Most schools try to improve teaching the wrong way.

They rely on top-down professional development, one-off workshops, and “sit and get” training sessions that feel productive in the moment but rarely change classroom practice. In this episode of The Elemental Educator, Dr. Matthew Rhoads explains why those approaches fail and what actually helps professional learning spread through a school system.

Dr. Rhoads is an instructional leader and education technology expert focused on AI integration, inclusive teaching, and helping educators improve student learning across TK-20 education. Together we unpack how coaching, diffusion of learning, and intentional leadership create the conditions for real instructional improvement.

One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is simple but powerful:

Instructional improvement does not scale through mandates. It scales through relationships, coaching, and momentum.

If you are a principal, district leader, instructional coach, or educator trying to improve teaching across your school or system, this conversation will challenge the way you think about professional learning.

Inside this episode:

• Why top-down professional development often fails• The biggest mistake leaders make when trying to improve teaching• Why one-off PD sessions rarely lead to lasting change• How instructional coaching spreads learning across schools• The difference between forcing adoption and building momentum• Why leaders must choose between being instructional leaders or managers• How AI and technology fit into modern instructional leadership

If you care about improving teaching and learning in a way that actually sticks, this episode will give you a different lens for thinking about professional learning and leadership.

Chapter Markers

00:00 Why do most schools try to improve teaching the wrong way?01:37 What is the fastest way a leader can accidentally kill instructional improvement?02:01 Why is one-off “sit and get” PD the number one killer of professional learning?04:40 What role does instructional coaching actually play in improving teaching?12:15 How can leaders build momentum instead of forcing change?22:40 What does effective instructional coaching look like in practice?34:10 Are school leaders acting as instructional leaders or just managers?46:05 How does AI fit into instructional leadership and professional learning?58:30 What should school leaders focus on if they want real instructional improvement?

Connect With Me Website https://www.elementaleducator.com

If this episode sparked an idea or challenged how you think about leadership, visit the site and explore more conversations designed to help leaders make better decisions under pressure.Connect With Dr. Matthew Rhoads

Website
https://matthewrhoads.com

LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-rhoads-ed-d-95772120/

Instagram
https://instagram.com/DrRhoadsEDU

X / Twitter
https://x.com/mattrhoads1990

If this conversation helped you rethink professional learning, share it with another educator or school leader who cares about improving teaching and learning.

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Why Most Schools Fail to Improve Teaching (And What Actually Works) | Dr. Matthew Rhoads