#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 July 27, 2016
A4: Ldrs that empower others and find the positive in all situations
Good leaders create a safe environment to share your voice.
A4: Best leaders are good listeners, collaborative, multipliers
Yes that is very important, but also very difficult for me to do.
A5: Reflect quietly, write down my thoughts, and respond if necessary 24 hrs. later
I love this question, Kathy.
Reading this book is such an inspiration. Spent all last week working with the Art of Coaching
A5 Pausing and asking questions. Where is this person coming from? Understanding their side more can find that common ground.
A5 Exercise more! Listen to calming music. Meditate.
Q5: I either need quiet time and space or a good workout to zone out and process. Always time before acting.
A5 look for a + somewhere at school, often the s can put a :) on your face https://t.co/cpBZhpXbgE
Q5: What strategies do you use to manage your own feelings, especially when feeling upset/frustrated/worried?
A5: Think before you speak; honor perspective of others; reflect; ask clarifying questions
A5: I try to refocus on the facts. Also remembering that others' perceptions are their realities.
A5: Acknowledge that Iβm experiencing these feelings - walk away to reflect - and then remind myself not to take it personally.
A4: Empathic, hands on, stays close to what goes on in the classrooms, always keeps teacher workload in mind when making decisions
A5: I try to ask questions to help me understand better.
A5: 24 hr rule works well for me: I listen carefully & take notes to see if the feelings are still as intense
YES! Sometimes I find notorious 1-uppers are completely unaware. What approach do you take w/1-uppers?
A4 The leader I most admire had a great ability to encourage and lead. plus incorporated the ideas of many.
A5 I try to remember that people generally have good intentions. Looking for positives helps.
+24 for the twenty-four hour rule. Very wise!
A5: trying to use more mindfulness practices! Also taking a break to reflect on next steps.
I say this often to my fellow district coaches too! https://t.co/uVUmmcSDcs
i was once told you know you've done a good job when you've worked yourself out of it, build your teacher leaders..
Good advice! I need time to get to this point, though. Get over my own hurt feelings and move on! https://t.co/mQLJGOdWMc
A5 Pausing and asking questions. Where is this person coming from? Understanding their side more can find that common ground.
A5: Keep the long view; extend grace; learn and go on
A5: I'm getting better at addressing feelings when movement in group is needed. Nothing worse than not knowing what is upsetting.
A4: A positive attitude, timely and constructive feedback, praise for a job well done, a listening ear and guidance when needed.
A1. Lots of effective communication. Honest conversations. Arguing without blame.
A5: I journal daily and mark particularly challenging days, then reflect about them after I have had a few days to process
A5: I need to talk to a few trusted friends! They reason with me and let me talk it out...
A5- remind myself that I strive to be calm and definitive- take a deep breath and try to show those qualities.
Remembering to not take it personally and not actually take it personally seem hard for me. :)
Great question. I need some approaches for this too! https://t.co/5RNo0lkWEZ
YES! Sometimes I find notorious 1-uppers are completely unaware. What approach do you take w/1-uppers?
This chat is moving WAY fast tonight, I'll have to go back and re-read tweets later...phew!
A4: A true leader is not a manager. A true leader inspires and motivates.
A5: I like to write down the questions I need answered and look for themes. Try to find a neutral party to to discuss concerns
Yeah, I'm having the same problem
A5: Either running on a treadmill or writing in a journal in order to think through what I'm feeling, why, and what to do next.
I get emotional & I find writing when observing helps me keep my emotions N check unless a child is getting hurt,then all bets off
A5: Always put ! Take a break, relax, seek advice & think how to achieve goal w/o stress https://t.co/jET8jCgegq
Q5: What strategies do you use to manage your own feelings, especially when feeling upset/frustrated/worried?
A5: I remind myself of the positive things in my life, and move forward!
A2. People afraid to address the 'elephant' in the room.
A5: I have a trusted and respected colleague I can talk to. Oh, and I shoot archery once a week!
I like this idea -- journaling.
Exercise is critical in this job! (or wine!) https://t.co/TcvTSTBfKx
A5: Either running on a treadmill or writing in a journal in order to think through what I'm feeling, why, and what to do next.
A5: Debrief with people I trust and whose opinions I value.
yes growth mindset and understanding that teams are what schools are built on especially in these demanding times
part of great collaboration is being selfless.
Listening with empathy often helps me contain my feelings , putting myself in the other person's shoes
Yes, pausing b4 responding huge! Easier via email, but taking notes F2F & asking "Can I get back 2U" sometimes good, too
A5: When I am at school I visit an Art, music, tech, or PE class
I try very hard to remember that! Especially when answering emails!
