Class-Act Coaching: A Podcast for Teachers and Instructional Coaches

Send us a textIn the final episode of the school year, the Class-Act Coaching crew is back together! Ashley is joined by co-hosts Jason and Dan to reflect on the biggest takeaways from this semester's episodes — and this time, Dan takes the reins as host.Together, they dive into three powerful themes that kept coming up in coaching conversations:Collective Teacher Efficacy: What it really looks like in action — and how to tell if it's missing.Teacher Clarity: Why learning goals and success criteria matter, not for compliance, but for student understanding.Authentic Engagement: The difference between fun and purposeful learning — and how to get students thinking deeply (not just moving around).With examples from classrooms, podcast guests and even Ashley's own students, this wrap-up connects all the dots and leaves you with plenty to reflect on. Plus, find out what Ashley told a student that she realized she should've been telling herself.We'll be back in the fall, but until then — enjoy your well-earned summer. And if you're joining us at the Making Schools Work Conference in New Orleans (July 15–18), be sure to say hi! The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce. Follow Us on Social: Facebook Instagram X

Send us a textIn this episode, Jason and Dan sit down with Kanisa Williams, an instructional coach from a large Georgia district, who coaches other instructional coaches. They talk about how coaching cycles are implemented not just with teachers, but with coaches, and the importance of modeling, trust-building and communication. Kanisa shares how she supports new coaches in clarifying their role, planning productive coaching cycles and using teacher data to identify priorities. Key Takeaways:How coaching cycles for instructional coaches mirror those for teachersWhy modeling and co-planning are essential, even for coaching coachesStrategies for building trust in new coaching relationshipsTips for setting clear goals and boundaries when you're new to a campusUsing teacher data to guide the focus of coaching cyclesMentioned in the Episode:Importance of early wins to build confidence with new coachesCreating clarity around a coach's role to avoid being seen as “just an extra helper”The power of transparency and reflection in professional growth The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce. Follow Us on Social: Facebook Instagram X

Send us a textIn this episode of Class-Act Coaching, Ashley is joined by Marty Sugerik, an instructional coach with a passion for project-based learning (PBL). Marty shares practical coaching strategies to help teachers design or refine classroom projects that connect to real-world skills.Whether you're a coach supporting teachers in PBL or an educator looking to strengthen your own projects, this conversation is packed with hands-on strategies for making learning more engaging and meaningful.Key Topics Covered:How instructional coaches can help teachers start or refine a PBL unitThe importance of authenticity—connecting projects to real-world workScaffolding student success within project-based learningCoaching strategies for helping teachers overcome common PBL challengesThe role of feedback and reflection in making projects better over timeResources Mentioned:

Send us a textGetting students to truly engage can be one of the hardest parts of teaching—but this episode is here to help! Ashley is joined by two instructional coaches, Kari Meldrum and Sharon Moehle, who share two powerful, easy-to-implement strategies that promote deeper student engagement across all content areas.Whether you teach math, ELA, science or social studies, these techniques are designed to get every student participating, thinking more critically and taking ownership of their learning—without requiring a complete lesson overhaul.Key Topics Covered:Why traditional think-pair-share sometimes falls short—and how adding a quick writing step (“think-ink-pair-share”) can improve participationHow to make group work more equitable and effective using the “Traveling Salesman” strategyTips for keeping all students engaged and accountable during partner and group discussionsIdeas for adapting these strategies across subjects—from writing to problem-solving to historical analysisResources Mentioned:

Send us a textPlanning comes up in nearly every episode of Class-Act Coaching—so this week, we're giving it the spotlight it deserves. Ashley teams up with guest instructional coach Michelle Harada, who shares practical tips and research-backed strategies for improving the quality and efficiency of lesson planning, especially through collaborative planning.Michelle draws from years of experience supporting teachers across grade levels and content areas and breaks down why planning is more than just picking a resource—it's about being intentional, setting clear goals and using time wisely.Key Topics Covered:Why collaborative planning is one of the most impactful things a school can do—and how to make it work even if you're a singleton teacher.John Hattie's research on effect sizes and what accelerates learning (spoiler: collaboration and clarity matter!)How to use the four guiding questions of planning to reflect on your practice and support all students.What to do when students do—or don't—get it: tips for remediation, enrichment and peer teaching.Ways to make transitions smoother, maximize engagement and build intentionality into every moment of class.Resources Mentioned:

Send us a textThis week, we're doing something a little different! In this special episode of Class-Act Coaching, we take you behind the scenes of a real coaching conversation between SREB Coach Jason Adair and Jen Zelena, a reading specialist and literacy coach at Broughal Middle School in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.Jen has been leading an initiative called microteaching, where teachers film and reflect on their own lessons to make small but impactful instructional changes. In this episode, she shares her experience teaching and analyzing a lesson, and Jason helps her unpack key takeaways, including how to structure lessons for deeper student engagement and ownership of learning.Whether you're a teacher looking to refine your practice or a coach seeking strategies for leading meaningful reflection, this conversation is packed with insights!Key Topics Covered:What is microteaching? How video reflection helps teachers make small changes with big impact.Lesson structures that work—when to use gradual release vs. exploration before formalization.How small tweaks in lesson planning can lead to greater student ownership and deeper thinking.The power of coaching conversations in shifting instructional practices.Resources Mentioned:John Hattie's research on teacher clarity and collective teacher efficacyATLAS lesson framework—an alternative to gradual release that builds engagement from the startWeston Kieschnick's book, The New Classroom Instruction That WorksDon't Miss:Jen's lesson on Cleopatra—what worked, what didn't and how she'd teach it differently next time.Jason's coaching insight: How to help teachers shift from “holding students' hands” to giving them true ownership.How microteaching builds trust and helps schools create a culture of continuous improvement.

Send us a textWhy do some students naturally engage in learning while others seem uninterested? In this episode, Ashley is joined by Dan Rock, who takes on the role of coach, to dive deep into the power of curiosity and motivation in learning. Dan breaks down the research behind cognitive interest cues—simple yet powerful techniques teachers can use to increase student engagement, deepen learning and make lessons more memorable.Key Topics Covered:Why motivation is one of the strongest predictors of student success, sometimes more than teacher quality or socioeconomic background.The difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation—and why relying on external rewards (like candy or extra credit) doesn't work for deep learning.The four principles of cognitive interest cues—practical ways to spark curiosity in students.How to personalize learning using AI to connect assignments to student interests.Why challenging students with complex, thought-provoking tasks actually increases engagement.Resources Mentioned:The New Classroom Instruction That Works Curiosity Hooks Planning Guide—Dan's handout with templates and guiding questions for creating curiosity-driven lessons Keisha King's episode on getting students to talk more in class Quotable Moments:“Students aren't disengaged because they don't care—they're disengaged because the learning environment hasn't sparked their curiosity.” — Dan Rock“People are more motivated to learn when they are challenged, not when they are given busy work.” — Dan RockDon't Miss:Ashley's reflection: Why extra credit bribes don't lead to deep learning—and what to do instead.Dan's strategy: Use controversial or thought-provoking questions to hook students at the start of a lesson.Jason's coaching insight: How curiosity cues apply not just to students, but to teachers in professional development. The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce. Follow Us on Social: Facebook Instagram X

Send us a textWe're back with Part 2 of our conversation with Christi Edwards, where she shares her final two strategies for ensuring students don't just succeed on class assignments but can apply their learning in future assessments and beyond. In this episode, Christi focuses on helping students regulate their own thinking and communicate their ideas effectively—two key skills that build confidence and deeper understanding.Key Topics Covered:How to teach students to self-regulate their thinking so they take ownership of their learning.The importance of in-the-moment reflection, not just after an assignment is complete.Why exit tickets and visual cues (like red, yellow and green cups) help students track their progress.How to encourage students to explain their thinking and engage in meaningful academic conversations.The power of questioning strategies to build deeper understanding and confidence.Resources Mentioned:Self-regulation tools (checklists, journals, anchor charts) to help students monitor their progress.Peter Liljedahl's “Building Thinking Classrooms” strategies for promoting student-driven discussions.Keisha King's episode on classroom discussions for tips on getting students to talk more.Quotable Moments:“Instead of asking students to show their work, ask them to show their thinking.” — Christi Edwards“Reflection shouldn't just happen at the end of an assignment—it needs to happen throughout the learning process.” — Ashley Shaw“A coach's job isn't to give teachers the answers—it's to help them become curious about their own teaching.” — Jason AdairDon't Miss:Ashley's realization: Why she needs to build reflection into her lessons earlier, not just at the end.Christi's exit ticket strategy that helps students assess their own understanding before they leave class.Jason's coaching takeaway: How instructional coaches can spark curiosity in teachers, just like teachers do for students.You can get feedback from Christi by sending us a message through social or email.   The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce. Follow Us on Social: Facebook Instagram X

