#coachbetter

It can often feel easier to be an expert (or a consultant) than it is to coach. Whether it's building peer coaching skills among a full faculty, or inside The Coach with educators who are learning to be instructional coaches, or in workshops with teachers who are just learning about coaching, we all feel very comfortable in the consultancy dynamic. We're familiar with the concept of mentoring or giving advice, and it's easy to think that coaching is the same thing. This #coachbetter episode is about embracing your curiosity as an instructional coach - and letting go of feeling like you need to be an expert. Find the show notes for this episode here. Like this episode, you'll enjoy these: Coaching Case Study: The Power of Intentionally Slowing Down Coaching Conversations with Sasha Robins [Ep 238] My "Secret" Coaching Assessment One Question That Will Transform Your Coaching Practice Coaching Call: Shifting your Coaching Mindset from Problem Solving to Improving Student Learning with Vicki Heupel [260] Let's Connect: Our website: coachbetter.tv EduroLearning on LinkedIn EduroLearning on Instagram EduroLearning on YouTube Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Join our #coachbetter Facebook group Learn with Kim Explore our courses for coaches Watch a FREE workshop Read more from Kim: Finding Your Path as a Woman in School Leadership (book) Fostering a Culture of Growth and Belonging: The Multi-Faceted Impact of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (chapter)

In this #coachbetter episode, Kim chats with members of the team from the Association for the Advancement of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (called AAICIS), where Kim is currently serving as the Executive Director. The organization is celebrating its one-year anniversary by reflecting on its achievements since its launch in March 2024. The discussion highlights the unique support AAICIS offers to international school educators interested in or currently working in instructional coaching. The team shares how their all-volunteer, all-remote group has advanced coaching practices tailored specifically to the international school context. (For more about how AAICIS got started, check out our episode from March 2024 "Introducing the Association for the Advancement of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (AAICIS)") Listen to this episode to hear about all the work this amazing team has accomplished, including: Their successful launch in March 2024 An update on their research (to dig deeper into this check out episode 262 with Jordan Benedict) Their free resources, and what's coming next The support they provide for coaches, leaders and schools - and why this might be valuable for YOU and your school! How to connect with AAICIS Developments on their growing team If you're looking to join a supportive community of instructional coaches and leaders in international schools around the world who are as passionate about instructional coaching as you are, this episode (and AAICIS) is for you! Find the show notes for this episode here. Let's Connect: Our website: coachbetter.tv EduroLearning on LinkedIn EduroLearning on Instagram EduroLearning on YouTube Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Join our #coachbetter Facebook group Learn with Kim Explore our courses for coaches Watch a FREE workshop Read more from Kim: Finding Your Path as a Woman in School Leadership (book) Fostering a Culture of Growth and Belonging: The Multi-Faceted Impact of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (chapter)

This #coacbetter episode is about the importance of intentional and structured conversations. This is a highlight from one of Kim's favorite episodes from a previous season, featuring Michele Mattoon, Executive Director of the National School Reform Faculty. Recently as part of one of AAICIS Leaders Speaker Series we had Jennifer Abrams share with our community about Stretching Your Learning Edges (Jennifer has also been a guest on the podcast if you want to check out that episode), and as she said on the podcast, Jennifer highlighted how as educators we are not trained in having conversations with other adults. Having intentional and structured conversations, through the use of protocols, can really help us navigate difficult and challenging topics that, as Michele says, sometimes need "guardrails". Because instructional coaches work with so many different stakeholders, with so many different perspectives, experiences and opinions, it's so important for us to know how to structure conversation for productive discourse and dialogue. Protocols are one way we can do that. If protocols are new to you, make sure to check out the full episode with Michele. Once you start using protocols in your professional learning, and group conversations, you won't go back. Find the show notes for this episode here. Like this episode, you'll enjoy these: Coaching Case Study: The Power of Intentionally Slowing Down Coaching Conversations with Sasha Robins [Ep 238] My "Secret" Coaching Assessment One Question That Will Transform Your Coaching Practice Coaching Call: Shifting your Coaching Mindset from Problem Solving to Improving Student Learning with Vicki Heupel [260] Let's Connect: Our website: coachbetter.tv EduroLearning on LinkedIn EduroLearning on Instagram EduroLearning on YouTube Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Join our #coachbetter Facebook group Learn with Kim Explore our courses for coaches Watch a FREE workshop Read more from Kim: Finding Your Path as a Woman in School Leadership (book) Fostering a Culture of Growth and Belonging: The Multi-Faceted Impact of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (chapter)

This #coachbetter episode is another in our series of coaching case studies, with one of Kim's amazing clients, Jen Kagohara, ES Tech & Design Coach, Taipei American School, Taiwan. Jen is a graduate of The Coach Certificate & Mentorship Program and when we recorded this episode she had just finished the program. These case study episodes are designed to share the story of a coach, and the development of their coaching program and practice in their unique setting. We're so excited to share this episode with Jen with you because Jen has had many experiences that are shared by lots of the clients Kim works with. She's relatively new to her school, which has hired coaches, but doesn't yet have a coaching culture. Many coaches that Kim works with are in this exact same situation - in fact we have several other podcast episodes about this very topic, one is episode 70: 5 Steps to Move from "Having Coaches" to "a Coaching Culture"). Wherever you are in the process at your school, it's always valuable to hear what this looks like in different school contexts. In this conversation they talk about ... What coaching looks like in her school right now What makes coaching work and what are some challenges Jen's growth as a coach throughout The Coach Certificate & Mentorship Program Her big aha moments as a new coach What she's planning for next in terms of her professional growth What she wishes she knew before she started coaching Her recommendations for new and aspiring coaches Find the show notes for this episode here. Like this episode, you'll enjoy these: Coaching Case Study: The Power of Intentionally Slowing Down Coaching Conversations with Sasha Robins [Ep 238] My "Secret" Coaching Assessment One Question That Will Transform Your Coaching Practice Coaching Call: Shifting your Coaching Mindset from Problem Solving to Improving Student Learning with Vicki Heupel [260] Let's Connect: Our website: coachbetter.tv EduroLearning on LinkedIn EduroLearning on Instagram EduroLearning on YouTube Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Join our #coachbetter Facebook group Learn with Kim Explore our courses for coaches Watch a FREE workshop Read more from Kim: Finding Your Path as a Woman in School Leadership (book) Fostering a Culture of Growth and Belonging: The Multi-Faceted Impact of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (chapter)

