In this episode, I sit down with Alex Gingell to unpack what it actually takes to make instructional coaching work in a school. Alex explains why his first priority wasn’t improving teaching, but stabilizing behavior, curriculum, and trust—and why coaching can only succeed once those foundations are secure. We talk through how he used Steplab … Continue reading S5E11: Alex Gingell on Setting the Culture and Conditions for Effective Instructional Coaching
S5E10: Laura Doherty on the Baltimore Curriculum Project
In this episode of the Direct Instruction podcast, I’m joined by Laura Doherty, President and CEO of the Baltimore Curriculum Project (BCP)—Maryland’s largest operator of neighborhood, PK–8 public charter schools, and one of the longest-running Direct Instruction networks in the United States. For nearly three decades, BCP has been quietly doing something that many systems … Continue reading S5E10: Laura Doherty on the Baltimore Curriculum Project
S5E09: Marty Siegel on Direct Instruction Engineering and the Future of EdTech
In this episode of Progressively Incorrect, I’m joined by Marty Siegel, Professor Emeritus of Informatics and Instructional Systems Technology, and a pioneer whose career bridges early Direct Instruction, large-scale computer-based learning, human–computer interaction, and the emerging world of AI-driven instruction. Marty began his career at the University of Illinois in the 1960s, right at the … Continue reading S5E09: Marty Siegel on Direct Instruction Engineering and the Future of EdTech
S5E08: Doug Lemov on “What to Do” and Active Observation Techniques
In this episode of Progressively Incorrect, I’m re-joined by Doug Lemov—author of Teach Like a Champion and The Coach’s Guide to Teaching, and one of the most influential figures in the history of education. Doug has spent decades studying what the best teachers do differently—turning the art and science of teaching into something that can … Continue reading S5E08: Doug Lemov on “What to Do” and Active Observation Techniques
Take an Edu-Trip to New York City
When I first started teaching, the best professional development I received came from two people: the math coach at my school and my assigned mentor teacher. It wasn’t perfect. The math coach only focused on math, and my mentor teacher often had to teach her own class while I was in front of mine. Still, … Continue reading Take an Edu-Trip to New York City
When something matters, we make time for it
I'm often told that schools don't have time to focus on teaching and learning. The reality is they don’t make time. Instructional coaching doesn’t demand a ton of time—it takes just 20-30 minutes to deliver a sharp and purposeful feedback session around a single, granular action step. Done right, it not only improves instruction but … Continue reading When something matters, we make time for it
The Problem with “Sit and Get” PD and Conventional Instructional Coaching
The problem with conventional "sit and get" PD is that it doesn't often contain the mechanisms that lead to adoption of effective techniques. Listening to someone talk about "best practice" is far from a guarantee that this information, no matter how persuasive, will transfer into the classroom. Instructional coaching is perhaps the best evidenced solution … Continue reading The Problem with “Sit and Get” PD and Conventional Instructional Coaching
S4E9: Thinking Out Loud… What is it Like to be Coached?
I am excited to bring you an episode of the Thinking Out Loud series with my friend, Gene Tavernetti, from his podcast, Better Teaching Only Stuff that Works. I am hosting a free instructional coaching webinar on November 25, 2024. Sign up here and join me and special guests to learn about Steplab's platform and approach … Continue reading S4E9: Thinking Out Loud… What is it Like to be Coached?
Education Rickshaw 
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