#BFC530 Archive
The Breakfast Club – #BFC530 – is a 15 minute, 1 question Twitter chat every weekday. We chat in 4 timezones Mon-Fri – 5:30am Eastern, Central, Mountain, and Pacific Times. The mission of BFC is to empower participants to make a difference in education by engaging in consistent reflective practice in a supportive community that inspires and challenges one another.
Friday May 6, 2016
Good morning crew! Josh lead learner from NJ.
I’ve had the great fortune of working with fantastic ICs – provide targeted PD, observe & provide feedback, & pushed me to improve.
We have Instructional Coaches and Mentors. Coach is content. Mentor is pedagogy and best practices. I'm a Mentor.
Happy Friday crew! Let's get this day going!!! David MS Principal amor VA ready to go!
Good morning friends! Woke up full of energy and ready to attend tomorrow the first Edcamp in DR, very excited.
It depends on the schools needs. An IC should stay up to date on PD and help move the teachers forward.
Good morning, I'm excited to join in and learn as this type of position is something I'm interested in pursuing.
I believe the instructional coach is like an admin w/o the accountability component. Just their for support.
I've heard it defined as thought partner. It really is a partnership. Ts working with Ts
Hi Ben! When you were observed/provided feedback what did that "look" like-classrroom visits? video?
to support teachers and provide job embedded PD
I always tell my teachers that i work for them. I think of myself as very far from admin.
A coach assist and support Ts, by giving effective feedback, modeling lessons, planning together. It's important agood communication
Hey Veronica! Looks like we're both going to be IC's next year. I'm excited as well!!
Good morning friends! I've never worked with an IC coach, so I only have a guess about their role. I'd love to know more.
The IC I have worked with specifically looked for what was going on with Ss in my class and provided feedback. Valuable information.
Happy Friday! Here from Florida 🌞
Good morning ! I'm Chris fr NJ and I'd consider selling my soul to be a Tech Coach. podcast host too!
Good morning ! Stacey from NJ. I will definitely be storifying this chat today. I have had many great convos around this topic.
Planning whole school PD is a large part of it as well. You need to know what works for your staff.
Congrats, Connie! Great to have district support.
I agree. While I'm not part of the staff and am hired by the district - I have no desire to be Admin. I'm a cheerleader.
Good morning Do instructional coaches work at HS level? You're my ICs: helping me get through challenges to create effective lessons
morning Mr. Nesi https://t.co/Fe691djUpb
Good morning ! I'm Chris fr NJ and I'd consider selling my soul to be a Tech Coach. podcast host too!
Good morning from cold, damp Massachusetts.
Brian, HS principal
"Job embedded PD"Love this Amy! Great description of what an Instructional Coaches role could look like! https://t.co/7jfSQht6Fm
to support teachers and provide job embedded PD
Role of IC..beyond modelling key instructional strategies...collaborating with Ts to come to deeper understanding of S learning exp.
Good morning friends! Steve from NJ here. Happy Friday!
Ditto. Trained as a early lit coach. But now that I Mentor I'm coaching across all disciplines. https://t.co/aVEvFBKyX2
Well I am an instructional coach. So this should be fun.
I do want to be an admin one day.. but i feel like supporting teachers is a job unto itself.
Exactly! As an IC, I truly value the partnership learning principles and believe we all deserve a 'thought-partner'
do you ever have admin responsibilities?
Good morning. IC are there to help improve and amplify the voice of each teacher for better classroom learning
Hoping today is the beginning of a great weekend!
I'm going to sit back and learn this morning.
Instructional coaches have to be the instructional leaders sometimes. too much falls on admin plates.
Good morning and happy Friday friends!
we got your back!!! https://t.co/GgHkLMTDSm
Good morning Do instructional coaches work at HS level? You're my ICs: helping me get through challenges to create effective lessons
I'm the tech coach by default but on top of regular classroom duties. What a gift it would be to do it as a job!
If you're interested-I've built an "Instructional Coaches" list in my twitter feed. Will be using as resources next yr!
