Compass PD Podcast with Dr. Carrie Hepburn

Ever felt overwhelmed juggling your calendar, emails, budgets, and data collection as an educational leader? Have you ever wished for a simple, effective way to communicate with your stakeholders? Welcome to another episode of the Compass PD podcast, where Dr. Hepburn shares personal experiences and proven strategies to help you navigate these challenges. Brace yourself as the podcast starts with a deep dive into calendar management. Dr. Hepburn shares her experiences and tips on prioritizing tasks and adding work time, even teaching a lesson bi-weekly to understand your teachers' needs. She discusses the power of communication and how strategic planning can aid every stakeholder within the system. From creating bullet-point newsletters to effectively using data, you'll discover how to leverage these techniques for success. But that's not all; the podcast also tackles the often daunting tasks of budgeting and data collection. Listeners with gain tips for staying on top of budgets and gathering essential items for teachers. The podcast will explore how to handle feedback that might seem negative and manage email without letting it control your life.  This episode is an engaging mix of personal stories and actionable insights that will revolutionize how you approach your educational leader role. Join us and be ready to upgrade your leadership game!Class Visit Qualitative Data Example Questions

What if we told you that the simple act of establishing routines could revolutionize learning in your classroom? This is indeed our focus this week, where we continue our enlightening conversation with Dr. Natalie Fallert. Dr. Fallert, who is back for a second week, will be digging deep into the crucial role of routines in crafting an effective learning environment. We kick things off by dissecting the importance of having solid classroom routines. You won't want to miss Dr. Fallert's insights into their impact on both the emotional well-being of the student and their learning output. The workshop model, an instructional structure that maximizes the learning experience, will also be under the spotlight. We break down the science of attention spans and their fruitful intersection with the workshop model. The journey doesn't end there. We'll look at how you can structure your classroom and design a weekly routine to provide stability and encourage learning. We'll also touch on the invaluable role of community in the classroom and how routines can be leveraged to build it. Finally, we'll wrap up by discussing the significance of setting ambitious goals and providing professional development opportunities for educators. Buckle up to learn, be inspired, and transform your classroom into a hub of engaged and happy learners!

Ready to set the tone for a successful school year? Join Compass PD's Dr. Carrie Hepburn as she talks with esteemed educator Dr. Natalie Fallert about things to be on a teacher's radar and predictable problems they will face at the beginning of the school year. This episode will arm teachers with the tools to navigate their teaching journey, striking a balance between teaching style, district expectations, and the evolving requirements of students.Remember planning a road trip before GPS? Think of this episode as your roadmap to a successful school year, albeit with some welcome detours. With Dr. Fallert’s insights drawn from a 17-year teaching career, we'll decode the art of curriculum mapping and lesson planning. The duo underscores the importance of redesigning lessons each year to cater to the new batch of students, shifting focus from just filling time to meaningful, student-focused teaching.As we wrap up, we touch on the importance of teaching with empathy and genuine care leading to significant progress. How do you make learning inviting? How can we alleviate pressure off teachers and students alike? We cover all these pressing problems with practical solutions. And remember, sharing this episode with your fellow educators brings us closer to our goal of impacting one million students! Buckle up and enjoy this enlightening conversation and start your school year on the right foot!

Are you ready to conquer the school year like a seasoned pro? With expert insights from the esteemed Dr. Bridgett Niedringhaus, we offer a roadmap to help administrators navigate the complexities of the academic year ahead. In this episode, we demystify the art of effective mentor-mentee pairings, underscore the crucial role of time for staff collaboration, and explore the process of revisiting your institution's mission, vision, values, and goals. Our conversation is a treasure trove of practical advice designed to promote a culture of trust and respect while valuing teachers' time.But we're not just about strategies for success; we're also your survival guide in the face of the inevitable hiccups that accompany the start of a school year. We've got you covered, be it unexpected hires, surprise student registrations, or late buses. Listen in as Bridgett shares her foolproof methods for staying resilient amidst the chaos, including setting specific objectives for the first 30 days and crafting a motivational mantra. Further, we delve into the support system for new teachers, stressing the importance of audacious goal-setting and refining professional development to meet your student's learning needs. Grab your headphones and tune in for an educational journey designed to help you kickstart the school year with confidence.

In a "behind the scenes" episode of the Compass PD Podcast, education experts Dr. Natalie Fallert and Dr. Carrie Hepburn delve into the nationwide trends they observed during the 2021-2022 school year. They shed light on pressing concerns surrounding student engagement and motivation, highlighting the challenges faced by educators in keeping students actively involved in their learning journey. Furthermore, the discussion explores the ever-present issue of students reading below grade level and the subsequent dependency cycle that can hinder their progress. Dr. Fallert and Dr. Hepburn also delve into the profound impact of technology on education, examining both the positive and negative effects it has on students' learning experiences. Tune in to gain insights into these crucial trends and discover strategies to address them effectively in your educational setting.

