Coffee Stained EDU Podcast

The View from the Trenches: Why Every Role is a Leadership Role

"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.

The Tenure trap: Leading with Purpose (and Peace) While on Probation.

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.

The Proactive Classroom: The UDL Shift

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.

Cold Coffee & Open Doors: The Assistant Principal’s Guide to Strategic Chaos

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.

The view from the middle- Finding Purpose in the AP Role

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.