Beyond the Gradebook: Conferences, cold coffee, and the learning you can’t score

Conference season is here, aka survival mode. In this episode, we get real about what grades miss: the effort, growth, grit, and heart behind every student’s story. We catch up on life (run-club medals, cupcake costumes, and Halloween chaos), then dig into how teachers balance data with the bigger picture—self-reflection, work habits, fine-motor skills, and social growth that never show up in a percentage. We unpack AI and handwriting, parent involvement in upper grades, and why student-led conferences can reveal more than any test can. If you’ve ever tried to explain that learning is more than a number, this one’s for you. Take a deep breath, grab your mug, and let’s espresso ourselves.