You're moving us right into our next question!
I have a colleague who is an excellent archer. Threat of harm keeps my emotions in check.
Q6: How can we demonstrate empathy to a teacher who may be experienced more stress? What will our empathy look/sound like?
Me too. Teaching is such a personal profession. This is really tough. https://t.co/nq5CpdTYuu
Remembering to not take it personally and not actually take it personally seem hard for me. :)
This is a mark of great leadership https://t.co/Ftc0EYvbK7
A4: a leader who inspired me worked alongside me instead of in front of me. I felt fully heard and appropriately challenged
That is a great idea. Being able to just interact with the Ss and relax. I need to try this https://t.co/QqMBZg9l27
A5: When I am at school I visit an Art, music, tech, or PE class
A5: I listen to music and sing really loudly.
Yes, emails...i've started answering those more in person instead of through email. too hard to judge tone.
A6: No idea - I am autistic and showing empathy is a mystery to me.
Oh, I LOVE this question so much!! So glad you're asking it.
teaches the Q-TIP strategy to calm upset. It means Quit Taking It Personal.
Journaling is a new strategy for me this year. I love the idea of going back and reflecting after a few days.
Many things, but the most usedβ¦modeling collaboration and praising and recognizing others https://t.co/FCoSpqnnsv
YES! Sometimes I find notorious 1-uppers are completely unaware. What approach do you take w/1-uppers?
Me, too. Especially in the car.
A5:I listen more, talk less when emotional...revisit topic later if possible
Q6: put yourself in others shoes and listen, listen, listen. Provide support where you can and be available
A5: I also have certain classrooms I like to regroup in. These classrooms are everything that's good about education!
Try to see from different perspectives.
Visiting preschool helps, also! Love those littles!
A3. They gain a new perspective and be able to view the perspectives of other team members
A6 The lesson of Job's friends. Shut up and listen. Empathy is often intensely silent and personal.
Interesting. What strategies do you use when listening to others?
A6: Listen to their concerns, be present, in the moment, let them know they are valued. Guide them to their own solution
A6: You have to care. Listening with empathy means trying to understand. Restating what the other person is saying to show this.
A6: Keep asking questions to find the root of the stress.
A6: Nothing is permanent; listen, fill needs, encourage, move toward collaboration, encourage; simplify what's tricky w/ empathy
Q6: Listen, that is, really listen, and not try to fix the situation but empower our colleague to reach a solution
I will be a listener, listening and really hearing, trying to understand what are the reasons the person is struggling
I heard somewhere "If you can't NAME it, you can't TAME it!"
A4. Their ability to get results, admit mistakes, and be strong
A6: Making sure they are truly being heard & supporting their needs. Thinking about what if that were me in their shoes?
A6: Let Ts express their feelings acknowledge their feelings - and then ask how you can help. Ask if they want, b4 giving advice.
A5 Never forget what it is like to be a teacher in the stressful, busy times. Lend a hand. Honor their time.
A6 listening, offering a hand, words of encouragement https://t.co/QgY9kNZeoy
Q6: How can we demonstrate empathy to a teacher who may be experienced more stress? What will our empathy look/sound like?
A5 Journaling, prayer, and calling gym retired mom π helps me destress.
Q6: Ask lots of questions to truly understand the struggle and help that teacher put some actions in place to decrease stress
i would always go hang out with K3 and K4 classrooms when having a rough day! Im@in middle school now. I miss that.
A6: just listen and offer suggestions to fix. must be careful, though, to not lower expectations-still have to do our best work
I so agree! Our colleague will feel empowered if they come to a solution, not my solution.
This is one I'm personally working on to improve!
A6: You have to understand that they are on a journey and see them for where they are. Listen and be present
Oh yes - don't fix! Hard to resist sometimes.
A6.1: showing empathy comes from honest compassion for the other person. Think first about a time you were extremely stressed
A5: Seek first to understand, ask questions, and seek advice from a trusted colleague.
Sometimes all they really need is someone to listen, not offer advice or try to fix the problem. (Stephen Covey)
A5. Telling yourself to walk away when you are not 'balanced' in thought
A6: Sounds like listening, truly listening with intention to understand not reply.
A6 Acknowledge the emotion and THEIR reality. Listen, keep listening, then listen some more. Fight your inner 'fixer' & coach!
