The Bright Morning Podcast with Elena Aguilar
Elena Aguilar, a leading voice in education coaching, hosts this podcast where she demonstrates Transformational Coaching conversations. Each episode tackles pressing coaching challenges like resistance, racism, burnout, and overwhelm. Listeners learn how to make every conversation count, building connection and sparking change. New episodes drop every Monday.
Episodes
Thank You and What’s Next: Ep 297
It’s the final episode of The Bright Morning Podcast! Elena shares a heartfelt thank you and shares how to keep learning and growing with the Bright Morning Team. Keep learning: Subscribe to Elena’s Weekly Wisdom NewsletterReceive weekly reflections, tools, and inspiration to support your personal and professional growth.Join us on YouTubeWatch short, practical videos with coaching strategies, le
Three Moves to Start Next Year Strong: Episode 296
If you’re starting to think about next year—and wondering how to set your team up for a strong start—this episode is for you. Elena shares the three most powerful moves leaders can make now—or over the summer—to lay the foundation for a strong start next year.Keep learning: Attend The Art of Coaching Teams workshop to build an unshakable foundationJoin the Team Leader Learning Library and PLC for
Plan Less. Capture More: Episode 295
If you’re feeling the urge to plan everything right now—but your brain is fried and your energy is low—this episode is for you. You’ll learn a simple tool to distill your insights while protecting your energy—and walk away with a renewed sense of trust in what can wait until fall.Keep learning: Attend The Art of Coaching Teams workshop to build an unshakable foundationJoin the Team Leader Learning
The Year Didn’t Go as Planned—Now What?: Episode 294
If you’re ending the year with some disappointment or regret—if things didn’t go quite the way you imagined—this episode is for you. Elena offers support and perspective for leaders whose school year didn’t go quite the way they hoped. You’ll walk away with three questions that can help you re-engage with clarity and compassion.Keep learning: Attend The Art of Coaching Teams workshop to build an u
Ending Well is a Leadership Skill: Episode 293
If you know that ending the year on a high note is important for your team, but you don’t know how to make it happen, this episode is for you! You’ll learn how to create meaningful closure for your team, hear an example of how one leader used a simple reflection structure to boost connection and morale, and receive guidance for planning a celebration that actually builds trust and community.Keep l
Ending the Year When You’re Not Coming Back: Episode 292
If you’re wrapping up the school year knowing you won’t be returning to your current role or organization, this episode is for you. Elena shares how to find clarity and integrity in your final days, how to say goodbye with care, and how to use this moment as a powerful transition point—for yourself and those you’re leaving.Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC and start your Closi
Strengths-Based Coaching: Episode 291
If you’re ready to move beyond fixing problems and start coaching in a way that builds trust and motivation, this episode is for you. Elena walks you through how to shift into a strengths-based stance, shares how it transformed her coaching conversations, and offers a three-part structure you can try in your very next session.Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC for 24/7 support
Spheres of Influence: Episode 290
If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or powerless in the face of things you can’t change, this episode is for you. Elena introduces the Spheres of Influence framework—a powerful tool to help coaches and leaders move from frustration to empowered action.Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC for 24/7 support all year longFree community webinars Watch The Bright Morning Podcast on Y
Mind the Gap: Episode 289
If you’ve ever wondered why a client isn’t doing what they say they want to do—and you’re tempted to label it as resistance—this episode is for you. Elena introduces the Gaps Framework, a transformational tool for identifying learning needs and understanding client behavior. You’ll hear how to use the framework in real coaching conversations, explore the six types of gaps, and walk away with a pow
Data Conversations That Don’t Shut People Down: Episode 288
What do you do when your client looks at data and shuts down? Or gets defensive? Or spirals into blame? In this episode, Elena explores how to coach through tough data conversations with empathy, clarity, and courage—so that data becomes a tool for growth, not shame.Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC and start your Transformational Data Conversations Skill SessionWatch The Brig
Make Virtual Spaces Come Alive: Episode 287
If you’ve ever wondered how to make your virtual PD sessions more energizing, more human, and more engaging—this episode is for you. Elena pulls back the curtain on three strategies we use in every session to make online spaces come alive. Plus, you’ll get additional tips and a weekly challenge to build your own facilitation practice.Keep learning: Make your virtual spaces come alive with The Art
