This episode explores the vital role of coaching in schools, highlighting how instructional and behavior coaches support teachers and students to improve outcomes. Featuring Pinebrook Elementary's coaching team, it emphasizes the power of collaboration, data-driven decisions, and relationship-building in education.
Speakers:
Amalia Medina-Glover, Instructional Coach
Elizabeth Dickson, Behavior Resource
Kerri Cahill, English Language Arts Facilitator
Turner McAllister, Assistant Principal/Host
Paul Thiessen, Principal/Host
Key Topics
The impact of coaching on student achievement
Different coaching roles: instructional, behavior, literacy
The coaching cycle and collaboration among staff
Use of data and incentives to promote positive behavior
Building relationships and capacity with teachers
The importance of a unified coaching approach
Strategies for supporting diverse student needs
The role of coaching in professional development
Creating a positive school culture through coaching
Chapters
00:00: Introduction to the episode and guest overview
02:06: The significance of coaching in education and sports analogies
04:03: Statistics on coaching in US public schools
05:01: Research findings on coaching's impact on student achievement
07:00: Meet the Pinebrook coaching team: Amolia Glover, Beth Dixon, Carrie Cahill
10:08: Roles and responsibilities of instructional and behavior coaches
11:57:A day in the life of a Pinebrook coach
15:10: Building relationships and supporting teachers through coaching
17:54: Using data and incentives to promote positive behavior
21:56: Supporting classroom management and student engagement
26:00: Coaching cycles and collaborative planning
27:55: Aligning coaching strategies across roles for maximum impact
29:56: The ultimate goal: student success and growth
32:48: Future goals and ongoing professional development
34:46: The importance of team and relationship building in coaching
36:09: Closing remarks and appreciation for the coaching team
5 Apr 2026
Don't Stop Believin' - One Man's Journey
In this episode of the Puma Pawd, Paul interviews Jon Pepper, a school board member and active parent in the Loudoun County education system and Pinebrook Elementary. They discuss Jon's journey in education, the importance of community involvement, the challenges teachers face today, and his vision for public education. Jon emphasizes the need for critical thinking skills, the role of AI in education, and the importance of teacher recruitment and retention. They also touch on student safety and the role of School Resource Officers (SROs) in elementary schools. The conversation highlights the commitment to providing quality education and support for all students in Loudoun County.
Jon Pepper, LCPS School Board, Pinebrook Parent
Paul Thiessen, Principal Pinebrook Elementary
Takeaways
John Pepper emphasizes that he is a dad first, not a politician.
Community involvement is crucial for effective education.
Teachers face increasing challenges with diverse student needs.
Education should focus on critical thinking and life skills.
AI is a tool that can enhance learning but should be used wisely.
Teacher recruitment and retention are vital for maintaining quality education.
Student mental health is a growing concern in schools.
SROs play a complex role in ensuring student safety.
Building strong feeder patterns can enhance student well-being.
Engagement with the community is essential for educational success.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jon Pepper and His Role
02:59 Jon's Journey in Education
05:51 The Importance of Community in Education
08:54 Challenges Facing Teachers Today
12:00 Vision for Education in Loudoun County
15:05 The Role of AI in Education
17:53 Teacher Recruitment and Retention
20:45 Student Safety and SROs
24:10 Final Thoughts and Community Engagement
8 Mar 2026
From Jersey to Brambleton and the Success For All
In this engaging conversation, Dr. Sumera Rashid, a school board member, shares her journey from a challenging upbringing in New Jersey to becoming a prominent figure in the education system in Virginia. The discussion covers her motivations for joining the school board, the importance of collective bargaining, and the realities of policy-making in education. Dr. Rashid emphasizes the need for diverse opportunities in schools and the significance of listening to community feedback. The conversation highlights the complexities of being a school board member and the impact of personal experiences on educational policies. In this conversation, the speaker discusses the importance of gathering feedback through surveys, the motivation derived from interacting with students and staff, and the vision for creating opportunities for students. They emphasize the need for success and cohesion in education, the multifaceted role of teachers, and the importance of community engagement. The speaker encourages students to voice their opinions and highlights the ongoing efforts to improve the educational experience.
Dr. Sumera Rashid, Little River School Board Representative
Paul Thiessen, Principal
Takeaways
Dr. Rashid emphasizes the importance of personal connections in education.
She believes the principal sets the tone for the school community.
Her upbringing in New Jersey shaped her views on education.
Dr. Rashid aims to create more opportunities for students.
She is passionate about collective bargaining for educators.
Her motivation to run for the school board stemmed from wanting to be involved in her children's education.
Dr. Rashid acknowledges the challenges of navigating politics in education.
She highlights the importance of listening to community feedback.
The real work of a school board member happens behind the scenes.
Dr. Rashid believes that the loudest voice isn't always the majority opinion. Surveys are a crucial tool for gathering feedback.
Listening to constituents is essential for decision-making.
Human interaction motivates and inspires educational leaders.
Creating opportunities for students is a top priority.
Success in education encompasses various forms.
Teachers play a vital role in shaping student experiences.
Community engagement is key to a successful educational environment.
Students should feel empowered to voice their opinions.
Continuous improvement is necessary in education.
Pride in the progress of LCPS.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Personal Connections
02:52 Understanding the Role of a School Board Member
05:48 Dr. Rashid's Background and Education Journey
09:05 The Importance of Collective Bargaining
11:50 Motivation to Run for School Board
14:45 Surprises in School Board Work
18:00 The Reality of Policy Making
19:43 Gathering Feedback: The Power of Surveys
22:19 Staying Motivated: The Importance of Interaction
23:08 Creating Opportunities: A Vision for Students
28:28 Long-Term Vision: Success and Cohesion in Education
37:28 The Role of Teachers: More Than Just Educators
42:32 Community Engagement: The Importance of Family and Student Voices
Who has been a guest on Puma Pawd
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Avani
Usman
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Podcast Authority Score: 20 / 100
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YouTube
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Engagement
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