Adult learners are often aware of their needs. Simply asking can be the best strategy sometimes. https://t.co/1nrzzyMepD
A6: Let Ts express their feelings acknowledge their feelings - and then ask how you can help. Ask if they want, b4 giving advice.
agree most times just listen and don't insert a personal story
A6: Listening. From there together we can work it out and it looks/sounds different person to person
Ah yes, and that implies accepting them. That they're on a journey. Wherever they are is where they are. Powerful
I agree it is their journey to go through and we have to meet them where they are.
A6: Listen to understand instead of listening to reply.
A6.2 then be there for the person. Ask them questions and be prepared to give them space or time depending on what they need
A5 Not dwelling too much on it. You win some, you lose some. Keep moving forward and learn from the experience.
I often pull reflective strategies from "Teach, Reflect, Learn" by
Yes! Just bc it may not have same impact for you doesn't mean it doesn't matter. Respect who they are. https://t.co/4134Vc0aHP
A6: Listen to their concerns, be present, in the moment, let them know they are valued. Guide them to their own solution
Do whatever is needed even f that means running off worksheets, yuck , but I will do it to assist https://t.co/IpbVruH97W
A5 Never forget what it is like to be a teacher in the stressful, busy times. Lend a hand. Honor their time.
Not everything can be or needs to be fixed! I like this "fight your inner 'fixer'"! https://t.co/QFMY8iflnm
A6 Acknowledge the emotion and THEIR reality. Listen, keep listening, then listen some more. Fight your inner 'fixer' & coach!
A6 First listening, then asking what they need, last being reliable and present to the agreed βachievablesβ.
A6: listening and offering supportive environment.
A5 lend an ear and really listen and validate their feelings. Offer encouragement and understanding.
And sometimes, they just want to let steam out or maybe itβs not the right time to give adviceβ¦wait! https://t.co/IqA2MQ1Cq7
Adult learners are often aware of their needs. Simply asking can be the best strategy sometimes. https://t.co/1nrzzyMepD
A6: Let Ts express their feelings acknowledge their feelings - and then ask how you can help. Ask if they want, b4 giving advice.
Q7: What can we do, as coaches, to cultivate positive, productive school environments?
A6.2: Good point was made of excepting them where they are in their struggle, not judging them or trying to fix
A6: rephrase what T says to confirm understanding. Show genuine empathy while asking questions to help give insight.
A6: Teaching is stressful and joyful. Recommended bringing a personal talent into room to distract, smile, recenter
That 'fixer' has such a strong voice! You are right, it is "their" reality and that is what is important to remember.
great response! I love this one.
Wait time is good for everything!
A5 I am in discipline so constant - situations, actually have a diffuser with "happy juice"
A6 Being an empathetic listener has to do with understanding what the speaker is looking for from you. A fix, listener, defender?
this is a great video, I've used it several times!
. Yes! It's braver to ask a question than to offer advice. (paraphrasing Brene Brown)
I love this video, we watch it every year, sometimes more. I even break it out for my husband!
A7: Empower teacher leaders and showcase the great things happening throughout the school!
A5 Journaling, prayer, and calling gym retired mom π helps me destress.
A7: If anything model it everywhere we go and nurture it whenever we see it with praise or support
A7 Model positive interactions among students, faculty, administration, and staff. Appreciate everyone's contributions
A6 Be careful not to project your reality and feelings on the speaker. It's not about the listener.
A7: Donβt make promises that we canβt keep. Be honest & be honest about our limitations. If not, distrust & neg. feelings happen.
A6 First listening, then asking what they need, last being reliable and present to the agreed βachievablesβ.
+1 showcasing highlights!
Yes! Intention and understanding. We don't need to fix, just offering a safe place to release neg energy. https://t.co/nBgFOlSziI
A6: Sounds like listening, truly listening with intention to understand not reply.
A7 share other t ideas from inside school, include Ts on school wide decisions when can https://t.co/M7rjZOf97a
Q7: What can we do, as coaches, to cultivate positive, productive school environments?
A7: Celebrating the victories that are happening in your school, big or small. Growth is growth!
Awesome chat! Heading out early, and will see you next week!
A6 I hope to get teachers using twitter as a way to share, empower and inspire
A7: Cultivate an environment that focuses on strengths therefore building a community of support for individual weaknesses.
A7: be positive. be productive. don't admire the problem, celebrate successes, large and small. https://t.co/TxiC7rD0mT
Q7: What can we do, as coaches, to cultivate positive, productive school environments?
Yes, hard for teachers to do and the 'fixer' voice gets stronger if you're in their context.
