#coachbetter
Building community in schools through instructional coaching. Wherever you are in your coaching journey, we can support you! Hosted by Kim Cofino, the #coachbetter podcast features inspiring interviews; case studies with coaches; real-life coaching calls; and quick strategic tips that you can put into practice immediately. We turn inspiration into practical reality so you get the clarity you need to move forward confidently - for you as an individual coach and for your coaching program in your school. New episodes every Wednesday!
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CASE STUDY: Hosting Data Retreats as an Instructional Coach with Jenn Overstreet
05/05/2026
CASE STUDY: Hosting Data Retreats as an Instructional Coach with Jenn Overstreet
This #coachbetter episode is another in our , with one of Kim's clients, Jenn Overstreet, who is now Head of School in Italy, but when we recorded this call she was an instructional coach at the American International School of Riyadh in Saudi Arabia. Jenn is a highly experienced coach, and she had just graduated The Coach Certificate and Mentorship Program when we spoke. These 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 Jenn talk about... Jenn’s experience building a coaching program at AISR Why and how they’re hosting data retreats with teachers What she’s including in her instructional coaching playbook as she’s transitioning out of this role, into her new school What she was able to accomplish in The Coach as an experienced instructional coach Find the show notes for this episode . Let’s Connect: Our website: EduroLearning on EduroLearning on EduroLearning on Subscribe to our Join our Learn with Kim Articles from Kim (Edutopia) (Edutopia) (The Learning Professional, Learning Forward) Books & Chapters from Kim: (book) (chapter)
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Collecting Feedback on Your Coaching Practice with Kim Cofino
04/28/2026
Collecting Feedback on Your Coaching Practice with Kim Cofino
In this #coachbetter episode Kim talks about two intentional ways to collect feedback on your coaching practice - inspired by a conversation she recently had with a client. Learning how to collect and use feedback on your coaching practice is an absolute game changer to continually improve your coaching practice over time. It’s the number one strategy Kim uses every single day to work towards becoming a better coach. If you’re curious about how you can keep growing into your practice - no matter how long you’ve been coaching, this short episode is for you! Find the show notes for this episode . Let’s Connect: Our website: EduroLearning on EduroLearning on EduroLearning on Subscribe to our Join our Learn with Kim Articles from Kim (Edutopia) (Edutopia) (The Learning Professional, Learning Forward) Books & Chapters from Kim: (book) (chapter)
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Developing a School-Wide Instructional Coaching Program at Shanghai American School with SAS Instructional Coaches
04/21/2026
Developing a School-Wide Instructional Coaching Program at Shanghai American School with SAS Instructional Coaches
In this #coachbetter episode Kim talks with several members of the instructional coaching team at in China. This is such a big team, that even with 6 guests on the show today: Alex McMillan, Alex Braden, Yuri Liu, Andrew Ranson, Bick McSwiney and Scott Williams, this is still less than half the team! We're excited to share this episode with you today because SAS has been doing phenomenal work in very intentionally developing their instructional coaching program both at the leadership and school wide level, and with the instructional coaches themselves. Associate Director of Ed Programs, Scott Williams has been leading this work, and Kim has partnered with SAS to support their coaches in their own private cohort of , as well as spending some time at SAS working with coaches and leaders together. SAS is also one of our Founding Member Schools of . This episode is a window into the intention and strategic planning it takes to develop a coaching program in a very large international school! If you’re curious to learn more, Scott and Kim have also written an article for the which goes deeper into many of the elements we discussed in this episode. In this episode... The history of coaching at SAS The vision and goals for the program as it’s being developed now The key documentation the team has developed The team at SAS What coaching looks like right now The way’s they’re planning to socialize this work with all educators How they intend to measure the impact of coaching The specific contextual challenges for SAS What school leaders should know when embarking on program development like this Find the show notes for this episode . Let’s Connect: Our website: EduroLearning on EduroLearning on EduroLearning on Subscribe to our Join our Learn with Kim Articles from Kim (Edutopia) (Edutopia) (The Learning Professional, Learning Forward) Books & Chapters from Kim: (book) (chapter)
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Making the Decision to Invest in Multiple Coaches: Samantha Olson-Wyman & Stephanie Cifuentes
04/14/2026
Making the Decision to Invest in Multiple Coaches: Samantha Olson-Wyman & Stephanie Cifuentes