Send us a textEver had a student ace all the assignments, but then struggle on a final essay or a state assessment? In this episode, Ashley and special guest co-host Jason Adair sit down with instructional coach Christi Edwards to tackle a key challenge in education: helping students transfer their learning beyond the classroom. Christi shares the first two of her four key strategies for ensuring students not only succeed in class but can apply their knowledge in future learning situations.Key Topics Covered:Why misalignment between class grades and assessment performance happens.The role of planning in ensuring students reach the depth of understanding required by the standards.How to foster curious and creative learners who think deeply and problem-solve independently.The power of engaging instructional tasks—moving beyond compliance to active, meaningful learning.Debunking the myth that project-based learning is only for STEM subjects—why it works in every classroom.Resources Mentioned:Debbie Robertson's episode on planning John Hattie's Visible Learning research on engagement and its impact on student success.Quotable Moments:“Instead of asking students to show their work, ask them to show their thinking.” — Christi Edwards“If students don't see the purpose in a task, they won't be engaged—and they won't retain the learning.” — Christi Edwards“Coaches don't tell teachers what the problem is. We help uncover root causes.” — Jason AdairDon't Miss:Ashley's realization: Why students struggle when they take things too literally—and how to help them adapt.Jason's coaching insight: The best instructional coaches guide teachers to find solutions rather than dictating them.Christi's example of turning a short story unit into an engaging, student-driven project.

Send us a textIn this episode, Ashley and Dan sit down with Juliana Coleman, an experienced science educator and instructional coach, to discuss how to effectively teach to a standard while ensuring students develop deeper understanding rather than just memorizing facts. Juliana breaks down common misconceptions about rigor, explains how to analyze standards to scaffold learning, and shares practical strategies for helping students think critically. Whether you're struggling to move beyond surface-level teaching or looking for ways to differentiate instruction while maintaining high expectations, this episode has insights for you.Key Topics Covered:The misconceptions of rigor—why it's not about more work or moving faster.How to break down a standard into manageable steps and scaffold learning.The importance of prior knowledge and addressing misconceptions before diving into instruction.Using Hess's Rigor Matrix and Bloom's Taxonomy to ensure students reach the intended depth of knowledge.Why students should be active participants in learning, not passive observers.How collaboration among teachers can help clarify standards and improve instruction.Resources Mentioned:Hess's Rigor Matrix —a tool for determining the depth of knowledge required for a standard.Lesson Planning Checklist —Juliana's guide to ensuring lessons align with the rigor of the standard.Quotable Moments:“Rigor isn't about giving students more work—it's about the type of thinking we ask them to do.” — Juliana Coleman“The person doing the talking is doing the learning.” — Juliana Coleman“If we scaffold down to help students but never scaffold back up, we're not meeting the standard.” — Juliana ColemanDon't Miss:Ashley's realization: How focusing on the verb in the standard can change lesson planning.Dan's concept mapping strategy for planning instruction, identifying misconceptions, and assessing learning.Juliana's best advice for differentiation—when to model, when to let students take the lead and how to adjust based on student needs.Want to take your teaching to the next level? Listen in for strategies you can apply right away! The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce. Follow Us on Social: Facebook Instagram X

Send us a textIn this special end-of-semester wrap-up, Ashley and Dan reflect on the four major themes explored in this semester's podcast episodes: Planning, Creating Authentic Work Experiences, Collaborating, and Building Connections with Students. They share key insights from their conversations with instructional coaches, highlight strategies that resonated, and discuss practical applications for teachers and coaches alike.Ashley reflects on what she's learned as a teacher, while Dan connects those lessons to coaching strategies that help teachers succeed. Whether you're a teacher looking to enhance your practice or a coach seeking ways to support your colleagues, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways.Key Topics Covered:The power of intentional planning in saving time and improving teaching outcomes.Why authentic learning experiences engage students and how to incorporate them into your classroom.The role of collaboration in fostering deeper learning and teamwork skills.Strategies for building meaningful connections with students to improve engagement and achievement.Resources Mentioned:Concept mapQuestions for collecting student feedbackQuotable Moments:"Your schedule represents your values." — Daniel Rock"The person doing the talking is doing the learning." — Ashley Shaw"If you want students to do what you want them to do, you have to make those connections." — Ashley ShawDon't Miss:Ashley's creative teaching tip: Wikipedia Roulette—a game to help students develop critical thinking and research skills.Dan's advice for coaches: How to effectively support teachers in collaboration and planning.Enjoy your break and get ready for more exciting episodes in 2025!

