Pinebrook Elementary teachers and Active Playful Learning (APL) team members explain how guided, playful learning is being integrated into K-4 classrooms, especially math. They share classroom examples, the coaching partnership behind the work, early research findings, and practical ways families can bring math into everyday routines.

Guest name

• Carol Herschelroath
• Holly Martinson
• Tara Hopkins
• Kareem Cameron

Host

• Paul Thiessen

Chapters

• 00:00 Meet Pinebrook’s teachers and APL partners
• 03:24 Who funds APL, and why it is not a LEGO curriculum
• 04:45 Guided play gives students agency across subjects
• 09:01 Why teacher-coach partnership matters
• 12:30 From active learning landscapes to classrooms
• 16:06 Fourth-grade math: shopping, interviews, and feedback
• 21:10 Planning APL around curriculum and classroom needs
• 23:33 First-grade turtles make story problems hands-on
• 27:45 Early findings across four states
• 29:28 Turning hikes and daily routines into math at home
• 32:10 What APL means for families and teachers

Resources

LEGO Foundation -

University of Virginia -

Brookings Institution -

This episode explores the vital role of coaching in schools, highlighting how instructional and behavior coaches support teachers and students to improve outcomes. Featuring Pinebrook Elementary's coaching team, it emphasizes the power of collaboration, data-driven decisions, and relationship-building in education.

Speakers:

• Amalia Medina-Glover, Instructional Coach
• Elizabeth Dickson, Behavior Resource
• Kerri Cahill, English Language Arts Facilitator
• Turner McAllister, Assistant Principal/Host
• Paul Thiessen, Principal/Host

Key Topics

• The impact of coaching on student achievement
• Different coaching roles: instructional, behavior, literacy
• The coaching cycle and collaboration among staff
• Use of data and incentives to promote positive behavior
• Building relationships and capacity with teachers
• The importance of a unified coaching approach
• Strategies for supporting diverse student needs
• The role of coaching in professional development
• Creating a positive school culture through coaching

Chapters

• 00:00: Introduction to the episode and guest overview
• 02:06: The significance of coaching in education and sports analogies
• 04:03: Statistics on coaching in US public schools
• 05:01: Research findings on coaching's impact on student achievement
• 07:00: Meet the Pinebrook coaching team: Amolia Glover, Beth Dixon, Carrie Cahill
• 10:08: Roles and responsibilities of instructional and behavior coaches
• 11:57:A day in the life of a Pinebrook coach
• 15:10: Building relationships and supporting teachers through coaching
• 17:54: Using data and incentives to promote positive behavior
• 21:56: Supporting classroom management and student engagement
• 26:00: Coaching cycles and collaborative planning
• 27:55: Aligning coaching strategies across roles for maximum impact
• 29:56: The ultimate goal: student success and growth
• 32:48: Future goals and ongoing professional development
• 34:46: The importance of team and relationship building in coaching
• 36:09: Closing remarks and appreciation for the coaching team

In this episode of the Puma Pawd, Paul interviews Jon Pepper, a school board member and active parent in the Loudoun County education system and Pinebrook Elementary. They discuss Jon's journey in education, the importance of community involvement, the challenges teachers face today, and his vision for public education. Jon emphasizes the need for critical thinking skills, the role of AI in education, and the importance of teacher recruitment and retention. They also touch on student safety and the role of School Resource Officers (SROs) in elementary schools. The conversation highlights the commitment to providing quality education and support for all students in Loudoun County.

• Jon Pepper, LCPS School Board, Pinebrook Parent
• Paul Thiessen, Principal Pinebrook Elementary

Takeaways

• John Pepper emphasizes that he is a dad first, not a politician.
• Community involvement is crucial for effective education.
• Teachers face increasing challenges with diverse student needs.
• Education should focus on critical thinking and life skills.
• AI is a tool that can enhance learning but should be used wisely.
• Teacher recruitment and retention are vital for maintaining quality education.
• Student mental health is a growing concern in schools.
• SROs play a complex role in ensuring student safety.
• Building strong feeder patterns can enhance student well-being.
• Engagement with the community is essential for educational success.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Jon Pepper and His Role
• 02:59 Jon's Journey in Education
• 05:51 The Importance of Community in Education
• 08:54 Challenges Facing Teachers Today
• 12:00 Vision for Education in Loudoun County
• 15:05 The Role of AI in Education
• 17:53 Teacher Recruitment and Retention
• 20:45 Student Safety and SROs
• 24:10 Final Thoughts and Community Engagement