This #coachbetter episode is about how school leaders can make the decision to invest in hiring multiple instructional coaches. This is a highlight from one of our favorite episodes from a previous season featuring Samantha Olson Wyman and Stephanie Cifuentes. Sam and Stephanie share the ways they used data to determine the impact that coaches were making - and they found that everyone in the community was benefiting from instructional coaching. As coaches and leaders we really have to be clear about the outcome of the work - and we must be able to articulate that to those who are making financial determinations about staffing. It can be hard to spend time and energy on collecting data about your practice and your impact - the actual work of collecting and analyzing the data is keeping you AWAY from doing the work. But actually communicating those outcomes will not only support you better prioritizing your own work, but it may make the case for adding new members to your team. Find the show notes for this episode . Like this episode, you’ll enjoy these: Let’s Connect: Our website: EduroLearning on EduroLearning on EduroLearning on Subscribe to our Join our Learn with Kim Articles from Kim (Edutopia) (Edutopia) (The Learning Professional, Learning Forward) Books & Chapters from Kim: (book) (chapter)
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CASE STUDY: Developing a Strong Coach-Principal Partnership with Andrew Ranson
04/07/2026
CASE STUDY: Developing a Strong Coach-Principal Partnership with Andrew Ranson
This #coachbetter episode is another in our , with Andrew Ranson, instructional coach at Shanghai American School in China. These are designed to share the story of a coach, and the development of their coaching program and practice in their unique setting. If you’re a regular listener of the podcast, you might have heard Andrew’s where he shared the ways that he’s using a Data Dashboard to develop a strong Coach-Principal Partnership. Andrew is also featured in another episode with the (available 22 April 2026)! Andrew is also a member of the AAICIS A-Team, and has been featured in about the . At the time of recording he had just graduated from . In this episode Kim and Andrew dig into the importance of the Coach-Principal partnership, and all the elements that coaches need to be aware of when they are seeking to make a deep impact on the school community! In this conversation they talk about... What made him curious about coaching What he found surprising about the move into coaching How he’s focusing on developing the Coach-Principal partnership How The Coach supported his professional growth - even as an experienced coach Find the show notes for this episode . Let’s Connect: Our website: EduroLearning on EduroLearning on EduroLearning on Subscribe to our Join our Learn with Kim Articles from Kim (Edutopia) (Edutopia) (The Learning Professional, Learning Forward) Books & Chapters from Kim: (book) (chapter)
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The Difference Between a Coaching Vision & Definition with Diana Beabout
03/31/2026
The Difference Between a Coaching Vision & Definition with Diana Beabout
In this #coachbetter episode Diana is sharing the difference between a definition and a vision for instructional coaching. We all know that sometimes coaching thrives in one school setting and stalls in another. There are lots of reasons why this might happen and one of them is a lack of clarity around the definition of coaching. In schools we’re great at creating a lofty vision (we all have experience with statements that involve phrases like: “developing resilient global citizens who are able to tackle complex problems”) but we don’t often spend a lot of time actually defining what we mean. And that can be a huge challenge for coaching programs specifically because they need ownership and buy in from all school stakeholders. If this resonates with you, your school might need a definition of coaching - not just a vision. And Diana is going to tell you about that today! Find the show notes for this episode . Let’s Connect: Our website: EduroLearning on EduroLearning on EduroLearning on Subscribe to our Join our Learn with Kim Articles from Kim (Edutopia) (Edutopia) (The Learning Professional, Learning Forward) Books & Chapters from Kim: (book) (chapter)
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Celebrating Two Years of AAICIS
03/24/2026
Celebrating Two Years of AAICIS
In this #coachbetter episode, Kim chats with some members of the team from the (called AAICIS), where she is currently serving as the Executive Director. This episode is celebrating the two years of AAICIS! This episode was rexorded to share and celebrate some of their key achievements over this last year with you! They also wanted to highlight the many ways that the work of the AAICIS team is impacting international schools and educators around the world, and a little bit about the behind the scenes work with AAICIS - what it’s like to volunteer, and what our volunteers get out of the experience. Listen to this episode to hear from a few of the AAICIS A-Team members about their work over the past year, including: the ways that AAICIS is contributing to and serving the needs of the international school community how that work we have done with AAICIS have influenced the work in the individual schools of our community the developments over this last year that they are most excited about what it’s like to volunteer for AAICIS some of the learning has emerged for their team members as a result of our work Find the show notes for this episode . Let’s Connect: Our website: EduroLearning on EduroLearning on EduroLearning on Subscribe to our Join our Learn with Kim Articles from Kim (Edutopia) (Edutopia) (The Learning Professional, Learning Forward) Books & Chapters from Kim: (book) (chapter)
