#coachbetter

Eduro Learning Podcast Network

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!

  1. 1D AGO

    CASE STUDY: Bridging the Gap Between Professional Learning & Classroom Action with Sarah Tudge

    This #coachbetter episode is another in our series of coaching case studies, 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 her Final Project blog post on our website at coachbetter.tv. 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 here. Let's Connect: Our website: coachbetter.tv EduroLearning on LinkedIn EduroLearning on Instagram EduroLearning on YouTube Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Join our #coachbetter Facebook group Learn with Kim Explore our courses for coaches Watch a FREE workshop Articles from Kim 3 Innovative Instructional Coaching Models (Edutopia) How Instructional Coaches Can Balance Confidentiality and Accountability (Edutopia) When We Invest in Coaches, We Invest in Teachers (The Learning Professional, Learning Forward) Books & Chapters from Kim: Finding Your Path as a Woman in School Leadership (book) Fostering a Culture of Growth and Belonging: The Multi-Faceted Impact of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (chapter)

    46 min
  2. FEB 3

    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 here. Let's Connect: Our website: coachbetter.tv EduroLearning on LinkedIn EduroLearning on Instagram EduroLearning on YouTube Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Join our #coachbetter Facebook group Learn with Kim Explore our courses for coaches Watch a FREE workshop Articles from Kim 3 Innovative Instructional Coaching Models (Edutopia) How Instructional Coaches Can Balance Confidentiality and Accountability (Edutopia) When We Invest in Coaches, We Invest in Teachers (The Learning Professional, Learning Forward) Books & Chapters from Kim: Finding Your Path as a Woman in School Leadership (book) Fostering a Culture of Growth and Belonging: The Multi-Faceted Impact of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (chapter)

    26 min
  3. JAN 27

    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 Danielson Group, 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 here. Let's Connect: Our website: coachbetter.tv EduroLearning on LinkedIn EduroLearning on Instagram EduroLearning on YouTube Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Join our #coachbetter Facebook group Learn with Kim Explore our courses for coaches Watch a FREE workshop Read more from Kim: Finding Your Path as a Woman in School Leadership (book) Fostering a Culture of Growth and Belonging: The Multi-Faceted Impact of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (chapter) The Landscape of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (chapter)

    1h 1m
  4. JAN 20

    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 here. Full episode with Leigh: Building Structures for Instructional Coaching Success with Leigh Miller Like this episode, you'll enjoy these: Introducing the 5 Domains of a Coaching Mindset Bringing a Coaching Perspective to Co-Teaching with Lindsay Manzella and John Stephany Let's Connect: Our website: coachbetter.tv EduroLearning on LinkedIn EduroLearning on Instagram EduroLearning on YouTube Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Join our #coachbetter Facebook group Learn with Kim Explore our courses for coaches Watch a FREE workshop Read more from Kim: Finding Your Path as a Woman in School Leadership (book) Fostering a Culture of Growth and Belonging: The Multi-Faceted Impact of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (chapter) The Landscape of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (chapter)

    18 min
  5. JAN 13

    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 series of coaching case studies, 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 The Coach Certificate and Mentorship Program, right after completing Getting Started as an Instructional Coach the year before. These case study episodes 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 here. Let's Connect: Our website: coachbetter.tv EduroLearning on LinkedIn EduroLearning on Instagram EduroLearning on YouTube Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Join our #coachbetter Facebook group Learn with Kim Explore our courses for coaches Watch a FREE workshop Read more from Kim: Finding Your Path as a Woman in School Leadership (book) Fostering a Culture of Growth and Belonging: The Multi-Faceted Impact of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (chapter) The Landscape of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (chapter)

    43 min
  6. 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 a favorite episode from a previous season featuring Kaitlyn Pettinga, 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 Thrive Model for Sustainable Instructional Coaching. 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 here. Full episode with Kaitlyn: Creating a Positive School Culture Through Coaching with Kaitlyn Pettinga [Ep 215] Let's Connect: Our website: coachbetter.tv EduroLearning on LinkedIn EduroLearning on Instagram EduroLearning on YouTube Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Join our #coachbetter Facebook group Learn with Kim Explore our courses for coaches Watch a FREE workshop Read more from Kim: Finding Your Path as a Woman in School Leadership (book) Fostering a Culture of Growth and Belonging: The Multi-Faceted Impact of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (chapter) The Landscape of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (chapter)

    12 min
  7. 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 here. Let's Connect: Our website: coachbetter.tv EduroLearning on LinkedIn EduroLearning on Instagram EduroLearning on YouTube Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Join our #coachbetter Facebook group Learn with Kim Explore our courses for coaches Watch a FREE workshop Read more from Kim: Finding Your Path as a Woman in School Leadership (book) Fostering a Culture of Growth and Belonging: The Multi-Faceted Impact of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (chapter) The Landscape of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (chapter)

    55 min

Ratings & Reviews

4.2
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

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!