Ep: 191 - Craig Randall: Stop Scoring Teachers. Start Growing Them.

From Stories from Real Life by Melvin E. Edwards

March 3, 2026 · 35 min · Season 4 · Episode 191

About this episode

Craig Randall discusses the limitations of traditional teacher observation systems and introduces Trust-Based Observations to foster growth and trust in educational environments.

Episode summary: Teacher observation is supposed to improve teaching and learning—but Craig Randall argues that in many schools it produces fear, limits risk-taking, and reduces growth. Craig shares the core principles of Trust-Based Observations (TBO) , including strengths-based walkthroughs, reflective follow-up conversations, and the routines leaders can use to build a culture of trust and continuous improvement. In this episode, we cover: * Why many traditional observation systems backfire (fear vs. growth) * The mentorship moment that shaped TBO—and the two questions that drive the model * What a high-impact 20-minute observation looks like (and why frequency matters) * How to run post-observation conversations that build trust and spark teacher reflection * Common implementation mistakes and how to avoid turning TBO into another checklist * What changes in a school when teachers feel safe taking instructional risks Guest: Craig Randall — author and founder of Trust-Based Observations Links: Trust-Based Observations / Meet Craig Stories from Real Life Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

People in this episode

Host: Melvin E. Edwards

Guest: Craig Randall

Topics covered

teacher observation
education
trust-based observations
professional development
mentorship
school culture

Keywords

teacher observation
Trust-Based Observations
education reform
mentorship
school culture
professional growth
reflective practice

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Trust-Based Observations