Schoolutions: Curious Educators. Evidence-Based Strategies. Classrooms Where Every Child Thrives.

Join me in conversation with veteran educator Denise Goldin-Dubois to explore her innovative three student protocol – a powerful planning and reflection tool that helps teachers deepen their practice. With over 25 years of experience in public education, Denise shares how focusing intentionally on three specific students can transform instruction for an entire classroom. Learn how to move beyond b...

In this bonus episode, I delve deeper into transformative approaches to feedback and assessment in education. Building on my conversation with Tyler Rablin ( S4E13 ), I share crucial insights from my recent experiences coaching middle school teachers and explore why less is often more when it comes to student feedback. I challenge traditional notions of mastery-based assessment, advocating instead...

Join me in conversation with coach and author Tyler Rablin to explore transformative approaches to student motivation and learning. Focusing on his book Hacking Student Motivation: 5 Assessment Strategies That Boost Learning Progression and Build Student Confidence (Hack Learning Series) , Tyler shares innovative strategies for assessment, feedback, and building student confidence.  Drawing from h...

In this bonus episode, I share insights from my recent work with school district coaches, highlighting the importance of flexibility, responsive coaching, and building professional communities.  I detail a transformative week of coaching labs and one-on-one sessions, exploring innovative approaches to supporting educators. The episode offers a deep dive into how coaches can: ➡️Create more adaptive...

Join me in conversation with Morgan Davis, a coach's coach from Jeffco Public Schools, about reimagining coaching support through coaching impact circles. Morgan shares how her district is blending learning labs, research-based practices, and team coaching to create more effective professional development experiences. She discusses her innovative approach to "team coaching notes" an...

In this BONUS episode of Schoolutions: Coaching and Teaching Strategies, I explore the transformative power of growth mindset, community building, and shared meals. I reflect on my conversation with community leader Christa Núñez , diving deep into how educators, organizations, and individuals can foster continuous learning, equity, and meaningful connections. Drawing from insights by Carol S. Dwe...

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Christa Núñez , a transformative force in community agriculture and education. As founder of KHUBA International , Christa shares how she's revolutionizing access to land ownership and literacy through innovative programs like the Ubuntu Library and The Learning Farm . From securing a groundbreaking $700,000 grant for farm-stay housing to creating ho...

In this bonus episode, I delve into the art of collaborative coaching through the lens of personal experience and relationship-building. I discuss how the universe brings people together at the right moments, particularly highlighting my connection with Karrie Fansler and our work with her responsive coaching cycle. I share how I have implemented the innovative eight-phase responsive coaching mode...

Join me in conversation with Karrie Fansler, Learning Design Specialist with Evergreen Public Schools, as we explore her innovative eight-phase coaching cycle that transforms traditional instructional coaching. Karrie shares how her team of 36 coaches developed this dynamic framework that puts student learning at the center while honoring teacher dignity and inquiry. Learn about each phase of the...

In this bonus episode of Schoolutions: Coaching and Teaching Strategies, I discuss creating safe, inclusive school environments during election season. Following my interview with Ari Gerzon-Kessler , I explore how educators can lean on the strategies and writing of experts to support students and families during politically sensitive times. Drawing from various education experts and authors, I ex...

In this powerful episode, Ari Gerzon-Kessler shares practical strategies for creating meaningful connections between schools and underrepresented families through his innovative Families and Educators Together (FET) teams model. Drawing from his experience as a teacher, principal, and current leader of the Family Partnerships Department for Boulder Valley School District , Ari discusses: ➡️The cri...

Join instructional coaching expert Matt Renwick as he shares practical strategies for organizing your coaching practice using print and digital notebooks. Drawing from research like the Zeigarnik effect and his extensive experience in education, Matt offers you invaluable insights on: ➡️When to use print vs. digital documentation ➡️Creating effective daily coaching logs ➡️Maintaining teacher trust...

In this episode of Schoolutions: Coaching and Teaching Strategies, I have an insightful discussion with education expert Michael B. Horn about the complex issue of smartphone bans in schools. Horn, a co-founder, distinguished fellow, and chairman at the Clayton Christensen Institute for Disruptive Innovation , offers a balanced perspective on this hot-button topic. Our conversation explores: ➡️Eff...

