#educoach Archive
The #educoach hashtag is used by instructional coaches around the world. We chat each Wednesday at 8pm CST on Twitter and use the hashtag throughout the week to share resources, ask questions and collaborate with instructional coaches.
Wednesday March 16, 2016 10:00 PM EDT
Good evening Let’s start by introducing ourselves and sharing a success story from the week!
Good afternoon from sunny Melbourne, Australia My is daylight saving time so I can stay for whole chat during lunchtime 😄
My tweets for the next hour are for my favorite chat of the week. Hello !
YEAH! And I can join the next time you have it!
Good evening . Sonya from Texas joining tonight. Success story = recharging on spring break!
Natalie from Louisiana! Instructional/Tech Coach & PD coordiantor! was helping admin () w/ Google Classroom
And here I am still not adjusted to daylight savings time!
I'm Kathy, co-moderator of . My was learning from as he Skyped into our Teacher Leader Network.
I'm Kathy, co-moderator of . My was learning from as he Skyped into our Teacher Leader Network.
Dan, business teacher from St. Louis. My win was organizing a PD session coming up when Ts are allowed to do self-directed
Hi! Lauren, K-5 Instructional Coach, Indiana. My was seeing great student work tonight at our district learning showcase.
Jeremy, from Iowa - Success = emphasizing positive Ss attendance improvement
Self-Directed PD is so important for teachers.
Google Classroom = assignment for Ts over spring break! With an awesome Google Doc Resource I created! Modeling tech integration
John from Wisconsin = finally staying awake for this chat & being the live coaching participant at the Wis. Rti Workshop
Jessica from WI. My is getting to see great student writing in classrooms with our new writers workshop this year.
HELLO Jeremy!!! Nice to see you here. Hope all is going well this year! Miss you in .
also Assoc. Principal for 6-7 MS
Greetings IC in Iowa success story= great T discussions around content area writing.
I need to share that Google document with you. I think you would love it! All about design thinking, PBL, etc.
it really is. Many have asked me for 1:1 time, so I organized an "open lab" type to where I am offering tech help.
Mandy, elem IC in TX. Enjoying time during spring break to read and recharge!
Trish from Toronto a fantastic skype with new teacher researcher from Australia
you are using units of study, correct?
Toshila, Assistant Principal from Houston,TX.
Yes, that's correct. This is our first year K-8th. Lots of work, but totally worth it!
Share away! I always enjoy what you share!
Donna from Morganton, NC. . = Team planning with for was awesome as usual
Use the A1 (Answer 1) format, automatically categorizes the questions and answers in the transcript. WAY COOL!
K-8 is exciting! We are currently K-5, but would love to see it continued. Nicely done!
Reminder: Our next Better Conversations book study chat w/ will be on March 30. We will discuss chapters 4-5.
Let’s get started. Tonight’s topic is Tools, apps and processes for effective & efficient coaching
Barb, instructional coach -Minnesota. mtg today-debrief and plan based on Friday PD -proactively responding to feedback!
Q1 What does effective and efficient coaching mean to you?
Tiffany here again, listening in
Val, tech coach from Oshkosh, WI. Looking forward to tonight's chat!
Maureen, Lit Spec from IL
A1 Asking questions and listening to answers.
A1: Having clear and sufficient evidence of coaching impact in a timely, followed through manner
A1 Effective-Ts are growing in areas they choose, Efficient-work smarter, not harder. Ts need focused goals; time is precious.
A1 Helping someone experience a moment of reflection where they begin to see a progression.
A1--meeting the Ts at the point of need resulting in student learning
A1: Quick and timely, responsive, 2 way conversations, understanding a goal/action plan, etc. Coach needs to be available
A1 Effective coaching results in Action, Clarity & Energy - ACE!
A1: Teachers actually implementing what is presented by the coach in the classroom.
A1: It means you have multiple visits, timely and meaningful feedback.
What is your evidence of coaching impact? How do you get your feedback?
A 1 Watching someone take a risk, trusting what you have imparted to them
A1 Timeliness and having students and teachers implementing and being more successful because of the coaching.
