PODCAST · education
Coffee Stained EDU Podcast
by Geneva Rodriguez
"The most valuable lessons aren't found in textbooks—they're the marks left behind by our real, unfiltered experiences. This is where we talk about the beautiful mess of education, one coffee stain at a time." Welcome to Coffee Stained EDU Podcast, where we dive into the colorful and dynamic world of education. Coffee Stained is an unfiltered space where the host shares genuine experiences and insight as an educator and school leader. Each episode is a personal journey, reflecting her passion for teaching and her commitment to supporting fellow educators and inspiring educators. Join her on each 25- 30-minute episode filled with practical advice, relatable stories, and actionable challenges designed to inspire and empower your journey. Whether you’re commuting, working out, or enjoying a quiet moment, there’s something here for you. Let’s embark on this adventure together!
Episodes
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New Seat, Same Purpose: My Journey to Principalship
New seat, new responsibilities, same purpose! In this episode, I reflect on my journey from classroom teacher to assistant principal to principal, sharing how each experience continues to shape my leadership approach. From building relationships and school culture to balancing support and...
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Proactive Family Connections: Building the Bridge Before the First Problem
Most family communication happens when something goes wrong, but what if we built the relationship first? In Episode 66, we’re talking about simple, intentional ways to create strong home-school partnerships from the start through positive outreach, streamlined communication, and inclusive...
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The Co-Teaching "First Date": Setting Norms Before Day One
What do co-teachers need to align on before students walk through the door, from roles and discipline to workload, grading, and showing up as equal instructional leaders? Because strong co-teaching doesn’t start with the students, it starts with the partnership.
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Functional vs. "Pinterest-Perfect": Designing Inclusive and Calming Spaces
Skip the "Pinterest-perfect" pressure! Overly cluttered walls and bright decor can trigger sensory overload for neurodivergent learners. Building on Ep. 50 & 51, this episode breaks down how to design a calm, accessible classroom on a budget. Learn how to optimize traffic flow, set up low-cost...
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Off the Screen, Into the Halls: Using AI to Clear Your Desk
As a school leader, your most impactful moments don’t happen behind a computer screen; they happen in classrooms, hallways, and cafeteria chats. But how do you find the time to actually be present when administrative tasks are piling up? In this episode, we dive into how artificial intelligence…
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The View from the Trenches: Why Every Role is a Leadership Role
"That’s not in my job description" has no place in school leadership. In this episode, we’re talking about the raw, messy reality of leading an elementary school. From cleaning up vomit and sweeping hallways to covering classrooms and answering phones, being a leader means no task is beneath you....
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The Tenure trap: Leading with Purpose (and Peace) While on Probation.
Tenure isn’t just a destination; it’s a portfolio of your heart and hard work. Episode 61 dives into the NYC AP probationary period. We talk about the logistics of the five-year journey, how to document your wins without burning out, and why staying vulnerable is your greatest leadership asset....
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The Proactive Classroom: The UDL Shift
Are you retrofitting your lessons or designing them for everyone from the start? Episode 60 breaks down the "UDL Shift" for elementary educators. Learn why your classroom needs to be a buffet and not a set menu, and how to use your co-teaching partner to live-map concepts, facilitate choice…
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Cold Coffee & Open Doors: The Assistant Principal’s Guide to Strategic Chaos
Stop pretending multitasking is a superpower and start treating it like the tactical triage it actually is. In this episode of Cold Coffee & Open Doors, we’re trading the "do-it-all" myth for three realistic strategies to help Assistant Principals survive the daily whirlwind. From mastering the...
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The view from the middle- Finding Purpose in the AP Role
What does five years as an Assistant Principal actually teach you? Hint: It’s not about the paperwork. This episode is a deep dive into the professional and mental discoveries of a mid-decade AP. From mastering the "shock absorber" role to learning how to stop compartmentalizing and start leading...
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The Co-Teaching Marriage
Is your ICT classroom a true partnership or just a roommate situation? Professional relationships can make or break student success, yet we often fall into the "Lead and Assistant" trap. In this episode, we’re getting real about the "Inclusion Illusion." Learn how to fix typical co-teaching...
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The Evaluation Talk: Turning Anxiety into Advocacy
Initiating the conversation about a potential evaluation is one of the most delicate moments for both educators and families. In Episode 56, we discuss how to navigate these conversations with empathy, moving the focus away from "what’s wrong" and toward "how we help." Learn practical strategies…
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Neurodiversity Beyond the IEP
An IEP might get a student through the school day, but it isn’t a blueprint for a thriving life. In this episode, we look beyond the paperwork to show how neuro-affirming environments can exist in every classroom—even for students without a formal diagnosis. We’re moving past "checking boxes" to...
