Coffee Stained EDU Podcast

Coffee Stained EDU Podcast

by Geneva Rodriguez

How To Self-Improvement

Season 1

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 can become your ultimate assistant. I’m sharing exactly how I leverage AI in my daily routine; from mapping out complex school event schedules and framing observation reports, to doing quick gut-checks on email tone to ensure total professionalism. Discover how to let AI handle the heavy lifting of administrative busywork so you can reclaim your day, leave the desk behind, and show up for your students and staff when they need you most

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. We dive into the power of servant leadership and how getting your hands dirty builds the trust and culture your staff needs to thrive. Grab your coffee, and let’s get to work.

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. Whether you’re Year 1 or Year 5, this one is for the leaders navigating the middle.

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 boards, and move away from the "essay or test" bottleneck.

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 "Parking Lot" notepad to navigating emotional gear-shifts, we’re diving into how to stay present when everyone needs a piece of your time.

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 authentically, this is a "real-talk" guide to thriving in the middle of the school machine.

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 mistakes, establish true parity, and use a "Gumby" mindset to build a partnership that actually serves your students. Tune in to move beyond compliance and start making an impact.

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 to prepare for these meetings, bridge the gap between home and school, and turn the anxiety of a possible diagnosis into a powerful roadmap for advocacy.

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 focus on what actually matters: emotional regulation, executive function, and a true sense of belonging for every learner.

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 Heart, build Shared Meaning, and stop letting your internal "stories" poison your performance.

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