Jennifer from Ky- a text from former coachee telling of a promotion & thanking me for being part of her journey
A1 I'm not sure I see coaching as efficient. It's a process which needs an investment of time, trust and process
A1:Coaches providing feedback to teachers regarding implementation.
In a profession where time is everything, we have to be more streamlined in our thought processes
A1 Providing questions to guide the learner in a direction that leads to more learning and impact - efficient = valued time
A1 , , recurring discussion, PLCs, Open Mindset, Mentor_centered https://t.co/rySEDsn9PH
Q1 What does effective and efficient coaching mean to you?
A1 coaches continue to ask questions that challenge everyone to grow including the coach!
Q2 What web based tools do you use to be more productive as a coach or school leader?
A1 The best coaching results in increased AWARENESS (of reality & possibilities) + RESPONSIBILITY (to act/move forward)
A1: effective coaching is responsive to Ts' and Ss' needs-must resonate with T for efficiency
A2: GOOOOOOGLE for everything! :) Webinars, resources, G+, SOcial media.... the list goes on...
A1:Coaches modeling in the classroom.
A1 I see effective coaching as that which allows the coachee the time, space & provocation to surface & deepen thinking
Yes! Sometimes, too many ideas can be overwhelming.
A2 Google Docs - changes shared with teams/Ts instantly
Agree. Coaching is a process. https://t.co/kVVqa4fqtl
A1 I'm not sure I see coaching as efficient. It's a process which needs an investment of time, trust and process
A2 - We use coaching tickets, a Google + community for coaches, and Google Docs for coaching summaries in building a partnership
Including the coach...great point!
A1: Effective coaching is that perfect match of bldg vision & teacher goals. Efficient coaching helps Ts focus on the manageable
A2 95% of my coaching is online - google site, twitter, fb, whats app, skype
that's an ongoing work in progress, but seeing Ts reach their focused goals as well as evidence of student growth
I've learned way more this year as an IC from all the great Ts I work with!
A2 What are your coaching tickets?
A2: everything Google. Forms, docs, sheets, drive, gmail. I use it all. Oh and the search engine itself.
A2: Evernote, google docs, google calendar, Simple goals. Twitter/voxer for my ongoing learning.
A1 questions coaches ask continue to provide the teacher to answer their own challenges with out help. To work myself out of a job
evernote, symbaloo, live binder, padlet, google
A2 I love Google Drive for organizing my documents/data and Google Tasks for my to-do list.
yes, it's amazing what can be achieved in a brief coaching conversation. 'Take away' questions can also help efficiency
A2: , Google to consult w teammates , and Gmail to keep up with everyone... or try
A2: Google forms for surveys, docs for sharing feedback
A2 - Will share coaching tickets as soon as google drive speeds up!
Hey Deb, fancy meeting you here 😀
A2 I've found the voice to voice of Voxer an excellent medium for coaching & being coached. & for our coaching team.
A2: Google apps help me keep templates, conversation notes, data at hand for reflecting conversations w/coachees
A1:Effective- Ts are on your team 100% & understand you're there to help.Efficient- Ts can get the task done in a timely manner
Are you both eating your lunch? Happy Thursday in Australia!
A2: Google Apps are a must have. From my calendar and task list, to Google Drive...all help keep efficiency and convenience.
I'm hear great things about https://t.co/73PMoYzZxd for uploading videos. Time stamp feedback, etc... Looking forward to using!
I'm hear great things about https://t.co/5tCv89MAPc for uploading videos. Time stamp feedback, etc... Looking forward to using!
tell us more about coaching tickets...
Agreed! is great! An ongoing and realtime tool! https://t.co/6MHgIvQIMq
A2: Google forms for surveys, docs for sharing feedback
What did we do before google apps and evernote?!
Q3 Planning and collaboration are a large part of coaches/leaders jobs. What web tools do you use to assist in this area?
has been a game changer for me professionally.
if it weren't for Checker Plus for Google calendar, I would be lost.
A2 No tech tool is as important as your listen skills
A2 anything google orientated - docs, forms, calendar, ToDoist, high performance workflow from
A3 A lot of the same that have been mentioned: Google Doc, Evernote, personal voxes to myself, plain old Word docs, etc...
A3: ! Allows for all parties to view and edit documents and track changes. Very efficient.