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Recognizing Your Leadership, as an Instructional Coach with Dr. Chaunté Garrett
03/17/2026
Recognizing Your Leadership, as an Instructional Coach with Dr. Chaunté Garrett
This #coachbetter episode is about the ways that coaches can see themselves as leaders in their school community. This is a highlight from one of our favorite episodes from a previous season featuring Dr. Chaunté Garrett, former Instructional Coach, and currently Superintendent of a K12 Charter School in North Carolina. What we love about this clip is that so often instructional coaches struggle to recognize the informal leadership aspects of the role that they might be demonstrating - even without realizing it. Many coaches can feel a sense of imposter syndrome when we highlight the leadership work they’re doing - but it IS leadership work. Seeing yourself as a leader is one of the ways that you can make an even bigger impact in your school setting - but you have to recognize it first! This is why we frequently talk about the importance of understanding the macro view of your coaching program - embracing the big picture view is crucial to building a culture of coaching (alongside the work you’re doing at the micro level within your individual coaching practice). If you’re curious about the ways that you can embrace the leadership aspects of your role - and why your senior leaders truly value you at that level, this episode is for you! Find the show notes for this episode . Check out the original episode here: [Ep 158] Let’s Connect: Our website: EduroLearning on EduroLearning on EduroLearning on Subscribe to our Join our Learn with Kim Articles from Kim (Edutopia) (Edutopia) (The Learning Professional, Learning Forward) Books & Chapters from Kim: (book) (chapter)
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CASE STUDY: 6 Keys to Building a Coaching Culture with Coaches as Leaders Graduate, Tina Peji
03/10/2026
CASE STUDY: 6 Keys to Building a Coaching Culture with Coaches as Leaders Graduate, Tina Peji
This #coachbetter episode is another in our , with one of Kim's amazing clients, Tina Peiji. Tina is a highly experienced coach, a graduate of The Coach Certificate and Mentorship Program and Coaches as Leaders. At the time of recording, she had just graduated from Coaches as Leaders. Tina is also an essential member of the A-Team! These are designed to share the story of a coach, and the development of their coaching program and practice in their unique setting. Tina is currently digging into how to develop a coaching program at her school - from the leadership level. After developing strong coaching skills in her previous schools, she now has the opportunity to think about how she can embrace her leadership to build a school-wide coaching program. In this episode Tina and Kim talk about... The differences in the ways coaching has been implemented in the schools Tina has worked at The key elements schools coaches and leaders need to be aware of when building a coaching culture What coaches need to consider when starting in a new school How experienced coaches can continue to grow Her recommendations for all coaches Find the show notes for this episode . Let’s Connect: Our website: EduroLearning on EduroLearning on EduroLearning on Subscribe to our Join our Learn with Kim Articles from Kim (Edutopia) (Edutopia) (The Learning Professional, Learning Forward) Books & Chapters from Kim: (book) (chapter)
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Navigating the Hidden Mental Load for Instructional Coaches with Kim Cofino and Diana Beabout
03/03/2026
Navigating the Hidden Mental Load for Instructional Coaches with Kim Cofino and Diana Beabout
In this #coachbetter episode Kim and Diana talk about the mental load that coaches carry - and may not recognize. This is a topic that came up during a previous #coachbetter episode with . This is something that, as coaches, we may feel, but may not recognize how it impacts our work - and the work that our coaching partners have the capacity for. In this episode, Kim and Diana will unpack what we mean by “mental load” or “cognitive capacity” and how and why understanding everyone’s (including our own) limited bandwidth has such a huge impact on our coaching practice and coaching culture. If you’re feeling like you, your colleagues or your coaching partners are at max capacity right now, we can relate - and this episode is for you! Find the show notes for this episode . Like this episode, you’ll enjoy this: Let’s Connect: Our website: EduroLearning on EduroLearning on EduroLearning on Subscribe to our Join our Learn with Kim Articles from Kim (Edutopia) (Edutopia) (The Learning Professional, Learning Forward) Books & Chapters from Kim: (book) (chapter)
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Stepping into Your Leadership with Fran Prolman
02/24/2026
Stepping into Your Leadership with Fran Prolman
In this #coachbetter episode Kim chats with Fran Prolman, author, educational leadership consultant and founder of . Fran brings a wealth of experience in educational leadership that is so relevant for coaches and middle leaders, and this episode is a deep dive into so many strategies, ideas and resources for all informal leaders! In this episode Fran and Kim talk about ... Sliding door moments - how to recognize them & what they can bring Recognizing your potential as a leader Key skills for all new leaders - in formal or informal leadership roles The difference between coaching and mentoring The importance of confidentiality in coaching Common barriers towards building a coaching culture This episode weaves together leadership and coaching in such an organic way. If you’ve been a long time subscriber, you know that as a coach, you are an informal leader in your school, and this episode really highlights that element of the role. If you’re working towards recognizing and building on your informal leadership, this episode is for you! Find the show notes for this episode . Let’s Connect: Our website: EduroLearning on EduroLearning on EduroLearning on Subscribe to our Join our Learn with Kim Articles from Kim (Edutopia) (Edutopia) (The Learning Professional, Learning Forward) Books & Chapters from Kim: (book) (chapter)
