Coaching the Whole Educator

Let's ditch the sugar coating and learn to have those tough conversations that really make a difference.Scott Robley brings some down to earth, real talk about Crucial Conversations. You know, those conversations that make your stomach churn a little – the ones about tough topics where emotions run high.  We've all been there, right?Let's face it, in our schools, so many of our conversations feel crucial – high stakes, different viewpoints, and emotions flaring.  But the truth is, if we can navigate these conversations effectively, it can make all the difference.Scott's been in the trenches with educators for years, and he's here to share some battle-tested tips.  He says the key is to stop feeling stuck.  Identify those situations where you're just not getting anywhere and know you need to have a conversation.  But before you jump in,  take a minute and reflect.  Understand where those emotions are coming from and don't let them hijack the conversation.So, ditch the "culture of niceness" that holds us back (big time).  Let's embrace crucial conversations and the power they have to move us forward.  We'll chat more about the steps Scott mentioned – getting unstuck, mastering your stories, and initiating the conversation. This is a conversation (about conversations) that you won't want to miss!Let's Stay Connected!Website | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin | Facebook | Contact Us

**NEW and FREE PD** Grab your Podcast Playlists (Part 2) HERE!Have you ever found yourself perplexed by the repetitive conversations with teachers or staff?  Alongside Angela Kelly and Becca, explore the key factors driving this issue. They explore elements such as awareness levels, resistance to change, fear of failure and the desire for control. Gain insights into self-reflection questions and strategies for addressing these underlying dynamics. Discover how reframing perceptions, building trust, and embracing vulnerability can pave the way for meaningful growth and progress among teachers. Tune in to this episode to stop these conversations on repeat and get ready to reassess your current approaches and assumptions.**NEW and FREE PD** Grab your Podcast Playlists (Part 2) HERE!Check out the *UNEDITED* YouTube episode.Angela Kelly Info:Website  |  LinkedIn  Podcast Sponsor:[FREE] Sibme Coaching PlatformLet's Stay Connected!Website | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin | Facebook | Contact Us

Watch the full, unedited episode on Youtube!This conversation between Mia Pumo, coach of coaches, and Becca discusses how to give and receive feedback more effectively. Here are the key takeaways:People resist feedback for three reasons:*Truth triggers: they believe the feedback is untrue or unhelpful.*Relationship triggers: they don't trust the person giving the feedback.*Identity triggers: they feel the feedback threatens their sense of self.They discuss how to mitigate these triggers and how giving feedback ineffectively can actually diminish trust and degrade relationships with teachers. They discuss how to intentionally create a feedback system that empowers people to take and implement feedback. Finally, you also learn how to manage your own emotional reaction to critical feedback (I'm talking to you, my recovering perfectionists).Check out our *NEW* Podcast Playlists - PART 2!Podcast Sponsor:[FREE] Sibme Coaching PlatformLet's Stay Connected!Website | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin | Facebook | Contact Us

*Watch the full, unedited episode on Youtube.*In this episode, Allison Rodman and Becca dive into the messy, beautiful world of adult learning. In Allison's book "Still Learning," she shares about the adult social and emotional journey and the real, raw stuff that fuels our capacity to learn and grow.Here's the thing: we spend so much time worrying about curriculum and perfect facilitation for our students, but sometimes forget about the adults. We forget that teachers are whole humans, too, with vulnerabilities, strengths, and varying learning styles just like their students. When we create learning environments that embrace that vulnerability, magic happens.Rodman proposes a framework of five disciplines to strengthen professional and organizational capacity for adult learning:Attunement: Educators need self-awareness of their learning styles and identities. They should also feel comfortable expressing their authentic selves in the learning environment.Alignment: Setting clear and measurable personal and professional goals is essential. Educators should not be solely guided by their to-do lists but prioritize tasks aligned with their goals.Perspective: Learning teams should foster open communication and embrace diverse viewpoints to enhance collaboration.Collective Efficacy: Teams should establish shared goals and track their collective progress to build a sense of accomplishment towards common goals.Organizational Learning: Schools should strive to become true learning organizations that continuously improve their professional development practices.Rodman reminds us that schools can't be stagnant. We are learning organizations, constantly reflecting, iterating, and growing. It's not enough to just "teach" – we must be lifelong learners ourselves. Allison Rodman's Info:LinkedIn  |  Instagram  |  Facebook  |  WebsiteCheck out The Whole Educator Programs to book us for Spring and Fall PD!Podcast Sponsor:[FREE] Sibme Coaching PlatformLet's Stay Connected!Website | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin | Facebook | Contact Us

