085: Compassionate Coaching with Kathy Perret and Kenny McKee

Coaching should feel like a partnership where educators bring their expertise, name the barriers they face, and co-create next steps that actually fit their classrooms. We sit down with Kenny McKee and Kathy Perrett, co-authors of Compassionate Coaching, to explore a humane, practical framework for helping teachers move forward without judgment or gimmicks.In this episode, we unpack six recurring barriers: lack of confidence, failure, overload, disruption, isolation, and tough school culture. Kenny shares how reframing "failure" with design thinking and action research turns data into direction, not blame. Kathy explains how to introduce coaching so it's not "come fix me," but truly collaborative. You'll hear how to offer options without overwhelming, ask for permission before advising, and attribute ideas in ways that build trust rather than hierarchy. We also highlight a simple data routine that changes conversations quickly: ask students two questions: "What helped you learn today?" What got in the way? Then use those insights to plan the next lesson together.Across stories from elementary to high school, single-site to multi-school roles, we show how compassionate coaching strengthens teacher agency, elevates student voice, and adapts to wildly different cultures. You'll leave with practical tools for gathering meaningful, in-the-moment data, strategies for starting with willing partners, and a mindset shift: be the most coachable person in the building, model reflection, and celebrate small wins that compound. If this resonates, follow the show, share with a colleague, and leave a review telling us which barrier you're tackling next.EPISODE RESOURCES:Connect with Kenny via his website, LinkedIn, and Instagram.Connect with Kathy via her website, LinkedIn, and Instagram.Purchase their book -  Compassionate Coaching: How to help educators navigate barriers to professional growth