A7: Model what we desire through our own actions. Be somebody's somebody so to speak-we all can grow/learn from each other
What are some of your favorite ways to celebrate?
Q8: What questions might you have for the author, after reading Chapters 1 & 2?
1st year teaching promised kids no yelling end of year eval, "Don't keep promises you can't keep" ouch
A6: Thank you Shannon for the reminder to "be present" - we are best able to hear/speak with compassion https://t.co/Qs9sa3Dslb
A6: You have to understand that they are on a journey and see them for where they are. Listen and be present
A6 Share stories of our struggles. Be transparent. If stress at home, put a card or note in their box.
A7: model the behavior you want to see and bring awareness to the areas that need some attention. Reflection.
A7: model what we hope to see. Be a good communicator, ongoing learner and hard worker. Empathize, show patience, & improve always
A7 The cliche be the change you want seems to fit here. We model positivity and do not engage in unhealthy behaviors.
Credibility, trust built when we keep our word & make good on promises. Easier said than done; critical though
A7: Believe in what you are doing!
A7 I hope to get teachers using twitter as a way to share, empower and inspire each other
A7: Be a role model of positivity and producitivity. Do what you say you are going to do, and be enthusiastic
Lol. Great reminder to go back to singing and dancing at the end of the day. https://t.co/esyYm5zWfb
A5: I listen to music and sing really loudly.
Sometimes feedback can hurt. . but great opportunity for us to become stronger teachers. https://t.co/XsqrJW88Er
1st year teaching promised kids no yelling end of year eval, "Don't keep promises you can't keep" ouch
yes...take time to highlight the successes, don't wait for the "big" ones
A7: Model. Walk the talk. Be impeccable in your communication with others.
A8 When are teams better than individuals? When should leaders make independent decisions?
A7: I think if we can teach others to be self aware as indicated in the book & have more EI toward each other we could defy limits
A7 The right blend of modeling and coaching teacher's thinking should help promote positivity.
A7: collaborative spirit, positive problem solver, celebrate teams working together, take care of staff who take care of Ss
A7: As coaches, we can cultivate productive school environ by being positive--continually being a witness to the good for Ts
Communication between ALL stakeholders.
Agreed, if staff feel supported, then students will be supported.
A8 School starts in a two weeks. What is the most important first step toward establishing effective teams?
A7: Celebrate successes, publicly praise innovation and creativity, listen to concerns but be solution oriented.
Q8: Time is always a barrier for teams, advice for cultivating and celebrating a team that is swamped (district level).
A8 How do you manage your emotions when things get heated ?
Q8: How can we teach our colleagues about the importance of EI & understanding how personality impacts growth?
Great Q. Leaders will always need to make some indpt decisions.
A8: Cultural competency is huge. Are there recommended steps to making this convo a regular part of team meetings?
And there needs to be a reason to work together as a team - so purpose needs to be articulated.
A8: What if you are unhappy with your own Emotional Intelligence? Can you work towards managing those areas?
A8: I would like to intro and work on EI with my grade level coordinators. What do you suggest to get me started?
Ditto. https://t.co/r2l8RDb2yJ
Q8: How can we teach our colleagues about the importance of EI & understanding how personality impacts growth?
Take deep breaths. Practice mindfulness. Try other ideas shared in this chat.
Yes! I agree. This is so important. Looking for suggetions here too. https://t.co/Qe6aNZX5Wf
A8: Cultural competency is huge. Are there recommended steps to making this convo a regular part of team meetings?
Lol! You're tweet has popped up in the middle of the weekly chat on The Art of Coaching Teams :)
Insist on your right to have time. Narrow priorities, sharpen focus. Clarify purpose.
Q8: Where can we find out more about the Elmore study quoted in the book on page 6?
A7 Compliment & build up teachers, develop trust, be transparent, don't act like a know it all, send encouraging notes & letters
So many great questions for in A8's tonight. She'll likely need time to go through those!
A8 How do you build cross team cultures school wide or separate buildings? Helping them to see similarities?
A8: the foundation must be a common understanding of vision & commitments; it's all about relationships!
Determine who you want to be as a team's leader. See ch. 2! And then build trust.
Q8: Advice for teachers working with teams on top of having a full-time classroom?
Q9: What take-aways do you have from tonightβs chat?
Sometimes we forget why we came together in the 1st place and purpose keeps us honest and focused Love it! https://t.co/9fhMgPq3Lo
And there needs to be a reason to work together as a team - so purpose needs to be articulated.
How should I begin in a new school? I know build trust but would love some ideas
When there is a defined purpose, people don't mind giving time.