**Watch the unedited Youtube episode here**Are you looking for the ultimate list for what makes a great leader? You won't find that here. This episode dives into the surprising truth: the best leaders are the ones who can comfortably straddle contradictions. This podcast episode is about the book  "The Eight Paradoxes of Great Leadership" by Tim Elmore. The main idea is that leadership is not about following a set of rules, but rather about balancing paradoxes.The episode discusses paradoxes such as:Having a clear vision and embracing blind spots: Great leaders have a vision for the future but also understand their blind spots. They can leverage their blind spots to their advantage by seeking out feedback from others.Being stubborn and open-minded: Great leaders are both stubborn and open-minded. They are stubborn in the sense that they hold firm to their core values, but they are also open-minded to new ideas and feedback.Having high standards and gracious forgiveness: Great leaders have high standards for themselves and their teams, but they are also forgiving of mistakes. They create a culture of growth mindset where mistakes are seen as opportunities to learn.Having attention on the personal and the collective: Great leaders are able to balance their personal needs with the needs of the collective. They show that they understand the big picture, but they also empathize with the personal struggles of their team members.Tim Elmore Info:LinkedIn  |  Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Website8 Paradoxes of Leadership (book)Check out The Whole Educator Programs to book us for Spring and Fall PD!Podcast Sponsor:[FREE] Sibme Coaching PlatformLet's Stay Connected!Website | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin | Facebook | Contact Us

Research shows that schools with strong collective teacher efficacy have higher student achievement (even having a higher impact than socio-economic status).The episode discusses the following:What collective teacher efficacy is and why it is importantNon-examples of collective teacher efficacyExamples of how collective teacher efficacy can be built in schoolsThe importance of setting mastery goals instead of performance goalsKey takeaways:Collective teacher efficacy is a powerful tool for improving student achievement.Schools can build collective teacher efficacy by setting mastery goals, focusing on collaboration, and celebrating successes.Leaders can change the narrative in schools by focusing on collective teacher efficacy rather than other factors that have less impact on student achievement.Jenni Donohoo's Info:Website  |  Center for Collective EfficacyPodcast Sponsor:Sibme Coaching Platform [FREE TRIAL]Looking for free PD resources?  Check them out HERE!Let's Stay Connected!Website | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin | Facebook | Contact Us

**Watch the unedited video of the episode HERE**Do you ever struggle to get your ideas across? In today's episode, we'll be diving into the world of visual leadership with expert Todd Cherches. He'll share practical tips and frameworks to help you leverage the power of visuals to become a more effective communicator and leader. Tune in and gain valuable insights on how to make your message truly resonate.Highlights:The CAP model: Confidence, Assertiveness, and Presence. Effective leaders need all three in the right balance.The 12 C's of Presence: A framework for developing charisma, confidence, communication, and other qualities that contribute to presence.The 3 types of power: Positional (from your role), Personal (from your communication skills), and Relational (from your network and relationships).The Cycle of Learning and Development: A four-quadrant model encompassing emotional, intellectual, developmental, and behavioral aspects of learning.The Delegation-Decision Making Matrix: Helps decide whether to do a task yourself, delegate, or develop someone else to do it.The Five Levels of Productivity: From inactive (doing nothing) to super proactive (anticipating future needs).The Hierarchy of Followership: Ideally, leaders should be liked, admired, respected, and trusted. Trust is the most important, followed by respect, admiration, and then being liked.Let us know your topic requests for future episodes HERE.**Watch the unedited video of the episode HERE**Todd Cherches' Info:Facebook  |  LinkedIn  |  Instagram  |  TwitterLooking for free PD resources?  Check them out HERE!Podcast Sponsor:Sibme Coaching PlatformLet's Stay Connected!Website | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin | Facebook | Contact Us