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Making Instructional Coaching Sustainable with Ellen and Bruce Eisenberg
02/17/2026
Making Instructional Coaching Sustainable with Ellen and Bruce Eisenberg
This #coachbetter episode is about the enabling conditions for coaching success and is a highlight from one of Kim's favorite episodes from a previous season featuring Ellen and Bruce Eisenberg, Founders of . Ellen and Bruce highlight the importance of developing a school culture that supports a growth mindset and a coaching culture. If we don’t have the systems and structures to enable teachers to opt-in to coaching and we aren’t ensuring that coaches are focused on coaching work, it will be very challenging to build a coaching culture. All schools need the three elements of the Thrive Model for coaching to be successful and sustainable and most schools are missing at least one - is your school missing consistency? Watch this episode to find out! And if you want to learn more about the Thrive Model, access all of our resources at If you liked this clip, make sure to check out the full length episode from season 5: Find the show notes for this episode . Let’s Connect: Our website: EduroLearning on EduroLearning on EduroLearning on Subscribe to our Join our Learn with Kim Articles from Kim (Edutopia) (Edutopia) (The Learning Professional, Learning Forward) Books & Chapters from Kim: (book) (chapter)
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CASE STUDY: Bridging the Gap Between Professional Learning & Classroom Action with Sarah Tudge
02/10/2026
CASE STUDY: Bridging the Gap Between Professional Learning & Classroom Action with Sarah Tudge
This #coachbetter episode is another in our , with one of Kim's amazing clients, Sarah Tudge, High School Curriculum Coordinator at the International School of Manila in the Philippines. At the time of recording, Sarah had just graduated from The Coach and completed her amazing Action Research around the impact of coaching - if you want to see the outcome of her research, make sure to check out on our website at We're excited to share this episode with Sarah with you because Sarah came to The Coach with a TON of coaching experience and she still learned and achieved so much, all of which was very specifically tailored for the needs of her school community because The Coach is so customizable for your individual needs. Sarah points out in this episode how valuable having a whole academic year to devote to developing her coaching skills was, and she truly made the most of it!. This episode is a deep dive into the ways that coaching can be the bridge between more formal professional learning experiences and actual impact in the classroom. Sarah’s experience and action research throughout her time in The Coach Certificate and Mentorship Program really uncover the ways that coaching empowers teachers to create tangible change in their practice - with support and without evaluation. Find the show notes for this episode . Let’s Connect: Our website: EduroLearning on EduroLearning on EduroLearning on Subscribe to our Join our Learn with Kim Articles from Kim (Edutopia) (Edutopia) (The Learning Professional, Learning Forward) Books & Chapters from Kim: (book) (chapter)
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The Difference Between a Coaching Mindset & Coaching Program
02/03/2026
The Difference Between a Coaching Mindset & Coaching Program
This #coachbetter episode is about the difference between a coaching mindset and a coaching program. There is a HUGE difference between embracing a coaching mindset and building an intentional coaching program. However, because it’s quite hard to see all the layers that go into an intentional coaching program it might seem like if everyone has a coaching mindset, we have a coaching program. Although that’s a wonderful foundation, it’s not quite all it takes to create a thriving coaching program. Kim unpacks 5 key differences between embracing a coaching mindset and an intentional coaching program. If you’re curious about how to articulate all the pieces that go into a fully developed coaching program - and how that’s much more than having coaching conversations, this episode is for you! Find the show notes for this episode . Let’s Connect: Our website: EduroLearning on EduroLearning on EduroLearning on Subscribe to our Join our Learn with Kim Articles from Kim (Edutopia) (Edutopia) (The Learning Professional, Learning Forward) Books & Chapters from Kim: (book) (chapter)
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Finding the Line Between Appraisal & Growth with Lindsay Prendergast
01/27/2026
Finding the Line Between Appraisal & Growth with Lindsay Prendergast