Tune in to the Compass PD podcast as Dr. Carrie Hepburn converses with Julie West, a seasoned expert in supporting new teachers. In this episode, Julie shares invaluable tips for new educators on finding balance in their demanding schedules, emphasizing the importance of setting aside dedicated reflection time. Recognizing the significance of building relationships, Julie highlights the transformative power of strong connections with students, colleagues, and mentors. With her genuine passion for supporting and nurturing new teachers, Julie's insights offer a wealth of inspiration and practical guidance. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable wisdom and discover strategies for empowering the next generation of educators.

Dr. Hepburn shares the purpose of a curriculum and professional development cycles and the steps to consider when developing them for a district. Listen to learn how to develop a strategic plan that ensures high-quality, relevant curricula and professional learning for your district!

Compass PD colleague Dr. Brenner joins Dr. Carrie Hepburn to discuss the importance of utilizing data to for early identification of reading deficiencies. Dr. Brenner walks us through the steps of early reading interventions for Tier 1 and Tier 2 instruction. Finally, providing guidance on determining the next steps for instruction based on how students respond to early reading intervention.

In this podcast, Dr. Evans shared the importance of Number Talks and how this work in classrooms builds the numeric accuracy and flexibility needed in order to determine the most efficient method to solve math problems. Number Talks helps students build their conceptual understanding of mathematical practices and sets them up for success for higher-level math coursework later down the road.

Blended learning has been the buzzword in education for the past few years. But what exactly is it? The textbook definition of blended learning is the combination of synchronous learning and asynchronous learning. In the real world, however, it just means online and face-to-face classroom methods. With so many districts and schools moving toward this way of teaching, how do we make it work best for our students? In this episode, Dr. Carrie talks with ISTE and Google Certified, METC Spotlight Educator, April Burton. April shares common misconceptions about blended learning and how blended learning can catapult student engagement.

In this episode, Dr. Carrie talks with Instructional Coaches about the process of unpacking standards. We recently worked with the Instructional Coaches team from Webster City, Iowa, to unpack standards and create progressions from Early Childhood to Grade 5. We used the information to develop assessments and align with their district ELA resource, FPC. Here from a district that recently went through this essential but often daunting process. 

“A guaranteed and viable curriculum ensures all students have an equal opportunity to learn." -Robert  Marzano.  On this very special episode, Dr. Carrie speaks to Professional Learning Leader, Betsy Rivas about the Curriculum Academy they have designed for Compass PD, and will soon be offering districts.  The Curriculum Academy is based on their extensive research and experience facilitating curriculum writing teams. The academy is designed to build capacity by creating curriculum leaders throughout the process of curriculum writing. Listen now to learn more...

Dr. Carrie Hepburn had an energizing and inspiring discussion with Professional Learning Leader, David Brothers. David shares his experience leading educators through powerful data discussions, the kinds of discussions that empower and excite teachers.

Compass PD talks with Dr. Fallert about the power of books clubs in the secondary classroom. She delivers tips and tricks to getting started in this important work.

Embark on a heartfelt odyssey with me, Dr. Carrie Hepburn, as we unravel the life-changing magic of education. Witness the tale of determination and courage through my eyes as my mother, against an era less kind, grasped her independence through learning, earning her GED with an unyielding spirit. This isn't just a narrative of my family; it's a tribute to the valiant women of her time, who, with education as their sword, carved out choices and self-reliance from a world that offered them little. My fervor for education is deeply rooted in these experiences, igniting a passion that has fueled my journey in this field.As we turn the pages of this story, we extend our deepest thanks to the educators—those pillars of our communities who, day in and day out, shape the destinies of countless students. By threading in the perspectives of these unsung heroes, we paint a vivid picture of their indelible impact. I invite you to join our Compass PD community by sharing your stories that echo education's transformative power. Let's celebrate the legacy of learning and the dedicated individuals who commit their lives to spreading its invaluable light.

