#155: This Teacher Leader Ditched the Fix-It Mindset and Escaped the Complaint Trap Artwork

Coaching the Whole Educator

Coaching the Whole Educator is a podcast for instructional coaches, teacher leaders, and school leaders who want to strengthen their educators’ effectiveness and resilience, especially the ones who need it most. Each week, you’ll hear quick tips, proven strategies, and coaching mindsets designed to keep you on top of your coaching game.

This show is rooted in a human-centered approach, where we get things done through people’s humanity, not around it. Whether you’re new to instructional coaching or a seasoned instructional coach or leader looking for fresh perspective, you’ll learn how to focus on the mindsets and motivations driving unproductive behaviors. By getting to the root of resistance, you’ll discover how to build stronger relationships, lead with clarity, and create lasting impact in your school.

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Coaching the Whole Educator

#155: This Teacher Leader Ditched the Fix-It Mindset and Escaped the Complaint Trap

September 21, 2025 • Becca Silver • Season 3 • Episode 155

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What happens when a teacher leader decides to stop fixing everything and start empowering others? In this episode, I sit down with Todd Goodman, a teacher and leader who has sparked a grassroots movement of change in his school community. Todd shares how shifting away from the exhausting “fix-it mindset” freed him to build trust, empower his peers, and create real transformation for students.

You’ll hear how frameworks like FFIRE Your Complaints™ and reflective listening didn’t just help Todd navigate frustration, they raised student outcomes and strengthened the culture of his school. His story is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about creating space for others to rise, staying grounded through discomfort, and leading with purpose.

If you’ve ever felt the weight of trying to do it all, this conversation will remind you that you don’t have to lead alone, and that the real impact comes when you empower those around you.

Download your FFIRE Your Complaints framework HERE!