# The Importance of Meaningful Coaching Connections

- Link: https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/attcp-ep183-meaningful-coaching-connections/
- Published: 2022-03-14T05:00:00-04:00
- Author: Jeff Bradbury

Welcome to “Ask the Tech Coach,” a podcast for Instructional Coaches and Technology
Integration Specialists.

In this episode of “[Ask the Tech Coach](https://www.teachercast.net/episodes/ask-the-tech-coach/),”
Jeff and Susan welcome Leah Obach and Devon Caldwell to discuss how we can create
strong connections with our colleagues and the importance of keeping these connections
for successful teaching and learning.

If you would like to be a part of future podcasts and share your thoughts, [please contact the podcast](https://www.teachercast.net/podcastguestform).
We would love to have you join the show.

## Join the TeacherCast Tech Coaches Network!

 * Are you a Tech Coach or looking to become one this year?
 * Are you searching for support in your position?

The [TeacherCast Tech Coaches Network](https://www.teachercast.net/TCNForm), is 
a brand-new Professional Learning Network designed specifically for Tech Coaches
and designed to provide weekly support for all Instructional Coaches.

[Click Here to Join!](https://www.teachercast.net/TCNForm)

## Weekly Topic

Cultivating Connection: building strong connections to foster teaching and learning

 * Connections with students
 * Connections with fellow teachers
    - workshops, presentations and conferences
    - Learning retreat events
    - Online events such as our Back to School Boost
    - Podcasting
    - We started Teacher Success Squad for teachers in their first 5 years
    - Social media and online connections
 * Connections beyond the classroom
    - Guest experts
    - Partner classroom collaboration
 * Connection to self
    - Learning to incorporate teacher wellness so we can show up at our best

Creating in the Classroom: leveraging technology for students to become the designers
and creators

 * Harnessing the power of technology for students to create products, rather than
   just consume
    - Ex: digital design of books, digital posters and more
    - Learning to code

## About our Guests

### Leah Obach

Leah Obach is an educator from rural Manitoba. She has taught early years, middle
years and high school, and acted as a technology coach for her school division. 
She has a Master’s Degree in Educational Technology and Design.  Leah is passionate
about improving education through strong classroom practice, ongoing professional
growth and collaboration with fellow educators. She strives to engage students in
meaningful learning experiences, while fostering the development of timeless skills.
Leah has been recognized for her commitment to best practices in teaching. She has
represented Canada as a Microsoft Innovative Expert Educator for many years.  Leah
is the recipient of the 2016 ManACE Educator of the Year Award, the 2012 CDW Canada
Teaching with Technology Award and the 2012 Microsoft Partners in Learning Global
Forum first runner up award in Extended Learning Beyond the Classroom.

Connect with Leah on Instagram and Facebook @kgeducation.ca or find her on Twitter
[@LeahO77](https://twitter.com/LeahO77)

### Devon Caldwell

Devon Caldwell is a K-8 resource teacher, university instructor, and yoga teacher
in Manitoba, Canada. She is also a PhD Candidate in Curriculum and Instruction (
Early Childhood Education) at the University of Victoria. Her research interests
focus on how and why primary teachers integrate technology. Devon is passionate 
about infusing technology to foster collaboration, inclusion, and innovation among
students, teachers, and their local and global communities. Honours include receiving
the Canadian Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence, Early Years Teaching
Excellence Award from her school division, 2012 Microsoft Partners in Learning Global
Forum first runner up award in Extended Learning Beyond the Classroom, and ManACE
Educator of the Year Award. Devon is an enthusiastic contributor to online professional
learning communities and loves mentoring educators and pre-service teachers.

## About KG Education

Behind KG Education are two passionate educators that grew up in the same small 
town.  Both Devon and Leah were fortunate to be raised in the tiny, rural community
of Kenton, MB.  They have been best friends and collaborative teaching partners 
for more than a decade, and their passion for learning, sharing, and mentoring others
has only grown stronger.  Known by many as the “Kenton Girls”, they are excited 
to scale up their impact by offering a variety of professional learning opportunities
for fellow educators.

## Contact the Podcast!

 * [TeacherCast.net/VoiceMail](http://www.teachercast.net/VoiceMail)
 * Twitter: [@AskTheTechCoach](http://twitter.com/askthetechcoach)
 * Email: [feedback@teachercast.net](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/attcp-ep183-meaningful-coaching-connections/feedback@teachercast.net)

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## Follow our Hosts

 * Jeff Bradbury | [@JeffBradbury](http://www.twitter.com/jeffbradbury)
 * Susan Vincentz | [@](https://twitter.com/sv314dws)[sv314dws](https://twitter.com/sv314dws)

## Join our PLN

Are you enjoying the TeacherCast Network, please share your thoughts with the world
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today? I enjoy reading and sharing your comments on the podcast each week.

## Let’s Work Together

 * Host: Jeff Bradbury @TeacherCast | @JeffBradbury
 * Email: [info@teachercast.net](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/attcp-ep183-meaningful-coaching-connections/info@teachercast.net)
 * Voice Mail: [http://www.TeacherCast.net/voicemail](http://www.teachercast.net/voicemail)
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## Check Out Additional TeacherCast Programming

 * TeacherCast Podcast ([http://www.teachercast.net/tcp](http://www.teachercast.net/tcp))
 * Educational Podcasting Today ([http://www.educationalpodcasting.today](http://www.educationalpodcasting.today/))
 * The Jeff Bradbury Show ([http://www.BuildYourEDUBrand.com](http://www.BuildYourEDUBrand.com))

## Need a Presenter?

 * Jeff Bradbury [(@TeacherCast)](http://www.teachercast.net/twitter) is available
   as a [Keynote Speaker, Presenter](http://jeffreybradbury.com/), or to Broadcast
   your conference LIVE!