Empowered Educator: Leadership in Motion | Educational Leadership, Principal Leadership, Teachers as Leaders – Details, episodes & analysis

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Are You Coaching… or Just Commenting?

You can observe lessons all day long.
 You can write detailed notes.
 You can even have thoughtful post-observation meetings.

But if instruction isn’t changing, something is missing.

In this episode, we’re talking about feedback conversations that actually produce growth. Not compliance. Not documentation. Not polite agreement. Real instructional movement.

You’ll learn:

• Why anchoring feedback in student learning (not teacher behavior) lowers defensiveness and increases impact
• How to use John Hattie’s three feedback questions — Where are they going? How are they going? Where to next? — to structure powerful conversations
• Why narrowing to one high-leverage action step increases implementation
• How rehearsal during feedback meetings dramatically improves next-day execution
• The difference between isolated feedback and true coaching cycles

This episode challenges you to examine your leadership approach:

Are teachers leaving your office inspired — or equipped?

Because effective instructional leadership isn’t about pointing out gaps.
 It’s about building teacher capacity over time.

If you’re serious about moving from evaluator to coach, this conversation will help you sharpen your practice and strengthen your impact.

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Calling All Educators! 

I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more.

• I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources.
• I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant.

Join here: Empowered Educator Community

Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance Success

Grab a complimentary Power Surge

email: melinda@empowereducator.com

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Every school leader has faced it — the one staff member who consistently complains, resists change, or quietly undermines culture.

In this Power Surge episode, you’ll learn how to handle negative staff behavior without losing your confidence, emotional stability, or leadership clarity.

If you’ve ever felt drained by repeat complainers, passive resistance, or chronic negativity on your team, this episode gives you practical strategies to protect your energy while strengthening your school culture.

Key Leadership Reminder:

You are responsible for stewarding culture — not managing everyone’s attitude.

Support the show

Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase!

Download Fetch app using this link, submit a receipt and we'll both score bonus points.

Calling All Educators! 

I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more.

• I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources.
• I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant.

Join here: Empowered Educator Community

Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance Success

Grab a complimentary Power Surge

email: melinda@empowereducator.com

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Empowered Educator, you’ll hear from Cheryl Wells Collins as she shares the power and effectiveness of group coaching for educators and parents. Cheryl explains why group coaching works—how open conversations around challenges and wins create space for growth, clarity, and confidence for everyone involved. You’ll get a glimpse into the types of topics explored in these coaching groups and how participating in community has helped others feel more fulfilled and effective in their roles.

Cheryl brings over forty years of experience serving under-resourced communities, including sixteen years as a classroom teacher across grades pre-kindergarten through eighth and leadership as a principal and nonprofit CEO. Now, through her coaching and consulting work, she supports leaders who want to grow from the inside out by focusing on personal development before leading others.

This episode is for you if you’re looking for meaningful support, shared learning, and a reminder that leadership growth doesn’t have to happen alone.

Website: cherylwcollins.com 

LinkedIn

Substack

Email:  cherylwcollinscoaching@gmail.com 

Support the show

Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase!

Download Fetch app using this link, submit a receipt and we'll both score bonus points.

Calling All Educators! 

I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more.

• I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources.
• I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant.

Join here: Empowered Educator Community

Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance Success

Grab a complimentary Power Surge

email: melinda@empowereducator.com

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase!

Download Fetch app using this link, submit a receipt and we'll both score bonus points.

Calling All Educators! 

I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more.

• I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources.
• I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant.

Join here: Empowered Educator Community

Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance Success

Grab a complimentary Power Surge

email: melinda@empowereducator.com

Send us Fan Mail

As a first-year principal, I’ve quickly realized that not everyone interprets calm leadership the same way. Some staff feel that if a student isn’t being yelled at, they haven’t really been “disciplined.” But I believe in following the handbook, enforcing fair consequences, and creating a culture where discipline is about learning—not fear.

In this episode, I’m diving into:
 ✅ The difference between being calm and being passive
 ✅ How to reinforce discipline without raising your voice
 ✅ Ways to help staff see the impact of firm but fair consequences
 ✅ Why your leadership style sets the tone for school culture

If you’ve ever struggled with staff perceptions around student behavior, this episode is for you! Tune in as we unpack how to lead with confidence while staying true to your leadership style.

Support the show

Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase!