In this #coachbetter episode, Kim introduces the domains of a coaching mindset. Did you know that the number one indicator of student success is collective efficacy? (Donohoo, 2017). Research shows that when we believe in one another, student learning improves. How we can improve our collective efficacy through the lens of coaching – without hiring an instructional coach or a formal coaching program? Because we all want to improve student learning. And we all can benefit from coaching. But not every school has the capacity or finances to build an instructional coaching program. And the great news is, you don't have to have a formal coaching program to do it. All you need to get started is a coaching mindset. And every single person (students included) can work towards cultivating a coaching mindset. Find the show notes for this episode here. Like this episode, you'll enjoy these: Coaching Case Study: The Power of Intentionally Slowing Down Coaching Conversations with Sasha Robins [Ep 238] My "Secret" Coaching Assessment One Question That Will Transform Your Coaching Practice Coaching Call: Shifting your Coaching Mindset from Problem Solving to Improving Student Learning with Vicki Heupel [260] Let's Connect: Our website: coachbetter.tv EduroLearning on LinkedIn EduroLearning on Instagram EduroLearning on YouTube Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Join our #coachbetter Facebook group Learn with Kim Explore our courses for coaches Watch a FREE workshop Read more from Kim: Finding Your Path as a Woman in School Leadership (book) Fostering a Culture of Growth and Belonging: The Multi-Faceted Impact of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (chapter)

This #coachbetter episode is a case study conversation with two amazing educators: EAL (English as an Additional Language) Teacher Lindsay Manzella and INS Teacher John Stephany. Lindsay and John worked together at NIST (Thailand) at the time of recording, where they developed a unique model for co-teaching and coaching to support all learners in John's classroom, where Lindsay was supporting EAL students. Both Lindsay and John have had training in coaching so they have come to the co-teaching experience with a foundational understanding of how coaching works. In this episode they talk about: How Lindsay and John work together Why John, as an MYP INS teacher finds coaching so valuable Why Lindsay, as an EAL Teacher, finds coaching such a powerful support to her work What works well in their partnership as well as what can be challenging How this model might work in other schools Find the show notes for this episode here. Like this episode, you'll enjoy these: Coaching Case Study: The Power of Intentionally Slowing Down Coaching Conversations with Sasha Robins [Ep 238] My "Secret" Coaching Assessment One Question That Will Transform Your Coaching Practice Coaching Call: Shifting your Coaching Mindset from Problem Solving to Improving Student Learning with Vicki Heupel [260] Let's Connect: Our website: coachbetter.tv EduroLearning on LinkedIn EduroLearning on Instagram EduroLearning on YouTube Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Join our #coachbetter Facebook group Learn with Kim Explore our courses for coaches Watch a FREE workshop Read more from Kim: Finding Your Path as a Woman in School Leadership (book) Fostering a Culture of Growth and Belonging: The Multi-Faceted Impact of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (chapter)

This #coachbetter episode is a highlight from one of Kim's favorite episodes from a previous season, featuring Anne Marie Chow, who at the time was Middle School Vice Principal and English teacher at United World College Southeast Asia, East Campus in Singapore. We're excited to be sharing this highlight today, because not only is Anne Marie amazing (listen to her full episode here) but if you've been watching or listening to #coachbetter this season, you know we're talking a lot about measuring your impact (see links to previous episode below). Because instructional coaching is a non-teaching position, it's so important for coaches to be proactive about measuring and sharing the impact of their work. It's a role that's both challenging to find the budget to hire for, and one that's easy to cut if school leaders don't see the intended outcome. The more coaches can do to collect and share data around their work, the easier it will be for school leaders, and teachers, to see the value of coaching. This episode highlights the experience of coaches at UWC Singapore and the actual types of data they are collecting. If you're an instructional coach, curious about getting started collecting data, there are some great ideas here - and hopefully this clip will inspire even more ideas that will work just right in your school context. Find the show notes for this episode here. Like this episode, you'll enjoy these: Coaching Case Study: The Power of Intentionally Slowing Down Coaching Conversations with Sasha Robins [Ep 238] My "Secret" Coaching Assessment One Question That Will Transform Your Coaching Practice Coaching Call: Shifting your Coaching Mindset from Problem Solving to Improving Student Learning with Vicki Heupel [260] Let's Connect: Our website: coachbetter.tv EduroLearning on LinkedIn EduroLearning on Instagram EduroLearning on YouTube Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Join our #coachbetter Facebook group Learn with Kim Explore our courses for coaches Watch a FREE workshop Read more from Kim: Finding Your Path as a Woman in School Leadership (book) Fostering a Culture of Growth and Belonging: The Multi-Faceted Impact of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (chapter)

