Episodes

In this episode, we’re getting real about something that’s holding schools back more than you might realize—flawed assessments. Joined by David Woodard, Founder of Forefront Education, we’ll break down how assessments that miss the mark are not just wasting time but actively creating barriers to the kind of school improvement we all strive for. Together, we’ll dig into the common mistakes and, more importantly, what we can do to fix them. If you’re ready to ensure your assessments actually help,...

Has anyone ever really taught you how to ask for or receive feedback? I’ve been thinking about how many times we find ourselves in those awkward conversations where we’re grasping for how to respond to the vague feedback questions—“How did you think it went? Was it good? Was it bad?” But those questions rarely lead to anything meaningful, right? In fact, sometimes it leads to us not responding at all or straight up lying 🤥. In this episode, I’m diving into why intentional feedback questions are ...

We all know that collective efficacy has a tremendous effect on student learning and success. But what we don’t often consider is how collective efficacy can impact students socially and emotionally. In this episode, I’m joined by Nathan Wray, Youth Mental Health Speaker and Substance Use Prevention Coordinator, to learn about how reducing youth substance use is a collaborative effort. We'll dive into strategies that not only address the issue but also empower educators to stand together to help...

Who loves books that are immediately applicable?! In this episode, I’m chatting with Sonya Murray, a fresh voice in education and new author with Corwin. Sonya introduces her book, which takes a culinary-inspired approach to planning for equitable accelerated learning. Just like a chef plans a perfect meal, educators can use her five-course framework to assess school conditions, reimagine curriculum, and embrace diversity and equity. This is more than just theory—Sonya's insights are grounded in...

Are you assuming that people know what you do and what your role is all about? Guess what- they really may not. I know what you're thinking, "Aren't elevator pitches for sales people?" Well, yes, they are definitely helpful for sales people and those in marketing. But YOU are in the business of customer service. Whether you are district administrator, a campus administrator, an instructional coach, or a SPED teacher, YOU need an elevator pitch! In this episode, I'm going to teach you what this l...

No one wants PLCs to suck, so in this episode, Jana Lee and I dive into the essentials of setting up successful Professional Learning Communities. Jana shares her top non-negotiables that can transform your PLCs into powerful, productive, and positive spaces for collaboration. Tune in to discover how you can create a thriving environment for your team with practical tips and real-world insights. Don't miss out on learning strategies that will help your teams take on a new perspective of PLCs! C...

What if the key to a great team is all about building strong relationships and keeping things consistent? In this episode, I’m chatting with Assistant Principal, Joey Sanchez, about simple, effective ways to create a cohesive vibe among team members and keep everything running smoothly. We'll discuss real stories and practical advice to help you make your team more connected and focused. Tune in to find out how small changes can make a big difference in your team's success. Connect with Casey o...

Get ready for a “from the field” episode where I welcome Duane Watts, an Academic Instructional Coach and Teacher Leader! In this episode, "The Ladder View & Impact of PLCs," Duane shares his insights on creating clarity as a leader and fostering strong collaboration among team members. Whether you're an administrator, instructional coach, teacher leader, or team facilitator, this episode is packed with practical tips and engaging stories that will help you elevate your leadership game and stren...

In this episode, I’m thrilled to welcome Phil Januszewski, Speaker, Teacher, and Creator at Positive Growth Lounge LLC. Join us as we explore the theme "Leaning Into Your Purpose: Discover your own personal needs first in order to give more to your team and the world." Phil will share insights on how understanding and fulfilling your personal needs can enhance your ability to contribute effectively to your team and make a positive impact on the world. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about ...

In this episode, you’ll hear from the founders of Creative Solutions Coaching, a team of dedicated Instructional Coaches committed to enhancing teaching practices and student success. We'll explore the essential elements of building a successful team: Communication, Collaboration, and a touch of fun with Cookies. Discover practical strategies to strengthen team dynamics and foster a supportive, visionary environment. Once upon a time, Tiffaney was running her own business and diving deep into th...

In this episode, we explore whether vision-driven collaboration in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) is a myth or reality. Hear from current classroom teacher, Brandy Hawthorne, about how PLCs can foster genuine collaboration and drive meaningful change in education. Brandy Hawthorne is a 30 + year veteran in education. With a varied background, she considers herself a “Jack of all trades, master of none”. She has served as an early childhood interventionist, a director of child find, a p...

Join me for this episode with Peter DeWitt and Mike Nelson of the Instructional Leadership Collective as they share insights from their newest book, Leading with Intention: How School Leaders Can Unlock Deeper Collaboration and Drive Results. You won’t want to miss this insightful conversation, actionable tips, and a sneak peek into their groundbreaking book. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting out, this episode will be packed with gems to inform how you build cohesive, vision-driv...