In #coachbetter episode, Kim chats with Dr. Lindsay Prendergast, who’s currently Assistant Director of the , and a best selling author. Lindsay was a teacher, administrator and a coach for many years before shifting to work with the Danielson Group. In this conversation, they talk about: Why appraisal and supervision is so important - and should be seen as a gift How appraisal has gotten twisted, and become so punitive Where coaching fits into this process Where the lines get blurry when administrators seek to bring coaching into appraisal How we can help draw a clearer distinction between supervision, appraisal, evaluation and coaching and growth Why the language and the naming of processes (like appraisal, feedback, and coaching) so important What schools (coaches & leaders) need to consider as they are working towards building plans for both appraisal and growth This conversation might be controversial because it unpacks so many challenging concepts that are a key focus in many senior leader conversations. It is absolutely essential that we have clarity on the difference between appraisal and growth. Find the show notes for this episode . Let’s Connect: Our website: EduroLearning on EduroLearning on EduroLearning on Subscribe to our Join our Learn with Kim Read more from Kim: (book) (chapter) (chapter)
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Creating a Culture of Coaching – Before Hiring Coaches with Leigh Miller
01/20/2026
Creating a Culture of Coaching – Before Hiring Coaches with Leigh Miller
In this #coachbetter episode we’re talking about building a culture of coaching. This is a highlight from one of Kim's favorite episodes from a previous season featuring Leigh Miller, Deputy Head of School at Munich International School. What we love about this clip is that Leigh describes what a culture of coaching looks and feels like from her time at a previous school. What’s especially interesting is that they developed a coaching culture even BEFORE they hired coaches. Even before they had coaches, they had a community where everyone (teachers, leaders, students, support staff) were encouraged to embrace a coaching mindset. And that coaching mindset created an open collaborative learning culture. And then they hired coaches. Find the show notes for this episode . Full episode with Leigh: Like this episode, you’ll enjoy these: I Let’s Connect: Our website: EduroLearning on EduroLearning on EduroLearning on Subscribe to our Join our Learn with Kim Read more from Kim: (book) (chapter) (chapter)
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CASE STUDY: Growing as an Educator: Through Instructional Coaching with Getting Started and The Coach Graduate, Ana Cristina Lopez
01/13/2026
CASE STUDY: Growing as an Educator: Through Instructional Coaching with Getting Started and The Coach Graduate, Ana Cristina Lopez
This #coachbetter episode is another in our , with one of Kim's amazing clients, Ana Cristina Lopez. Ana Cristina is a highly experienced educator (currently a HS & AP Spanish Teacher at Daegu International School in South Korea). At the time of recording, she had just graduated from , right after completing the year before. These are designed to share the story of a coach, and the development of their coaching program and practice in their unique setting. We are excited to share this episode with Ana Cristina with you because Ana Cristina has done an amazing job developing her coaching skills and putting them into practice right away - in her current role as a Spanish Teacher. In today’s episode Kim and Ana Cristina talk about... Why coaching is so valuable to her - as a classroom teacher What surprised her when she first started learning about coaching What she thinks classroom teachers need to know about coaching to opt-in How she’s been implementing her learning in her current role What she’s doing next to prepare for the move into a coaching role Find the show notes for this episode . Let’s Connect: Our website: EduroLearning on EduroLearning on EduroLearning on Subscribe to our Join our Learn with Kim Read more from Kim: (book) (chapter) (chapter)
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Coaching is Not Mandatory with Kaitlyn Pettinga
12/09/2025
Coaching is Not Mandatory with Kaitlyn Pettinga
This #coachbetter episode is about the importance of coaching being voluntary. This is a highlight from , who at the time of recording was Assistant Middle School Principal at the International School of Panama. In this clip, Kaitlyn clearly defines the structure of their divisional leadership team - and how the coach and administrators work together. There are clear distinctions between the roles so there is no confusion, and so teachers know exactly what kind of support they can get, and from whom. This is one of the reasons Clarity in the first step in the . For coaches and coaching to be successful, there needs to be clarity about the role and purpose of coaching. Clarity about coaching being confidential, voluntary and not tied to appraisal is essential. This is what ensures that coaching is a safe space to grow. Find the show notes for this episode . Full episode with Kaitlyn: Let’s Connect: Our website: EduroLearning on EduroLearning on EduroLearning on Subscribe to our Join our Learn with Kim Read more from Kim: (book) (chapter) (chapter)
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Intentionally Inclusive Practices for Instructional Coaches and Educational Leaders with Margaret Park
12/02/2025
Intentionally Inclusive Practices for Instructional Coaches and Educational Leaders with Margaret Park