In this episode of Schoolutions: Coaching and Teaching Strategies, I welcome back Julie Wright , a veteran educator and instructional coach, for an insightful discussion on the role of coaches in data meetings.  Together, we unpack the evolving terms RtI (Response to Intervention) and MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Support) and delve into how coaches can use qualitative and quantitative data to enha...

In this episode of Schoolutions: Coaching and Teaching Strategies, I welcome back New York Times bestselling author and educator Jennifer Serravallo to discuss her latest book, Teaching Reading Across the Day: Methods and Structures for Engaging Explicit Instruction . Jen shares insights on: The importance of balancing research-based practices with teacher autonomy Nine different lesson structures...

In this episode of Schoolutions, host Olivia Wahl engages in a thought-provoking conversation with educators Nawal Qaroon i and Sarah Schlessinger, Ed. D. , about the crucial impact of language in educational settings. Drawing from their ASCD article Consider Your Words , they discuss: The importance of mindful language when discussing students and families Strategies for avoiding harmful labels a...

Join host Olivia Wahl as she sits down with Meg and Brett Reichert, a military family navigating the unique challenges and unexpected joys of frequent relocation. In this heartfelt episode of Schoolutions: Coaching & Teaching Strategies , the Reicherts open up about: The realities of moving 6-9 times during a child's K-12 education Strategies for helping kids build friendships across dist...

In this episode of Season 4, Episode 2, I welcome back Morgan Davis, a coach with Jeffco Public Schools in Colorado. Join us as Morgan dives into her insightful strategies for supporting teachers and fostering a thriving classroom environment. 🏫 Morgan shares her approach to starting the school year strong by visiting every classroom and integrating herself as a coach into the daily life of the s...

Welcome to Season 4, Episode 1 of Schoolutions, the podcast where education transcends the classroom. I’m your host, Olivia Wahl, and in this episode, we’re thrilled to kick off the new school year with a truly inspiring guest, Trevor Muir . Trevor is an acclaimed educator, author, and founder of the Epic Classroom and Epic PBL . His innovative teaching methods and impactful videos have garnered i...

Get ready for a new chapter in educational excellence! Season 4 of Schoolutions: Coaching and Teaching Strategies launches Monday, September 9th, with a fresh look and an invigorated mission.  Join us every Monday throughout the school year for powerful insights and practical strategies from the frontlines of education. This season, dive into the minds of exceptional coaches, teachers, administrat...

With many school districts dedicating concentrated time to drafting their vision and mission statements, more time should instead be spent on crafting their belief statements. Vision and mission statements focus on the “what” and “where” but not the “why” that describes behaviors and practices that will serve our children and their teachers well every day. I wanted to end Season 3 of Schoolutions®...

Dr. Jennifer McCarty Plucker leaned on her 20+ years in education as an English teacher, speech coach, reading specialist, and district administrator while writing her new book, Inspiring Lifelong Readers . Listeners will leave this conversation inspired to try Jen’s tried-and-true, evidence-based strategies.  Episode Mentions: Louis La’mour Kelly Gallagher : Readicide Penny Kittle   John T. Guthr...

Olivia Wahl and Dr. Wendy Bunker share what matters most to them right now after a year of instructional coaching and collaboration. The Schoolutions®   What We Know Now… series has offered a space for reflection and dialogue around high-impact coaching practices and troubleshooting support. Stay tuned for more coaching conversations when Schoolutions® Season 4 releases this September. Episode Men...

Olivia Wahl and Dr. Wendy Bunker wrap up their conversations about the recently released Science of Reading Literacy Briefs by the New York State Education Department , produced for NYSED by Nonie K. Lesaux, PhD and Katie C. Carr, M.Ed. This episode is part two of two episodes that focus on Literacy Brief 7: Science of Reading: Leading for Literacy .  NYSED Literacy Briefs & Literacy Brief 7:...

Teachers Amanda Green, Madison St. Louis, and Heather Saft share their insights about how the MTSS process best serves students when quantitative and qualitative data highlight students’ assets and are used to plan for future intervention needs. Amanda, Heather, and Madison share what matters most to them as educators and how they collaborate as a team within their microschool community at Briarcl...