spaces and the game-changing impact of creating your very own advisory council, Principal Patterson shares invaluable insights to transform your leadership approach. Uncover the essence of school culture, far beyond the tangible, as her wisdom sparks inspiration for exceptional educational leadership to elevate your school's culture, communication practices and teacher retention. Let's Stay Connected! | |||
| #48: Why she ditched her coaching sentence stems | 23 Jul 2023 | 00:22:10 | |
“I came in wanting sentence starters, thinking that was gonna make me a better coach. And I wanted a grid of like, if you see this, do that, when you see this, do that. And that's not how life is. And that's not clearly how coaching is. But I've moved beyond that now." In this insightful podcast episode, we dive into the captivating journey of Mindy Schroeder, a once "knowledge giver" who transformed into an empowering (and much more effective) coach. Let's Stay Connected! | |||
| #151: Radically Simple PD Systems: Cut the Clutter & Focus on What’s Essential | 24 Aug 2025 | 00:23:41 | |
In this episode, Becca Silver is joined by Tami Shaw to discuss effective approaches to designing professional development (PD) systems. Tami shares insights from her book "Radically Simple Training," including practical activities like using quotes to foster meaningful connections among participants. The conversation explores the importance of making PD relevant and engaging, emphasizing strategies such as "less is more," anchoring activities in the content, and shifting from a mindset of judgment ("shoulds") to one of support and curiosity. Tami and Becca also discuss learning from other industries to improve mentoring and PD practices, the value of continuous reinforcement of key messages, and the role of connection in adult learning. The episode concludes with Tami highlighting feedback on her book’s most popular strategies and sharing where listeners can find more about her work. Check out The Resistance Remedy On Demand Course HERE! Tami Shaw's Info: Grab her book "Radically Simple Training" HERE Let's Stay Connected! | |||
| #47: How to find time for impactful conversations | 18 Jul 2023 | 00:14:02 | |
Join Becca as she chats with Kara Semtner, who embarked on an incredible journey through the depths of the pandemic as a coach. Kara shares her personal transformation from an unsure and inexperienced coach to the confident and impactful leader she is today. When Kara started coaching, she faced challenges and resistance, often feeling lost and unsure of her role. But she was determined to make an impact and sought guidance. Building trust and strong relationships became her priority, but she quickly realized the difficulty of the task at hand. As she reflects on her early coaching days, she admits to moments of avoidance when faced with resistance, a flight response. However, she recognized her avoidance and actively sought tools and strategies to overcome it. Fast forward to the present, Kara's experience in the Whole Educator Academy course played a significant role in her transformation. She learned to reframe her thinking, separate interpretations from facts, and listen first before responding. This shift allowed her to connect more deeply with teachers, understand their needs, and provide meaningful support. She created a space for teachers to be heard and ensured that their concerns and roadblocks were addressed. Through listening and reframing, Kara found herself becoming more efficient and action-oriented. In coaching conversations, she pre-planned and created a consistent framework while leaving room for teachers to express their top-of-mind concerns. By reframing challenges as opportunities for growth and acknowledging her own insecurities, she empowered herself to focus on her role and impact student achievement. Kara highlights the importance of noticing toxic positivity and, instead of glossing over complaints or challenges, she learned to validate teachers' concerns, even if they couldn't be addressed immediately. This approach not only saved time but also led to more productive coaching conversations and tangible action items. Let's Stay Connected! | |||
| #46: How Intentional Dialogue Changes Your Brain | 11 Jul 2023 | 00:19:10 | |
Intentional dialogue helps create a safe container for discussing sensitive or challenging topics. We must retrain our brains and nervous systems to regulate negative reactions and think calmly. When we react defensively or place blame on others, it creates a lack of safety and trust. Let's Stay Connected! | |||
| #45: Being busy can reduce your effectiveness | 02 Jul 2023 | 00:17:05 | |
Did you know your leadership effectiveness is directly related to your ability to sit with discomfort? Sometimes, staying busy keeps us from being present with uncomfortable situations and thoughts. Here's the undeniable reality: Let's Stay Connected! | |||
| #44: Addressing team false harmony and how to start the school year strong | 25 Jun 2023 | 00:15:18 | |
You can't truly grow and improve as a coach or leader... unless you actively engage in regular and meaningful reflection. Let's Stay Connected! | |||
| #43: When you think you're coaching, but you're actually not | 19 Jun 2023 | 00:18:33 | |
