Season 11, Episode 1 - August 13, 2025
In this opening episode of Teaching Teachers: Mentoring Conversations, host Dr. Ann Addison introduces the mini-series and explores the vital role mentor teachers play in shaping future educators. Listeners will learn about foundational coaching frameworks, flexible mentoring stances, and practical strategies for supporting both student teachers and new teachers of record. Blending real stories with proven tools, this conversation offers valuable insight for anyone looking to grow as a mentor and help prepare the next generation of teachers.
Guest Host
Ann Addison, Phd.
Director of Teacher Induction and University Partnerships
Olathe School District
Dr. Ann Addison serves as the Director of Teacher Induction and University Partnerships for the Olathe School District in Olathe, Kansas. In this role, she builds strong collaborations with universities to place aspiring educators in the classrooms of expert mentor teachers. Dr. Addison leads the district’s comprehensive teacher induction program, providing strategic support and professional development to new educators as they begin their careers.
At the heart of her work is a dedicated team of instructional coaches—whom she trains and mentors—ensuring that every new teacher in the district receives high-quality, hands-on guidance from day one. Her leadership helps shape a culture of continuous growth and instructional excellence across the district.
Before stepping into district leadership, Dr. Addison brought her passion for student success to life as an elementary classroom teacher and instructional coach. Her career reflects a deep commitment to nurturing both students and educators, and to building strong, sustainable pathways into the teaching profession.
Aguilar, Elena. The Art of Coaching: Effective Strategies for School Transformation. Jossey-Bass, 2013.
Knight, Jim. Instructional Coaching: A Partnership Approach to Improving Instruction. Corwin Press, 2007.
Knight, Jim. The Impact Cycle: What Instructional Coaches Should Do to Foster Powerful Improvements in Teaching. Corwin Press, 2017.
Knight, Jim. Unmistakable Impact: A Partnership Approach for Dramatically Improving Instruction. Corwin Press, 2011.
Knight, Jim. Better Conversations: Coaching Ourselves and Each Other to Be More Credible, Caring, and Connected. Corwin Press, 2015.
Sweeney, Diane. Student-Centered Coaching: A Guide for the K–12 Coach. Corwin Press, 2022
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