Essential Questions for Educators (EQ4E)

Become a better teacher, instructional coach, or leader in education! The questions we purposefully ask or often whisper to ourselves as educators matters. This podcast searches for essential questions in education and explores potential trailheads for discovery and personal improvement. It also gives me the space and time to expand on my blog (please visit and look around!) essentialquestionsforeducators.com. Empower Your Journey: Begin with Essential Questions, Discover Your Answers!

S2E8 What assistant principals (kinda) wish others knew...

We have so much to figure out... and quickly!

10-27
26:43

S2E7 What are ways to express gratitude (and feel awesome)?

A few things at least. Some thoughts on this topic.

10-20
09:23

EQ4E S2E1 How can layered assessments improve my teaching?

What are layered assessments and how can they help my teaching - and student learning?

09-08
20:22

#56 Student Interview

I sat down with Central High School Podcast Club President for an interview about education, goals, and life.

01-20
37:02

#55 What is the 5% rule in professional development?

What is the 5% rule and how is it related to learning and professional development?

01-06
21:23

#54 AI Real-time conversation....

Enjoy (or be terrified) listening to a real-time, verbal conversation with AI about education!

12-18
17:26

#53 What are essential questions to reflect on the end of a semester?

Twenty questions! Maybe one or more will resonate with you and lead to creative change?

12-16
38:57

#52 The Book, Instructional Coaching, and Fitness (oh my)

I'm back after a break and ready to get back in the podcast studio! In this first episode back I give updates on my book, thoughts on an instructional coach technique workshop I'm developing, and a few things I've been doing to improve my fitness at the age of...gulp...55.

12-04
36:40

#51 Building a Thinking Classroom in Eight Phases

BTC is an effective way to approach instruction and learning in the classroom - and it's all the rage right now. But it can also lead to another kind of (mild) rage. I have helped many teachers and districts sense-make the practices in this book (and other approaches as well), and give a very brief overview of my 8 Phases of BTC Implementation.

10-07
37:05

#50 3 Steps to Being Truly Helpful

The 3-Step Helping Technique is back - and with a new intro. Not to detail a recent success, but to admit an utter failure. This technique is one of the most effective and gratifying trainings I do, but it's also one of the hardest to consistently put into practice. But it's about the journey, right?

09-30
32:43

EQ4E #14 Who's the Bos? Episode 2

Kansas City Chiefs, an update on recess, and how to redesign schools (of course)! And more! All in this second interview with my son, Bosley, who is currently in the fifth grade. Enjoy!

10-16
27:31

EQ4E #4 Helping is not always helpful - part 1 of 2

The act of helping is not always helpful according to one of my many mentors, Dr. Edgar Schein. I created a very popular workshop around this message and Dr. Schein's work in 2008, and wanted to share the basics. It is nearly guaranteed to improve your helping skills! Note: This podcast complements a blog post on essentialquestionsforeducators.com: #14.

08-14
10:26

EQ4E #2 - Back to School Questions to Prepare

Essential Questions for Educators (EQ4E) #2 - As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we not only focus on the basics but also embrace opportunities for growth. Let's discuss your intentions for fostering relationships and nurturing a positive classroom/school culture. Additionally, explore powerful factors to consider when designing or redesigning lessons to create an impactful learning experience. Lastly, discover strategies to purposefully develop your leadership skills. All of these compelling topics will be featured in the upcoming EQ4E inaugural podcast! Note: This podcast complements a blog post on essentialquestionsforeducators.com: #26.

08-01
24:42

S2E6 Presenting with the laptop closed

Sometimes you need to reach over and close the laptop and listen. It turns out the 3-Step Helping Protocol works for groups as well.

10-13
18:44

S2E5 How can anyone grow their leadership in education?

Seven tips for growing your leadership no matter what role you have in education.

10-06
21:49

S2E4 EQ4E How can we enhance the co-teaching impact in schools?

Listen to the intentions and outcomes of a training with co-teachers in a large district in South Carolina!

09-29
29:58

EQ4E S2E3 How can everyone can coach instruction?

Everyone can coach instruction: teachers, department leads, PLC leads, grade level leads, team leaders, instructional coaches, curriculum coordinators, and principals. But how? I explore a simple yet rich technique in this episode of EQ4E.

09-22
33:27

EQ4E S2E2 Improving Instruction in Rural Missouri

How can I ask better questions? How can I create the conditions to see/hear what students are thinking? Am I an active learner of what my students are thinking

09-15
16:41

#49 Getting the most out of post observation coaching meetings

I model instruction, coteach, or observe. But then what? One of the most critical growth moments is the post conference where reflection and coaching occur.

09-05
15:00

#48 What is an effective way I work with teachers to improve instruction?

Planning meeting followed by observations, co teaching, or modeling is a great way to improve instruction. But the icing on the cake is the post reflection conference with declarations of intention moving forward.

08-28
18:36

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