Beware, there are audio glitches! But I've got ya covered! Read the transcript on the blog here! In this episode, join us as we explore the power and importance of centering conversations around timely, detailed, and aligned assessment results with ⁠David Woodward, Founder of Forefront Education⁠. David will explore transforming assessment practices, and gaining practical strategies for integrating assessments into cohesive, vision-driven teams within schools. Tune in for insights on leveraging ...

In this episode, I'm sharing the logistics of and my experiences during "Teach Week" – a dedicated period where instructional leaders or specialists step into the shoes of classroom teachers! Join us as we explore how this practice fosters deeper connections between leadership and classroom realities, enriching the educational ecosystem with firsthand experiences and insights. Learn how "Teach Week" not only empowers leaders to stay attuned to instructional needs but also cultivates a culture of...

In the latest episode, we are diving into the fascinating world of the Enneagram with special guest Carrie Rosebrock. Join us as Carrie sheds light on how understanding the nine Enneagram types can positively impact professional learning communities within educational settings. Discover practical insights and strategies for building cohesive, vision-driven school teams using the wisdom of the Enneagram. This episode will be personal and well worth your time! You can find more about Carrie by vis...

Feeling the pressure of a new curriculum adoption? Concerned about buy-in and effective implementation of a new program? Join this live webinar and discover how to empower your teachers and "cakewalk" your way through curriculum changes without the overwhelm. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/catchingupwithcasey/support

Get ready for an authentic conversation with Superintendent Jim DiDonato in our very first "From the Field" episode! Together, we'll navigate the terrain of effective team-building in education, from setting ambitious goals to rallying stakeholders around a shared vision. Gain valuable perspectives and practical advice from Superintendent DiDonato's experience in unifying a School District and striving for meaningful goals! Jim DiDonato has officially reached the milestone of all 20s! 23 Years ...

Tune in to this week’s show for an energizing and authentic conversation with Dr. Peter Dry about the dire need for transformation in our educational environments. Driven by a passion for creating future-ready organizations, Dr. Peter Dry will discuss the challenges of traditional schooling and offer innovative approaches for fostering cohesive, vision-driven teams in schools that make transformation possible. Join us as we explore the transformative potential of embracing strengths and redesign...

Hey, team leaders! In this podcast episode we're joined AGAIN by the incredible Steve Ventura, author of Achievement Teams. This time, Steve isn't just talking about his book; he's spilling the beans on his real-life adventures implementing Achievement Teams in districts around the world! Get ready for some juicy insights as we chat about cracking the code to student achievement and hear Steve's firsthand experiences. You’ll leave this episode thinking about how to approach PLCs in a different a...

When the ground beneath us shifts, leadership must rise to the occasion. In this episode, we'll talk about the nuanced art of guiding teams through difficult situations in education. Whether it's navigating budget cuts, reorganizing teams, or grappling with disappointing outcomes, the language used by educational leaders can profoundly impact team morale and productivity. Join us as we unpack real-world scenarios, share lessons learned, and offer actionable insights for educational leaders seeki...

PLCs and DATA- two HOT topics, am I right? This week, my special guest, Jana Lee, is going to be bridging the two topics and exploring the practical applications of data-driven inquiry within professional learning communities (PLCs). From navigating the complexities of data interpretation to leveraging insights from PLC Insight Surveys, Jana shares invaluable perspectives and strategies for educators seeking to enhance their collaborative efforts and optimize student learning outcomes. It’s time...

Explore a fresh perspective on teacher empowerment with Dr. Jo Lein as she discusses the role of accountability in driving growth and fostering a culture of trust within schools. Learn practical strategies for implementing accountability measures that support rather than stifle teacher creativity and autonomy. Join us as we uncover the untapped potential of expectations in empowering educators to fulfill their professional aspirations. Dr. Jo Lein is a renowned substack writer for school leaders...

Ever wondered how to ignite a fire within your team and build collective capacity? Join me in this conversation with Courtney Morgan, Founder of The All-Access Classroom, as she shares exactly what this looks like and sounds like. In our upcoming episode, "How to Nurture Teacher Agency and Collaboration to Combat 'Fidelity Freeze'," she’ll unveil the secrets to fostering a culture where every member feels valued and empowered. If you're ready to improve your team dynamics and combat stagnation, ...

Before instructional coaches jump into planning support for our schools, it's important to figure out what kinds of support we need and how we can differentiate that for our school, teams, and individual teachers. In this episode, you'll learn from Chrissy Beltran a three step process to make a tiered plan for school-wide support. We'll talk about how to gather teacher and administration input and combine this with your own experience in classrooms to identify needs at different levels. Chrissy...