Coaches and leaders, I know that you make a ton of decisions everyday. What would it be like to feel empowered and energized while making them (instead of fristrated and exhausted)? Neuroscience expert Dr. Chris Lee joins this podcast to shed light on how our brains work for and against us when making choices. From overcoming negativity bias to harnessing the power of intuition, Dr. Chris Lee offers actionable tips and strategies to make better decisions and feel more satisfied with the outcomes. Key points:Our brains are wired for survival, not happiness. This can lead to negativity bias and neurological drift, where negative thoughts and memories get worse over time.Effective decision-making is a habit. It requires awareness of your triggers, alignment with your goals, and rewarding yourself for making good choices. (Learn the 3-step process)Intuition is real, but it's not magic. This is a vital art of decision-making (and feeling satisfied about it). It's a feeling of inspiration or connection to an idea, but it's important to distinguish it from fear-based thoughts.Overcoming fear and discomfort: Build your capacity for curiosity (over fear) and taking calculated risks for progress.So, if you're ready to step into some bold decision-making while feeling satisfied and fulfilled, give this episode a listen.  And remember, embracing the vulnerability it takes to take risks along the way is how we truly make those choices that light us up.Podcast Sponsor:Sibme Coaching PlatformLet's Stay Connected!Website | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin | Facebook | Contact Us

***Watch the UNEDITED EPISODE here.***This podcast episode champions empowering teachers and fostering collaborative teams without forced compliance. Starr Sackstein, an educational expert, emphasizes the importance of amplifying teacher voice, arguing that their expertise is crucial for effective learning. She criticizes compliance cultures in schools that stifle teachers and shares about using Appreciative Inquiry as a solution. Building functional teacher teams requires valuing relationships, shared goal-setting, and aligning clear definitions of "good teaching" within the school community. Leaders are given tips on how to support teacher voice and leadership within grade level meetings and PLCs. We're ditching the fear and silence, replacing them with open communication and empowering leadership across all roles in our schools.The Whole Educator FREE RESOURCES***Watch the UNEDITED EPISODE here.***Starr Sackstein Info:Twitter: @MsSackstein and @MasteryforallLinkedIn: Starr SacksteinInstagram: @Starr53177Wesbites: Mssackstein.com  and MasteryPortfolio.comAmazon Author PagePodcast Sponsor:Sibme Coaching PlatformLet's Stay Connected!Website | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin | Facebook | Contact Us

Ever feel like you're giving the same coaching advice over and over, but nothing changes? This podcast episode could really help! It dives into the "four stages of competence" framework, helping you understand why teachers might be stuck in making progress and how to adapt your approach. This episode of delves into the four stages of competence framework and how it can be used to guide your teachers' progress.  Becca emphasizes the messiness and complexity of adult learning, encouraging you to consider individual needs and learning styles.The four stages are:Unconscious incompetence: The individual is unaware they lack the skill.Conscious incompetence: The individual realizes their lack of skill and the potential benefits of learning it.Conscious competence: The individual actively acquires and practices the skill, requiring effort and focus.Unconscious competence: The skill becomes second nature, used intuitively without conscious thought.Struggling with a tech-averse teacher? They might be blissfully unaware of its potential (unconscious incompetence). Learn how to stop force-feeding strategies and start piquing their curiosity. You will learn strategies to meet the needs of each stage of competence.[FREE DOWNLOAD] Stages of Competence PDFFREE RESOURCES:Whole Educator Free ResourcesSibme Coaching PlatformLet's Stay Connected!Website | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin | Facebook | Contact Us

