Testimonials

Chris's energy and enthusiasm to support our implementation of PLCs has  been a driving force in our work. He keeps us focused on the big picture  while recognizing the importance of the smallest details and how they  matter to our district staff at large. Keeping our eyes on the four  questions of PLCs and the compass pointed at "what is best for students"  has really helped us center this work.

- Nickie McKeever, 6th Grade Teacher and PLC Coordinator, Hemphill Middle School 

When meeting Chris you are immediately put at ease and feel very  comfortable in his presence.  Because of this it feels natural to accept  the tough questions and choices that arise.  The conversations are  genuine and insightful, allowing you to truly explore your own teaching  practices. He feels like a trusted friend that you know for certain has  your best interests at heart.  He is willing to work, push, and  encourage the best of everyone.

-Paul Holt, High School Mathematics, Upper Lake School District 

High yields takes high maintenance. I’ve seen a lot of professional  development consultants come and go in a district with little impact and  no structures to provide sustainable and deep implementation.  It was  so refreshing to see how Chris Briggs-Hale was able to meet the school  where they are, adapt to their language and interests, and roll up his  sleeves to be a working part of change.  His skill at building  relationships and becoming part of the team allows him to be this great  blend of cheerleader and honest critic where he is able to ‘push’ in  ways that teachers respect.  At the same time, he works with  administrators and teacher-leaders to build systems that ensure  follow-up so that high-impact practice is an embedded part of school  culture.

- Billie Donegan, School Change Coach at Waianae-Nanakuli Innovation Zone and Napa Valley USD

This coaching has transformed the learning experience of my classes. The  deep and detailed work, specifically on how to teach routines, has  provided a safe structure for all students, but especially those who  need tier three support.Our 9th-grade team has grown and developed as a PLC. Together, we  created shared expectations for ourselves and our students and and  developed a plan for teaching routines building relationships. We  learned how to put theory into practice, and built and scripted our  first three days, progress charts for entering the classroom,  transitions, and how to listen. We also proposed an  administration-approved cell phone policy. Chris is incredibly patient and kind. He challenged us to push  ourselves, but also provided the support we need to be successful.

-Angel Hayenga, 9th Grade Teacher, Upper Lake High School

Chris got to know us by listening first.  Once we established a  foundational relationship, he  met us where we are and delivered a  personalized and targeted coaching to push is where we needed to be  pushed. My instructional coach now has another thought partner to help her in  her own growth as a coach.  My teacher team has a clear target with  excellent resources and I have a new colleague who I can reach out to as  a thought partner. My instructional coach now has another thought partner to help her in  her own growth as a coach.  My teacher team has a clear target with  excellent resources and I have a new colleague who I can reach out to as  a thought partner.

- Dr. Annie Pivniska Petrie, Principal, Upper Lake High School, Upper Lake Consolidated School District, California 

Our students are more engaged in learning because of student  expectations and structures that have been built in our coaching  sessions and implemented in classrooms. Our PLC has increased its collective teacher efficacy as a direct result  of the coaching sessions with Waterfall Learning and Chris Briggs-Hale.   We are now well-positioned to start the new year with a cohesive  classroom "opening salvo" that will set our students up to achieve even  higher levels of academic success this year. I would highly recommend Chris to another school because of his depth of  knowledge and experience, his commitment to meeting the specific needs  of an individual school, his singular focus on the client when he's  coaching, and his consistent kindness and empathy for the challenges  that are part of learning and growing.

-Amanda, Instructional Coach, Upper Lake High School

Chris has brought us together to collaborate and changes the agenda to  meet our needs, even on the day of meeting. He brings an energy to PLC  planning that makes it fun and interesting. Things are very well presented and each meeting is very personalized and helpful. These check-ins have really helped with the focus and renew the energy of what we are trying to accomplish as a collective.

-Michaela Girouard, PLC Coordinator, Strasburg Elementary School 

He is able to lead but also be a mediator between staff members to help  the process continue to the roll out and development of the process.

- JaLeen Kitzman, Principal, Strasburg Elementary School

I am currently in a transition that feels big and tangled. Chris was able to maneuver through my stream of consciousness filled with emotion  to provide moments of pause and clarity. I was able to hear my rambling thoughts attached to new and organized language and think differently about my stuckness, adding layers of simplicity and  complexity. I would highly recommend Chris as a coach!

-Margaret, Education Coach & Leader

I left my coaching session with Chris with so much clarity. He is an incredible listener and really good at asking questions and digging deep to help you see things from different angles. I also learned a lot about myself during our session. 

-Lacey H, Tech Sales 

“Chris was a fantastic listener! He really helped me re-frame my  thinking and narrow down my ideas into one succinct career goal! I would definitely recommend.”

- Jesica Carbone - University Fundraiser

"Chris Briggs-Hale helped me discover a tool kit I did not realize I already possess. Our discussion gave me insight into strategic group management. Ultimately, he provided me with a framework that has allowed me to take furthering education into a more approachable direction." 

- Zak Welz, Analyst, COBank