This #coachbetter episode is another in our series of coaching case studies, with one of Kim's amazing clients, Melissa Car, Grade 1 classroom teacher at St. Mary's International School in Japan. Melissa is a graduate of The Coach Certificate & Mentorship Program and when we recorded this episode she had just finished the program. In this conversation we talk about How Melissa started her journey to instructional coaching Why she thinks coaching is right for her school, right now How her school leaders made the decision to implement a coaching program The vision for the coaching program at her school Her "aha moments" in The Coach The successes she's already had with coaching - as a classroom teacher What schools and teachers should consider when begining an instructional coaching program Find the show notes for this episode here. Like this episode, you'll enjoy these: Coaching Case Study: The Power of Intentionally Slowing Down Coaching Conversations with Sasha Robins [Ep 238] My "Secret" Coaching Assessment One Question That Will Transform Your Coaching Practice Coaching Call: Shifting your Coaching Mindset from Problem Solving to Improving Student Learning with Vicki Heupel [260] Let's Connect: Our website: coachbetter.tv EduroLearning on LinkedIn EduroLearning on Instagram EduroLearning on YouTube Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Join our #coachbetter Facebook group Learn with Kim Explore our courses for coaches Watch a FREE workshop Read more from Kim: Finding Your Path as a Woman in School Leadership (book) Fostering a Culture of Growth and Belonging: The Multi-Faceted Impact of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (chapter)

In this #coachbetter episode, Diana is going to share 5 tips to redirect a coaching conversation. Sometimes our coaching conversations take an unexpected turn. This can be really challenging because we know that it's important for our coaching partners to take the lead in directing the conversation. But what happens when… it seems like your coaching partner is straying away from the goals you set at the beginning of the cycle or your work together? Or when you notice something during a classroom visit that you are hoping will attract the attention of your coaching partner, but it doesn't? Or You realize there is a gap that needs to be addressed that your coaching partner doesn't realize yet? It can be tricky to know if you should find a way to address these issues and potentially redirect the conversation - let alone actually try to do it! Find the show notes for this episode here. Like this episode, you'll enjoy these: Coaching Case Study: The Power of Intentionally Slowing Down Coaching Conversations with Sasha Robins [Ep 238] My "Secret" Coaching Assessment One Question That Will Transform Your Coaching Practice Coaching Call: Shifting your Coaching Mindset from Problem Solving to Improving Student Learning with Vicki Heupel [260] Let's Connect: Our website: coachbetter.tv EduroLearning on LinkedIn EduroLearning on Instagram EduroLearning on YouTube Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Join our #coachbetter Facebook group Learn with Kim Explore our courses for coaches Watch a FREE workshop Read more from Kim: Finding Your Path as a Woman in School Leadership (book) Fostering a Culture of Growth and Belonging: The Multi-Faceted Impact of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (chapter) The Landscape of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (chapter)

In this #coachbetter episode, Kim talks with Jim Laney, Head of School & Sara Brodhead, Director of Teaching and Learning at Kaohsiung American School in Taiwan. Sarah has now moved on to Hong Kong International Sschool, and Jim, who's still HoS at Kaohsiung, is a repeat guest on the show - check out his earlier episode where we talk about how instructional coaching supports at all levels. Kim has been working with KAS for the last two years to support their brand new middle leadership team in developing their instructional leadership capacity and applying a coaching mindset to their work. In that time, KAS has also hired two new instructional coaches, and this conversation developed from our work together. In this episode, Jim, Sara and Kim talk about.. the development of the new middle leadership and instructional coaching roles at KAS the distinction between supervision and evaluation and the professional growth that coaching can provide their vision for the new instructional coaching roles the structures they are putting in place measuring the impact of their work how we can help other school leaders and educators see the value of instructional coaching This conversation highlights the huge impact an investment in teacher professional growth can have in our schools. Find the show notes for this episode here. Like this episode, you'll enjoy this one: Instructional Coaching Supports at All Levels with Jim Laney Let's Connect: Our website: coachbetter.tv EduroLearning on LinkedIn EduroLearning on Instagram EduroLearning on YouTube Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Join our #coachbetter Facebook group Learn with Kim Explore our courses for coaches Watch a FREE workshop Read more from Kim: Finding Your Path as a Woman in School Leadership (book) Fostering a Culture of Growth and Belonging: The Multi-Faceted Impact of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (chapter) The Landscape of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (chapter)

In this #coachbetter episode we're talking about what coaching looks like in schools where it's been implemented well. This is a highlight from one of our favorite episodes from a previous season, featuring Ji Han, Associate Director of School Evaluation and Support at the Council of International Schools (CIS). Ji has such a wide experience with coaching in so many schools, hearing her description of what coaching looks like when it's working well can provide a powerful vision for school leaders, or coaches advocating for instructional coaching. We're sharing this specific clip because it addresses several of the most common questions we hear when we speak with school leaders about coaching, they wonder: If they should mandate coaching to ensure that every educator takes advantage of that support. If leaders should do the coaching (perhaps part of Professional Growth Plan) How to celebrate the success of coaching if it is confidential Ji clearly articulates how coaching can grow, when we ensure that we have some essential structures in place: coaching is invitational, coaching happens with a peer, and we see coaching as an experience for all teachers, rather than viewing it as a way to "fix" teachers (or a deficit model). These are three big components that come up on the show all the time, so if this is interesting to you, please be sure to check out the other episodes: Untangling Instructional Coaching, Evaluation & Appraisal with Samantha Olson-Wyman and Stephanie Cifuentes What is coaching and why is it important? Find the show notes for this episode here. Let's Connect: Our website: coachbetter.tv EduroLearning on LinkedIn EduroLearning on Instagram EduroLearning on YouTube Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Join our #coachbetter Facebook group Learn with Kim Explore our courses for coaches Watch a FREE workshop Read more from Kim: Finding Your Path as a Woman in School Leadership (book) Fostering a Culture of Growth and Belonging: The Multi-Faceted Impact of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (chapter) The Landscape of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (chapter)

