Empowering the Educator Within

EP5 - Assessing Students on IEPs: Are We Getting it Right?

In this episode of Empowering the Educator Within, host Christina Shala explores a conversation that many educators are quietly having—but few feel confident navigating: how should we assess students on IEPs? Should we report based on their assigned grade level, or where they’re actually working?
Drawing on real-life discussion and personal insight, Christina unpacks the implications of both approaches—highlighting how each can impact student growth, confidence, and equity in the classroom. While the episode is rooted in British Columbia’s proficiency scale, the questions it raises resonate far beyond provincial borders.
If you're a teacher, administrator, or support staff member trying to make sense of assessment and reporting practices for diverse learners, this episode is for you.
💡 Tune in and join the conversation that’s long overdue.
🔗 Read the full article on the Education Blog at shalabooks.com🎧 Subscribe for more reflective episodes for today’s educators.

EP4 - 3 Key Strategies to Improve Learner Support in Schools

In this episode of Empowering the Educator Within, we explore three practical strategies schools can use to strengthen learner support programs. From giving support teachers a stronger voice, to setting clear guidelines and scheduling dedicated planning time—these small changes can lead to big improvements in student learning.🔗 Read the full article at shalabooks.com🎧 Subscribe for more tips and insights for today’s educators.

EP3 - Planning With Purpose: Empowering Staff Through Individualized Tools

In this episode of Empowering the Educator Within, host Christina Shala explores how individualized planners can transform staff development, support mentoring, and align classroom practice with schoolwide goals. Learn why random templates don’t work — and how personalized planning tools lead to meaningful growth.
🔗 Read the blog article this episode is based on:Individualized Teacher Planners: Do They Really Work?
🎧 Subscribe for more insights on teacher development, educational frameworks, and creating cohesive learning environments.

EP2 - From Vision to Reality: Creating a Cohesive Teaching Culture

Every school has a vision—but is it truly driving practice? In this episode of Empowering the Educator Within, we explore why school and district visions often fall short when not backed by a clearly defined educational framework. Learn how a framework turns ideals into action, unifies teaching practices, and boosts student success across all classrooms.
 
This episode is based on the blog article: A Vision vs. an Educational Framework. For more practical examples and inspiration, visit The Education Blog at shalabooks.com.
 
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EP1 - Why Every School Needs an Educational Framework

What exactly is an educational framework—and why is it so critical to your school’s success? In this episode, we explore how a well-designed framework becomes the backbone of a school’s vision, culture, and curriculum. You’ll learn how frameworks foster cohesion across departments, support teacher collaboration, empower leadership, and bring clarity to both staff and students. Whether you’re an administrator, coordinator, or classroom teacher, this episode will help you see your school through a strategic lens—and inspire you to build (or refine) the structure that supports deep, connected learning. Thanks for tuning in to Empowering the Educator Within. For more insights and resources related to today’s episode, be sure to visit www.shalabooks.com, where you’ll find a full article and additional tools to support your teaching journey. Until next time—keep growing, keep inspiring!