C3 Connecting, Coaches, Cognition

On this episode of C3, Dr. Rachel Alouek—an award-winning principal, author, and leadership coach—shares her journey from kindergarten teacher to school leader and discusses relational leadership, mentorship, and educator wellbeing. She offers practical strategies for balancing accountability with trust, leveraging teacher strengths and community resources, protecting leader boundaries, and finding joy to sustain meaningful school improvement.

In this episode Courtney Groskin and Sandy Heiser welcome Dr. Matthew Rhodes to discuss effective instructional coaching in K–12 and higher education. Dr. Rhodes explains the importance of clearly defining the coach’s role, being visible, and building systems that support sustainable coaching practices. Key takeaways include active listening, focusing on one to three high-leverage strategies, using the diffusion of innovation to scale change, leveraging AI for paperwork, and creating routines to avoid burnout.

Hosts Courtney Groskin and Sandy Heiser reflect on C3's first season, discussing favorite guests, key takeaways about coaching practice, reconnecting with current educational research, and integrating AI into professional learning. They share plans for upcoming cohorts, tips for new administrators, and invite listeners to suggest books and follow the podcast for a new season starting in September.

In this episode, Courtney Groskin and Sandy Heiser sit down with Joellen Killion to explore job-embedded coaching, the 10 roles coaches play, and how to align coaching to school and district priorities. Joellen discusses how transformational coaching shifts mindsets as well as practices, the non-negotiables for sustainable coaching programs, and the importance of equity, clear purpose, and evaluation. They wrap up with rapid-fire tips, the theme "empower over enable," and practical guidance to ensure coaching leads to lasting instructional change and improved student learning.

Guest: Mary Webb, veteran educator and instructional coach with 27 years of experience Episode Summary: In this episode, Mary Webb shares her journey from classroom teaching to instructional coaching and explores how artificial intelligence can support — not replace — the human side of coaching. She discusses AI as a navigation tool that aids in goal setting, pattern recognition, and teacher reflection while maintaining relational trust. Mary emphasizes the importance of ethical boundaries, confidentiality, and transparency when using AI in coaching conversations. She also shares practical strategies for effective prompting and a real coaching scenario demonstrating AI in action. Key Takeaways: AI as a Navigation System: AI helps identify patterns and clarify next steps without overwhelming teachers. Human Connection First: Technology should enhance, not replace, empathy and trust in coaching relationships. Ethics and Confidentiality: Coaches must be transparent, secure teacher data, and obtain informed consent when using AI. Prompting Matters: Clear, intentional prompts produce better AI insights to support teacher growth. AI in Action: A practical example shows how AI can help coaches identify themes and focus next steps in a coaching conversation. Reflection Questions: How can AI serve as a thinking partner while preserving relational trust? What ethical guardrails should be in place before integrating AI into coaching? How can you improve coaching clarity through purposeful prompting?  

🎧 Episode Show Notes: Trust Based Observations with Craig Randall In this episode of C3: Connecting Coaches & Cognition, Courtney Groskin and Sandy Heiser sit down with Craig Randall, author of Trust-Based Observations, to explore how reimagining classroom observations through the lens of trust can transform school culture, teacher growth, and instructional practice. Craig shares his unique professional journey—from school counselor to international school leader—and how those experiences shaped his belief that observations should be rooted in relationships rather than compliance. Drawing on research, real-world examples, and years of leadership experience, he explains why traditional observation models often fail to improve teaching and can unintentionally harm teacher efficacy. Together, the conversation dives into: What trust-based observations are and how they differ from traditional evaluation models The role of psychological safety in teacher risk-taking and growth Why focusing on strengths first builds relational trust and instructional momentum Practical, high-impact moves evaluators can make before, during, and after observations How trust-based practices support teacher cognition, reflection, and self-assessment Strategies for rebuilding trust when teachers bring past negative observation experiences Small shifts leaders can make right now to begin transforming their observation practice Craig also shares a powerful story illustrating how quickly a culture of trust can spread—and why teachers deeply crave authentic, strengths-based feedback. The episode wraps up with a rapid-fire round full of practical wisdom and encouragement for school leaders and evaluators at any stage of their journey. 🔗 Learn More Website: trustbased.com Book: Trust-Based Observations (available on Amazon) Social Media: @trustbasedcraig Email: [email protected]

🎙️ C3: Connecting Coaches & Cognition Episode Title: Elevating Coaching & Instruction with AI Host: Courtney Groskin Co-Host: Sandy Heiser Guest: Tori Fitka, Community Coach of the Year (2025), SchoolAI Episode Overview In this episode of C3: Connecting Coaches & Cognition, Courtney Groskin and Sandy Heiser kick off the new year with an engaging conversation about AI, coaching, and instructional impact. They are joined by Tori Fitka, former high school science teacher and current Community Coach at SchoolAI, who was recently named Community Coach of the Year for 2025. Together, they explore how AI—when used intentionally—can enhance teaching, deepen reflection, and build educator capacity without replacing the human side of learning and coaching. About Our Guest: Tori Fitka Tori Fitka is a former high school science teacher turned community coach at SchoolAI, where she supports educators nationwide in leveraging AI and blended learning to create meaningful, student-centered experiences. With a background in digital learning and instructional coaching, Tori is passionate about thoughtful design, strong relationships, and using technology to serve a clear instructional purpose—not just because it’s available. Key Topics & Takeaways 🧠 AI as a Thought Partner, Not a Replacement Tori emphasizes that AI should support educators by freeing up time for what matters most—relationships, reflection, and responsive instruction—rather than replacing professional judgment. 🔍 Reflection & Metacognition with AI The group dives into how tools like SchoolAI’s Assistants and Spaces can help teachers and leaders engage in ongoing reflection, analyze student work and data, and prepare for deeper coaching conversations. 🤝 Coaching at Scale AI can provide “just-in-time” coaching support for educators who may not always have access to a human coach, making reflective practice more accessible and consistent. 🛠️ From Curiosity to Confidence Effective AI professional learning is: Hands-on and experiential Grounded in real classroom use cases Supported by ongoing coaching and leadership Designed with time to explore, fail, revise, and reflect 🚀 Building Capacity Without Adding to Workload Successful AI rollouts are intentional, gradual, and responsive to teacher feedback—focusing on purpose, repetition, and celebration of successes. 🔮 The Future of AI in Education Tori shares her vision for the next frontier: moving beyond productivity toward AI literacy, modification, and redefinition of learning experiences—helping students explore content, careers, and critical thinking in ways previously impossible. Rapid Fire Highlights ⚡ One Strategy Every Coach Should Have: Help educators clearly define goals, context, and constraints so AI supports thinking rather than replaces it. ⚡ Advice for New Teachers: Don’t reinvent the wheel. Use AI as a thought partner, focus on learning and relationships, and avoid burnout. Learn More You can connect with Tori and access free trainings through the SchoolAI Community (available once logged into SchoolAI). Be sure to explore both synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities.