Good to know I'm not the only one who "voxes myself!"
A3:Most of our collaboration takes place during our PLC's.
A3 Google Calendar. I have a variety of calendars that keep me on track. Priorities, tentatives, master schedule, goals, etc.
I'd have to check. is there a limit to video upload length?
A2: interested to hear others' resources-as a district we use Marzano Art & sci- incl. https://t.co/r29sKeHKOO & teaching channel
A3 Planning/collaboration shared google docs, ,
Just did today as I had ideas for OUR book as I was getting ready. HA
Gonna check out Checker plus.
A3: Google Drive is the main tool we use for collaborative planning. Ts laugh at all of our folders w/in folders but it works!
A3 - Google + , Twitter, Screencasting for flipped PD, Edcamp style professional development, Google Classroom
of course! 😊 I'd welcome any comments too.
Susan from Oz. joining late
chrome extension. Easier than having to look for your calendar. So nice and easy to use!
We have an voxer group. Just picking up. Also have used for book studies.
We have an voxer group. Just picking up. Also have used for book studies.
There's an group, bk studies, etc. Can have 1-1 convos or groups of people chatting about anything.
atm I use it with othe coaches to talk through / be coached / coach around challenges
Agreed! Great ! https://t.co/MzOl3GZBh1
A3 - Google + , Twitter, Screencasting for flipped PD, Edcamp style professional development, Google Classroom
I find the time to listen & craft paraphrases/questions great for refining practice
Great use of voxer! https://t.co/xI1lnS2Vpx
There's an group, bk studies, etc. Can have 1-1 convos or groups of people chatting about anything.
A3: planning and collab primary is docs, forms, sheets, and iCal is essential to keep it all on track!
A3: My week begins on Monday with an email of available times to Ts in my bldg for planning, class visits, reflecting convos
My blog is also somewhere I explore my thinking around coaching. I also follow the blogs of others like
A3 - We also have a list of protocols on Google Docs shared with coaches that they put into action in the PDSA cycle
I meant 'at the moment' :)
A3 Our team use a google sheet to keep track of sessions & I use Outlook to schedule coaching slots
Q4 Schools R not at a lack of data. How do you use tools/technology to assist in collection & analysis of data to drive decisions
Guessing at the moment (ATM)?
That's a good idea- I feel like my schedule is inconsistent and Ts don't know where I'll be.
A3 part 2: sending invitations out to Ts Monday morning helps me keep teacher needs FIRST. Admin needs come after that
Ditto! :) https://t.co/dCNp4lRTFz
My blog is also somewhere I explore my thinking around coaching. I also follow the blogs of others like
Great way to start the week!
and of course the monthly chat is collaborative & great learning
Blogging is a powerful reflection tool for coaches. If you have a blog, be sure to tweet it out here! https://t.co/vE27CWBkcb
My blog is also somewhere I explore my thinking around coaching. I also follow the blogs of others like
A4:we have just started using this year and it has completely turned our data wall into a workable digital resource
A4 just getting into this area more so with PLCs, curious how others use the tools to drive decisions rapidly
A4 - Mid-year data review in all grades using google docs communicating ideas back and forth. Coaches help Ts in this process
A4:Using data disaggregate through eduphoria to create data walls to track each students progress.
Yes - remind us of day/time for based out of Australia so friends can join you. https://t.co/pRMwxBkA5p
and of course the monthly chat is collaborative & great learning
Q4 Our team is working on a digital tool resource list to share for Ts to use once data has been analyzed and needs pinpointed.
A4: our data wall is now digital in Google spreadsheets that has the capabilities to track historical data
We have used Awesome Table to filter our spreadsheets on the needs we are discussing
A4- The data review follows a "so what" & "now what" pattern with data huddles for students falling near RIT bands/benchmarks
I love the ideas that come from
A4: spreadsheet fan- Google forms, too. Determining data type/material to collect is more essential than tool
A4 We have web based ways to collect screening data. Reports generated quickly so time can be spent on analysis.
would love more info on this. What has been its biggest benefit?
This is a goal of mine for next year. What all do you track?
A4 I'm involved in action research - data is gathered to inform one T's practice, at times, dept or school wide change happens
The auto-sync features with diff assessments and student information system makes it so much easier!