Design for Dignity: Episode 286
What does it look like to design PD that honors people’s identities and experiences? In this episode, Elena shares a story of a dignity-absent PD session she once attended, and shows how one tool—the Human-Centered Design Scan—can transform a learning space into one where people feel respected and ready to grow.Keep learning: Transform your design and facilitation at The PD WorkshopConnect partici
How Power Shows Up in the Room: Episode 285
If you’ve ever felt the dynamics in a room shift but couldn’t quite name why, this episode is for you. Elena introduces the Power Reflection Map and shares how she used it to design a session that helped a fractured team confront and shift long-standing dynamics. Learn how to use this tool to lead with integrity—and open the door to deeper trust.Keep learning: Transform your design and facilitatio
Designing for Emotions, Not Just Content: Ep 284
If you’ve ever felt like your session was “technically fine” but still falling flat, this episode is for you. Elena Aguilar explores why PD facilitators must tune into emotional energy—and how to skillfully respond when the mood in the room isn’t aligned with your intention. You’ll learn 10 practical strategies you can use immediately to shift the emotional tone and create space for meaningful lea
The Conditions for Learning Checklist: Ep 283
If you’ve ever designed a PD session that had great content—but still didn’t land—this episode is for you. Elena shares a story of how she redesigned a session to prioritize emotional safety and connection—and offers a powerful checklist with examples to help you prepare your own sessions for meaningful learning.Keep learning: Transform your design and facilitation at The PD WorkshopFive Condition
What Makes PD Transformational: Episode 282
If you’ve ever led a PD session that felt great in the moment but didn’t lead to real change, this episode is for you. Elena Aguilar shares the 3 B’s framework—behavior, beliefs, and ways of being—and how to use it to design professional learning that sticks.Keep learning: Transform your design and facilitation at The PD WorkshopAttend The Art of Virtual PD Expand your design and facilitation know
The Lie We’ve Been Told About PD: Episode 281
If you’ve ever walked out of a PD session wondering what the point was, this episode is for you. In this kickoff to our PD podcast series, Elena Aguilar shares a powerful reframe—and a 5-question reflection to help you assess whether your sessions are creating real learning.Keep learning: Transform your design and facilitation at The PD WorkshopExpand your design and facilitation knowledge with Th
Coaching Through the Low Points: Episode 280
If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a team member who’s clearly struggling and wondered, “What do I even say right now?”—this episode is for you. Elena explores how to coach team members through the inevitable low points of the school year. Keep learning: Attend Coaching BurnoutJoin the Coach Learning Library and PLC for 24/7 supportWatch The Bright Morning Podcast on YouTubeFree community we
What to Do When a Team Member Breaks Down: Episode 279
If you’ve ever been in a conversation where someone starts crying, shuts down, or lashes out—and you weren’t sure what to do—this episode is for you. Elena offers guidance on how to respond when a team member breaks down emotionally during a conversation. Whether you’re met with tears, silence, or anger, you’ll walk away with a grounded strategy for navigating intense moments with presence and car
How to ACE Your Coaching Conversations: Episode 278
If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t know what to say when someone gets emotional,” this episode is for you. Elena introduces the ACE Emotions framework, a three-part process that helps coaches and leaders skillfully navigate emotional intensity—both in themselves and others.Keep learning: Core Emotions toolAttend Coaching BurnoutJoin the Coach Learning Library and PLC for 24/7 supportWatch The Brigh
You Want to Coach Emotions? Start Here: Episode 277
In this foundational episode, Elena Aguilar shares why understanding emotions is essential for Transformational Coaching. You’ll walk away with a reflective practice to deepen your emotional fluency. This episode sets the stage for a new way to show up—for yourself and your team.Keep learning: Attend Coaching BurnoutJoin the Coach Learning Library and PLC for 24/7 supportRead Arise. Chapters 7 and
Coaching Through Core Values: Episode 276
If you’re looking for a way to start the year with depth and clarity in your coaching conversations, this episode is for you. Elena explores the power of coaching through core values—especially at the beginning of a new year. You’ll learn how to bring values into your coaching conversations to help others reconnect with who they are and how they want to lead. Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning
When Energy is Low and Needs are High Episode 275