Jumping in late to . I'm Ku, Learning Coach, Argentina. I'll be playing close attention tho this topic!
I do a lot of targeted cycles. For example we work on planning for assessment, I gather data, we analyze the data and make a plan.
Sorry to hear that. Hope today is MUCH better!
I view coaching like being a personal trainer/therapist. Listen a ton, push a little, support throughout.
Whatever the role is, I know I want one! How do I sign up? I'm always looking to improve!
IC offer differentiated and personalized professional learning
I'm HS T. The model we are following def work at HS level.
Excited to see it with my son after he graduates from boot camp! https://t.co/uM0p7S89dK
Also, I saw last night. You all need to go see it.
Our district has a few instructional coaches. They should be teacher's ally / provide support, guidance, encouragement
Yes! A key part of their role is to enable a culture of strong T-to-T collaboration to thrive, focused on excellence.
sounds about right !!! ( like a tech coach!) https://t.co/LXEuiGRI8I
I view coaching like being a personal trainer/therapist. Listen a ton, push a little, support throughout.
Wishing you well today, Susan! 😊
Hmmmmm. Interesting way of distinguishing. Do you find yourself still coaching at times? https://t.co/91ocMqge7B
We have Instructional Coaches and Mentors. Coach is content. Mentor is pedagogy and best practices. I'm a Mentor.
Having wifi issues but I finally made it! Half Friday! Hope everyone has had a wonderful teacher appreciation week!
Thanks Dan! I'm really pumped up about it. Spent yesterday w/ my A.Supt & 8 teachers working w/ avatars!
We'll have our first literacy coach k-8 in my district next yr - interested to see what that entails
Perfect! https://t.co/DIxVKc1im3
I view coaching like being a personal trainer/therapist. Listen a ton, push a little, support throughout.
Unfortunately, the network that provided our ICs recently shut down (https://t.co/EgkITtLRmH ), we hope the great work will continue.
I think of a coach as just that--a coach. Observes, gives constructive feedback, makes suggestions for next steps.
hoping to use google classroom more as a coach-book study posts, newsletters, reminder announcement in 1 place
Hi
Carl from Emerald Aus
Watching my beloved Monbulk women play in the 2nds
daughter goes on in an hour https://t.co/9FMtYoY3Dr
I think the role of an IC is to lead Ts to new ways of teaching, support and refine practices, and make a pos. Impact in Ss learning
I would love to be a coach
not often. sometimes im the closest adult so i need to handle something before an admin gets there.
Thanks for the resources Ben! I look forward to reading it!
Hey good luck Connie ! https://t.co/7GAqt8S5HO
If you're interested-I've built an "Instructional Coaches" list in my twitter feed. Will be using as resources next yr!
Congrats to you both! It is the greatest role I never intended to have, and such a necessary position
Exactly! That's why I always love the "independent set of eyes" an IC provides. Their feedback is GOLD!
from your lips to..You know the saying! I need Groundhog Day. I was blindsided yesterday and didn't handle it well. 🤐
interesting. I find myself doing both.
Coaching seems a new idea here
We do have one in the school but we are getting used to him.
Definitely!, Thanks Connie! https://t.co/WYs1xb86a2
If you're interested-I've built an "Instructional Coaches" list in my twitter feed. Will be using as resources next yr!
It my district, a teacher only works with me if they want to. there are struggles to that model. But it works well.
Absolutely agree! What have either of you implemented to foster this?
IC sounds like a nice idea aren't they really taking over some principals duties on instruction? (as they have too many to cover)
IC is a partner with the teacher to support their growth in the teaching/learning process
your telling me. I also take on pseudo IC tasks on top of my reg. role.
Ive been thinking about how to make myself more available to the whole staff.
ICs walk the PL journey with colleagues...listen, observe, invite, encourage, model, challenge, be patient, respect, learn together.
thanks 8 years as a coach every year has been different but the last 2 have been the best yet
Yes but multiple schools.My home base will remain the same - I will travel to other locations.
I can see where that would be a +. If they want to work with you they want to improve and not be forced
ICs don't exist in many districts due to budgets sadly
The schools I am at have Reading, Writing, Math and Science Coaches - so we collaborate.But our roles are different.