***Watch the UNEDITED EPISODE here.***This episode features Beth Sharp, a seasoned instructional coach. Beth shares her personal journey, reflecting on her transition from elementary teacher to coach and the challenges she encountered along the way. One key realization for Beth was the importance of shifting from a "fix-it" mentality to an approach that gave her more energy, time and buy in. This, she discovered, fostered trust and empowered teachers to find their own solutions, leading to deeper learning and lasting change. They discuss how coaches can create a safe space for vulnerability and exploration. The episode delves deeper into practical techniques that empower coaches to move beyond simply providing solutions to guiding individuals towards their own powerful discoveries. Beth learned how to stop focusing on showing up with advice (which was exhausting) and started to using strategies that allowed her teachers to discover their own answers (some of which she had never thought of). She has increased energy and improved buy in with teachers because of what she discovered.Want to know more about the course Beth took (The Whole Educator Academy)? Let us know you're interested. We'd LOVE to hear about what you are dealing with in your district and how we can help. Click here to contact us.***Watch the UNEDITED EPISODE here.***FREE RESOURCES:Whole Educator Free ResourcesSibme Coaching PlatformLet's Stay Connected!Website | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin | Facebook | Contact Us

***Watch the FULL EPISODE here.***In this episode, Eduardo Briceño, author of "The Performance Paradox," challenges the conventional wisdom that equates effort with progress. He introduces the concept of the performance zone, where we prioritize flawless execution, and contrasts it with the learning zone, where mistakes are embraced as stepping stones to improvement. Briceño argues that while the performance zone is crucial for accomplishing specific tasks, sustained growth necessitates venturing into the learning zone.This distinction has significant implications for coaches and leaders, in particular, who play a vital role in cultivating psychological safety, where individuals feel empowered to take risks and learn from their mistakes. Briceño further dispels common misconceptions surrounding growth mindset, emphasizing that it's not a magic bullet but rather a continuous journey embraced by both students, educators and leaders alike.Ultimately, the podcast offers a compelling framework for understanding and overcoming the Performance Paradox. By embracing the learning zone and fostering environments that encourage experimentation and reflection, we can unlock our full potential and embark on a path of perpetual growth. ***Watch the FULL EPISODE here.***Eduardo Briceno's Info:LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Website Grab "The Performance Paradox" HERE!FREE RESOURCES:Whole Educator Free ResourcesSibme Coaching PlatformLet's Stay Connected!Website | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin | Facebook | Contact Us

In this podcast episode, Becca welcomes back Chad Ransom, an experienced educator, consultant and fellow habit-enthusiast. The discussion focuses on the importance of developing habits for coaches and leaders. Chad shares insights from his journey, emphasizing the impact of habits on personal effectiveness, efficiency and instructional practices.The conversation explores decision fatigue, the misconception of the 21-day habit rule, and the need to identify and address ineffective habits (and their triggers) to create sustained change. Chad highlights the role of systems in supporting efficient communication and time management for leaders.The episode concludes with practical advice on habit development, including habit stacking (as mentioned in Ep. 69 on New Year's Resolutions) and anticipating obstacles. Finally, leaving a few recommended resources such as "The Power of Habit" by Charles Duhigg and "Atomic Habits" by James Clear for further exploration.  Check out this episode to hear how habits can change the overall effectiveness and efficiency in coaches and leaders alike.Follow Chad Ransom on social media:Twitter  |  LinkedIn  |  WebsiteFREE RESOURCES:Whole Educator Free ResourcesSibme Coaching PlatformLet's Stay Connected!Website | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin | Facebook | Contact Us