In this #coachbetter episode Kim talks with Margaret Park. Margaret is an education equity consultant and school leader and Kim attended one of her sessions at the EARCOS Leadership Conference last year. Her session was so insightful and Kim made so many connections to instructional coaching that Kim knew she would have so much more to share with you, too! In this episode Margaret and Kim talk about... What it means to be inclusive How coaches and leaders can recognize their positionality Engaging those who may not be interested in exploring their positionality How coaches and leaders can be intentional about bringing a lens of equity and inclusion into their daily practices How coaches and leaders can work together to create inclusive workplace cultures This episode is full of concrete strategies and practices that you can use immediately to powerfully impact your own practice and your school culture. We all have a responsibility to create inclusive spaces, and coaches can be a big part of creating that culture in our schools. Find the show notes for this episode . Let’s Connect: Our website: EduroLearning on EduroLearning on EduroLearning on Subscribe to our Join our Learn with Kim Read more from Kim: (book) (chapter) (chapter)
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Data Dashboards for a Strong Coach - Admin Partnership with Andrew Ranson
11/25/2025
Data Dashboards for a Strong Coach - Admin Partnership with Andrew Ranson
In this episode Kim talks with Andrew Ranson, High School Instructional Coach at Shanghai American School (and graduate of ) about how he got started using a coaching dashboard - and how it helped transform conversations with his school leaders! We know that leadership support is a critical aspect of the success of a coaching program and the idea is to share a birds-eye view summary of the coaching work that has been happening in their building or division. When the building or divisional leader knows that coaching work is happening - and helping them move forward on their strategic goals, it immediately sparks more curiosity about what is happening and how they can support it. Find the show notes for this episode . Let’s Connect: Our website: EduroLearning on EduroLearning on EduroLearning on Subscribe to our Join our Learn with Kim Read more from Kim: (book) (chapter) (chapter)
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A Case Study: Moving from Classroom to Coach with Angela Mee Lee
11/18/2025
A Case Study: Moving from Classroom to Coach with Angela Mee Lee
This #coachbetter episode is another in our , with one of Kim's amazing clients, Angela Mee Lee, Early Years Performing Arts teacher at UNIS Hanoi, Vietnam. At the time of recording Angela had just graduated from . These are designed to share the story of a coach, and the development of their coaching program and practice in their unique setting. We are excited to share this episode with Angela with you because Angela has been on a year and a half journey to coaching with Kim and she has grown so much! She started in the course and discovered that coaching is so aligned with her educational values, so she wanted to dig even deeper, and then she joined The Coach Certificate and Mentorship Program. Angela is already applying so much of her learning in her current role (at the time of recording) and in her future role in a brand-new startup school in India. In this conversation Angela and Kim talk about... How Angela started her journey to instructional coaching What makes coaching valuable to Angela as a classroom teacher - and her early experiences with coaching with The Coach Mentor, Maggie Hos-McGrane when they both worked at the American School of Bombay! The surprises she uncovered about coaching as she was learning more What Angela was able to accomplish in just one academic year in The Coach Certificate and Mentorship Program How Angela is applying her learning in multiple contexts What she wishes she knew before she started coaching This episode highlights the ongoing journey that we take when we begin learning about coaching. Find the show notes for this episode . Let’s Connect: Our website: EduroLearning on EduroLearning on EduroLearning on Subscribe to our Join our Learn with Kim Read more from Kim: (book) (chapter) (chapter)
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The Importance of Creating a Coaching Culture with Steve Barkley
11/11/2025
The Importance of Creating a Coaching Culture with Steve Barkley
This #coachbetter episode is about creating a coaching culture. This is a highlight from y. This clip highlights how important it is for coaching to become a culture embedded in the school. This can not be work that coaches are doing on their own. We need to empower others to learn more about the practice of coaching so that as many people as possible have access to the amazing support that coaching provides. If you’ve been following the show for a while, you might have seen the episode from last season about the . If this episode resonates, make sure to go back and check that one out. too! Find the show notes for this episode . Let’s Connect: Our website: EduroLearning on EduroLearning on EduroLearning on Subscribe to our Join our Learn with Kim Read more from Kim: (book) (chapter) (chapter)
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Coaching the Person, Not the Problem with Reem Labib Tyson
11/04/2025
Coaching the Person, Not the Problem with Reem Labib Tyson
