Quick Tips on Coaching at the Beginning of the Year
The beginning of the year is so exciting for teachers and coaches, you get the freedom to imagine your what things could be. There is so much inspiration from teachers and so many people to meet. As a coach your planning is similar but different in that you are servicing adults and students. Get ready to build your social school network. Yes, it’s all about growing your network, building trust, and celebrating teachers’ strengths! We continue to read Vicki Collet that goes down memory lane, Chrissy Beltran that helps the journey of a new coach, and Beth Moore that expresses the work that moves the school but now its time to move.The first day of school is here and we must begin, make a check list of all the teachers in your building! Bring a note book, shhhhh here is my secret, don’t tell anyone! Inside of your notebook, bring your phone, put it on airplane mode and record… Your first interaction with your teachers is sooo crucial, so listen intently… Don’t write or type, just listen. Go back to your office and take little notes so eventually you can continue the conversation later, delete the recording and eventually work up to bring note-pads or a laptop. I usually ask teachers these questions:
What are you excited to try this year?
Is there anything you may need support with this year?
What do you foresee for this group of students?
Remember, if your teacher is hanging butcher paper on the wall, help! If she is sorting crayons help! You want to make sure the teacher calls on you and trusts that you are there to help in the classroom and with critical questions that relate to students. Your goal is to improve teaching and learning throughout the building, Oh and don’t forget about these nuts and bolts by Ellen Eiseberg in the Culture of Coaching: Change Thinking… Change Practice… Change schoolsThink about these things:
Schedule time to meet with the administrative team to revisit the plan for school wide improvement and how coaching helps to achieve those goals.
Think about reminding the staff about instructional coaching and your role.
Design a coaching cohort approach for the teachers with whom you work, especially if you are working with several teachers.
Create a needs assessment by walking around and talking to your colleagues; the needs will have changed from last year so build on those successes.
Plan some mini professional learning sessions to start the year and generate your one-on-one and small group coaching cycles of consultation.
Create a schedule for support around the Coaching Cycle, e.g., what is the school schedule for PD days; when and where can you meet each PLC, department, grade level, or individual teachers; when are prep periods, lunch periods, and early dismissal days, etc.?Remember, be transparent and always reiterate your role as a non-evaluative, confidential learning partner. I know you'll have a wonderful year! Good Luck!