***Watch the FULL EPISODE here.***In this discussion, Becca brings in Jenn Maichin as a guest, with an impressive 29-year career pioneering growth mindset work in Mineola (NY) school district. The conversation delves into Academic Mindsets and its four components: Belief in Growth (aka Growth Mindset), Self-Efficacy, Sense of Belonging, and Sense of Meaning and Purpose. If you have been bringing Growth Mindset concepts into your school and have seen very little impact on teacher and student success, you might be missing other Academic Mindsets. As Jenn unpacks each of these elements, you'll gain valuable insights into how to diagnose what is truly missing for students and teachers to not only believe they can achieve, but actually put it into action.Becca and Jenn masterfully articulate the neuroscience breakdown of how the brain functions with a growth mindset compared to a fixed mindset, which has the potential to dramatically enhance your coaching impact. Jenn specifically shares a creative approach used to teach young children about neuroscience, introducing the "pop, buzz, zap" method to reinforce growth mindset principles in a tangible and engaging manner (which can also help adults understand their own neuroscience).Tune in to Ep. 70 to find out how you can diagnose your own mindsets, manage perfectionism and empower others to grow their own Growth Mindset (and other Academic Mindsets). In the end, it's not about inspiring them to grow. It's about empowering them to grow!***Watch the FULL EPISODE here.***Grab your free Podcast Playlists here.Jenn Maichin's Info:Twitter  |  Instagram  |  LinkedInGrowth Mindset Free Resources (from Mineola Schools)Let's Stay Connected!Website | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin | Facebook | Contact Us

Did you know that only 9% of American complete their New Year's resolutions? In this episode, Becca shares the challenges and strategies of maintaining this year's New Year's resolutions and discusses the strong connections to coaching and leading in your schools. Here are some key takeaways:Challenges with New Year's Resolutions:Size of Changes: Most resolutions fail due to setting overly ambitious goals. Becca emphasizes the effectiveness of small, incremental steps over grand overhauls.Lack of Connection to "Why": Resolvers often focus on societal expectations ("shoulds") rather than internal values. This applies to educators too; unless they are deeply connected to the purpose behind change, sustainability is unlikely.Readiness for Change: Understanding the stages of change, Becca points out that resolutions often fail because individuals aren't in the action stage. The same principle applies to educators, and recognizing their readiness is crucial.Oversimplification: Oversimplifying the change process and neglecting to anticipate obstacles can hinder resolution success. The importance of identifying potential hurdles is emphasized in both personal and professional contexts.Environmental Impact: Physical surroundings play a significant role in sustaining change. Applying this to education, alterations in the classroom environment may be necessary for successful implementation of new teaching strategies.Connection to Future Self: Research suggests that a strong connection to the future self increases willpower and self-control. This principle is relevant for educators and students alike in envisioning the long-term impact of current actions.Lack of Accountability: Lack of public commitment and accountability often leads to resolution abandonment. Creating a culture of accountability is crucial in educational settings for sustained professional development.Listen in the learn about concrete solutions to not only keeping your New Year's resolutions but also applying those startegies to sustain change in classrooms.FREE RESOURCES:Whole Educator Free ResourcesSibme Coaching PlatformLet's Stay Connected!Website | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin | Facebook | Contact Us

This episode explores the often overlooked practice of acknowledgments and their vital importance, especially in educational settings. Yes- we said overlooked! Acknowledgments (also called Generous Appreciation), described as specific positive statements about someone, are discussed as a powerful tool for creating connections. This is distinguished from general kind words.Becca emphasizes the neurological impact of acknowledgments, explaining that they trigger the release of oxytocin in the brain, fostering genuine human connection. It is important we move beyond generic expressions of gratitude ("Thanks for your hard work this year") and this episode discussed ways to create meaningful acknowledgments for teachers, leaders, and friends. Develop a habit of generously appreciating those around you, not only in professional settings but also in personal relationships. *OUR CALENDAR IS FILLING UP!*Interested in scheduling us in for 2024? Fill out this form to connect about meeting your goals for the school year.FREE RESOURCES:Whole Educator Free ResourcesSibme Coaching PlatformLet's Stay Connected!Website | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin | Facebook | Contact Us