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From Silence to Safety: How Educators Can Master Crucial Conversations
Are you avoiding that tough talk with a colleague or supervisor? Don't. In this episode, we break down the principles of Crucial Conversations to help educators and school leaders turn high-stakes, emotionally charged discussions into productive breakthroughs. Learn the three steps to Start with...
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Special Ed Unlocked: Special Education 101 for Parents
Special education doesn't have to be a mystery. In just 20 minutes, we demystify the entire process for families and explain the core components every educator should communicate clearly. We cover the federal law (IDEA), break down the 5 steps of the process, and explain the key parts of the IEP...
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School leader: More than just a title
What does it mean to lead a school? Is it all about budgets, meetings, and policies? In this candid conversation, we challenge the conventional view of the principalship. Discover the empathy, vision, and resilience required to move from being a manager to a truly transformative school leader. If...
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Ready, Set, Teach: Your First Day of School Survival Guide
Get ready for your best first day of school yet! In this episode, we're tackling those first-day jitters with a practical survival guide for new teachers. We’ll walk you through exactly what to do when your students walk in, from setting the tone to establishing your key classroom routines.…
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Setting up for Success: Practical Tips for a Strong Start
Join us as we share some heartfelt and practical tips to help you start the school year off on the right foot. We'll cover everything from organizing your classroom to planning your syllabus and communicating with parents, all designed to align with the unique school calendar and its common...
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To Relate and not to Rate
Tune in to learn 3 steps on how classroom visits can be used to do more than rate a teacher's instructional practices.
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Schools Leaders Mentoring New Teachers: Hands-on Mentorship
Embrace the power of hands-on mentorship for new teachers! This collaborative partnership allows experienced educators to guide and support their new colleagues through direct observation, valuable feedback, and practical learning opportunities. By focusing on the development of practical skills,...
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Create a safe and welcoming space for all students
Tune in to learn practical ways to create a safe and welcoming environment for all students, by focusing on these key areas: Declutter for Focus, Flexible and Accessible, Warm and Calm Atmosphere, Supportive and Caring, and Community Orientation. Focusing on these aspects can significantly…
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Create your path as a school leader
Tune in to learn 6 steps to create your path as a school leader. Identify your leadership style Identify your strengths, weakness, and passion Set goals Stay grounded in your wHY Self reflect Embrace a learner mindset
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The Power of Letting Go: Students Leading their Learning
Discover how embracing trust in your students can transform your classroom into a vibrant space where they lead their learning. Empower them to explore their independence and foster engaging, meaningful conversations with their peers that promote collaboration and growth. Don’t miss out on this...
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More than just a Pupil: Getting to know your students
Students are more than just numbers; they are unique individuals who depend on us for education and guidance. It's our duty to support their aspirations and prepare them to become responsible citizens. Understanding your students is crucial. By fostering deeper connections, you enhance the…
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Overcoming the Sunday Scaries
Ever experienced the Sunday Scaries? Are you restless thinking about the work week? Tune in to learn a realistic and wholesome approach to eliminating the Sunday Scaries.
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Visible & Approachable Leadership
Episode 42 shares a realistic approach to being visible and approachable as a school leader. Hear a realistic approach to being visible and approachable to families, students, and staff.
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Fostering a Culture of Calm
Tune in to find out how to foster a culture of calm in your classroom by teaching students self-regulation strategies and techniques through emotional and self-awareness.
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Classroom Management 101
Tune in to learn the importance of: Developing routines during the first few weeks of school. Fostering Community- respect, accountability, expectations Building relationships Using Incentives and praise
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Think and act like a leader
Acting and thinking like a leader can help develop leadership skills and increase the chances of getting a promotion. Some say that performing in a current role as if already a leader can eventually lead to a leadership title and mindset. Tune in to learn simple steps you can take that will help...
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When everyone is not on the bus
Leading and working with people who give pushback and who might not have the same vision and beliefs as you do.
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Ready.. Set.. Happy Spring Break!
How can you make the best of your time off? How can you maximize on your time to alleviate stress and burnout? Listen for tips and strategies on managing your time during Spring break. Reflect on your instructional practices and learn why planning for the remainder of the school year would be a...
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Every season is hiring season
Tune in to hear interviewing tips and advice for teachers and aspiring school leaders.