. Several schools doing data"walls" either physically or digitally. Plan to incorporate tech strategies to help.
I love the ability to filter specific data points
You can customize what you want in your data wall. It is easier to sort and try to answer q's about student data.
Q5 Guiding teachers (and ourselves) to be reflective educators is another part of coaching/leadership. What tools are helpful?
Can also use to track interventions (but we haven't started that yet).
Important to remember that coaching "tools" are helpful but strong coaching skills & way of being are essential
A5 - We just conducted a mid-year review of our RtI Guarantees and celebrated successes while looking for areas to grow
wow!! That sounds incredibly beneficial to the data process. Thnx for the info!
A5 Hoping for good suggestions...struggling with teachers reflecting...
I agree completely! Coaches need to continue to advance skills. We need to keep learning and growing! https://t.co/M0PdXCaGDw
Important to remember that coaching "tools" are helpful but strong coaching skills & way of being are essential
I could go on and on, but tweets don't give enough room!
A5- Guarantees data is sorted using Google Forms and will help with providing personalized PD
A5 blogging is great reflection. Also having a metacoach collect data on my coaching for reflection / coaching around coaching
Great background to all of these convos.
A5 I have used 6 word stories throughout a coaching experience as a reflective tool...always compelling journeys
That's why is great for the after-party! No limit!
A5: I try to share my own personal reflections/learning with staff as I blog and share what I'm reading.
going to look into further based upon what you've shared-sounds awesome
A5: Reflecting Conversation map from Cognitive Coaching training all.the.time. Keeps me grounded in teacher thinking-not mine
Q5 Time to talk with colleagues, blogging- allow students to reflect on learning with help Ts reflect on teaching.
One tool I forgot to mention that has been helpful is google keep.
A5: resources are also excellent tools for all discussed here tonight and easily adaptable to personalized needs
Thanks for the reminder. I need to use this more! https://t.co/DNdtk5rstq
One tool I forgot to mention that has been helpful is google keep.
A5: Google forms, and drive to keep a journal/log of "take aways" as well as a mentor/mentee type to keep pushing me.
Is google keep similar to evernote?
Strong habits of thought-must be cultivated &taught... not something that one "falls into" naturally. https://t.co/CiNVzSJI7I
A5 Hoping for good suggestions...struggling with teachers reflecting...
Hi, Monica, Special Education teacher and data specialist here. First time on . Is it too late to join?
A5: reflection times scheduled for groups in book clubs, or self during drive, exercise, early rising-help Ts find their time.
Never too late to join. Glad you are hear. Chat will be archived so you can look over previous tweets.
Sorry have to leave! Have a great night!
Q6 So much of coaching and leadership is “modeling the way.” How do you model technology integration?
A6: I try to work it into coaching conversations, be intentional about listening to T need to match appropriate tech.
A6 Embed technology integration into PD for teachers. Use, not just tell about it. Discuss impact it had.
By not focusing on the tech but focusing on the learning that is taking place https://t.co/CNJefqdVWv
Q6 So much of coaching and leadership is “modeling the way.” How do you model technology integration?
Today I was thankful that the technology integration worked. Also had a plan B and C up my sleeve!
Well said! Effective coaching is 99% listening before bringing anything new to the table. https://t.co/XNeTYpxSIB
A6: I try to work it into coaching conversations, be intentional about listening to T need to match appropriate tech.
A6:Not losing sight of the fact that tech integration is abt the learning, not just the tool. Making sure to model connectedness
A6: model it during PD sessions, use it in the classroom. Model classroom examples for Ts to see.
Q6 Share a new idea and ask to come into classroom to share. Talk the talk and walk the walk- daily.
Probably my biggest professional challenge. Never realized how much I love to talk!
A6: Step by step. Encourage the teacher and show them examples on how it was included in concepts.
A6: love to invite Ts along as I learn new tech- PDs/conferences- then I offered to teach a class focused on tech/literacy
Video taping myself in coaching convos really helped me! https://t.co/jWp9YbuRQF
Probably my biggest professional challenge. Never realized how much I love to talk!
Q7 Not all coaching tools need to be digital. What other tools do you utilize in your coaching/leadership?