This #coachbetter episode is another in our series of coaching case studies, with one of Kim's amazing clients, Lana Yashchyna, 4th grade classroom teacher at the American International School in Kuwait. Lana is a graduate of The Coach Certificate & Mentorship Program and when they recorded this episode she had just finished the program. These case study episodes are designed to share the story of a coach, and the development of their coaching program and practice in their unique setting. In this conversation Kim and Lana talk about ... Why coaching was so impactful for her as a classroom teacher How she decided to make the move from classroom to coach How she's been building a coaching culture in her 4th grade team What prepared her to be ready to build a coaching culture in a teaching role Why coaching is so essential in a high pressure school environment If coaching is sustainable as a full time classroom teacher All the steps it took her to build a coaching culture on her team This episode is a fantastic example of all of the ways that classroom teachers can influence a culture of coaching at the team level - and why this is ultimately not a sustainable combination of roles for the long term! If you're curious about building a coaching culture at the team level - this episode is for you! Find the show notes for this episode here. Let's Connect: Our website: coachbetter.tv EduroLearning on LinkedIn EduroLearning on Instagram EduroLearning on YouTube Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Join our #coachbetter Facebook group Learn with Kim Explore our courses for coaches Watch a FREE workshop Read more from Kim: Finding Your Path as a Woman in School Leadership (book) Fostering a Culture of Growth and Belonging: The Multi-Faceted Impact of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (chapter) The Landscape of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (chapter)

In this #coachbetter episode we are talking about the importance of measuring the impact of instructional coaching - and sharing that data with all stakeholders. This topic is one of the most common concerns we hear from senior leaders or school boards is: How do you know coaching is making an impact? How can I see the return on investment when I hire instructional coaches? When schools are choosing to invest in non-teaching positions, it is essential to understand how that work is positively impacting student (and in this case, teacher) learning. This can come as a surprise to new and even experienced instructional coaches, because as educators we are not required to formally "prove" our value on a regular basis. That process is already "baked in" to the structure of the school. However, for instructional coaches, this is not the case. If coaches are not measuring their impact, there is likely no one else on staff who will be doing this work. Which means, it can become very easy to say that no impact has been made. Instead, it is essential for instructional coaches to recognize that intentionally collecting data to measure their impact, and then sharing it within the school community is part of their role. Find the show notes for this episode here. Let's Connect: Our website: coachbetter.tv EduroLearning on LinkedIn EduroLearning on Instagram EduroLearning on YouTube Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Join our #coachbetter Facebook group Learn with Kim Explore our courses for coaches Watch a FREE workshop Read more from Kim: Finding Your Path as a Woman in School Leadership (book) Fostering a Culture of Growth and Belonging: The Multi-Faceted Impact of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (chapter) The Landscape of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (chapter)

In this #coachbetter episode Kim chats with Kim Porter, who at the time of recording was a Primary Math Coach at UWC Singapore, and is now UDL Coach & Support Specialist at ASIJ in Japan. Kim and Kim talk about the elements that make instructional coaching thrive, how international schools are unique in terms of instructional coaching environments, the cognitive load for instructional coaches, particularly in an international school setting where we have additional complexities in our environments; and what Kim wishes she knew when she started out as an instructional coach. If this sounds interesting to you, please make sure to check out a previous #coachbetter Quick Tips episode from this season: Navigating the Complexities of Instructional Coaching in International Schools. Find the show notes for this episode here.

In this #coachbetter episode we're talking about developing a learning organization through coaching from a systems lens. This is a highlight from one of our favorite episodes from a previous season. If you're a longtime #coachbetter listener, you know we often talk about how to develop structures and systems for sustainable coaching practices (in fact there are a few recent QuickTips episodes that highlight this topic - see list below). This clip is another great example of that, featuring Carla Marschall, currently Head of School at Dresden International School. We really appreciate this specific clip because of Carla's focus on systems thinking. She describes the ways that coaching can shape the culture of a school, when we think about the school as a system, rather than a hierarchy. (If you like this clip, make sure to listen to the full episode with Carla). Here are a few recent episodes that feature this concept: Creating a Sustainable Coaching Culture 3 Steps to Growing a Thriving Coaching Culture Making Instructional Coaching Sustainable with Ellen and Bruce Eisenberg Untangling Instructional Coaching, Evaluation & Appraisal with Samantha Olson-Wyman and Stephanie Cifuentes Find the show notes for this episode here.

This #coachbetter episode is part of our special series featuring real-life coaching conversations with one of Kim's amazing clients, Sara Wilkins, who, at the time of recording, had just graduated from our course for classroom teachers moving into a coaching role called Getting Started as an Instructional Coach. HUGE thank you to Sara for being willing to record this session to share with all of you! This episode is such a great example of the power of coaching - and how a single coaching conversation can help you get unstuck. In this conversation Kim and Sara talk about how Sara can… bring her existing training and experience to her role as a middle leader use her coaching skills to connect with others in the school community that have similar goal better understand the potential resistance to the work she's trying to do bring this conversation to a leadership level consider how to shift her language to help others embrace a coaching mindset use existing structures at her school to create a bridge to coaching Find the show notes for this episode here. Let's Connect: Our website: coachbetter.tv EduroLearning on LinkedIn EduroLearning on Instagram EduroLearning on YouTube Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Join our #coachbetter Facebook group Learn with Kim Explore our courses for coaches Watch a FREE workshop Read more from Kim: Finding Your Path as a Woman in School Leadership (book) Fostering a Culture of Growth and Belonging: The Multi-Faceted Impact of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (chapter) The Landscape of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (chapter)

This #coachbetter episode is about the essential elements for developing a collaborative school culture. Kim talks a lot about creating a thriving coaching culture, and that kind of culture doesn't just support more coaching, it builds a sense of collective efficacy that creates an environment where teachers want to stay and grow. Of course, this doesn't happen in isolation, we need many different factors working together, and this clip from her conversation with Tavia does a great job of highlighting 8 of those key elements. This is a highlight from one of Kim's favorite episodes from a previous season. She's been wanting to share this clip because it's a participatory and collaborative culture that will help make coaching thrive. When educators want to work together, when we can see our colleagues as people who help us become better educators, it's a lot easier to opt in to coaching. Find the show notes for this episode here.

