Coffee Stained EDU Podcast

Episodes

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  Tenure Portfolio Part 3- Professionalism 09.07.2023 26m

  Episode 3 concludes our Tenure portfolio series with the 3rd component of the Teacher decision-making framework-Professionalism.
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  Tenure Portfolio Part 2-Student learning and instructional practices 12.06.2023 29m

  Episode 2 tackles both the student learning and instructional practices domain of the tenure decision-making framework.
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  Tenure portfolio Part 1- Introduction to teacher tenure requirements 24.05.2023 30m

  This series will discuss how to put together your NYC Teacher Tenure Binder. Episode 1 gives you a summary of what to expect and goes over the tenure decision-making framework.
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  Tackling the Danielson Rubric: 4e 14.05.2023 36m

  Listen to learn all about domain 4- Growing and developing professionally as an educator.
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  Tackling the Danielson Rubric: 3b, 3c, 3d 13.05.2023 37m

  Episode 3 dives into Domain 3-Instruction which covers, using questioning and discussion techniques, engaging students in learning, and using assessment In instruction. Learn strategies to engage students in discussions and how to implement assessments.
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  Tackling the Danielson Rubric: 2a & 2d 25.04.2023 39m

  "Tackling the Danielson Rubric". In each episode, we will address 1 of the 4 domains of the Danielson Rubric, a framework of teaching components used to rate educator instructional practices, classroom environment and so much more!Episode 2- Tackles Domain 2: Component 2a and 2d:2a-Creating an Environment of Respect and Rapport2d- Managing student behavior
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  Tackling the Danielson Rubric: 1a & 1e 15.04.2023 49m

  Coffee Stained EDU Podcast has a new Series called "Tackling the Danielson Rubric". In each episode, we will address 1 of the 4 domains of the Danielson Rubric, a framework of teaching components used to rate educator instructional practices, classroom environment and so much more! Episode 1- Tackles Domain 1a and 1e- Designing coherent instruction and demonstrating knowledge of the content and pedagogy.
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  New Seat, Same Purpose: My Journey to Principalship 18.10.2026 28m

  New seat, new responsibilities, same purpose! In this episode, I reflect on my journey from classroom teacher to assistant principal to principal, sharing how each experience continues to shape my leadership approach. From building relationships and school culture to balancing support and accountability, I share lessons I learned in my first few weeks as principal.
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  Proactive Family Connections: Building the Bridge Before the First Problem 19.09.2026 21m

  Most family communication happens when something goes wrong, but what if we built the relationship first? In Episode 66, we’re talking about simple, intentional ways to create strong home-school partnerships from the start through positive outreach, streamlined communication, and inclusive practices that help every family feel seen, welcomed, and connected.
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  The Co-Teaching "First Date": Setting Norms Before Day One 23.08.2026 24m

  What do co-teachers need to align on before students walk through the door, from roles and discipline to workload, grading, and showing up as equal instructional leaders? Because strong co-teaching doesn’t start with the students, it starts with the partnership.
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  Functional vs. "Pinterest-Perfect": Designing Inclusive and Calming Spaces 01.08.2026 25m

  Skip the "Pinterest-perfect" pressure! Overly cluttered walls and bright decor can trigger sensory overload for neurodivergent learners.Building on Ep. 50 & 51, this episode breaks down how to design a calm, accessible classroom on a budget. Learn how to optimize traffic flow, set up low-cost re-regulation zones, and save wall space for co-created student work instead of store-bought posters.
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  Off the Screen, Into the Halls: Using AI to Clear Your Desk 07.07.2026 25m

  As a school leader, your most impactful moments don’t happen behind a computer screen; they happen in classrooms, hallways, and cafeteria chats. But how do you find the time to actually be present when administrative tasks are piling up?In this episode, we dive into how artificial intelligence can become your ultimate assistant. I’m sharing exactly how I leverage AI in my daily routine; from mapping out complex school event schedules and framing observation reports, to doing quick gut-checks on email tone to ensure total professionalism. Discover how to let AI handle the heavy lifting of administrative busywork so you can reclaim your day, leave the desk behind, and show up for your students and staff when they need you most
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  The View from the Trenches: Why Every Role is a Leadership Role 08.05.2026 23m

  "That’s not in my job description" has no place in school leadership.In this episode, we’re talking about the raw, messy reality of leading an elementary school. From cleaning up vomit and sweeping hallways to covering classrooms and answering phones, being a leader means no task is beneath you.We dive into the power of servant leadership and how getting your hands dirty builds the trust and culture your staff needs to thrive.Grab your coffee, and let’s get to work.
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  The Tenure trap: Leading with Purpose (and Peace) While on Probation. 15.04.2026 34m

  Tenure isn’t just a destination; it’s a portfolio of your heart and hard work. Episode 61 dives into the NYC AP probationary period. We talk about the logistics of the five-year journey, how to document your wins without burning out, and why staying vulnerable is your greatest leadership asset. Whether you’re Year 1 or Year 5, this one is for the leaders navigating the middle.
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  The Proactive Classroom: The UDL Shift 29.03.2026 29m

  Are you retrofitting your lessons or designing them for everyone from the start? Episode 60 breaks down the "UDL Shift" for elementary educators. Learn why your classroom needs to be a buffet and not a set menu, and how to use your co-teaching partner to live-map concepts, facilitate choice boards, and move away from the "essay or test" bottleneck.
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  Cold Coffee & Open Doors: The Assistant Principal’s Guide to Strategic Chaos 21.03.2026 26m

  Stop pretending multitasking is a superpower and start treating it like the tactical triage it actually is. In this episode of Cold Coffee & Open Doors, we’re trading the "do-it-all" myth for three realistic strategies to help Assistant Principals survive the daily whirlwind. From mastering the "Parking Lot" notepad to navigating emotional gear-shifts, we’re diving into how to stay present when everyone needs a piece of your time.
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  The view from the middle- Finding Purpose in the AP Role 01.03.2026 27m

  What does five years as an Assistant Principal actually teach you? Hint: It’s not about the paperwork. This episode is a deep dive into the professional and mental discoveries of a mid-decade AP. From mastering the "shock absorber" role to learning how to stop compartmentalizing and start leading authentically, this is a "real-talk" guide to thriving in the middle of the school machine.
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  The Co-Teaching Marriage 23.01.2026 20m

  Is your ICT classroom a true partnership or just a roommate situation? Professional relationships can make or break student success, yet we often fall into the "Lead and Assistant" trap. In this episode, we’re getting real about the "Inclusion Illusion." Learn how to fix typical co-teaching mistakes, establish true parity, and use a "Gumby" mindset to build a partnership that actually serves your students. Tune in to move beyond compliance and start making an impact.
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  The Evaluation Talk: Turning Anxiety into Advocacy 06.01.2026 23m

  Initiating the conversation about a potential evaluation is one of the most delicate moments for both educators and families. In Episode 56, we discuss how to navigate these conversations with empathy, moving the focus away from "what’s wrong" and toward "how we help." Learn practical strategies to prepare for these meetings, bridge the gap between home and school, and turn the anxiety of a possible diagnosis into a powerful roadmap for advocacy.
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  Neurodiversity Beyond the IEP 01.01.2026 30m

  An IEP might get a student through the school day, but it isn’t a blueprint for a thriving life. In this episode, we look beyond the paperwork to show how neuro-affirming environments can exist in every classroom—even for students without a formal diagnosis. We’re moving past "checking boxes" to focus on what actually matters: emotional regulation, executive function, and a true sense of belonging for every learner.