Did you know that sometimes you’re actually consulting instead of coaching? If we as coaches could really get the whole distinction between coaching and consulting, and approach it with intention and strategy, it would solve a lot of our problems. One of the biggest frustrations I've heard from teachers over the years is not feeling valued as professionals. Knowing the distinction between coaching and consulting allows us to choose intentionally how to provide what is needed for our educators, many times pulling out their own expertise. How could anyone not feel like a professional in that kind of environment? Listen to this episode to be able to intentionally choose when you are coaching and when you are consulting to empower your educators to stay and thrive. Resources Whitney Triplett: website, Coaching RTI to support teachers (free download) Let's Stay Connected! | |||
| #42: Where Unproductive Behaviors Come From: How to Address Limiting Beliefs | 11 Jun 2023 | 00:18:27 | |
You can’t focus on changing behaviors without addressing beliefs because beliefs influence behavior. Beliefs, ways of being, and behaviors are interconnected and hard to separate. Beliefs are powerful, personal, and shape our response to every situation. Acknowledging that beliefs and behaviors are connected is essential when attempting to disentangle beliefs from behaviors. Disentangling beliefs from behaviors is challenging. But, when we recognize the influence of beliefs on behaviors, the transformative possibilities are endless. We can learn to reflect on personal beliefs and utilize emotions as indicators. We can start with questions about teachers' beliefs on good instruction that can help uncover underlying beliefs. We can do this work together. Join Becca and Rabell Afridi as they discuss the dire need to shift beliefs and the process to do it! *Free download below* Let's Stay Connected! | |||
| #41: Don't treat people the way you want to be treated - EXPLAINED! | 04 Jun 2023 | 00:19:20 | |
In this episode, Becca and Candice Saxon dive into a discussion about treating others the way they want to be treated. They emphasize the importance of this concept as a cornerstone of coaching, extending beyond just the field of education. Candice’s background in coaching and organizational leadership brings a fresh perspective to the conversation. They explore how communication plays a vital role in how we leave others, highlight the need for intentionality and understanding individual differences, and give specific ways to improve communication. They challenge the common notion of treating others as we want to be treated, recognizing the diversity of personalities, motivations, values, and preferences. They also discuss the significance of listening and getting curious about others' needs to truly enter their world. Get ready for a transformative conversation with impactful tips you can use immediately. Let's Stay Connected! | |||
| #40: Reducing Resistance with Transformative Learning | 28 May 2023 | 00:19:00 | |
In this episode, Becca brings in Sierra Flores, an instructional coach and extraordinary professional development designer, to discuss her own experience using transformative learning to reduce resistance. They share strategies and steps for transforming yourself and your mindset to help teachers who are experiencing resistance. Through personal examples, they give you specifically how transformative learning impacts coaching and leadership. Tools and tips from the Whole Educator Academy are given throughout this episode to help you take action when what you’re doing isn’t working. Becca and Sierra discuss how to be self aware and what to do to empower your relationships. This episode is full of sneak peeks into the Whole Educator Academy and gives you actionable steps for transformative learning you won’t want to miss! Let's Stay Connected! | |||
| #39: Where Feelings Belong in Coaching | 22 May 2023 | 00:17:56 | |
In this episode of Coaching the Whole Educator, Dutchess Maye and Becca discuss feelings and where they belong in coaching. They talk about strategies to self-regulate emotions, how to express feelings in healthy ways, and the importance of expressing and processing emotions. Dutchess and Becca explain how burnout is related to self regulation and give practical tips for getting through cycles of burnout. They also discuss where feelings belong in coaching and leading; specifically where feelings belong in the relationship between coaches and leaders with their educators. This episode leaves you with clear cut strategies you can apply today in your coaching and leadership to increase your impact. Let's Stay Connected! | |||
| #38: The Most Important Skill of a Coach | 14 May 2023 | 00:17:18 | |
In this episode, Becca and Melanie Matthews-Calhoun (Literacy at Work) discuss different ways of listening and how they’re helpful. They discuss the differences between listening and hearing and give key tips and strategies for how to actively listen. In addition, tips and tricks for keeping the right mindset and refraining from judgment while practicing recursive listening. The benefits of active listening and how to create ownership with teachers is discussed along with specific phrases to help you paraphrase when recursively listening. This is a must hear episode that will help you build healthy relationships and trust with your teachers. Let's Stay Connected! | |||
| #150: A Trust-Based Observation Tool: Working from a Strengths-Based Lens | 17 Aug 2025 | 00:29:20 | |
