Compass PD Podcast with Dr. Carrie Hepburn

In this episode of the Compass PD Podcast, Dr. Carrie Hepburn is joined by Bob Whittenberg, Board of Education President for Spencer Community Schools, to explore a critical—and often overlooked—driver of lasting literacy success: the role of the school board . Building on the momentum of Spencer Reads , this conversation moves beyond the classroom to examine how literacy becomes a community-wide...

Too often, we place our hope in a new curriculum or resource to fix instructional challenges—only to find gaps, misalignment, and frustration months later. In this episode of the Compass PD Podcast, Dr. Carrie Hepburn explores why no single resource is ever enough—and how a simple resource audit can shift your system from reactive to intentional. You’ll learn: The predictable problems that arise w...

This episode builds on Episode 85 , where we introduced the story behind a community-driven literacy movement. In Episode 86, we go deeper into the how . In Part 2 of our conversation, we continue with Brook Schueller and Amy Simpson from Spencer Community Schools to unpack the strategy behind building a true community literacy movement. If Part 1 shared the story, Part 2 shares the strategy. We e...

In Episode 85, we’re joined by Brook Schueller and Amy Simpson , members of a community committee working toward an ambitious goal: 85% of third graders reading at proficient levels. This conversation explores how Spencer Community Schools recognized that literacy growth couldn’t live only inside classrooms. By building relationships, meeting families where they were, and continuously reflecting a...

In this episode of the Compass PD Podcast, Dr. Carrie Hepburn is joined by Dr. Ted Huff, founder of Leading with Parents, to explore what it truly takes to unite schools, families, and communities in support of students. With parent engagement declining nationwide, Ted shares why authentic partnership—not just participation—is the key to improving attendance, strengthening achievement, and buildin...

In this inspiring episode of the Compass PD Podcast , Dr. Stephanie Brenner sits down with Anne Evers and Rachel Wheatley from Churchill Center and School , a St. Louis institution renowned for its evidence-based approach to supporting students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences. Together, they explore how Churchill empowers both students and educators—through personalized...

In this uplifting episode, Dr. Carrie Hepburn sits down with educator, consultant, and author Kim Schuelke to explore how somatic work can transform classroom culture and emotional well-being. From trauma-informed strategies to breathwork and sensory tools, Kimmy shares accessible practices any educator can use to support student regulation, reduce anxiety, and build a foundation for authentic lea...

In this special episode of the Compass PD Podcast, Dr. Natalie Fallert brings you a heartwarming celebration of educators everywhere. With all the appreciation days that fill the month of May, we decided to join in the celebration by reflecting on the moments and mentors that inspired us, the most meaningful gestures we’ve received, and the powerful ways we can show appreciation to others. This ep...

In Episode 80 of the Compass PD Podcast, Dr. Stephanie Brenner and Dr. Sherri Lorton take you inside the often overwhelming world of end-of-year data. But this isn’t just about spreadsheets and scores — it’s about telling the real story behind the numbers. Together, they explore common pitfalls, share expert strategies for making sense of math and literacy data, and explain how to craft a meaningf...

In this powerful episode of the Compass PD Podcast, Michelle Kearns—educator and mother to her son Gehrig, who is on the autism spectrum—joins Dr. Natalie Fallert to build upon her touching blog More Than Words: An Autism Journey. Michelle shares what she wishes every educator, parent, and student knew about autism, and how we can all do better to cultivate true belonging in our schools. From lead...

In this uplifting episode of the Compass PD Podcast, Dr. Carrie Hepburn is joined by Dr. Declan Fitzpatrick and Dr. Elizabeth Malloy—two leaders passionate about keeping instruction at the forefront of their work. With honesty and heart, they share what it looks like to lead learning while navigating the realities of school leadership. From 30-second feedback loops to shared calendars and grace-fi...

In this solo episode of the Compass PD Podcast , Dr. Natalie Fallert invites educators to try something both brave and rewarding—student-led book clubs. As testing season wraps up and attention spans wane, spring is the perfect time to launch a flexible, choice-driven reading experience that fosters deep conversations, authentic learning, and student ownership. Natalie breaks down what book clubs...