In this episode of C3, hosts Courtney Groskin and Sandy Heiser welcome Joy De Los Santos, a special education coach with over 20 years of experience who now co-leads an instructional coaching team supporting nine districts. Joy discusses her journey into coaching, practical strategies for overwhelmed teachers—including prioritizing high-impact supports and using visuals like visual schedules—and the importance of using data to guide decisions and build common ground among teams. The conversation highlights what true inclusion looks like (access, engagement, and respectful peer interaction), leadership coaching to build capacity, and real coaching wins that helped teachers feel empowered and improved student outcomes.     In this episode: Courtney and Sandy share highlights from facilitating Day 5 of the Cognitive Coaching Foundation Seminar, celebrating the energy and dedication of their 35-person cohort. They discuss the transformative power of coaching conversations, including a moment where a 20-minute planning conversation left a participant feeling empowered and energized. Featured Guest: Joy de los Santos Joy brings over 20 years of experience in special education, working with students from early childhood through high school. She now co-leads an instructional coaching team across nine districts, supporting educators in building inclusive and supportive classrooms for students with disabilities. Key Takeaways from Joy: Her journey into special education coaching grew from supporting teachers and students while reducing high turnover rates and increasing inclusive practices. When teachers feel overwhelmed by IEP requirements or diverse learner needs, Joy recommends strategies that support multiple students across contexts to maximize impact with sustainable effort. Collaboration and alignment are essential: she emphasizes using data as a neutral tool to guide team decisions and resolve differing perspectives. For Joy, a truly inclusive classroom means all students have access, engagement, and respect for differences, not just physical placement in the classroom. Memorable coaching impact: supporting a veteran special education teacher to feel confident and effective with a challenging student population—demonstrating the power of coaching for teachers at any career stage. Rapid-Fire Tips from Joy: One strategy every coach should have: Visual supports, especially visual schedules, to support student independence and classroom management. Advice for new teachers: Feeling unsure is normal. Asking for help is a sign of strength, and no one has all the answers—especially early in your career.

In this episode Courtney and Sandy welcome Connie Hamilton, author and consultant, to discuss the power of well-crafted coaching questions. Connie explains how to create a cognitive journey for teachers, balance coaching and consulting roles, normalize imperfection, and use targeted follow-up questions to deepen reflection and instructional growth. Listeners get practical strategies: focus deeply on one instructional goal, use metacognitive prompts (How will you know? What will tell you to pivot?), offer multiple options as a menu, and gather data to inform coaching conversations. Resources are available at ConnieHamilton.org.   Episode Description: In this episode of C3: Connecting Coaches & Cognition, we sit down with Connie Hamilton, an experienced educator, author, and consultant, to explore the art and science of instructional coaching. Connie shares her journey through various roles in education—from classroom teacher to principal to assistant superintendent—and how those experiences inform her approach to supporting teachers. We dive deep into the power of well-crafted coaching questions, discussing how they can spark reflection, build teacher efficacy, and create a culture of continuous improvement. Connie offers practical strategies for balancing coaching and consulting roles, supporting new teachers, and fostering collective efficacy within schools. Listeners will gain actionable insights on: How to frame coaching questions that promote metacognitive thinking and reflection The balance between curiosity and guidance in coaching conversations Strategies for normalizing imperfection and embracing iterative teaching Techniques for observing and analyzing classroom data to support teacher growth Approaches to working with both new and experienced teachers, including emotional support and building confidence Connie also shares a free resource on her website, SIFT Data Descriptions, which provides practical ways for coaches to collect and use classroom data to guide instructional conversations. Rapid Fire Highlights: One coaching strategy to always have: Identify the most challenging part of a lesson and reflect on what to keep or adjust for next time. Advice for new teachers: Focus on student learning as the true measure of lesson success, not just busyness or adherence to a plan. Connect with Connie Hamilton: Website: www.conniehamilton.org Free Resources: Available on her website, including SIFT Data Descriptions Timestamps (Approximate): 0:00 – Introduction & Connie’s background in education 5:30 – The power of well-crafted coaching questions 15:00 – Balancing curiosity and guidance as a coach 23:00 – Strategies for deeper teacher reflection 32:00 – Working with new teachers and supporting emotional states 42:00 – One habit coaches can start tomorrow to be more intentional 50:00 – Rapid fire tips & final thoughts