If you’re returning from break and feeling like your energy is low but the demands are already high, this episode is for you. Elena shares a practical tool to help you stay anchored when your energy is low and the demands are high. Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC for 24/7 supportWatch The Bright Morning Podcast on YouTubeFree community webinars Receive weekly wisdom and tool
Restarting with Intention: Episode 274
If you’re coming back from winter break and want to start this next chapter with clarity and calm, this episode is for you. Elena shares a powerful ritual to help coaches and leaders return from winter break with clarity and intention. Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC and start your Starting the Year Strong Skill SessionsWatch The Bright Morning Podcast on YouTubeFree communi
How to Re-Enter with Intention After Break: Ep 273
Returning from break doesn’t have to mean jumping back into the chaos. In this special episode, Elena offers three reflection questions to help you re-enter your work with clarity, peace, and power.Notable moments: Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLCFree community webinars Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxWatch the Bright Morning Podcast on YouTu
How to Sign Off for Winter Break with Intention: Ep 272
How do you leave the year behind and truly rest? In this special episode, Elena offers five powerful questions to help you reflect, release, and step into winter break with intention.Notable moments: Keep learning: Free community webinars Elena’s reflection prompts:What am I proud of?What did I learn?What am I carrying that I want to set down?What do I want to remember?What do I need in order to r
What If They Don’t Want to Come Back?: Ep 271
Dreading January? You’re not alone—and neither are your clients.In this episode, Elena shares how to help educators return from break with renewed clarity, compassion, and a plan they actually want to follow.Notable moments: Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC and start your Preparing for January Skill SessionFree community webinars Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena del
How to End the Year on a High Note: Ep 270
December is a blur—but it doesn’t have to be a missed opportunity. In this episode, Elena shares how to help your clients reflect, celebrate, and close out the calendar year with clarity and pride.Notable moments: Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC and start your Closing Out the Calendar Year Skill SessionFree community webinars Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delive
Updating Admin About a Struggling Teacher: Episode 269
Worried about a struggling teacher—and not sure what to tell your admin? In this episode, Elena shares how to raise concerns with honesty, integrity, and care for everyone involved.Notable moments: Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC and start your Updating an Admin on a Struggling Teacher Skill SessionFree community webinars Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered
How to Bring Your Coaching Skills to the Thanksgiving Table: Ep 268
What if your coaching skills could help you navigate Thanksgiving? In this special episode, Elena Aguilar shares how to bring curiosity, presence, and boundaries to your holiday gatherings—and build connection even across lines of difference.Notable moments: Keep learning: Free community webinars Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxWatch the Bright Morning Podcast on
Should I Be Taking Notes?: Episode 267
Are you taking too many notes—or none at all?In this episode, Elena offers a practical and powerful approach to note-taking during coaching conversations. Learn how to take notes that build trust, strengthen your memory, and support your impact.Notable moments: Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC and start your Note-Taking During Coaching Conversations Skill SessionFree communit
What Just Happened in that Conversation?: Episode 266
You coached. Now what? In this episode, Elena explains why the moments after a coaching conversation are where your growth lives. Learn how to build a reflection habit that helps you get better—fast.Notable moments: Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC, and start your Reflecting on a Coaching Conversation Skill SessionFree community webinars Receive weekly wisdom and tools from E
Planning for a Coaching Conversation in 5 Minutes: Episode 265
Do I really need to plan for every coaching session? In this episode, Elena explains how even five minutes of intentional prep can transform your coaching. Learn what to focus on, how to plan efficiently, and why your presence begins before the conversation starts.Notable moments: Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC and start your Planning for a Coaching Conversation Skill Sessi
Am I Even Making a Difference?: Episode 264
Three months into coaching and wondering if you’re making any difference at all? You’re not alone. In this episode, Elena shares a reflective process and feedback strategies that will help you see—and strengthen—your coaching impact.Notable moments: Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC and start your Evaluating Your Impact Skill SessionFree community webinars Receive weekly wisdo
What If We’re Just Not Clicking?: Episode 263
