#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 June 1, 2016
Hi! Excited to join tonight! Rashida - Division Level Instructional Coach in Fairfax, VA
Good evening Let’s start by introducing ourselves and sharing a success story from the week!
Glad you could join tonight!
Dan, business teacher from St. Louis. My win was receiving textbooks to review for an AP Economics course I am teaching this fall.
Success story from my week - gathering people in my PLN to start - way of sharing/experiencing YA books virtually
My Getting writing done on my book with my book on Leading with a Coaching Hat w/ &
Andy, math for Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES in Newark, NY. Finding this tweetchat is my for the week!
Good Evening! LaToya here from Memphis, TN always excited to improve my practice.
Hello, All! English Teacher and Tech Coach from AZ! Happy to be here! Success story: got a colleague excited about OneNote today!
Shaeley, ESL instructional coach from Central Iowa. facilitating a session at last teacher workday
Another success is working with teacher leaders to create to reflect and plan for next year
My was actually to take time for myself, garden, walk, shop a little.
Natalie from Louisiana only 29 more days as an instructional/tech coach, but it is OK. I am moving to 1st.
Good evening ! My was closing out the year Friday!
Jay, principal from Merton, WI. is preparing our community garden with the kids.
My - Progress on my book - Leading with a Coaching Hat, which I writing w/my co-moderators &
Good afternoon/evening . Chris in Melbourne, Australia. I'm a teacher leader & coach.
My today was that I facilitated a great coaching institute for my science coaches. Now reflecting I am in reflection mode.
I'm slightly jealous! Maximizing the last days ...our Ss are in until the 23rd!
OOOH - happy summer vacation!
Love ! Great way to end a year (or begin) - Great team building!
is staying positive, will always be an ongoing learner, and watched an awesome Makerspace webinar 2day
Barb in Minnesota wrapping up final week with students- learned with great Strengths Finder book group this morning
Glad you could join us tonight at
Beth, literacy coach & consultant, based in VT. Just stumbled across this chat!
Another was when a student asked me about Voxer, and was really interested.
so glad you stumbled on Elizabeth Welcome!
Love that you are taking time to reflect on your institute.
Impressed by how involved everyone was in solving challenges. Great discussion after about digital citizenship
Hey Friend! Hope you had a good rest of the day since we chatted last.
Yes 😳 Welcome to VA! We start after Labor Day
LOL There were some good things.
WOW! My birthday! We got out May 19th. WE go back super early though.
looks like we are not alone!
My mind is going on about how to really support my coaches in supporting teachers next year. I am excited! https://t.co/acffXGy9YT
Love that you are taking time to reflect on your institute.
Same here! :) Got all my summer reading books and watched a cool makerspace webinar! Haha, I am a nerd. I know.
Let’s get started with tonight’s topic: Coaching Teams and Coaching Other Coaches
summer reading books is my sweet spot! I'm a book nerd all day every day
Oh, and I just found out about in Disney! Say what? We need to go! My mind is blown!
Welcome-look forward to learning alongside you! https://t.co/UqgSVsBTOo
Beth, literacy coach & consultant, based in VT. Just stumbled across this chat!
I'm sure it was great. I think professional learning is fun, too, so no judging here!
Q1 Teams are the fundamental building blocks of professional learning. How do you form these teams and determine their focus?
I have 5 books.Ahhh! Thank goodness for some travels this summer. I will have to read on the plane.
Sounds MAGICAL. An meet up would be fun!
A1: I think that teams should be formed based on grade level and content (specifically thinking about secondary w/content).
. Somehow I often wind up stepping into and, though I'm not a coach by profession, really digging it. So Hi!
Taking 50 minutes PD time at my desk to connect & learn with friends. Also tuning in to today!
A1: I am trying to really encourage my team to be a process of establishing the norms, goals, and focus so they take ownership.
I love when you show up to Welcome!
My was meeting , , and at .
A1 Natural teams- grade level & content. Also builiding leadership & PBIS teams. Norms & truth are vital. https://t.co/cSURaNQBya
Q1 Teams are the fundamental building blocks of professional learning. How do you form these teams and determine their focus?
A1: When changing teams around it is important to look at the existing team dynamics, strengths, personalities, etc.
The learning never stops in the world
Yes, indeed! Let's go! It is on Saturday! Pack your bags! Haha!
