Schoolutions: Coaching & Teaching Strategies
Do you need innovative strategies for better classroom management and boosting student engagement? This podcast is your go-to resource for coaches, teachers, administrators, and families seeking to create dynamic and effective learning environments.
In each episode, you'll discover how to unite educators and caregivers to support students, tackle common classroom management challenges, and cultivate an atmosphere where every learner can thrive.
With over 25 years of experience as a teacher and coach, host Olivia Wahl brings insights from more than 100 expert interviews, offering practical tips that bridge the gap between school and home.
Tune in every Monday for actionable coaching and teaching strategies, along with inspirational stories that can transform your approach and make a real impact on the students and teachers you support.
Start with one of our fan-favorite episodes today (S2 E1: We (still) Got This: What It Takes to Be Radically Pro-Kid with Cornelius Minor) and take the first step towards transforming your educational environment!
Schoolutions: Coaching & Teaching Strategies
S4 E4: Beyond Labels: How Words Shape Classroom Dynamics and Family Trust with Nawal Qarooni & Sarah Schlessinger, Ed.D.
In this episode of Schoolutions, host Olivia Wahl engages in a thought-provoking conversation with educators Nawal Qarooni 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 and preconceived notions
- Practical steps for educators to reflect on and improve their use of language
- The role of coaches in facilitating these important conversations
Key topics include:
- Critical disability studies and linguistic justice in education
- Techniques for reframing discussions about student abilities and needs
- Engaging families as experts on their children
- Building trust and vulnerability in coaching relationships
This episode offers valuable strategies for teachers, coaches, and administrators looking to create more inclusive and supportive learning environments through thoughtful communication.
Featuring research insights from Dr. Sami Schalk, Dr. Subini Ancy Annamma, and Dr. April Baker-Bell, this conversation provides both theoretical grounding and practical advice for educators at all levels.
✨Check Out Nawal and Sarah’s Recommended Researchers & Resources:
- Dr. Sami Schalk, who wrote Bodyminds Reimagined and Black Disability Politics
- Dr. Subini Ancy Annamma, who was part of the team that coined DisCrit as a term, particularly this piece on DisCrit Classroom Ecology
- Dr. April Baker-Bell's Black Linguistic Justice
- The Resilient Teacher: Creating Positive Change through Inclusive Classrooms, authored by Sarah L. Schlessinger, collection edited by Janise Hurtig
📣More Episode Mentions:
- S3E25: Nourishing Caregiver Collaborations
- Nawal’s book, Nourishing Caregiver Collaborations: Elevating Home Experiences and Classroom Practices for Collective Care
- S4 E2: The Art of the Classroom Visit: Insights from Morgan Davis on Effective Coaching Practices
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.