In this episode of the Compass PD Podcast, Dr. Natalie Fallert and Dr. Stephanie Brenner explore the world of test prep—and not the kind that makes kids (and teachers) cringe. From everyday instruction that builds confidence to last-minute strategies that matter most, this episode unpacks practical, mindset-shifting approaches for elementary and secondary classrooms. You’ll hear realistic strategi...

In Part 3 of The Powerful Connection Between Teacher Empowerment and Student Achievement , Dr. Carrie Hepburn is once again joined by Dr. Bridgett Niedringhaus to continue the inspiring and actionable series. This episode focuses on the essential relationships that fuel student success: teacher-student, teacher-parent, and teacher-self. Dr. Niedringhaus explores how empowered teachers foster deepe...

Summer school is no longer just a place for credit recovery or extra practice—it’s a powerful opportunity to reimagine what’s possible for student engagement and growth. In this episode of the Compass PD Podcast, Dr. Sherri Lorton is joined by three passionate educators—Dr. Kara Dalton, Dr. Elizabeth Malloy, and David Gentili—who’ve spent years leading and evolving summer programs across K–12 sett...

No one likes difficult conversations, but effective leaders can’t avoid them . Whether addressing student performance, parent concerns, or staff accountability , the way you handle tough discussions can either build trust or break morale . In this episode of the Compass PD Podcast , Dr. Stephanie Brenner sits down with Dr. Chris Greiner , Chief Executive Academic Officer for Raytown Quality School...

The latest results from The Nation’s Report Card & NAEP tests reveal a continued decline in reading proficiency across all student groups. With less than one-third of 4th and 8th graders reading at or above grade level , it’s easy for educators to feel discouraged. But instead of getting defensive, let’s focus on solutions . In this episode of the Compass PD Podcast , Dr. Natalie Fallert break...

Effective leadership requires more than just strategy—it demands emotional intelligence , resilience, and the ability to navigate difficult conversations. In this episode of the Compass PD Podcast , Dr. Stephanie Brenner is joined by licensed counselor Claire Weton to discuss how educational leaders can support their staff emotionally , manage workplace challenges, and build the confidence needed...

As educators, balancing academic demands with students’ social-emotional needs can be overwhelming. In this episode of the Compass PD Podcast , Dr. Carrie Hepburn is joined by Hannah Patterson , a licensed professional counselor, to discuss trauma-informed strategies for educators . Together, they explore how trauma affects student behavior, proactive classroom strategies, and ways to support stud...

In this episode of the Compass PD Podcast, Dr. Carrie Hepburn welcomes back Dr. Bridgett Niedringhaus to continue the conversation on The Powerful Connection Between Teacher Empowerment and Student Achievement. Building on Episode 61, this discussion dives deeper into growth mindset, risk-taking, teacher well-being, and student-centered learning, all key components in fostering a thriving educatio...

In this episode of the Compass PD Podcast, Dr. Stephanie Brenner dives into practical strategies for using mid-year universal screening data to improve student learning and teacher effectiveness. From whole-group instruction and small-group differentiation to targeted interventions and planning professional development, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help educators make data-dr...

Are you looking for effective ways to support students with disabilities in math? Join Dr. Natalie Fallert of Compass PD, along with math experts Dr. Sherri Lorton, Constance Hallemeier, and Dr. Stephanie Evans, as they break down the latest NCTM position statement and its collaboration with the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). In this video, you'll discover: -Strategies to ensure stud...

Are you looking for effective ways to support students with disabilities in math? Join Dr. Natalie Fallert of Compass PD, along with math experts Dr. Sherri Lorton, Constance Hallemeier, and Dr. Stephanie Evans, as they break down the latest NCTM position statement and its collaboration with the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). In this video, you'll discover: -Strategies to ensure stud...

Are you looking for effective ways to support students with disabilities in math? Join Dr. Natalie Fallert of Compass PD, along with math experts Dr. Sherri Lorton, Constance Hallemeier, and Dr. Stephanie Evans, as they break down the latest NCTM position statement and its collaboration with the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). In this video, you'll discover: Strategies to ensure stude...

In this episode of the Compass PD Podcast, Carrie Hepburn and Dr. Stephanie Brenner discuss how the Comprehensive Standards Guides (CSGs) can help educators effectively implement the learning gained from LETRS training. As a former LETRS trainer, Dr. Brenner shares her insights on bridging the gap between professional development and classroom application. Listeners will learn how unpacked standar...