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Global Learners- Nurturing Bright Minds Beyond Borders
Tune in to learn how to shift your mindset about our new migrant families. Educators who have a negative attitude towards our new families should reflect on their WHY. Listen as we dive into a passionate conversation about educating all learners regardless of who they are, where they come from…
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Just Another Coffee Stain
Let's reflect on 2023 and listen to how we can use 2023 and all its challenges to conquer 2024!
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The Mobile Office
Tune in to hear all about why I decided to invest in a Mobile office. The mobile office has been a great way to stay visible, and to take multitasking to a whole new level!
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Creating a Positive School Culture
Achieving a positive school culture does not happen overnight, it takes intentionality and practice. Tune in to learn how to start creating a positive school culture.
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Bad Teacher to Badass Teacher
What makes a bad teacher? The world has many examples and definitions, heck they even made a movie about it!Tune in to Episode 31 to hear an administrator's perspective on what makes a “bad teacher”. Learn from an experienced teacher and school administrator ways to redefine yourself to become…
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Supporting ENL Students
Teaching ENL students takes a lot of empathy, patience, and compassion. It also takes language knowledge, teaching strategies, and methodologies. Tune in to Episode 30 to learn fun and creative ways to support your ENL Students.
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How to cultivate a classroom that represents students
Listen to learn strategies on how to cultivate a classroom that represents your students.
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Substitute teachers who shine bright
Tune in to learn how to shine bright as a substitute teacher. We share tips and advice from an Assistant Principal on how to be professional and prepared, and what you should bring with you on every assignment.
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Leadership begins with YOU
Tune in to get ideas on leadership activities and initiatives you can take on before having a leadership title. Activities and initiatives that will give you leadership experience and responsibilities.
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Connecting with our Secondary level students
Join me as I welcome fellow educator, podcaster, and life coach Mateo Donohue. As a 12-year veteran educator, and as someone with 20 years of experience working with the youth he shares some of his secrets and tips on connecting and building lifelong relationships with his students.
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Meeting Students Where They Are
Learn how to meet your students where they are by following these 3 steps. Learn how General education and Special education teachers can support all learners in their classrooms.
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Parent involvement- It takes a village
Tune in to learn what schools can do to increase parent involvement and to hear tips and suggestions on how families can become more involved with the social and academic well-being of their children.
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More than Just a Paraprofessional
Tune in to get a better understanding of the role of a paraprofessional. How to step up and take control of your role and responsibilities as a classroom assistant.
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Pacing yourself to avoid Burnout
Tune in to learn strategies on how to pace yourself to avoid burnout.
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Setting the tone for the school year
Tune in to learn tips and advice on how to set the tone for the school year as a teacher, parent, or administrator. We discuss the importance of reflecting on the previous school year to determine the do's and don'ts for the upcoming school year,
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Tenure Portfolio Part 3- Professionalism
Episode 3 concludes our Tenure portfolio series with the 3rd component of the Teacher decision-making framework-Professionalism.
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The Power of Feedback
Effective feedback builds self-awareness and helps us become mindful of the impact that our actions have. Listen to learn how to use feedback to become effective educators and administrators.
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Tenure Portfolio Part 2-Student learning and instructional practices
Episode 2 tackles both the student learning and instructional practices domain of the tenure decision-making framework.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
"The most valuable lessons aren't found in textbooks—they're the marks left behind by our real, unfiltered experiences. This is where we talk about the beautiful mess of education, one coffee stain at a time."
Welcome to Coffee Stained EDU Podcast, where we dive into the colorful and dynamic world of education. Coffee Stained is an unfiltered space where the host shares genuine experiences and insight as an educator and school leader. Each episode is a personal journey, reflecting her passion for teaching and her commitment to supporting fellow educators and inspiring educators.
Join her on each 25- 30-minute episode filled with practical advice, relatable stories, and actionable challenges designed to inspire and empower your journey. Whether you’re commuting, working out, or enjoying a quiet moment, there’s something here for you. Let’s embark on this adventure together!
HOSTED BY
Geneva Rodriguez
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Coffee Stained EDU Podcast have?
Coffee Stained EDU Podcast currently has 73 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Coffee Stained EDU Podcast about?
"The most valuable lessons aren't found in textbooks—they're the marks left behind by our real, unfiltered experiences. This is where we talk about the beautiful mess of education, one coffee stain at a time." Welcome to Coffee Stained EDU Podcast, where we dive into the colorful and dynamic world...
How often does Coffee Stained EDU Podcast release new episodes?
Coffee Stained EDU Podcast has 73 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Coffee Stained EDU Podcast?
You can listen to Coffee Stained EDU Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Coffee Stained EDU Podcast?
Coffee Stained EDU Podcast is created and hosted by Geneva Rodriguez.
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