In this #coachbetter episode, Kim talks with Jordan Benedict, one of our Research Team members at AAICIS (Association for the Advancement of Instructional Coaching at International Schools) for the and Learning Coach at the International School of Kenya. Jordan and Kim are both so excited to share the results of the first landscape study of instructional coaching in international schools, conducted by our AAICIS research team in March of 2024. There are so many interesting findings that we think will resonate with you, and we'd love to hear your thoughts after listening to the episode. Please leave a comment for us so we can hear what aligns with your thinking and experiences - or what diverges! In this episode, they talk about the background of where the research started, how they conducted the study, the primary findings, the Reported Reasons for Establishing a Coaching Program, the reported outcomes - which will not surprise YOU as a listener of this podcast - plus what they think schools and coaches can do with this new research. This episode is a fantastic overview of all of the key findings from this study, so if you're curious about the landscape of instructional coaching in international schools, this episode is for you! Find the show notes for this episode here.

In this #coachbetter video, Kristen Moreland shares three ways that school leaders can support their instructional coaches. Often, especially in international schools, we see schools hire instructional coaches and then assume the coaches themselves can build a coaching culture. The reality is that it takes more than just hiring coaches to build a coaching culture. Even when instructional coaches know exactly what's needed to take the school to the next step, they almost always need the support of their school leader to actually implement the work. Instructional coaching is informal leadership, so having the tangible support of the positional leader is essential for taking action. If you're an instructional coach watching this video, this would be a great conversation starter with your leadership team! Find the show notes for this episode here.

This #coachbetter episode is part of our special series featuring real-life coaching conversations with one of Kim's amazing clients, Vicki Heupell, who, at the time of recording, had just graduated from our course for classroom teachers moving into a coaching role called Getting Started as an Instructional Coach. HUGE thank you to Vicki for being willing to record this session to share with all of you! We are excited to share this conversation with you because the topics Vicki and Kim talk about are exactly the kind of questions that we get asked all the time, particularly from experienced classroom teachers who are either moving into a coaching role for the first time, or curious about moving into a coaching role. In fact, this exact conversation is an extension of many of our previous chats in the Getting Started as an Instructional Coach course! Find the show notes for this episode here.

In #coachbetter episode we're talking about how to help your school leader understand the value of coaching. This is a highlight from one of Kim's favorite episodes from a previous season. If you're a longtime #coachbetter listener, you know Kim almost always ask school leaders how coaches can help their administrators understand the value of coaching, and the responses are always so insightful. This clip is another great example of that, featuring LaTyia Rolle, currently Elementary School Principal at the International School of Brussels. If you've been coaching for any length of time at all, you know that your school leader's understanding of coaching can make or break your program - and that understanding and support can change anytime you get a new administrator. Being able to articulate, in leadership language, what makes coaching so valuable is an essential skill for all instructional coaches. Find the show notes for this episode here.

In this #coachbetter episode Kim chats with Brenda Lee, Grade 4 teacher at Al-Bayan Bilingual School (BBS) Kuwait. We're excited to share this episode with you because it's a topic that's been requested by you! We received a request to hear from educators (rather than coaches) about their experiences with coaching. In this conversation with Brenda, they talk about How instructional coaching has supported her growth as an educator How instructional coaching fits within the context of educator professional growth What classroom teachers need to know to opt in to coaching How she makes time for coaching in a busy teacher's schedule Why some teachers resist coaching How coaching works for her as a classroom teacher Why she's hoping to make the move from classroom to coach This episode is a fantastic example of why teachers chose to opt-in to coaching - and how you can articulate the value of coaching for your prospective coaching partners! Find the show notes for this episode here.

In this #coachbetter episode, Kim talks about the additional complexities involved in instructional coaching in an international school setting. Of course, this does not mean that instructional coaching is not complex in other settings, or that any of these factors are not present in other settings, these are just five layers of complexity that are often the norm in international schools. However, when we are working in international schools, there is often even more complexity involved in the role, which may go unrecognized by school leaders, or even coaches themselves because this complexity is our "normal." At the recent EARCOS teachers conference, Kim and participants unpacked some of those complexities in one of her sessions. In their conversation, they identified five key factors that make instructional coaching highly complex in the international school setting - and she's going to share those 5 with you in this episode! Find the show notes for this episode here.

This #coachbetter episode is another in our series of coaching case studies, with one of Kim's amazing clients, Tina Bhatia, Second grade classroom teacher at the American Community School of Abu Dhabi. Tina is a graduate of The Coach Certificate & Mentorship Program, working with Diana Beabout as her mentor - and when we recorded this episode she was almost finished with her coursework. These case study episodes are designed to share the story of a coach, and the development of their coaching program and practice in their unique setting. We are so excited to share this episode with Tina with you because it's always wonderful to hear about a classroom teacher who is inspired to become a coach - and it's important to unpack all of the different aspects to consider when moving from classroom to coach. Tina learned a lot during her time in The Coach, and she is so ready to make the move! In this conversation Kim and Tina talk about: What attracted her to coaching What coaching looks like in her school setting right now What she's thinking about as she's considering the move from classroom to coach What teachers need to know to opt-in to coaching Her advice for teachers wanting to move into a coaching role Some "aha" moments she's had over the past academic year, learning about being a coach in The Coach Certificate and Mentorship Program Find the show notes for this episode here.