Download Fetch app using this link, submit a receipt and we'll both score bonus points.

Calling All Educators! 

I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more.

• I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources.
• I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant.

Join here: Empowered Educator Community

Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance Success

Grab a complimentary Power Surge

email: melinda@empowereducator.com

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase!

Download Fetch app using this link, submit a receipt and we'll both score bonus points.

Calling All Educators! 

I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more.

• I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources.
• I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant.

Join here: Empowered Educator Community

Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance Success

Grab a complimentary Power Surge

email: melinda@empowereducator.com

Send us Fan Mail

William Grube is the founder of Gruvy Education. Through Gruvy Education, he partners with over 200 schools and several state-level organizations to provide AI training. He equips educators with the skills and knowledge to use AI effectively in their specific roles.

Freebie:  Gruvy Education Ai Prompts

Website
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Support the show

Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase!

Download Fetch app using this link, submit a receipt and we'll both score bonus points.

Calling All Educators! 

I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more.

• I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources.
• I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant.

Join here: Empowered Educator Community

Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance Success

Grab a complimentary Power Surge

email: melinda@empowereducator.com

Send us Fan Mail

What truly makes a great school leader? It’s not just about the title or responsibilities—it’s about leading with purpose and passion. In this Power Surge episode, we dive into what fuels impactful leadership and how aspiring and new building leaders can stay connected to their why. I’ll share four key strategies to help you lead authentically, inspire others, and create a lasting impact in your school community. If you're ready to lead with heart, this episode is for you!

#PowerSurge #LeadWithPurpose #SchoolLeadership #BuildingLeaders #PassionInEducation #EmpoweredEducator

Support the show

Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase!

Download Fetch app using this link, submit a receipt and we'll both score bonus points.

Calling All Educators! 

I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more.

• I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources.
• I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant.

Join here: Empowered Educator Community

Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance Success

Grab a complimentary Power Surge

email: melinda@empowereducator.com

Send us Fan Mail

Are you waiting to feel ready before stepping into leadership? Spoiler alert: That moment may never come. The best leaders don’t wait—they take bold, imperfect action before they have all the answers.

In this episode, I’m sharing my own journey—how I went from classroom teacher to educational leader, self-published my first book, and launched my own company without waiting for permission. Plus, I’ll give you three powerful action steps to start leading NOW, even if you don’t have the title yet.

💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ Why waiting for perfection is holding you back
✔️ How to own your leadership before you get the title
✔️ Why messy action beats overthinking every time
✔️ How to build a network that accelerates your growth

🚀 Ready to Take Action?

🔥 Step into leadership before you get the title
🔥 Stop overthinking and start creating
🔥 Get in the room with people who push you to level up

💬 Let’s Connect! What bold action are you taking this week? DM me or tag me on social media—I’d love to hear it!

🔔 Love this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another educator who’s ready to step into leadership. Let’s make an impact together! 🚀

Support the show

Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase!

Download Fetch app using this link, submit a receipt and we'll both score bonus points.

Calling All Educators! 

I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more.

• I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources.
• I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant.

Join here: Empowered Educator Community

Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance Success

Grab a complimentary Power Surge

email: melinda@empowereducator.com

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Empowered Educator podcast, we dive into the vital role of teacher leaders in transforming our schools. If you're an ambitious education professional looking to step into a leadership position, this episode is for you!

We’ll explore practical strategies for identifying and nurturing teacher leaders, creating a shared vision, and fostering collaboration. You’ll learn how to delegate responsibilities effectively and provide the support that empowers educators to thrive.

Key Highlights:

• Spotting Teacher Leaders: Discover how to identify and cultivate potential leaders among your colleagues.
• Shared Vision: Learn the importance of involving teacher leaders in shaping your school’s mission.
• Empowerment Through Delegation: See how assigning roles can boost morale and collaboration.
• Support and Mentorship: Explore ways to provide guidance and resources for professional growth.
• Celebrate Success: Find out how recognizing achievements inspires ongoing motivation.

If you find value in our discussion, please subscribe, rate, and review. Your feedback helps us reach more passionate educators like you!

Support the show

Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase!

Download Fetch app using this link, submit a receipt and we'll both score bonus points.

Calling All Educators! 

I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more.

• I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources.
• I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant.

Join here: Empowered Educator Community

Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance Success

Grab a complimentary Power Surge

email: melinda@empowereducator.com