Craig Randall shares his trust-based coaching model for educators, which integrates trust-building into the observation and feedback process. The model uses regular, strengths-based classroom visits and reflective conversations to create a safe environment for teacher growth. By focusing on teachers’ strengths and fostering open dialogue, the approach encourages risk-taking and collective teacher efficacy. Resources and the observation form can be found at trustbased.com. John Hattie endorsed Trust Based Observations as well: "Classroom observation can lead to telling teachers to do what I did, to advocating different ways of teaching, and to complying with accountability edicts. Trust-Based Observations starts where it matters, establishing trust, building on strengths, focusing on the impact of teachers on the learning lives of students, showing how to have open conversations about learning, and demonstrating collective teacher efficacy in action." -John Hattie The Resistance Remedy On Demand Course: https://www.thewholeeducator.com/resistance-remedy Let's Stay Connected! | |||
| #37: Understanding Human Motivation | 07 May 2023 | 00:14:39 | |
In this episode, Becca and Charlie Lyons discuss human motivation. They clearly explain the reasons why we should care about human motivation when working with educators. Causes of human motivation and exactly how it impacts teachers are discussed along with practical tips on how to use motivation to increase teacher retention and reduce resistance. Specific needs all humans have and strategies to figure out and respond in healthy ways to these needs for teachers are given. This episode leaves you with meaningful self evaluation questions you can use to broaden your impact as a leader. Let's Stay Connected! | |||
| #36: Toxic Positivity Damages Your School Culture and Relationships | 01 May 2023 | 00:19:03 | |
In this episode, Dr. Orbé-Austin is back with Becca to discuss something rampant in schools: toxic positivity. Dr. Orbé-Austin and Becca define toxic positivity, discuss myths of toxic positivity, and give strategies for facing your feelings instead of using toxic positivity to cover them up. They share specifically how to ask for help in healthy ways. External and internal circumstances that cause toxic positivity are discussed as well as practical tips and tools for you to use to respond to others who are having difficulties. Becca and Dr. Orbé-Austin give specific steps on how leaders can build a culture that supports empowerment instead of toxic positivity. Dr. Orbé-Austin even shared a special bonus chapter linked below full of activities to create healthy workplace cultures! Let's Stay Connected! | |||
| #35: Do You Experience Imposter Syndrome? | 22 Apr 2023 | 00:20:40 | |
In this episode, Becca and Dr. Orbé-Austin discuss the details of imposter syndrome. They talk about imposter syndrome as a cycle, what it looks and feels like, and how to identify imposter syndrome in yourself. Becca and Dr. Orbé-Austin give examples of triggers and specifically what to do when you are triggered and fall into feeling like you are a fraud. They are discuss what this looks like in schools as well as questions to help you self reflect and discover the root of your own imposter syndrome. After this episode, you will be able to clearly recognize the symptoms of imposter syndrome and gain strategies to stop letting imposter syndrome diminish your impact as a leader. Let's Stay Connected! | |||
| #34: Why You're Not Completing Your Coaching Cycles | 16 Apr 2023 | 00:17:51 | |
In this episode, Becca and Nicole S. Turner (Founder of Simply Coaching and Teaching) discuss steps to implement a simple coaching cycle for instructional coaches. Becca and Nicole talk about how to be intentional when reflecting in coaching cycles and specifically what to reflect on as a coach to increase your effectiveness. Barriers to completing coaching cycles are discussed and a specific framework is given that you can implement immediately to strengthen your impact during coaching cycles. This episode will also leave you empowered with a checklist model and increase your confidence in the steps you are taking with your teachers to complete successful coaching cycles. Let's Stay Connected! | |||
| #33: Navigating the Ups and Downs of Building Authentic Relationships | 09 Apr 2023 | 00:29:01 | |
In this episode, Becca and Nita Creekmore (LoveTeachBless) discuss the nature of adult relationships and how to authentically build connections with others. Becca and Nita give insight through their own personal coaching experiences and the relationships they have built along the way. Through this discussion, they give you specific ways to build your own relationships and connections with teachers. Tips for shifting your mindset to allow for better relationships along with examples of what successfully building relationships looks and feels like are specified. You will be left with practical tips for building a positive foundation for relationships as well as exactly what to do and say when a relationship is in need of repair. Expect to be encouraged and have your self awareness expanded through this conversation as you make a positive impact in your leadership role with your relationships. Let's Stay Connected! | |||
| #32: The 6 Coaching Focus Areas to Address Different Barriers to Growth | 02 Apr 2023 | 00:16:11 | |
In this episode, Becca and Kenny McKee discuss basic keystones of effective coaching. They dive into the types of conversations to have and give you specific language to use and not to use when working with teachers. They also discuss areas where you can intentionally focus your energy on where it will make the greatest positive impact in your coaching. Becca and Kenny explore 6 common barriers of effective coaching and give you specific skills and strategies to address each barrier. After hearing this discussion, you will gain tools to use along with practical tips to build your effectiveness as a coach or leader in any situation.