I had a role doing ICT coaching in a school for half my load. Hard to get people to accept a coach
The perfect definition. I'll add that I also help plan, co-teach, and model lessons. https://t.co/OTrlP3cijg
I think of a coach as just that--a coach. Observes, gives constructive feedback, makes suggestions for next steps.
Thanks Eric! I'm really excited about it. Our organization is involved in some cutting edge things related to T PD!
I was assigned as a "mentor" this year, but my "mentee" doesn't want the help. https://t.co/4f5U98ynmQ
We have Instructional Coaches and Mentors. Coach is content. Mentor is pedagogy and best practices. I'm a Mentor.
Any coach has to be careful not to walk the admin line. Union members shouldn't "evaluate" other members.
Having a fresh set of eyes in the classroom providing feedback, whether an IC or a peer, is the best way to grow.
We don't separate the 2 in our school either - both content & pedagogy, along with support in anything needed
what is your "official" title, Stacey? Never seen the LC position in action,curious to see how theyre different
IC support their Ts in being reflective, and nudging them into next steps to improve their practice
That happens a lot at my school too!
Does one get certified for IC? I'm ignorant on this one. Can someone explain? (Obviously I don't know any...)
Instructional Coach provides warm ups (try stuff), playbook (if S does this, then that), alt plays (when tech not work) & cheers!
What has made the last 2 years so great Amy?
ICs should be instructional leaders all the time and partner closely with admin!
Been there, done that. Very hard
The best instructional coaches aren't far removed from classroom. Our coaches have 50% timetables. Keeps it real!
Weekly critical friends meetings with all Ts, sharing of all projects & ideas, shared vision & leadership...
I do these morning meetings called "Mentor Meet-Ups" for 30 min 2x a month where we do round table discussions. It's cool.
Today is your new day. You got this!
When I got in a little trouble last year (later resolved) one suggestion was that I work with IC
My best days are when I'm able to nudge them in a way that they figure things out on their own. They're empowered.
Congrats! It's a wonderful journey.
Thanks! We've already been doing great things this year & I'm not even the official IC yet!
love your extended metaphor usage there!
but there is assessment and evaluation involved in coaching.
Sounds exciting! I know you will be great!
I'm right there with you on this one... https://t.co/nc7TDu1vjn
Does one get certified for IC? I'm ignorant on this one. Can someone explain? (Obviously I don't know any...)
I built a university model for my teachers so they can pick and choose from offerings.
keep us posted for sure !! https://t.co/LPIcF1rWsK
Thanks Eric! I'm really excited about it. Our organization is involved in some cutting edge things related to T PD!
Coaches need T's willing to work with them. Sometimes it can be a frustrating role-especially new. https://t.co/WAcdWKulzI
We'll have our first literacy coach k-8 in my district next yr - interested to see what that entails
I'm a technology Coach. Mostly listen to teachers to find out what they would like to accomplish. Then giving them tools to do it.
"Teacher Resource Specialist for Technology". We also have g&t, c&i, math, dyslexia, esl, special ed.
That's hard. For me, they don't have a choice the first year so it's all about relationships and trust until they buy in.
ok folks I gotta run. just woke up. need to shower.
Ellen interesting hoodie !!!!
Just finishing my first year as a literacy coach. I love learning and growing with teachers. I am there to support them as a peer.
Were it not for the great ICs from , our school would not be the awesome place it is today.
Thanks! I'm feel fortunate to have so many IC's already in my PLN-will be tapping you for guidance!
In HS ours do too. I agree, remaining in the classroom helps - for admin too it's ideal too (but hard)
How is this facilitated? Do teachers take the role as facilitators? Everyone leads?
trying to be in 2 places at once tomoro - really want to check out Lit Camp in Burnswick (So.? New?) in the am too
I think a goid IC is like any coach. It's about bringing the best out of people through a mix of skill and confidence building
ours too I hear so much about these mythical beasts but none have come to coach my instruction
do you have librarians also?