Send us a textRodriquez "Rod" Leonard, a coach with extensive experience in K-12 education, shares valuable insights on building a positive and productive classroom culture.He emphasizes the importance of getting to know students as individuals, using those insights to inform instruction, and fostering student achievement. He encourages teachers to try one of his tips, starting with making a genuine effort to connect with their students. This can be accomplished through:Conversation: Engaging in meaningful dialogue.Inquiry: Asking questions to understand student perspectives and interests.Application: Using this knowledge to shape classroom activities and lessons.Rod's episode provides practical, actionable advice for teachers looking to cultivate a supportive and successful learning environment. The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce. Follow Us on Social: Facebook Instagram X

Send us a textUnlock the keys to fostering gratitude and encouragement in your classroom as we celebrate Thanksgiving with a special guest, instructional coach Shelly Gibson. This episode promises to equip you with practical strategies for showing appreciation to your students through listening, meaningful connections, and purposeful actions. Together with my co-host Dan Ruck, we'll share how these practices create a nurturing environment where students can thrive, even when challenges arise.Join us on a journey of personalized encouragement and its transformative effects. Drawing from Shelly's inspiring experiences, we'll illustrate how small gestures, like personalized notes and community involvement, can have lasting positive impacts on students and educators alike. Discover the story of how Shelly went above and beyond, organizing special sessions and even acquiring a bus license to ensure every student felt supported in their academic pursuits.Explore effective coaching strategies that benefit both students and teachers. We'll emphasize the power of personal connections, constructive feedback, and genuine interest in students' lives beyond the classroom. Shelly shares insights on how instructional coaches can mirror this support to teachers, creating an uplifting atmosphere. As Thanksgiving nears, we encourage reflection on gratitude and look forward to reconnecting after the holiday break with renewed inspiration and insights.Download the corresponding handout to remember these tips.  The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce. Follow Us on Social: Facebook Instagram X

Send us a textUnlock the secrets of effective note-taking in our latest episode, promising to transform how students and educators grasp and retain information. Our engaging conversation with Donn Kirkwood, a senior leadership coach with a specialty in literacy, provides a treasure trove of practical strategies designed to boost understanding and retention in classroom settings. We explore the pitfalls of relying solely on technology, like snapping pictures of slides, and delve into the power of translating information into one's own words for a deeper learning experience.Discover innovative ways to enhance classroom discussions through diverse note-taking methods that encourage unique perspectives and peer interaction. We introduce dynamic activities such as "speed dating" and inner-outer circles, which create opportunities for students to share, validate, and refine their notes collaboratively. These approaches not only build confidence but also ensure that students are equipped to apply their notes to future learning situations, ultimately fostering mastery of the material.Experience the impact of active note-taking strategies on student learning and memory retention. We highlight the importance of repetition and experiential learning, introducing the three-column note-taking format that encourages summarization, reflection, and real-world application of key concepts. With these tools, educators can better prepare students for assessments and assignments, ensuring that knowledge is solidified in long-term memory. Delve into the intricate dance between cognitive processes and instructional coaching as we reveal insights from our discussion with Dawn, setting the stage for future dialogues on mastering cognition in education.Download Donn's Three-Column Notetaking handout. The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce. Follow Us on Social: Facebook Instagram X

Send us a textDiscover how to transform silence into vibrant conversations in your classroom with insights from our latest discussion. Join me, Ashley Shaw, alongside Dan Rock, as we unravel the secrets of fostering engaging student discourse with the help of Keisha King, a distinguished math instructional coach. Learn how to create a safe environment for students to express their thoughts and build confidence in speaking up. Keisha introduces her five practices for orchestrating productive mathematics discussions, offering a powerful framework that can enhance critical thinking and student interaction.Through practical strategies like the jigsaw method, four corners activity and impactful sentence starters, we explore innovative ways to boost student participation and engagement. Our episode is packed with actionable advice and resources, including handouts on promoting meaningful discourse and the Think-Pair-Share strategy. Equip yourself with the tools to transform your classroom into a hub of dynamic discussions, where every student feels heard and valued. Tune in for a rich exploration of how to make your teaching environment more interactive and participatory.Download our handouts for this episode:1. 5 Practices for Orchestrating Discussions2. Strategies to Promote Meaningful Student Discourse3. Think-Pair-Share Strategy The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce. Follow Us on Social: Facebook Instagram X

