In this episode, Nancy Jenkins, a trust-based observation trainer, interviews Dana Younes, a first-year special education teacher at Bahrain Bayan School. Dana passionately discusses her teaching philosophy, emphasizing student autonomy, engagement, and personalized learning. She shares her comprehensive approach to understanding each student's needs, involving visualization exercises and differentiated instruction, and the importance of fostering an environment where students become experts in their own learning. Dana also elaborates on her collaborative efforts with homeroom teachers, continuous progress monitoring, and strategies for involving parents in the education process. The conversation highlights the holistic support provided by the school's special education team and the profound, lasting impact on students' academic and personal growth.

In this episode, the focus shifts from teachers to a principal's perspective on implementing trust-based observations (TBO). Host Craig interviews Carrie Davis, principal of Robertson Elementary in Yakima, Washington. Carrie discusses her journey from initial skepticism to a strong advocate of TBO, detailing how it transformed her relationships with teachers and fostered a more trusting and collaborative atmosphere. The conversation covers the challenges of traditional formal observations, the introduction of TBO for non-evaluative teacher growth, and the significant positive feedback from teachers. Carrie reveals how TBO has encouraged reflective practices and boosted teacher confidence, ultimately improving teaching and learning in her school.

In this bonus episode, Craig Randall engages in a post-podcast discussion with Rose Picard. They delve into the impact of different types of principal support and the value of trust-based observations in fostering professional growth among teachers. Rose shares personal experiences with different principals and how trust-based observations have shaped her teaching approach.