Episode Details

Welcome back to Digital Learning Today. In this episode, Jeff Bradbury sits down with instructional coach Vernita Scarborough to unpack what effective coaching really looks like inside a busy school—and how coaches can build systems that support teachers without burning out. You’ll hear Vernita’s journey from the classroom to coaching, a breakdown of her EPIC Framework for prioritizing the work that matters most, and practical strategies for building trust with teachers through relationship-driven coaching cycles. Vernita also shares a preview of what she’ll be presenting at the Simply Coaching Summit, along with simple, realistic moves educators and leaders can use to strengthen instruction and support well-being across the school year.

Become a High-Impact Leader:

This episode is just the beginning. To get the complete blueprint for designing and implementing high-impact systems in your district, get your copy of my book, "Impact Standards."

• Strategic Vision for Digital Learning:Learn how to create a district-wide vision that aligns digital learning with your educational goals, transforming how standards-based instruction is designed and supported.
• Curriculum Design and Implementation:Discover practical strategies for integrating digital learning into existing curricula, creating vertical alignment of skills, and mapping digital learning across grade levels.
• Effective Instructional Coaching:Master the art of coaching people rather than technology, building relationships that drive success, and measuring impact through student engagement rather than just technology usage.

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Key Takeaways:

• Prioritizing tasks is crucial for effective coaching.
• Video recordings help build trust and improve teaching practices.
• Scheduling regular meetings with administrators enhances support.
• Using data and reflection improves coaching outcomes.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction to Vernita Scarborough
• 03:00 Day-to-Day Life of an Instructional Coach
• 04:10 The EPIC Framework for Coaching
• 07:21 The Role of Instructional Coaches in Education
• 09:10 Building Rapport with Teachers
• 11:38 Using Video in Coaching Cycles
• 12:15 Support from Administration
• 13:37 Data Collection and Analysis in Coaching
• 15:34 Communication Strategies for Coaches
• 16:55 Closing Out the School Year
• 19:17 Literacy Lambs: Supporting Educators
• 20:45 Planning for the Next School Year
• 23:13 Quick Fire Questions with Vernita Scarborough

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Literacy Lambs Facebook
• Vernita Scarborough on LinkedIn

About our Guest:

Vernita Scarborough has been a dedicated force in education for nearly 15 years, serving as an early childhood educator and literacy coach with a passion for building strong readers and empowering teachers. She is the founder and owner of Literacy Lambs, an online education company that provides supplemental education, professional development, and local events designed to equip and inspire educators to be their very best. Her work bridges the classroom and the community, offering educators the tools, training, and support they need to thrive. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys spending quality time with family, getting lost in a good book, and rewatching