This interview is with Mandi StGermaine, Co-Founder at MBS | The Woman Beyond the Cape.

Mandi StGermaine, Co-Founder, MBS | The Woman Beyond the Cape

What sparked your passion for education, and what led you to become an Elementary Curriculum Coach?

My passion for education started at a young age. I also admired the light and energy of my teachers, and how they captivated the room. As I grew older, my belief that every child deserves the same strong foundation I had grown stronger. The minute I stepped into a classroom, I knew the impact I would have on the next generation, and I was hooked. I realized early on in my career that when teachers feel supported, empowered, and have the right tools, they can create meaningful connections and learning experiences.

This led me to having the desire to be an Instructional Coach. I knew this position would be where I could bridge the gap between educators, students, and the curriculum to truly reach the students. I also found that my love for supporting other teachers helped me to continue to build my vision of creating cultures where we feel inspired every day.

Could you share a pivotal moment in your journey that solidified your commitment to supporting both teachers and students?

I believe we all have that one moment in our educational career that solidified that we are in the right profession. You often hear teachers say, "I do it for the students," and that is exactly the moment that changed everything for me. As a Curriculum Coach, I have had the opportunities to connect with the teachers and administration to bring awareness to what our students need.

One moment in particular, I had given a presentation on Accountable Talk in the classroom and provided the teachers with strategies they could implement the very next day. I provided them with tangible look-fors and exactly the steps they needed to take to implement successfully. A few days later, I was on a weekly walkthrough visit and stepped into a 1st grade Math lesson and there it was. The teacher had taken the action steps I had provided and had the students talking through their thinking.

The teacher also implemented student-led lessons by having a student lead the lesson at the board and demonstrating how they worked through their problem. It was the highlight of my time as a Curriculum Coach as I was able to see the impact from teacher to student that I was able to contribute to. There is value in the follow-up, and I have used this moment since to drive my instruction.

Reflecting on your experience, what's the most significant way your role as a Curriculum Coach has evolved, and how have you adapted your approach to those changes?

One of the biggest ways my role as a Curriculum Coach has evolved is by embracing a listen-first approach. I believed my job was to provide answers, but I quickly realized that real impact comes from truly listening. By prioritizing collaboration over direction, I’ve built stronger relationships and created a coaching culture centered on trust. As education continues to shift, they need a thought partner. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, I’ve adapted by meeting teachers where they are and tailoring support to their specific needs.

Whether it’s helping a new teacher feel confident in lesson planning or supporting a veteran in refining small-group instruction, my role is about empowering educators to make meaningful instructional decisions. Education is always changing, but by listening first, collaborating, and problem-solving alongside teachers, I’ve seen real growth, not just in instructional effectiveness, but in teacher confidence and student success.

What's one strategy you've found particularly effective in helping teachers implement new curriculum changes while addressing their individual teaching styles and student needs?

One strategy I've found effective in helping teachers implement new curriculum changes is differentiated coaching. Every teacher has their own unique style and areas for growth. I've found that customizing support based on their specific needs works best. I do this through one-on-one coaching sessions, co-planning lessons, or observing their classrooms. For example, when working with teachers on new literacy initiatives, I might provide a more structured framework for those who prefer a clear, step-by-step guide, while offering more flexibility and creative freedom to teachers who thrive on innovation and autonomy.

This personalized approach ensures that the curriculum is being implemented in a way that feels natural and authentic to the teacher while still meeting the learning objectives. Additionally, I encourage teachers to reflect on their students' needs. By tying the new curriculum to data-informed decision-making, teachers can see how adapting the curriculum to their students' strengths and challenges leads to more effective instruction. The key to success is blending the framework of the curriculum with the individuality of the teacher and the needs of the students, which fosters both teacher buy-in and student growth.

Many educators face the challenge of effectively integrating technology into their lessons. Can you share a specific instance where you successfully guided a teacher in using technology to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes?

One example of guiding a teacher in using technology to enhance engagement was when I worked with a teacher hesitant to incorporate digital tools. After understanding her comfort level and her students’ needs, we decided to introduce Kahoot, an interactive quiz platform.

I helped her create a quiz aligned with lesson objectives, ensuring it supported her teaching style without disrupting it.

The result was a significant boost in student engagement. The real-time feedback kept students motivated and helped them track their progress.

The teacher also saw increased participation and better retention of the material. This experience showed me that successful integration of technology requires personalized support, making sure it enhances, not disrupts, existing teaching methods.

By aligning tech tools with a teacher’s style and students’ needs, we can create a more interactive and engaging learning environment that improves student outcomes.

How do you approach coaching teachers who may be hesitant or resistant to adopting new teaching strategies or curriculum updates?

I approach coaching teachers who are hesitant to adopt new strategies with a patient, supportive mindset. First, I listen to their concerns to understand their resistance, whether it’s due to lack of time, fear of change, or uncertainty about effectiveness. Once I identify the root cause, I provide practical, manageable steps for implementing the changes. I also offer clear examples of how the new strategies align with their teaching goals and student needs.

For instance, I might share success stories from other teachers who have integrated similar methods. Additionally, I provide ongoing support and encouragement, checking in frequently to offer help and adjust the approach as needed. By fostering a safe environment where teachers feel heard and supported, I help ease their transition, making it more likely they’ll embrace the change and feel confident in their ability to implement new strategies effectively.

Building strong relationships is crucial in your role. Can you describe a time you had to navigate a challenging relationship with a teacher and what you learned from that experience?

One challenging situation I encountered was with a teacher who was initially resistant to feedback. She had a strong teaching style, but it didn’t align with the new curriculum updates we were implementing. I knew building trust was key, so I focused on open, respectful communication. I started by acknowledging her strengths and contributions, then carefully explained the benefits of the new strategies. We collaborated to adapt the changes in a way that felt more natural to her teaching style.

Over time, as she saw improvements in student engagement and performance, she became more open to trying new methods. The experience taught me the importance of patience and active listening in building strong relationships. By demonstrating empathy and providing consistent support, I was able to help her feel more comfortable and confident in embracing change.

What advice would you give to aspiring Curriculum Coaches or educators who are just starting their journey in supporting student success?

My biggest advice for aspiring Curriculum Coaches is to listen first. Building trust with teachers is essential, and that starts with understanding their needs, challenges, and strengths. Approach coaching with a collaborative mindset—teachers are experts in their classrooms, and your role is to support and guide, not dictate.

Be patient with change. Shifting instructional practices takes time, and success happens in small wins. Celebrate progress, provide actionable feedback, and always stay open to learning yourself. Most importantly, keep students at the center of everything you do. The goal is not just to implement a curriculum but to ensure it truly impacts student learning in meaningful ways. Stay focused on that, and you’ll make a lasting difference.

Looking ahead, what are you most excited about in the future of elementary education, and what role do you hope to play in shaping that future?

I’m most excited about the growing emphasis on student-centered learning, where critical thinking, engagement, and real-world application take priority. As education evolves, I hope to continue supporting teachers in making instruction more intentional and responsive to student needs.

I want to help bridge the gap between curriculum and practical classroom implementation, ensuring teachers feel confident and supported in adapting to new strategies. My goal is to empower educators to create learning environments where all students thrive, making a lasting impact on both teaching and learning.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise. Is there anything else you'd like to add?

The most impactful changes happen when we listen first, support each other, and focus on what truly benefits students.