Teacher-centric PD with Cathy Lacey
Power Quote: “If we want better outcomes for students, we have to create better outcomes for teachers.”
Description:
I hope this doesn’t sound too egotistical but I LOVE it when a guest echoes my own preaching, especially when that guest is a current school leader. This episode is full of foundational ideas as well as some simple actionable strategies. It’s the kind of show I love to do where two friends dive deep into a central theme of school – growing teachers.
Sponsor Spot 1:Before we begin, I’d liketo thank digiCOACH for sponsoring today’s show. As a loyal listener to this show, you know I am a big advocate for short, targeted observations, so I’m excited about DigiCoach sponsoring this podcast. DigiCoach makes it easier to follow up on observations with meaningful feedback. I love that you can focus on specific elements and that there is a ready-made bank of items to use for telling teachers what they are doing well! You can learn more about DigiCoach at digicoach.com or click the link in the show notes.
Show Intro
Guest Bio:
Cathy Lacey is a Curriculum Resource Teacher and professional learning leader in South Carolina. A Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, Fellow, Certified Coach, and South Carolina ASCD Emerging Leader, she creates practical, teacher-driven professional learning rooted in evidence-based strategies. She’s a national presenter and founder of Blazers, LLC, where she supports educators through coaching, training, and microlearning.
Warmup questions:
- We always like to start with a celebration. What are you celebrating today?
- Is there a story that will help listeners understand why you are doing what you do?
Questions/Topics/Prompts
- 1. What does teacher-centric professional learning look like in action—and how is it different from traditional PD? What small shifts build real momentum for teacher growth?
- 2. What are some of the most common barriers schools face when implementing meaningful professional learning—and what are realistic ways to overcome them?
- 3. How can leaders personalize professional learning without creating more work—for themselves or their teachers?
- 4. In what ways can assistant principals evaluate whether their PD is making a lasting impact—and what tools or strategies can help with that?
Sponsor Spot 3:I want to thank IXL for sponsoring this podcast…
Everyone talks about the power of data-driven instruction. But what does that actually look like? Look no further than IXL, the ultimate online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. IXL gives you meaningful insights that drive real progress, and research can prove it. Studies across 45 states show that schools who use IXL outperform other schools on state tests. Educators who use IXL love that they can easily see how their school is performing in real-time to make better instructional decisions.
And IXL doesn’t stop at just data. IXL also brings an entire ecosystem of resources for your teachers, with a complete curriculum, personalized learning plans, and so much more. It’s no wonder that IXL is used in 95 of the top 100 school districts. Ready to join them? Visit ixl.com/assistant to get started.
Everyone talks about the power of data-driven instruction. But what does that actually look like? Look no further than IXL, the ultimate online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. IXL gives you meaningful insights that drive real progress, and research can prove it. Studies across 45 states show that schools who use IXL outperform other schools on state tests. Educators who use IXL love that they can easily see how their school is performing in real-time to make better instructional decisions.
And IXL doesn’t stop at just data. IXL also brings an entire ecosystem of resources for your teachers, with a complete curriculum, personalized learning plans, and so much more. It’s no wonder that IXL is used in 95 of the top 100 school districts. Ready to join them? Visit ixl.com/assistant to get started.
Closing questions:
- What part of your own leadership are you still trying to get better at?
- If listeners could take just one thing away from today’s podcast, what would it be?
- Before we go, is there anything else that you’d like to share with our listeners?
- Where can people learn more about you and your work…
Sponsor Spot 4:Before we wrap, I’d like to thank Kaleidoscope Adventures for sponsoring today’s show. Lots of companies can help you organize class trips, but Kaleidoscope helps you organize adventures – because isn’t that what student trips should be? Kaleidscope is a full-service tour company offering a range of adventure opportunities and they excel at customizing trips based on your unique context, needs, and goals. Kaleidoscope offers exceptional travel experiences for students (and their group leaders). Thinking about student travel? Reach out to Kaleidoscope using the link in the show notes.
Summary/wrap up
- Big theme: The Flywheel (Links to episodes 75 and 76: part 1 and part 2)
- Teachers choose and get quality actionable pd
- Leaders follow up with targeted observation and support
- Observation data and teacher inform next PD
- Consistent cycles
- Supporting and growing
- Work with the few and the willing (episode 8 link about how to choose)
- Evaluating PD: Guskey or something (NN activity)
- “If we want better outcomes for students, we have to create better outcomes for teachers.”
- Ask!!!!
Thank you to our sponsors!
- IXL: https://www.ixl.com/assistant
- Kaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-assistant-principal-podcast-kaleidoscope-adventures/
- digiCOACH: https://digicoach.com/
Guest links:
- Website: https://blazersinnovation.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleenlacey/
- Twitter/X: https://x.com/CathleenLacey
Frederick’s Links:
Website: https://www.frederickbuskey.com/
Daily Email subscribe: https://adept-experimenter-3588.ck.page/fdf37cbf3a
The Strategic Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CWRS2F6N?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520