Send us a textUnlock the secrets to transforming your classroom into a dynamic workplace simulation with insights from our extraordinary guest, Marty Sugerik. With a wealth of experience drawn from both military and educational realms, Marty delivers invaluable strategies to enhance students' communication and collaboration skills. Discover how we can extend the classic "think-pair-share" method by incorporating world language research's "three modes of communication," empowering students to adapt these skills across diverse subjects and careers. Explore a structured, hands-on approach to cultivating workplace collaboration skills that goes beyond traditional classroom practices. With a practical three-step process, students first engage in independent problem-solving tasks before collaborating with peers to refine their approaches through visual tools like Venn diagrams. As educators, we step into the role of an employer, offering constructive feedback to help students elevate their presentations and communication skills, collecting qualitative evidence of student understanding to guide future instruction.Gain valuable perspectives on preparing students for the realities of the workforce by simulating professional environments within the classroom. Learn how acting as an employer can set clear expectations and establish a connection between classroom activities and future career paths. Marty also shares innovative ways to adapt the "think-pair-share" strategy for digital hybrid environments, emphasizing the importance of customizing these techniques to suit your educational needs. Don't miss this opportunity to enrich your teaching methods with practical insights and resources shared throughout our conversation.Check out Marty's Google folder to get all the materials referenced in this episode, and feel free to send him questions at marty.sugerik at sreb.org. The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce. Follow Us on Social: Facebook Instagram X

Send us a textUnlock the secrets to effective school leadership with insights from George McFarland, an SREB leadership coach and seasoned educator with over thirty years of experience. Discover how establishing a clear purpose and fostering collaboration among stakeholders can transform school environments, even amidst the challenges of frequent leadership turnover. George shares his wisdom on the pivotal role of communication in aligning a school's mission with collective aspirations, ensuring teachers and staff feel valued and motivated. Learn how involving everyone from teachers to community members in shaping a school's direction can create an environment where initiatives are not just understood but embraced.We also explore the crucial development of teacher leaders and the "portrait of a graduate" concept that aligns educational goals with student outcomes. George offers practical advice for educators aspiring to leadership roles, highlighting the necessity of mentorship and resource utilization to hone leadership skills. Communication remains a key theme, as we discuss strategies for introducing change effectively in schools, emphasizing clarity and purpose in leaders' messages. This episode promises to equip you with actionable insights and inspiration for your professional journey in education.Download our handout for more about this episode.  The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce. Follow Us on Social: Facebook Instagram X

Send us a textUnlock the secrets to crafting impactful lesson plans and aligning assessments with the guidance of expert guest Debbie Robertson. Discover how Ashley seeks to refine her organizational skills with insights from senior leadership coach Debbie. Together, they unravel the art of starting with the end in mind, diving into the crucial process of revisiting educational standards. This episode promises to transform your approach to teaching by ensuring lessons are not just effective but deeply aligned with contemporary educational expectations and student needs.From integrating real-world scenarios into your classroom to making cross-curricular connections, you'll learn innovative strategies that make learning both relatable and robust. We explore how blending subjects like English Language Arts and math can enrich students' understanding and problem-solving abilities. Plus, gain wisdom on effective coaching for educators, with techniques that prioritize understanding coachees' processes before offering guidance. With thoughtful analogies and practical advice, this episode is a treasure trove for teachers and instructional coaches eager to elevate their educational practices.For more, make sure to download our handout. The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce. Follow Us on Social: Facebook Instagram X

Send us a textWhere will I use this in the "real-world"?If you've ever had a student ask you this, then you might be on the lookout for ways to create more authentic learning experiences in your classroom. To help, SREB's Leslie Eaves came by to give Ashley some ways to build authenticity into her assignments.We created a handout to go with the lesson.  The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce. Follow Us on Social: Facebook Instagram X

Send us a textIt's every teacher's biggest challenge: How can we get these students to engage with the material? In this week's episode, SREB Coach Erin Anderson-Williams stops by the studio to teach Ashley how to better engage her students by considering their cognitive, behavioral and emotional needs. Download our handout to get an overview of the lesson.  The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce. Follow Us on Social: Facebook Instagram X

In this week's episode, SREB's Jason Adair comes in to coach Ashley in how to ask better questions in class.Feel free to follow along with our handout or download it later. Follow Us on Social: Facebook Instagram X

In our National Literacy Month lesson, we talk about three ways teachers of any subject can help students better understand and utilize the vocabulary words in the class.No more having students memorize a word for a test before forgetting it forever! SREB Coach Deb Cullen sits down to give us all her proven techniques for helping students build connections between words, create categories and use the words in context. Make sure to download our handout with a summary and instructions for what we talk about in this episode. Follow Us on Social: Facebook Instagram X

Provide feedback on this episode before July 19, 2024, and be entered into a drawing for a $50 Amazon gift card. In our first ever episode, SREB Instructional Coach Daniel Rock comes into the studio to talk about how writing SPICE-y AI prompts can help teachers take advantage of the free teaching assistant they may not have known they had.Here are the resources we used in this episode:Our ChatGPT transcriptA SPICE Guide and Worksheet for TeachersDaniel's AI Prompt-Writing Cheat Sheet for TeachersFollow Us on Social: Facebook Instagram X