IC isn't just a "role"-also a stance. A way in which u engage with your colleagues in which ultimately you both grow professionally
wow your district is forward thinking, lot's of Ts resources and support https://t.co/pj733m8ZQB
"Teacher Resource Specialist for Technology". We also have g&t, c&i, math, dyslexia, esl, special ed.
One of my fav examples of what a coach can dohttp://youtu.be/ZXnT84Eu-oA
Starting is one of my goals for my area. Unfortunately, it may have to wait until next year.
Ts need to think of IC as coach & not another admin reviewing what they did wrong.
I am not certified, though some states are in the process of creating a certificate for these positions.
PL together in the classroom...sometimes I lead the learning with Ss while the other T observes Ss.
I think this is a great way 2 empower UR teachers! We give S's Voice & Choice but often forget to give T's Voice & Choice
Professional inquiry & learning alongside trusted "thought-partners" matters for learning & growing! https://t.co/Os3FtyAUpW
I'd like to be open to the process and supportive of the role, feel like I need to educate myself more
always comes back around to trust and buy in
our district support is aligned and we also have weekly coach PLCs
Admin actually shouldn't be seen as punitive either...positive support goes a long way
honestly. Becoming a coach changed my life. LUV it. And love how it empowers teachers.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Yes. Ea sch has its own librarian & ea has at least a half day secretary. I think there are more at the HS.
Definitely need to be up on PD! https://t.co/8cpB5esXC1
It depends on the schools needs. An IC should stay up to date on PD and help move the teachers forward.
In my district there isn't a cert. Coaches def have advanced degrees/specialities that pertain to their coaching.
She's a seasoned T, but new to the school & grade level. I offer to help or meet, but she refuses. https://t.co/SmYzTNPBHh
That's hard. For me, they don't have a choice the first year so it's all about relationships and trust until they buy in.
How many coaches do you have Amy? And how many schools/T's are they responsible for?
Instructional coach is non-eval COACH to help a teacher attempt/improve a teaching strategy for improved performance w students
Being invitational is sometimes the best we can do...not about 'fixing' colleagues.
Just have to share. Had a 3rd grader brave enough to tell class she felt invisible. Another S told her you are invincible.
So many different names for similar roles-coach, specialist, integrator. Some media specialists provide some of the same roles
didn't mean formal evaluations, just in the you can't do the job if you can't form a view of where someone is with tech.
Yes, she works in all 10 schools, K-12.
They are great, like the Ts involved!
about 30 ICs and most have 1 or 2 bldgs
thx for info - always trying to understand our evolving profession just a little bit more each day
Agreed! Teachers need to understand that you are supporting their developing expertise.
Thanks! It's true in so many places.We want R T's to give S's Voice,Choice&AUtonomy but we don't give the same to them!
So even if you don't have ICs (which is unfortunate), you can have strong T2T sharing & growth via rounds.
Coffee. Have you just tried coffee together to get to know each other? One of my girls loved sushi. We ate and chatted.
We face the same struggle with some Ts. Don't know where the resistance comes from, but hard to break through
Anytime. There are about 20 of us total.
IC creates a space for colleagues to get it "wrong" & not feel embarrassed or get penalized.
30?? Wow! Did you all have official training to become IC's?
True! Never about evaluating colleagues...we are peers who are learning together.
You have to recognize ICs as peers who are there to help you improve and not as someone who is judging you.
you made interesting pt about colleagues not *evaluating* each other - is that a challenging line to walk?
NJ is also looking at Teacher Leader certs. Hard work, dedication & on-the-job can't be taught.
I would LOVE to have an IC on staff! I often feel I could do it better, & would love someone to help me grow!
Ahhhhhhh! Thought partner. Yes. Great definition. https://t.co/dw7IITaC4H
I've heard it defined as thought partner. It really is a partnership. Ts working with Ts
I always feel bad for you US crew. I'm here in Australia, already started my weekend. ;)
students never fail to impress
Yes! This is such an important part of it - Safe - non-evaluative - a learning partnership!
we have IC bootcamp 2 weeks before school starts-and we also now have a fabulous coach liaison
yes, I've invited her out but she's too busy.
