
#163: Coaching Through Student Learning Production Behaviors
About this episode
In this episode, Becca sits down with Steve Barkley, a pioneer in instructional coaching whose influence has shaped how educators think about growth, feedback, and collaboration. Together, they unpack what it really takes to create lasting change in classrooms; not through evaluation, but through curiosity and conversation.
Steve shares his journey from being observed every day as a student teacher to becoming one of the most respected voices in peer coaching. Along the way, he reveals a mindset shift that changed everything: great coaching isn’t about watching teachers. It’s about watching students.
You’ll hear how focusing on student actions opens new doors for learning, reflection, and impact. Becca and Steve explore how to:
→ Plan lessons and coaching sessions with student behaviors in mind
→ Use observation and questioning to drive meaningful reflection
→ Support teachers with empathy, not judgment
→ Build thriving professional learning communities that keep everyone growing
Packed with real-world insights and practical takeaways, this episode is a powerful reminder that when we focus on students first, everything else follows.
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