Your client keeps canceling. Or giving one-word answers. Or something just feels... off. In this episode, Elena shares what to do when you’re not connecting with a client—and how to shift from awkwardness to authentic trust.Notable moments: Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC and start your When You’re Not Connecting with a Client Skill SessionFree community webinars Receive wee
Coaching BIG Emotions: Episode 262
Your client is crying again… or emotionally checked out… or endlessly venting. What do you do? In this episode, Elena teaches you how to coach emotions when ACE alone isn’t enough. Learn how to show up with compassion, clarity, and courage—even in the trickiest emotional moments.Notable moments: Keep learning: Episode 88: How to ACE Your Coaching Conversations Join the Coach Learning Library and P
Where Do I Start? They Have 101 Gaps!: Ep 261
When a teacher has 101 gaps to close, where do you start? In this episode, Elena walks you through how to use the Gaps Framework to lead overwhelmed clients toward clarity. You’ll learn how to name challenges with compassion and co-create a focused, realistic path forward.Notable moments: Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC and start your Introducing the Gaps Framework Skill Ses
Coaching Core Human Needs [Demonstration]: Episode 260
When our core needs go unmet, we suffer. When they’re met, we thrive. In this episode, Elena shares a live coaching demonstration of how to help a client recognize and respond to unmet core human needs. Listen in to deepen your understanding and build your capacity to support true transformation.Notable moments: Keep learning: Subscribe: Core Human Needs Skill Session in the Coach Learning Library
Coaching Limiting Beliefs [Demonstration]: Episode 259
Limiting beliefs can keep your clients stuck. In this episode, Elena shares a live demonstration of how to coach someone using the Exploring Beliefs Framework. You’ll hear how to surface disempowering stories, activate new possibilities, and begin the process of transformation.Notable moments: Keep learning: Subscribe: Exploring Beliefs Skill Session in the Coach Learning LibraryThe First 10 Minut
Using the Ladder of Inference [Demonstration]: Episode 258
When your client jumps to conclusions, the Ladder of Inference can help. In this episode, Elena demonstrates how to use the Ladder to surface assumptions, expand thinking, and move toward more grounded decision-making.Notable moments: Keep learning: Subscribe: Ladder of Inference Skill Session in the Coach Learning Library The First 10 Minutes Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered t
Using the Wheel of Privilege and Power [Demonstration]: Episode 257
Want to hear what it sounds like to coach with the Wheel of Privilege and Power? In this episode, Elena shares a live coaching demo and unpacks how to facilitate identity-based exploration with skill and care. Learn how to introduce this transformative tool and support your clients in building the self-awareness they need to lead for equity.Notable moments: Keep learning: Subscribe: Wheel of Privi
Coaching Someone Off the Drama Triangle [Demonstration]: Episode 256
Tired of coaching clients stuck in blame, burnout, or helplessness? In this episode, Elena shares a live demonstration of how to coach someone off the Drama Triangle—and into a place of empowerment. Learn how to identify the roles of victim, villain, and hero, and how to gently invite your clients into transformation.Notable moments: Keep learning: Subscribe: Getting Off the Drama Triangle Skill S
Staying True to Yourself as a Coach: Episode 255
“This isn’t who I want to be.”If you’ve ever said those words—or quietly thought them at the end of a long day—this episode is your invitation to reconnect with your purpose. Elena shares how a clear personal vision can help you lead with integrity, coach with confidence, and stay rooted in your values—even in the midst of school chaos. If you’ve been drifting, it’s time to realign.Keep learning:
You’re Not the School Helper. Reclaiming Your Time as a Coach: Ep 254
If your calendar reflects everyone’s priorities except yours, this episode is for you. Elena shares why so many coaches feel overworked and under-impactful—and how to reclaim your time through an intentional weekly schedule. You’ll hear a story of transformation, learn what to prioritize, and get practical tools to help you stop reacting and start coaching with clarity and purpose.Notable moments:
What’s My Role Again? How to Introduce Yourself as a Coach: Ep 253
Your introduction as a coach sets the tone for every conversation that follows. But what if you’re not sure what to say—or how to say it in a way that builds trust? In this episode, Elena shares what most coaches get wrong when introducing themselves and how to craft an authentic, values-based message that lays the foundation for transformational relationships. Whether you’re brand new or looking
What if My Boss Doesn’t Get Coaching?: Episode 252