STUDENT engagement matters. Making it happen is often difficult and tedious. Need a better way. Read ->https://t.co/e3FIbYyTu4
Aw, Eric! You're a rock star!
Sometimes ICs breathe new life into already dedicated Ts' approaches to teaching and learning...no 'fixing'.
Have a fabulous weekend! Thanks for a great discussion
Have an awesome weekend, especially to all the moms out there!
also as a new coach most import thing is bldg relationships KEYKEYKEY!!!!
Yep, I think PA & New York, too. I'm in NJ, so I knew ab that. We have a lot of T Ldr programs.
If they are "old school" & used to their ways, often they don't want to change or embrace the new https://t.co/uoLMeDgaC8
We face the same struggle with some Ts. Don't know where the resistance comes from, but hard to break through
We've finally learned to truly differentiate PD. Most Ts love it, but some r scared & overwhelmed by choices
Such kindness...& expertise! Thank you!
I am not called a mentor, but *sometimes* fill that role. It's inconsistent at best.
I'm excited to be a presenter at a PD in a much larger district in June. Get to share my "wins" with others, hoping to help.
For real! I find myself clarifying that often. Lol https://t.co/CwUYEv4Khj
I always tell my teachers that i work for them. I think of myself as very far from admin.
An IC is part teacher, part leader, part change agent, and part facilitator, but most importantly a teacher's advocate
Great description.In R district the only thing that will B different is that we do not coach by content area
yes, DI is key for Ts just as with Ss
Agree, before we had ICs we had strong subject area teams that learned from each other
I've had some amazing coaches in my time. They were there to tell me what I was doing right. Sometimes I'm my own worst critic.
A lot of what I'm hearing sounds an awful lot like what my vision of a school is https://t.co/TK8dzrRKs9
So many different names for similar roles-coach, specialist, integrator. Some media specialists provide some of the same roles
Wishing each of you an awesome Friday and an enjoyable weekend! Rock the learning! 😊
Just added to my PLN and IC list! I've been training all year-meet w/ IC director 1x or more/month.
We have T ldrs in our county, but they don't coach, and they don't get paid for the many hours of add'l wrk https://t.co/gjt7BySgMa
NJ is also looking at Teacher Leader certs. Hard work, dedication & on-the-job can't be taught.
That's the easiest piece for me!
Safety & Trust matter - learning 'alongside' & 'with' your partner- this is not done 'to you'
Don't forget friends the cool convos continue at Spark chat on voxer
I ref eval bc state sets expectation for T evals to coach T for perf but time of admin doesn't meet exp
It took our staff awhile 2 adjust to this as well but overall everyone likes the Teacher Driven PD model!
Okay off to enjoy Friday. We host the first in the Dom Rep tomorrow and I'm such a weird mix of nervous and excited!
Time to go already?? Have a great Friday and happy Mother's Day to all of you moms!
Yes. https://t.co/fZ5m6ouIjr
I view coaching like being a personal trainer/therapist. Listen a ton, push a little, support throughout.
Yes - my belief is that ICing is a partnership with teachers
I think they'll get there too. I've had to have some reassuring convos to let them know this is truly choice
Have a beautiful day all - thx for sharing a basket full of info for me to consider, process, reflect on
have a great experience! I'm sure it will be fantastic
can lead a horse to water....document tries & rejections.So later they can't come back & say no one helped
That's the beauty of it. You're able to move Ts forward cuz they get what they each need. https://t.co/4aZCGpZEUC
IC offer differentiated and personalized professional learning
SO sad to jump out of this conversation! Thank you to everyone for your thoughts on IC-I can't wait to go back & read the feed!
Greatness must be empowered in Teachers! Empower Ts to be Great - Watch Magic Happen for Ss!
Thanks Amy! Once it starts I'm sure the jitters will disappear :)
Great thoughts/reminders - thank you Paul!!!
great tweeting with you on this topic!
Me too - I've jotted down lots of ideas to share & try. Thanks all!