In this #coachbetter episode Kim talks with Reem Labib Tyson, experienced teacher, instructional coach, principal, and district administrator; now CEO and Founder of EDspired Coaching and Consulting where she primarily works with leaders as an executive coach. Reem’s extensive background and experience in so many different contexts gives a powerful lens to view coaching from multiple perspectives. And the focus of their conversation today is so important for coaches and leaders at all levels of experience! In this episode they talk about... How coaches can use mindfulness and a human-centered approach to slow down the pace of a very busy school day How to coach the person not the problem How and why leaders benefit from coaching, too How coaches and leaders can find presence, joy and novelty in their work This episode highlights a key aspect of coaching that can help all coaches - new and experienced coaches alike - think a little bit differently about the way we can create space for our coaching partner and focus on the person, not the problem. Find the show notes for this episode. Like this episode, you’ll enjoy this: Let’s Connect: Our website: EduroLearning on EduroLearning on EduroLearning on Subscribe to our Join our Learn with Kim Read more from Kim: (book) (chapter) (chapter)
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Confidentiality with Transparency: Separating Growth from Evaluation with Kim Cofino
10/28/2025
Confidentiality with Transparency: Separating Growth from Evaluation with Kim Cofino
In this #coachbetter episode, Kim address what she means by "confidentiality with transparency". As coaches, we know that coaching experiences need to be confidential so we can create a safe space for teachers to be vulnerable, take risks and set authentic goals. However, sometimes we worry that because coaching is confidential we can never share anything that happens within a coaching relationship. So, what happens when: A coaching partner has success and sees an impact on student learning? Our administrators are curious about what we’re doing in our coaching cycles? Work that we’re doing with one coaching partner might be relevant or supportive to another one of our coaching partners? When we’re seeing trends across a division or subject area that would be helpful for leaders to know? We want to build interest in the impact of coaching by sharing coaching stories with the school community? We need to demonstrate the impact that coaching has made with people who manage the budget or the board? Listen to this episode to find out how to approach these situations. Find the show notes for this episode . Let’s Connect: Our website: EduroLearning on EduroLearning on EduroLearning on Subscribe to our Join our Learn with Kim Read more from Kim: (book) (chapter) (chapter)
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A Case Study: Finding Her Path to Instructional Coaching with Andrea Goodrich
10/21/2025
A Case Study: Finding Her Path to Instructional Coaching with Andrea Goodrich
This #coachbetter episode is another in our , with one of Kim's amazing clients, Andrea Goodrich, grade 4 classroom teacher at Concordia International School in Hanoi, Vietnam. At the time of recording Andrea had just graduated from . These are designed to share the story of a coach, and the development of their coaching program and practice in their unique setting. We're excited to share this episode with Andrea with you because this episode is such a great example of the ways that classroom teachers can embrace a coaching mindset and start building a coaching culture - from the team to the whole division - in one academic year. Andrea took everything she learned in The Coach and directly applied it in her school setting and it’s already created significant momentum towards coaching. In this conversation Andrea and Kim talk about... How Andrea started her journey to instructional coaching What makes coaching valuable to Andrea as a classroom teacher The surprises she uncovered about coaching as she was learning more What Andrea was able to accomplish in just one academic year in The Coach Certificate and Mentorship Program What Andrea is considering as she moves forward in her professional growth What she wishes she knew before she started coaching Find the show notes for this episode . Like this episode, you’ll enjoy these: Let’s Connect: Our website: EduroLearning on EduroLearning on EduroLearning on Subscribe to our Join our Learn with Kim Read more from Kim: (book) (chapter) (chapter)
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Why Hire Coaches with Jim Laney & Sara Brodhead
10/14/2025
Why Hire Coaches with Jim Laney & Sara Brodhead
In this #coachbetter episode we’re talking about why schools hire coaches. This is a highlight from one of Kim's favorite episodes from last season featuring Head of School Jim Laney and Director of Curriculum Sara Brodhead. Jim and Sara define the benefits of coaching on so many levels: what the Board needs to hear, what motivates leaders, and the benefits of coaching to improve student learning. There are so many reasons for schools to invest in coaching, but it is a big investment. Understanding the value of coaching from multiple perspectives can help you advocate for coaching too! Understanding the “why” behind coaching is part of Phase 1 of the Finding Clarity. We know from our research that the clarity of a coaching program is the biggest factor in teachers and leaders reporting positive benefits to coaching. Without clarity it’s hard for us to recognize the impact and value of coaching. Find the show notes for this episode . Let’s Connect: Our website: EduroLearning on EduroLearning on EduroLearning on Subscribe to our Join our Learn with Kim Read more from Kim: (book) (chapter) (chapter)
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Coaching for Impact, Not Activity with Donna Spangler
10/07/2025
Coaching for Impact, Not Activity with Donna Spangler