This is a highlight from one of Kim's favorite episodes from a previous season. If you're a longtime #coachbetter listener, you know that Joellen Killion is Kim's instructional coaching superhero, and her episode from a few seasons ago was a masterclass in all things instructional coaching. This episode is a perfect introduction to thinking about, and reflecting on, the type of coaching support you're providing to your coaching partners. So many of Kim's clients get stuck in the "advice trap" or constantly feeling like they have to prove their worth to potential coaching partners by being on demand for resource support. This conversation with Joellen highlights an essential mindset shift for instructional coaches. As Joellen says: Results can build relationships as relationships can build results. Find the show notes for this episode here.

In this #coachbetter episode Kim chats with return guest Steve Barkley, Executive VP PLS 3rd Learning, author of many books about instructional coaching, and Advisor Executive Committee of AAICIS, the Association for the Advancement of Instructional Coaching in International Schools. Kim is excited to share this episode with you, not only because Steve is amazing and one of her coaching superheroes, but also because he was one of our first ever guests on the show - so it's especially interesting to hear first-hand how his thinking has evolved over time since that conversation. In this episode they talk about: Systems for coaching success - especially when starting from scratch What leaders need to know about the long term impact of coaching - especially when talking to their school board How to make coaching sustainable What experienced coaches can do to continually refine their practice Trends in instructional coaching in international schools This episode is a gold mine for coaches or school leaders looking to build successful and sustainable instructional coaching programs! Steve works with so many schools, and has such a deep understanding of how coaching works - you don't want to miss this episode! Find the show notes for this episode here.

In this #coachbetter episode, Diana unpacks the flow of a coaching conversation, so you can think about, or reflect on, the way you structure conversations with your coaching partners. It can feel really intimidating to start having coaching conversations because we know we want them to feel purposeful and meaningful, but we also want them to be comfortable enough to feel like a safe space to be vulnerable and take time to process (and not like a formal meeting you might have with a supervisor). So how do you find just the right balance? Diana shares the framework we use in The Coach Certificate and Mentorship Program so you can see the way we structure those conversations. SO many of our participants come into the program having seen overly complicated and complex coaching meeting templates and they are so relieved when they find our simple process because it's easy to implement right away - and adapt as you use it and find your own unique voice as an instructional coach. Find the show notes for this episode here.

This #coachbetter episode is another in our series of coaching case studies, with one of Kim's amazing clients, Kelly Esposito, K12 Instructional Coach at Phoenixville School District in Pennsylvania USA. Kelly is a graduate of The Coach Certificate and Mentorship Program, and Kim's been working with Kelly (and the rest of the coaching team at her school in Pennsylvania) for several years. These case study episodes are designed to share the story of a coach, and the development of their coaching program and practice in their unique setting. In this conversation they talk about... What coaching looks like in Kelly's school setting right now How her role has, and the coaching program at PASD has, evolved over the years A big "aha" moment Kelly had in The Coach around equity and math instruction The success of implementing Building Thinking Classrooms at PASD How she's refining her practice over this academic year What she wish she knew when she started coaching This episode is a fantastic example of how successful instructional coaches are always intentional about growing their skills and refining their practice over time. Find the show notes for this episode here.

In this #coachbetter episode we're talking about the repeatable processes that coaches can repurpose year after year to keep their coaching program thriving. This is a highlight from one of Kim's favorite episodes from a previous season. If you're a longtime #coachbetter listener, you know how valuable it is when we get to hear from current school leaders who have formerly been instructional coaches. This conversation is from one of those very special episodes, with Samantha Olson-Wyman and Stephanie Cifuentest, both former instructional coaches, and currently senior leaders. This episode shares insight into the work that the instructional coaches at the American School in Guatemala do every year to continue to grow the success of their coaching program. Find the show notes for this episode here.

In this #coachbetter episode Kim chats with Leigh Miller, Deputy Head of School at Munich International School. In this episode they talk about: Leigh's extensive experience with instructional coaching, in particular what has made it successful in previous schools, the systems and structures that need to be in place for coaching to be successful and then sustainable, the importance of developing a program and not just hiring a coach, measuring the impact of coaching, specific challenges for international schools, and what school leaders need to consider when building a coaching culture. This episode is a gold mine of specific actions schools can take to develop and sustain a coaching culture, especially in an international school setting! If you're curious about what makes coaching work - based on evidence from a variety of schools, and through a leaders perspective, this episode is for you! Find the show notes for this episode here.

In this #coachbetter episode, Kim talks about the 3 elements necessary for instructional coaching to thrive - and be sustainable over time. It's easy to think that once coaches are hired, and a coaching program is established, that a coaching culture will grow, but if you've been coaching for any length of time, you know that it doesn't really work like that. It takes a lot of intentional and strategic work to grow a coaching culture - and you need to build in systems and structures to make it sustainable over time. Kim will share about how to do exactly that - following The Thrive Model for Sustainable Instructional Coaching. Find the show notes for this episode here.