In this enlightening podcast episode, Tami Shaw shares invaluable strategies for impactful professional development facilitation. The focus is on creating engaging learning experiences, with Tami advocating for experiential activities like the continuum exercise to establish credibility and foster connection. The discussion delves into common facilitator mistakes to avoid and the need for clear expectations, positive phrasing, and time savers. The episode underscores the profound impact of effective facilitation on adult learners and encourages facilitators to show up authentically, not feeling the need to mimic others' styles, owning your unique ways of being.Tami Shaw's Info:Website: PositiveStrategery.com FREE resource: "Better Than Icebreakers"LinkedInWhole Educator Free ResourcesInterested in booking professional development? Let us know here.[FREE] Sibme Coaching PlatformLet's Stay Connected!Website | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin | Facebook | Contact Us

In this episode, Becca welcomes Kim Wynn, a former educator consultant turned performance and leadership coach, to discuss the nuances of communication, specifically focusing on the concept of "speaking to the listening." So, why should you care?  Communication isn't just about what you want to say; it's about understanding what the other person needs to hear. We're talking about creating a space where people feel heard, and that, alone, can transform whether someone actual hears your intended message or not – whether it's in a classroom or your daily interactions. Kim drills down into the nuances of "speaking to the listening." That means tailoring your message to what the other person needs and understanding the listener's preferences, whether visual/auditory  or knowing what's important to them, and asking questions to ensure clarity and alignment. Kim breaks down the importance of wrapping up a conversation with intention and making sure everyone leaves with what they need (including you- their leader).Tune into this episode if you have communicated a message before and it seemed to fall on deaf ears. This is one of those episodes that can impact not only your professional life, but also your personal one.Contact us to share your barriers to causing sustained positive change.Reach out to Becca directly: becca@thewholeeducator.com.Free Resources from The Whole EducatorPodcast Sponsor:[FREE] Sibme Coaching PlatformLet's Stay Connected!Website | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin | Facebook | Contact Us

Coaches and leaders, get ready to kick back and enjoy a podcast episode that gets a little more relaxed. In this unique episode, Becca flips the script, letting Tami Shaw take the reins and ask some questions. Unwind and delve into the host's preferences, from rom com favorites to a surprising weightloss journey. Beyond the casual banter, the episode imparts invaluable life advice gleaned from personal experiences and parental wisdom. Expect a dose of real talk as the discussion navigates through professional transitions, the significance of human connection in educational leadership, and strategies for overcoming resistance. This episode strikes a harmonious balance between laid-back conversation and substantive professional insights, creating a unique opportunity to glean insights from Becca’s journey along with gaining practical strategies for navigating the challenges of coaching and leadership.Free Resources from The Whole EducatorPodcast Sponsor:[FREE] Sibme Coaching PlatformLet's Stay Connected!Website | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin | Facebook | Contact Us

In this episode, coaches and leaders will gain valuable insights into the realm of executive functions. This discussion with Becca and Candace Heiken, a seasoned education professional and Executive Director of the Lively Minds Institute, sheds light on the critical role executive functions play in adult learning and productivity. The episode not only defines these functions but also offers a practical framework for identifying behaviors associated with deficiencies and implementing targeted strategies. Candace's emphasis on self-awareness and humility in acknowledging skill gaps provides a relatable perspective, allowing coaches and leaders to approach skill development with empathy and understanding.The episode goes beyond theory, delving into actionable steps for professional development. You will learn effective strategies to address team struggles, provide specific structures, and utilize modeling techniques. The focus on application and habit-building is relevant, offering insights into transferring skills across diverse environments, developing action plans, and instilling accountability. With a growth mindset at its core, this episode will equip you with the tools and knowledge needed to guide your teams toward effective executive function skill development, ultimately enhancing both individual and collective performance.Candace Heiken's Info and Resources:Executive Functions DefinedWays to Model Executive Functions Executive Function Journal PromptsExecutive Function ChallengesContact Information: Email:  candace@cerebrate.education | Cerebrate Website | Lively Minds Institute WebsiteWant to use this podcast for free professional development?Check out our *new* Podcast Playlists.Podcast Sponsor:[FREE] Sibme Coaching PlatformLet's Stay Connected!Website | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin | Facebook | Contact Us