In this #coachbetter episode Kim talks with Donna Spangler, who spent the majority of her career working in US public schools as a teacher, then coach, then chair of a team of coaches, then assistant principal and president of her teacher’s union. She also served as President of the Pennslyvania chapter of Learning Forward, and now works as a coach through Sibme and Executive Director of Edjacent, which is a company that supports educators and change makers. All of these experiences center around Donna’s passion for professional learning for adults, and this episode focuses on one of her key areas of expertise: coaching for impact (not activity). In this episode Donna and Kim talk about: what makes coaching so impactful for schools How coaches create meaningful change in teachers’ instruction and positively impact the school building and system the difference between measuring coaching impact vs coaching activity and why coaching impact is so important Why coaches might consider creating a coaching impact report How can coaches can ensure they are retaining focus on impact - rather than activity, especially when they might feel pressure to demonstrate "activity" How coaches can create sustainable structures for ongoing data collection. the systems and structures need to be in place for international schools who are building coaching programs the common pitfalls that schools (and school leaders) often fall into when building coaching programs This episode is a GOLD MINE of practical advice and strategies for instructional coaches who not only want to make an impact but want to be able to document and share that impact with others. (for this episode by Donna Spangler) Find the show notes for this episode . Like this episode, you’ll enjoy this: Let’s Connect: Our website: EduroLearning on EduroLearning on EduroLearning on Subscribe to our Join our Learn with Kim Read more from Kim: (book) (chapter) (chapter)
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8 Red Flags to Avoid When Building a Coaching Program with Diana Beabout
10/01/2025
8 Red Flags to Avoid When Building a Coaching Program with Diana Beabout
In this #coachbetter episode, Diana is going to share 8 Red Flags to Avoid When Building a Coaching Culture - and What TO DO Instead. As coaches and leaders we are doing our best to build a positive and inclusive coaching culture, but sometimes we can be making some big mistakes without even realizing it. When you look back on your own coaching experience - as a coach or as an educator or leader, you can probably remember a time when something didn’t quite go as planned, or wasn’t received the way we expected. Sometimes, even with the best of intentions we end up making a crucial mistake. So what are these red flags when building a coaching culture - and what do you do instead? Find the show notes for this episode . Like this episode, you’ll enjoy these: Let’s Connect: Our website: EduroLearning on EduroLearning on EduroLearning on Subscribe to our Join our Learn with Kim Read more from Kim: (book) (chapter) (chapter)
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The True Impact of Coaching: A Coach & Coaching Partner Case Study with Nikki Hume & Amber
09/24/2025
The True Impact of Coaching: A Coach & Coaching Partner Case Study with Nikki Hume & Amber
This #coachbetter episode is another in our , with one of Kim's amazing clients, Nikki Hume, an elementary art specialist, and her coaching partner Amber Shortridge, a kindergarten teacher, both at the in the Philippines. While Nikki was in she coached Amber as one of the steps in Phase 3: Grow Community. These 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 How Nikki started her journey to instructional coaching What made Amber interested in being coached as a classroom teacher What their work together looked like and why it was impactful for Amber The coaching skills that Nikki developed throughout this process The outcome of their work together What Nikki and Amber think teachers and leaders need to know about coaching How Nikki grew so much in her coaching practice during The Coach Certificate and Mentorship Program Coaching and structured professional growth are very different, and this episode deeply unpacks the power and outcome of a true coaching experience. If you want to better understand the impact of coaching and see and feel what that looks like in person, this episode is for you! Find the show notes for this episode . Let’s Connect: Our website: EduroLearning on EduroLearning on EduroLearning on Subscribe to our Join our Learn with Kim Read more from Kim: (book) (chapter) (chapter)
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3 Tips to Make Coaching Successful with Diane Sweeney
09/16/2025
3 Tips to Make Coaching Successful with Diane Sweeney
In this episode we’re looking at three tips to make coaching successful. This is a highlight from one of . What we appreciate about this clip is that Diane highlights all three elements of the Thrive Model within her three tips. She touches on Clarity, Consistency and Community in this short clip. As you’re watching or listening, we invite you to identify which of Diane’s tips fits in which phase of the Thrive Model: Clarity, Consistency or Community. If you want to learn more about the Thrive Model after this episode, head over to our website at to get all the details. Find the show notes for this episode . Like this episode, you’ll enjoy these: Let’s Connect: Our website: EduroLearning on EduroLearning on EduroLearning on Subscribe to our Join our Learn with Kim Read more from Kim: (book) (chapter) (chapter)
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