In our first #coachbetter Season 6 episode, Kim unpacks a big concept that has come up a lot in conversations recently: why instructional coaching is (or should be) a full time role in schools. In our recent AAICIS (Association for the Advancement of Instructional Coaching in International Schools) landscape study of international schools we found that many of the schools that don't have coaching programs cite the fact that other educators are fulfilling the role of coach, most likely people with coordinator roles, or middle level leaders. This finding aligns with what clients in The Coach often say about the challenge of advocating for a full time instructional coaching position - and what we hear from school leaders when they're considering hiring coaches. This episode can help you articulate why instructional coaching is a specific skill, and how important it is that there is time specifically devoted for coaching work (not just an add-on to an already full job description). Find the show notes for this episode here. References in this episode Coaching Matters (1st edition) by Joellen Killion, Cindy Harrison, Chris Bryan, and Heather Clifton [2nd edition here] "Fostering a Culture of Growth and Belonging: The Multi-Faceted Impact of Instructional Coaching in International Schools" by Kim Cofino in Handbook of Research on Critical Issues and Global Trends in International Education "Five Reasons Instructional Coaching in International Schools Is So Complex" by Kim Cofino in The International Educator (TIE) What Makes Coaching Work? with Joellen Killion [Ep 146] Creating a Positive School Culture Through Coaching with Kaitlyn Pettinga [Ep 215] The Importance of Defining the Purpose of Coaching with Ji Han [Ep 220] Building a Culture of Coaching with Carla Marschall [Ep 223] Making Instructional Coaching Sustainable with Ellen and Bruce Eisenberg [Ep 230] Untangling Instructional Coaching, Evaluation & Appraisal with Samantha Olson-Wyman and Stephanie Cifuentes [Ep 234] A Leadership Perspective: Making Coaching Successful with LaTyia Rolle [Ep 242]

For the tenth and final episode in the series, the topic is Looking Back to Move Forward as an Instructional Coach - a collaborative #coachbetter quick tips with Kim and Diana together . This episode focuses on the importance of reflection to help you prepare for the next academic year. The whole series has been about reflecting on your practice and this one will set you up for an annual process every academic year. If you enjoy this episode, and you're curious about the others, please go back and listen to the rest of the series to learn about the Thrive Model for Sustainable Instructional Coaching so you can reflect on the Clarity, Consistency and Community you have in your coaching practice and program. This series is designed to be an annual refresh of your coaching practice - even if you've heard some of the episodes before, every time you listen, when you reflect back on your growth over the last academic year, you'll be able to take something new away to apply in your practice in the next academic year. Download our free companion guide & workbook that aligns with this series at edurolearning.com/refresh

The topic for the ninth episode in this series is Embracing Your Informal Leadership as an Instructional Coach. This episode focuses on the essential mindset shift that educators need to make when moving into an instructional coaching role. If you enjoy this episode, you'll love the previous episodes. Go back and listen so you can refresh your coaching practice following the three phases of the Thrive Model: Clarity, Consistency and Community. This series is designed to be an annual refresh of your coaching practice - even if you've heard some of the episodes before, every time you listen, when you reflect back on your growth over the last academic year, you'll be able to take something new away to apply in your practice in the next academic year. Download our free companion guide & workbook that aligns with this series at edurolearning.com/refresh

For the eighth episode in this series, the topic is 5 Reasons Instructional Coaches are Essential in Schools. This episode focuses on the essential mindset shift that educators need to make when moving into an instructional coaching role. If you enjoy this episode, you'll love the previous episodes. Go back and listen so you can refresh your coaching practice following the three phases of the Thrive Model: Clarity, Consistency and Community. This series is designed to be an annual refresh of your coaching practice - even if you've heard some of the episodes before, every time you listen, when you reflect back on your growth over the last academic year, you'll be able to take something new away to apply in your practice in the next academic year. Download our free companion guide & workbook that aligns with this series at edurolearning.com/refresh

For the seventh episode in this series, the topic is 6 Strategies to Build Relationships with ALL Teachers. This episode focuses on the third phase of Thrive Model for Sustainable Instructional Coaching: Community. To make sure you're getting all phases of the Thrive Model, please listen to the previous episodes. This series is designed to be an annual refresh of your coaching practice - even if you've heard some of the episodes before, every time you listen, when you reflect back on your growth over the last academic year, you'll be able to take something new away to apply in your practice in the next academic year. Download our free companion guide & workbook that aligns with this series at edurolearning.com/refresh

The topic for the sixth episode in this series is 5 Ways to Build a Coaching Culture. This episode focuses on the third phase of Thrive Model for Sustainable Instructional Coaching: Community. To make sure you're getting all phases of the Thrive Model, please listen to the previous episodes. This series is designed to be an annual refresh of your coaching practice - even if you've heard some of the episodes before, every time you listen, when you reflect back on your growth over the last academic year, you'll be able to take something new away to apply in your practice in the next academic year. Download our free companion guide & workbook that aligns with this series at edurolearning.com/refresh

For the fifth episode of this series, our topic is Asking Just the Right Questions as an Instructional Coach. This episode focuses on the second phase of Thrive Model for Sustainable Instructional Coaching: Consistency. To make sure you're getting all phases of the Thrive Model, please listen to the previous episodes. This series is designed to be an annual refresh of your coaching practice - even if you've heard some of the episodes before, every time you listen, when you reflect back on your growth over the last academic year, you'll be able to take something new away to apply in your practice in the next academic year. Download our free companion guide & workbook that aligns with this series at edurolearning.com/refresh

The topic of episode 4 is the Top 5 Elements for an Effective Instructional Coaching Conversation. This episode focuses on the second phase of Thrive Model for Sustainable Instructional Coaching: Consistency. To learn about all three phases of the Thrive Model, please listen to the previous episodes. This series is designed to be an annual refresh of your coaching practice - even if you've heard some of the episodes before, every time you listen, when you reflect back on your growth over the last academic year, you'll be able to take something new away to apply in your practice in the next academic year. Download our free companion guide & workbook that aligns with this series at edurolearning.com/refresh

The topic of our third episode is 3 Ways to Find Clarity in Your Instructional Coaching Role featuring one of our amazing The Coach Mentors, Diana Beabout. This episode focuses on the first phase of Thrive Model for Sustainable Instructional Coaching: Clarity For more about the series, and to get some background on the Thrive Model, please listen to the previous episodes. This series is designed to be an annual refresh of your coaching practice - even if you've heard some of the episodes before, every time you listen, when you reflect back on your growth over the last academic year, you'll be able to take something new away to apply in your practice in the next academic year. Download our free companion guide & workbook that aligns with this series at edurolearning.com/refresh