What if your admin doesn’t understand what coaching is—or worse, expects you to “fix” teachers? In this episode, Elena shares how to proactively build a strong partnership with your site leader, even when expectations are unclear or misaligned. You’ll learn how to shift from confusion to clarity, reclaim your role, and set the stage for a thriving coaching year. If you're ready to stop tiptoe
Ask One More Question: Episode 251
Sometimes, the people we love the most get the version of us we like the least. That’s normal, and we can do better. Our summer break series will help make that a reality by showing you how to apply your coaching moves in your everyday life. Minimal investment, big payoff. That’s our kind of summer! Keep learning: Get more of Elena telling you exactly how to make your conversations more impactful
“How Would You Like Me to Listen?”: Ep 250
Sometimes, the people we love the most get the version of us we like the least. That’s normal, and we can do better. Our summer break series will help make that a reality by showing you how to apply your coaching moves in your everyday life. Minimal investment, big payoff. That’s our kind of summer! Keep learning: Watch the Bright Morning Podcast on YouTube and subscribe to our channelGet more of
How to Acknowledge Emotions In One Sentence: Ep 249
Sometimes, the people we love the most get the version of us we like the least. That’s normal, and we can do better. Our summer break series will help make that a reality by showing you how to apply your coaching moves in your everyday life. Minimal investment, big payoff. That’s our kind of summer! Keep learning: Watch The Bright Morning Podcast on YouTubeGet more of Elena telling you exactly how
Coach the Person, Not the Problem: Ep 248
Sometimes, the people we love the most get the version of us we like the least. That’s normal, and we can do better. Our summer break series will help make that a reality by showing you how to apply your coaching moves in your everyday life. Minimal investment, big payoff. That’s our kind of summer! Keep learning: Watch the Bright Morning Podcast on YouTube and subscribe to our channelGet more of
How 5 Seconds Can Transform Your Conversations: Ep 247
Sometimes, the people we love the most get the version of us we like the least. That’s normal, and we can do better. Our summer break series will help make that a reality by showing you how to apply your coaching moves in your everyday life. Minimal investment, big payoff. That’s our kind of summer! Keep learning: Get more micro-learning at your fingertips with our Coach Learning Library and PLCRe
Prepare for Your Conversations in 30 Seconds: Ep 246
Sometimes, the people we love the most get the version of us we like the least. That’s normal, and we can do better. Our summer break series will help make that a reality by showing you how to apply your coaching moves in your everyday life. Minimal investment, big payoff. That’s our kind of summer! Keep learning: Get more micro-learning at your fingertips with our Coach Learning Library and PLCCo
How to Create an Energizing Summer Learning Plan: Episode 245
In this episode, Elena tackles a challenge you're likely facing right now: the frantic race to complete year-end responsibilities while a crucial growth opportunity passes you by. Through an authentic coaching conversation, she shows you how to create an intentional summer learning plan when you're the one who always develops others. Notable moments: 01:19 Context for coaching conversati
Turn Your Triggers into Tools: Episode 244
Elena reveals how those moments when you suddenly lose composure—whether from a colleague's comment or an unexpected email—aren't signs of weakness but powerful opportunities. Discover how understanding your emotional activation points can actually be the unexpected key to greater job satisfaction and professional effectiveness.Notable moments: 00:31 Exploring Emotional Triggers at Work0
Celebrating Success in Community: Episode 243
Tired of end-of-year celebrations that only recognize a select few? In this episode, Elena reveals how inclusive celebrations that honor everyone's growth—not just achievement—can transform school culture and build resilience. Through practical examples and actionable advice, she shows how meaningful recognition fills resilience tanks and strengthens communities, especially after challenging
EOY Reflection for Coaches: Episode 242
Want to improve your self-awareness, strengthen your relationships, and refine your ability to make choices that align with your values?That’s what this episode will help you do. Elena shares five questions from her end-of-year reflection for coaches that will help you soak up all of the learning from this year and help you head into summer with clarity and self-appreciation. Notable moments: 00:
Coaching Up: Episode 241
Have you ever been frustrated in a conversation with a manager? If so, this episode is for you! Elena shares how you can use your coaching tools to “coach up,” resulting in more empowered and impactful conversations. Notable moments: 00:41 Understanding the Concept of Coaching Up01:57 Benefits of Taking a Coaching Stance03:34 Personal Experiences with Coaching Up04:56 Challenges and Possibilities
How to Lead an End-of-Year Conversation With a Client: Episode 240