Spring ushers in a season of growth and renewal, and it's no different in the realm of education. With the joyous backdrop of the crisp spring air, Dr. Bridgett Niedringhaus joins us to tackle the crucial topics that school leaders face during this pivotal time. From the meticulous analysis of third-quarter data to the intricacies of budget planning and staffing dynamics, we promise a conversation brimming with actionable insights. Staffing decisions carry the weight of a school's success on their shoulders, and this episode doesn't shy away from that reality. Dr. Neidringhaus dissects the importance of hiring with organizational improvement at the forefront, setting aside personal connections for the greater good of the institution. She offers candid guidance on navigating the emotional waters of role changes, staff reductions, and the assembly of diverse interview teams. The art of conversation in these scenarios is not lost, and she provides practical advice for educational leaders to handle these moments with the grace and empathy they require.But it's not just about the tough decisions; it's also about the power of delegation and relationship-building. Bridgett stresses the significance of trust and empowerment in the classroom, the impact of mid-year hires, and the importance of maintaining a vibrant school culture. For school administrators looking for encouragement and inspiration during these demanding times, this episode is a testament to the collaborative spirit that drives educational excellence.

As the school year winds down, educators face a familiar adversary: the summer slide. But what if we could armor our students with the skills and habits they need to emerge even stronger in the fall? Join us as we unfold a treasure trove of strategies with Dr. Carrie Hepburn from Compass PD to prevent this seasonal educational backslide. From the importance of reading volumes to daily writing exercises, we tackle the challenge head-on, ensuring that every learner has the tools to succeed.This episode is an ode to the power of momentum, focusing on the final six weeks of the academic calendar as a crucial period for solidifying reading and writing skills. Dr. Hepburn shares many approaches to ensure students don't just maintain but thrive, discussing the use of choice to engage reluctant readers and techniques to foster self-efficacy and independence in our young scholars.As we wrap up, we celebrate the joys of summer reading programs and the literary adventures awaiting our students. It's a heartfelt tribute to the transformative power of reading and writing. We invite educators to join us in turning the page on the summer slide and writing a new chapter of academic resilience and joy.

Embark on a journey through the highs and lows of team development with Dr. Carrie Hepburn as she navigates the critical stages that can make or break collaborative success. From the initial excitement of the 'forming' phase to the inevitable emotional rollercoaster of 'storming,' Dr. Hepburn dissects the importance of leadership in establishing clear goals and nurturing trust. Witness how a leader's adept handling of conflicts can steer the team away from chaos and toward productivity, a lesson invaluable for new and experienced leaders.

Discover the secrets to actualizing strategic plans within educational organizations as  Dr. Carrie Hepburn joins forces with the brilliant Dr. Chris Greiner. The vibrant discussion unveils how to keep strategic goals from gathering dust on the shelf, transforming them into daily actions that shape the future of learning. They explore the nuances of creating a compelling vision narrative and the salient need for adaptability in the face of challenges like those brought on by unforeseen events such as the pandemic. You'll learn about the art of picking a handful of annual projects that genuinely resonate with your long-term goals, the efficacy of a progress-tracking dashboard, and the vitality of identifying those wildly essential goals that will mark your success milestones.Then, they step into the realm of leadership and the delicate dance of building trust amidst change. Dr. Greiner discusses strategies for involving even the most change-resistant individuals in collaborative problem-solving, thus strengthening the collective capacity for growth. This episode promises a treasure trove of practical leadership wisdom, setting the stage for you to lead with conviction and clarity!Episode 34: Delving into What is Strategic Planning Pt. 1Episode 37: What is Strategic Planning Pt. 2Episode 45: Strategic Planning Creates a Unified Vision for Success

Prepare to unlock the secrets of seamless strategic planning in educational districts with Dr. Chris Greiner, a veritable sage in the realm of educational strategy. This episode promises to equip you with the tools to foster a shared vision narrative that's penned hand-in-hand with families, staff, and community leaders who help shape the educational landscape. We unravel how engagement strategies like surveys and focus groups can be a game-changer in this collaborative effort. Dr. Greiner's insights underscore the necessity of bringing every district member, from operations to non-instructional teams, into the fold to ensure that post-pandemic priorities such as student belonging and social-emotional learning are addressed with the gravity they deserve.Expect an invigorating conversation with Dr. Greiner as we chart the path to achieving 'wildly important goals' across an educational organization's diverse spectrum, extending from the cafeteria to the custodial closets. We dissect "The 4 Disciplines of Execution," a revolutionary framework that paves the way for educational leaders to navigate through daily challenges while keeping strategic goals in sharp focus. As we dissect these principles, you'll discover how to transform a strategic plan from a static document into a dynamic, living promise to your stakeholders. So, whether you're at the helm of a district or you're an educator with an insatiable thirst for knowledge, let this episode be your guide to fine-tuning your strategic planning prowess.Episode 34: Delving into What is Strategic Planning Pt. 1Episode 37: What is Strategic Planning Pt. 2