Q10: feeling refreshed and motivated as well as like I've added some more tools to my toolkit. thank you
A8: Advice for coaches who work on multiple campuses with multiple teams that all meet at the same time.
Good question! I'm moving to a new school on Monday!
Ditto! Thanks https://t.co/EdLOQweRzn
Q10: feeling refreshed and motivated as well as like I've added some more tools to my toolkit. thank you
Yes!! So many good ones. And many responses to these already in the Art of Coaching Teams!
A8: ask yourself, how could this NOT play a role in learning?
A9 Lead through listening. Ask questions to build understanding. A team that feels appreciated will do more than expected!
Same here! Great chat tonight. https://t.co/7YAMJQ0P6Q
Q10: feeling refreshed and motivated as well as like I've added some more tools to my toolkit. thank you
Sorry my computer is powering down. Thanks , and
A9: Chat reminded me of importance of making time 2 debrief our day before we dive into solutions. Ts rarely have time 2 connect
Thanks for using this book! I am so excited abt content! | Slow down; build structures first (like Ss) know myself, 2
A9: Slow down. Listen. Take a deep breath. Think. (Or dance!) And then act.
A9: That the best leaders have similar qualities. They inspire through compassion, purpose, and value of others.
A9: Take care of yourself so you can care for others, establish your purpose and listen. Always listen
A9: I can't wait to dedicate more time to reading this amazing book from and more twitter sessions with
A9: Leading teams takes good listening, asking the right questions, and managing my own emotions.
Dancing is a must! We have to have fun together too! https://t.co/1BPaQO3MOv
A9: Slow down. Listen. Take a deep breath. Think. (Or dance!) And then act.
A9 Takeaway - I really do need to buy book! π
Yes we must remember to "sharpen our saws"..take time for ourselves.
Yes, I'm looking forward to the rest of it!
Yes! you'l love it, great at provoking thinking along the way. Lots of notes in my margins. https://t.co/XDlhUqlnRq
A9 Takeaway - I really do need to buy book! π
Just a reminder that we will be discussing ch 3-5 next week. We can also continue our conversations in the voxer group.
i'm telling myself that tonight as my to-do list stares me down:)
Yes!! Best purchase this year! Amazon-Prime-it.
Love how my grew again tonight. Thank you all for opening up & helping me grow.
A special thanks to for joining us this evening to help us learn and grow and build strong teams.
it's amazing!! This is my 2nd reading of it this summer!
Thank you ! Such a great chat. See you next week!
I wish the margins were bigger! I need more room for all my notes :) https://t.co/eFDskpIwIg
Yes! you'l love it, great at provoking thinking along the way. Lots of notes in my margins. https://t.co/XDlhUqlnRq
A9 Takeaway - I really do need to buy book! π
Yes, we are so fortunate to have you join us to discuss your book ! https://t.co/vQC9TAM4s6
A special thanks to for joining us this evening to help us learn and grow and build strong teams.
Thanks to my co-moderator and who will return in a few weeks!
Thanks for awesome chat ! Bonus to have with us, too! Looking forward to next week already...
Thank you all and for adding this book talk at a crucial time. Looking forward to adding to my PLC! https://t.co/jMyLAwG7xL
A9: set a purpose and intention with your teams; be in it together and don't meet just to meet, you never get that time back
Thank you have a great second day at the workshop tomorrow! https://t.co/hCHUCp5v1z
Yes, we are so fortunate to have you join us to discuss your book ! https://t.co/vQC9TAM4s6
A special thanks to for joining us this evening to help us learn and grow and build strong teams.
A9: schools across the country are fortunate to have instructional coaching programs with folks like tonight's participants!
Thank and for a powerful chat tonight!
Truly enjoyed book study tonight on Art of Coaching with followers. coaches - join us!
and thanks to those who are coaching from the classroom, remember you can be a coach without the title!
Yes! It would be amazing to work with all of you! https://t.co/BoZOeMtjmP
A9: schools across the country are fortunate to have instructional coaching programs with folks like tonight's participants!
A2: Lack of common vision or lack of purpose or product gets in the way of a team being effective
Seriously coaches this is some good stuff. Read the book and stay for the chat *mind will be blown* https://t.co/UyoWwJxJge
Truly enjoyed book study tonight on Art of Coaching with followers. coaches - join us!
Thank you and for a powerful chat tonight!
Great 1st chat on The Art of Coaching Teams: Building Resilient Communities that Transform Schools https://t.co/3bKwB8zrEj