The peak-end rule tells us that how a person experiences an ending matters tremendously– that people judge an experience based on how they felt at its peak and its end, rather than the total sum or average of an entire experience. That means that your final conversation of the year is arguably one of the most critical for your coaching relationships. In this episode, Elena demonstrates how to faci
Navigating a Client’s Lack of Growth: Episode 239
Do you have a client who failed to make meaningful progress towards their goals this year? In this short episode, Elena guides you through how to navigate these painful situations and provides specific techniques and questions to facilitate productive and compassionate end-of-year reflections.Notable moments: 00:19 Navigating Client Progress Challenges01:25 Facilitating End-of-Year Reflections03:1
Core Emotions Tool in Action: Episode 238
Coaching emotions is a foundational ability of a Transformational Coach…and one of the hardest things for many people to do. In this episode, Elena demonstrates how to use the Core Emotions tool in an especially challenging situation–when a client is struggling with external factors like the state of the broader world– but is resistant to talking about their experience. Notable moments: 00:23 The
Transformational Coaching Dispositions: Episode 237
Cultivating our way of being—how we show up—is the most important work we can do. In this episode, Elena shares the five Transformational Coaching dispositions that will change your conversations—and your life. Notable moments: 01:18 The Power of Setting Intentions04:37 Transformational Coaching Dispositions11:19 Affirmations for the Five DispositionsKeep learning: Join the Coaching Learning Libra
How to Return to Presence: Episode 236
Not being present is a recipe for unproductive conversations and relationships. Unfortunately, it’s a hard state for most people to be in–especially in a world where much is designed to distract us! In this episode, Elena offers practical strategies to help you return to presence when distracted so you can have the type of impact you hope for in your coaching conversations. Notable moments: 01:18
Expansive Listening in Action: Episode 235
Coaching the problem, not the person, is the number one trap that coaches fall into. In this episode, Elena demonstrates how you can use expansive listening to unlock possibilities and empower your client. Notable moments: 01:12 The Power of Expansive Listening 02:49 Role Play Demonstration: Default Listening11:10 Role Play Demonstration: Expansive Listening22:09 Conclusion and ResourcesKeep learn
First 5 Minutes: “Who is a fictional character…” [Replay]
How can we bring some creativity and levity to our coaching conversations? What about helping our clients access their needs? Or connecting them to their power? A replay of our fan-favorite First 5 Minutes series. These short episodes will teach you how to incorporate one resilience-boosting question into your conversations to help your clients get through the spring slump. In addition to provid
First 5 Minutes: “Tell me about a challenging moment…” [Replay]
How do you kindle a sense of power and agency in your coachee when they are feeling deflated or overwhelmed? A replay of our fan-favorite First 5 Minutes series. These short episodes will teach you how to incorporate one resilience-boosting question into your conversations to help your clients get through the spring slump. In addition to providing you with a new question each week, Elena also wal
First 5 Minutes: “Tell me a story…” [Replay]
How can we instill our clients with confidence in their potential to learn and grow? A replay of our fan-favorite First 5 Minutes series. These short episodes will teach you how to incorporate one resilience-boosting question into your conversations to help your clients get through the spring slump. In addition to providing you with a new question each week, Elena also walks through how to introdu
First 5 Minutes: “Tell Me About a Place…” [Replay]
A replay of our fan-favorite First 5 Minutes series. These short episodes will teach you how to incorporate one resilience-boosting question into your conversations to help your clients get through the spring slump. In addition to providing you with a new question each week, Elena also walks through how to introduce this new type of question, models what that might look like, pulls back the curtai
Transformational Lesson Plan Feedback: Coaching Demonstration: Episode 234
What does it look like to incorporate Transformational Coaching into everyday instructional coaching practices? Get ready to see it in action. In this episode, Elena demonstrates how to transform lesson plan feedback from transactional to transformational. Notable moments:01:27 Role Play Demonstration Setup03:35 Feedback on Lesson Plans07:15 Reflecting on Independent Work10:02 Planning and Trackin
Navigating Standardized Testing Woes: Coaching Conversation: Episode 233
Standardized testing season is upon us, and that means you’re likely to experience some big feelings in your schools and coaching conversations. In this episode, Elena demonstrates how you can skillfully coach a teacher to consider how they want to approach this season. Notable moments: 01:26 Role Play Setup 03:18 Diving into the Role Play05:56 Exploring Beliefs and Emotions14:03 Shifting Perspect