This episode focuses on the first phase of Thrive Model for Sustainable Instructional Coaching: Clarity. This is the second episode in the Refresh Your Coaching Practice series. The previous episode introduces the Thrive Model - if you haven't listened to that one yet, go back and listen so you have the framework for the entire series. This series is designed to be an annual refresh of your coaching practice - even if you've heard some of the episodes before, every time you listen, when you reflect back on your growth over the last academic year, you'll be able to take something new away to apply in your practice in the next academic year. Download our free companion guide & workbook that aligns with this series at edurolearning.com/refresh

Our topic for episode 1 is Growing a Thriving Coaching Culture: Introducing the Thrive Model for Sustainable Instructional Coaching. This episode shares an overview of the Thrive Model for Sustainable Instructional Coaching that will set the stage for all other episodes in this series. Kim developed the Thrive Model after a decade of working with coaches and school leaders around the world. It brings together all of her own experience as an instructional coach, as well as the experiences of her clients, and all the expert guests she's interviewed on this podcast. We use this model to structure all of our courses for coaches, and in particular The Coach Certificate and Mentorship Program. You'll get an overview of the model in this series, and how the three elements of Clarity, Consistency and Community can be used to develop and refine your individual coaching practice and your coaching program in your school. This series is designed to be an annual refresh of your coaching practice - even if you've heard some of the episodes before, every time you listen, when you reflect back on your growth over the last academic year, you'll be able to take something new away to apply in your practice in the next academic year. Download our free companion guide & workbook that aligns with this series at edurolearning.com/refresh

Welcome to Eduro Learning's "Refresh Your Coaching Practice Series" This is a special podcast series designed to support you in refreshing your coaching practice. It's called (you guessed it), Refresh Your Coaching Practice. This series is an opportunity for you to reflect on your current practice as well as look ahead and consider opportunities for growth. You'll notice, as you listen, that we're following the Thrive Model for Sustainable Instructional Coaching: with episodes on clarity, consistency, and community, so you can refresh your practice on all three elements. Download our free companion guide & workbook that aligns with this series at edurolearning.com/refresh

For the final #coachbetter episode of Season 5, Kim shares a recap of the key highlights from this season and a peek at what we have for you next season. Find the show notes for this episode here.

In this #coachbetter episode, Kim talks with Lesley Tait, Head of School, Lincoln Community School, Ghana. If you've been listening to the podcast this year, you know that Christina Botbyl and Kim Cofino recently published their first book together, Finding Your Path as a Woman in School Leadership. Earlier this year, they hosted a podcast launch party to announce the book (Listen to Episode 226) This episode is a perfect follow up to that conversation, because Leslie is an experienced senior leader and she highlights many of the common experiences that women face on their path to leadership (highlighted in the Women Who Lead interviews in our book). On this call they about Leslie's path to leadership, how (and why) the path to leadership is often different for women than for men, what schools can do to recognize aspiring and growing leaders, and how they can use coaching to support the development of more women leaders in their school community. This episode is a perfect blend of coaching and leadership - if you're curious about the ways that coaching can grow leaders - and what to expect on the pathway to leadership (as a woman) this episode is for you! Find the show notes for this episode here.

It's that time of year again! If you're an international school educator, you might be returning back to your passport country - for the indefinite future when this school year ends. Are you thinking about what it might be like to re-patriate? What to expect when you move back home and things aren't quite what you expected? Then you will love this clip from a previous episode of #coachbetter where Kim spoke to 4 experienced international school educators, Emily, Kristen, Maggie and Diana who had recently moved back to their passport country after a significant time overseas. Kim asked them what one piece of advice they would give others in a similar situation. Find the show notes for this episode here.

This #coachbetter episode is a special combination case study and coaching call with one of Kim's amazing clients, Paula Plaza-Ponte. These episodes are real client stories - designed to give you a window into the experience and professional growth of coaches around the world. Kim has been working with Paula for many years now, and although she's no longer working full time in a school, her experience of going through the transition from classroom educator to education-aligned work in a non-profit is a story that deeply resonates with Kim - and we hope it does with you as well! Find the show notes for this episode here.

This #coachbetter episode is all about why tracking data about our practice is so important for instructional coaches. This is a conversation Diana and Kim often have with our participants in The Coach Certificate and Mentorship program and we wanted to share it with you too! This video is designed for current coaches who are building in reflective practices to continue to hone their craft. Find the show notes for this episode here.

In this #coachbetter episode, Kim talks with LaTyia Rolle, Elementary School Principal at the International School of Brussels. LaTyia "recently" moved from US public schools to international schools and she brings a wealth of experience working with instructional coaches as a school leader. On this call they talk about why coaching is so essential for schools AND school leaders, what makes it successful, in particular what international schools can learn from US public schools, how to help school leaders see the value of instructional coaching, the connection or overlap of coaching and middle level leadership, and what school leaders need to consider as they're building a coaching culture. Find the show notes for this episode here.

This #coachbetter episode is a highlight from one of our previous podcast episodes featuring Kawai Lai. Kawai's work focuses on helping teams and leaders rethink culture, strategy, and leadership using the power of visuals. This particular clip focuses on creating psychological safety in teams. We're sharing this one because we know that trust and safety are two huge components of building coaching relationships, and we've been talking about the ways that instructional coaches are informal leaders in their schools all semester. This one clip gives concrete strategies on how you can create psychological safety with the teams that you work with right now. As a coach, and a leader, building this skill set will be essential in developing your relational leadership Find the show notes for this episode here.