A7: Mtgs. with MY coach, , my copy of
Q8 Introducing to Ts. Great tool to encourage critical thinking and communication.
is great! Just participated in one a few weeks ago. https://t.co/RZrT0OrFtE
Q8 Introducing to Ts. Great tool to encourage critical thinking and communication.
A7: nothing beats the power of pen/paper. There is something about hand written notes that show care and compassion.
A7: One of the most powerful tools that we can utilize is by making our thinking visible for both Ts and Ss.
Can you tell more about that?
A7: most powerful coaching tool - learn alongside coachees. Take on new lrning lens together; book study, conference, EdCamp, etc.
A6: Do not overwhelm the teachers or they will turn off from the lesson, similar to the students. Again, positive reinforcement!
It's tech, but Twitter to ask questions and to research questions. My PLN has been such a great resource https://t.co/ZprgbFV8Wa
Q7 Not all coaching tools need to be digital. What other tools do you utilize in your coaching/leadership?
Ok. I agree...totally life changing - used with Evernote, also a plus.
agreed! I make an effort to not only keep a notebook for myself but take time to write others uplifting notes as well
I would definitely agree with that! I sometimes have teachers ask me to tweet q's out for them!
My Bullet Journal is a place to keep my day to day schedule, various lists I need at a moments notice. https://t.co/wwf7D0IcsW
Can you tell more about that?
A7: Face to face interactions. Personal support. Have a T who I would sit down with + help him in using the tools at his disposal.
Also helpful to help Ts using tools/ideas in their personal life to get comfortable & then share how they can use in classroom.
Q8 What is something you wish you had a tool or system for in order to streamline the work?
YES! We can not lose sight of FACE TO FACE interactions! https://t.co/Uv9xkPASJ0
A7: Face to face interactions. Personal support. Have a T who I would sit down with + help him in using the tools at his disposal.
A4: We are a GAFE district, so I am trying to get other faculty + staff members to use it to its fullest potential.
A7 The GROWTH system provides a powerful frame for managing coaching conversations - a tool? https://t.co/cJtr8E5vLs
Do you use the Evernote Moleskine? Thinking of changing to that?
Interesting. Has anyone used it for PD? Or in classrooms?
A7 The GROWTH coaching system helps manage conversation, raises awareness & encourages responsibility https://t.co/Az3QSz5kRM
Yes. We used in our on PD. Team building. Students have written plans for
A8: I want to capitalize on being able to annotate my coaching videos as well as keep my notes and artifacts all in one place.
A5: Using Twitter to learn from others and attending edcamps/local conventions can help. Opens up discussions with others.
We had a person bring a to . Great session. https://t.co/cAXzBVcxC0
Interesting. Has anyone used it for PD? Or in classrooms?
A8: wish I had a better tool for protecting my own time for reflection on coaching craft. I find most takes from my family time
is the guru of evernote/moleskin.
A3: GAFE, point blank. Used it to organize my life as a SpEd teacher and now as a campus data specialist. Calendar, Drive, etc.
I would have to agree. Along with many disruptions that can occur during the day (as a principal).
. Have done several PD sessions with several more in the next week.
That would be gorgeous. Using regular journal atm - my 8 week experiment is a success so far for prof and personal
Me, too. I have survivor's guilt about doing that during the school day.
Being strict with making bookings in your diary + putting a sign on your door does help.
I think many Iowa AEAs have kits to check out. I know does for our schools. https://t.co/pLHvCczv0u
. Have done several PD sessions with several more in the next week.
For coaches maybe...not really the principal. ;)
. Schedule "your time" into your day/week for reflection. Will ultimately benefit Ts and Ss you serve
I'm using a "plain" moleskin I had on had. Loving it.
Definitely something I'd like to explore. I need a visual!
Q9: What are topics you would be interested in for future chats?
A8: Need a way to focus on one specific task. Find myself overwhelm with work sometimes.
we need to research breakout kits
Bulletjournal works for me to bring professional and personal together, when time poor.
Q10: What are topics you would be interested in for future chats?
(oops I goofed on the #!)
Ok - agree but maybe you need to listen to the coach on your shoulder more often?