Instructional Coaching with Transformational Coaching Strategies: Coaching Demonstration: Episode 232
How do instructional coaching and Transformational Coaching work together? This is a question we hear a lot. In this episode, Elena demonstrates some of the many ways that Transformational Coaching compliments and enhances instructional coaching, resulting in tangible benefits for students and teachers alike. You’ll hear Elena coach a current 6th-grade ELA teacher who has been teaching for 17 year
Combat Overwhelm with a Focal Student: Episode 231
Working with a focal student is one coaching strategy that works just as well with clients who are completely overwhelmed as it does with those who are competent and confident in their role–and it’s pretty darn easy. Listen in to hear what you need to know to try this out in your coaching practice. Notable moments: 01:52 Introduction to Focal Students03:03 Step-by-Step Guide to Working with Focal
Using Student Surveys to Build Trust and Close Gaps: Ep 230
Student surveys can help close knowledge gaps about students' backgrounds, close emotional intelligence gaps regarding the experience their students are having in their classroom, and build relational trust. If you have a client who isn’t connecting with their students, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Notable moments: 00:32 Introducing a Powerful Coaching Tool01:03 Case Study: Coac
Taking a Confrontational Stance: Coaching Demonstration: Episode 229
Change is why we coach. And it’s why working with a client who is stuck, resistant, or has hit a plateau can be so frustrating. In these moments, you need to be prepared to take a confrontational stance. That’s what Elena will show you how to do in this episode. Notable moments: 00:44 Introduction to Today's Roleplay Demonstration04:12 Exploring Emotions and Reactions09:41 Considering Next St
Assessing Trust In Your Coaching Relationships: Coaching Demonstration: Episode 228
There is no coaching without trust. But how do you know if your clients trust you? In today’s episode, Elena demonstrates how to do a trust check-in with your clients so you don’t have to guess or make assumptions. She also masterfully navigates learning that there has been a breach of trust. This episode is a must for every coach and leader. Notable moments: 01:06 Roleplay Demonstration Setup02:1
Normalizing Struggles with the Conscious Competence Ladder: Coaching Demonstration: Episode 227
If you are coaching someone who is struggling to learn how to do something new, today’s episode is for you. When growing our skills, the stages of learning are completely predictable, but most people aren't aware of that, and as a result, they can suffer. In this episode, Elena demonstrates how to use the Conscious Competence Ladder, a tool created by Noel Burch, to transform how your clients
How to Set Yourself Up For a Great Year [Repeat]
Resolutions don’t work for the overwhelming number of people, but we know what does! In this timely episode replay, Elena shares the simple, research-based, strategy she used to support her in making 2023 one of her best years yet. Listen in, grab your free resource, and take the first step in making 2025 a great year. Keep learning: Join the Learning Library and Transformational Coaching PLC to
Preparing for Break [Replay]
In this timely replay, Elena once again becomes the coach in your ear, providing some guidance for how you can think about winter break to ensure it serves you and your needs. Keep learning: Join the Learning Library and Transformational Coaching PLC to gain access to our January Back from Break series, and 44 additional Skill Sessions!Attend The Art of Transformational Coaching workshop Read Aris
The Final Coaching Conversation of the Calendar Year: Episode 226
The Peak End rule tells us that people's final experience has an outsized influence on how they remember something. This is great news for our coaching! In this episode, Elena demonstrates how to use the final conversation of the calendar year to send your clients into break feeling empowered and accomplished. Notable moments: 00:30 Setting the Stage for Role Play Demonstration 02:10 Jumping
How to Know What Your Clients Think About Your Coaching: Episode 225
Soliciting feedback from your coaching clients has big benefits, including strengthening your practice, building trust, and modeling being a learner. And it can be scary! In this episode, Elena demonstrates how to confidently and clearly ask for client feedback and acknowledge receiving it. As a bonus, you’ll also hear how to open your coaching conversations with a question that builds resilience!
Navigating Confidentiality in Coaching: Coaching Demonstration Episode 224
Elena addresses one of the most challenging aspects of coaching—navigating confidentiality within an organization. Through a role-play conversation with a school administrator, she demonstrates how to approach situations where a teacher's performance negatively impacts students while maintaining confidentiality. This conversation is part of our Learning Library skill session, Updating Admin o
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