Resources Let's Stay Connected! | |||
| #31: Being helpful can be harmful | 28 Mar 2023 | 00:19:53 | |
In this episode, Becca and Chrissy Beltran (aka Buzzing with Ms. B) discuss how the need to be helpful in instructional coaching can have a negative impact on your success as a coach. They clearly define the problem-solver/helper issue that instructional coaches can have and give specific tips to avoid falling into the pattern of being overly helpful. Becca and Chrissy get real with their discussion of how hard this can be with personal examples along with specific strategies to help you shift from just being helpful to making a real impact with educators. This episode will help you reframe your thinking, know exactly what questions to ask teachers, and be confident in the steps you need to take to effectively solve problems. Let's Stay Connected! | |||
| #30: How to advocate for your time and money | 20 Mar 2023 | 00:21:12 | |
In this episode, Becca and Angela Kelly Robeck discuss how to maximize your time and money for professional development resources. They tackle the problem of professional development funding being often overlooked for instructional coaches by giving you strategies to overcome 4 common objections a school leader might have to give you PD funding. This episode will leave you with concrete steps and specific language to use to get on the same page and create buy-in with your school leadership when advocating the value professional development has for you as an instructional coach to impact your entire school. Sponsor: Let's Stay Connected! | |||
| #29: Breaking Through Resistance Series - Part 4 | 13 Mar 2023 | 00:22:34 | |
In this episode, Becca and Gretchen Bridgers address the 4th and final phase of resistance in educators, requiring accountability. Becca and Gretchen walk you through specific things to say (and not to say) to help you navigate the hard conversations around keeping educators accountable. This must-hear discussion explains how to first build a trustworthy relationship to make educators with resistance feel valued, and how to give educators a voice in the process of breaking through their resistance. Their clear action steps are sure to leave you feeling empowered to conquer resistance you’re experiencing with your teachers. Stay tuned until the end to find out about our new Whole Educator Foundations on-demand curriculum. If you purchase before March 21, you can get a BONUS Breaking Through Resistance workshop for free. Details are in the show notes. [FREE E-BOOK] Download my 17 Coaching Tips Ebook Let's Stay Connected! | |||
| #28: Breaking Through Resistance Series - Part 3 | 05 Mar 2023 | 00:15:19 | |
In this episode, Becca and Mia discuss the third level of resistance: when educators don't feel competent enough to implement the change. They discuss the varying reasons why the resistance happens on this level. In addition, they share strategies on how to build capacity in a building where teachers feel safe and confident to take risks and try new things (including new changes). Stay tuned until the very end for a very special offer (HINT: It involves a free bonus workshop)! Let's Stay Connected! | |||
| #149: How to Stress Wisely and Bounce Forward: Dr. Robyne’s 5 Pillars of Resilience | 10 Aug 2025 | 00:26:33 | |
Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe shares a deeply human approach to resilience, grounded in both research and personal experience. She introduces the five pillars of resilience—belonging, perspective, acceptance, hope, and humor—as essential anchors for navigating adversity. Rather than viewing resilience as simply “being strong,” she reframes it as the ability to recover, adapt, and move forward with intention. Her concept of “stressing wisely” challenges the idea that stress should be avoided; instead, she encourages proactive strategies like planning ahead, honoring personal values, and building strong support systems. Through her work, Dr. Hanley-Dafoe invites us to let go of perfection, embrace authenticity, and focus on the small, consistent actions that help us bounce forward—not just back. Learn more about *The Resistance Remedy* On Demand Course (Grab it now to get the Bonus S.I.P. Implementation Planning Document) Dr. Robyne's Info: Instagram | LinkedIn | Website
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| #27: Breaking Through Resistance Series - Part 2 | 26 Feb 2023 | 00:11:30 | |
In this episode Becca and Melissa (Mia) Pumo, coach of school leadership and instructional coaches, discuss the 2nd level of resistance: the need to build trust. Without trust, no amount of clarifying expectations and holding teachers accountable will help. A lack of trust means you will get pushback the whole way through the change. A trusting relationship makes change easier, quicker and more effective. Listen in to find out the different components of trust and how to intentionally assess and build it with your leadership team and teachers. Let's Stay Connected! | |||
| #26: Breaking Through Resistance Series - Part 1 | 18 Feb 2023 | 00:16:32 | |
Mia Pumo and Becca kick off a 4 part series on how to address resistance utilizing a 4 part framework. In this episode, they dive into the first level of resistance: when educators resist because they don't understand why the change is happening. Often, leaders are connected to why change is happening and it is assumed that teachers are connected to that why as well. Becca and Mia share concrete action steps to take that will empower you to address educators that are resisting change because they do not understand why this change is happening. Let's Stay Connected! | |||
| #25: Stop Being Passive About Your PD | 14 Feb 2023 | 00:18:34 | |
In this episode, Becca discussed with Dr. Darian Jones why it is urgent you find high quality PD to grow your coaching and leadership skills. These are skills rarely taught in higher education and are the most important skills that delineate mediocre coaches and leaders with great ones. Listen in for what is actually happening in districts as regards to their budgets as well as tips on how to access it. It is time that we stop passively waiting to receive high quality PD and start assertively finding it ourselves. Let's Stay Connected! | |||