A1:I’m designing a new school in which students will work in teams rather than classes;thinking a lot about coaching student teams
A1: our teams are formed grade alike (3,4,5) in traditional program and grade band (k-2,3-5) in our STEAM program
Absolutely! This is essential and foundational. Also, norms should be visited often.Goals help us to have a common purpose
Do you think coaching teams is different than adults?
A1 Teams at our school are generally formed considering teaching assignments (grade/team).
A1 Give the general group ample time to socialize & for natural affinity teams to crystalize. Difficult to arrange for chemistry.
A1Teams form naturally-grade level/content. Determining focus is the challenge. https://t.co/Ymo9NJdWqG
Q1 Teams are the fundamental building blocks of professional learning. How do you form these teams and determine their focus?
Q2 How can instructional coaches be involved with teams of teachers?
Thinking about the similarities as I wonder about truly honoring
A1: Team members have to share a common agenda. Their purpose depends on the organizational goal.
A1: Generally teams are already determined by common subj area (e.g. science, ESL teachers, etc.) May have more control of focus.
Ownership is key. When I feel a part of the team I am more committed to the process https://t.co/WqrMZ4TyJ6
Absolutely! This is essential and foundational. Also, norms should be visited often.Goals help us to have a common purpose
A1 It's in the Q - teams need a focus - a reason to come together - a goal - otherwise they're just a bunch of people talking
A2: I think the coach's involvement depends on the team's needs.In general, the hope is that the coach impacts Slearning & Tgrowth
. Are you an person?! I seem to be!
our school is a and design focused school - teams are formed based on complimentary strengths using
A2: I have new opportunity to work with co-teaching teams (pairs of teachers). Asked them to identify focus based on surveyed need
A2 Coaches should schedule weekly meetings with teams, just like I do. Goal is to better reach the kids. https://t.co/2ZXAZV8Q0O
Q2 How can instructional coaches be involved with teams of teachers?
Is this a mixed age/grade team environment?
A1: I've seen success in interdisciplinary teams. Different perspective, content, grade level, but w/ same goals, passions,& focus
I agree! To be committed to the work we must trust the people
A1 Most powerful teams I've been part of did not deal with admin tasks/decisions, they had a clear mandate & purpose + expiry date
A1: Aim for diverse perspectives in literacy leadership teams-cross grades, buildings, districts. Vertical, grade-level, admin, Ts
A2: Be a part of the team. Give guidance when asked or it's fitting. It's a balancing act. https://t.co/G3x1vhePm7
Q2 How can instructional coaches be involved with teams of teachers?
A2: Instructional teams are wired for growth and instructional coaches are an invaluable resource.
Excellent answer. The needs of the team and impacting teaching and learning. https://t.co/FNKesO8g1x
A2: I think the coach's involvement depends on the team's needs.In general, the hope is that the coach impacts Slearning & Tgrowth
. Are we talking about Schwarzkopf High School or something?
A2: Desire to work with me came from co-teaching pair. I will provide some guiding learning & check in with them on their goals
yes in some classes - look at our website
A2: It is the coach's job to take the balcony view - what will give the biggest bang for the buck when working with this team?
A2 Coaches should identify the needs of the group and respond accordingly. Like a T in the classroom, the coach must adapt.
Wow! Yes - can we set up a google hangout. Our aim is to set up a network of personalized/PBL schools
A1cont': DuFours questions paraphrased-what do we want students to learn? How will we know if? How will we respond to ea learner?
A2: Coaches earn respect when they respect and value the strengths of the team members.
Would this work in EL/MS too?
Great to meet you Paul! Welcome to
agree - we use as a framework for teams to form, etc look
That is it! The work of the team is around these 4 questions & we must support Ts around this
LOL sounds funny, but it's good stuff! :)
A2 Deployment of coaching skills & way of being can lead to more productive meetings. Can empower voices & manage dialogue
A2: coach attends most PLCs in our bldg-as a resource, sometimes taking notes so all members can participate more actively
Does comparison continue to gradual release where coach helps teams become more independent in their learning?
A2: The coach needs to first build trust and relationships. Without this, no other "work" gets done, little impact is made
A2 Embed yourself in the team like a journalist in an army battalion. This is war. Sort of.
I think it does. I have often used the Gradual Release of Responsibility model in planning & describing my work.
A1: Assess the team's interest in topics, current knowledge, strengths / weaknesses, & personalities https://t.co/jdnlcvfCfl
Q1 Teams are the fundamental building blocks of professional learning. How do you form these teams and determine their focus?
Yes, yes, yes! 😊👌🏻 https://t.co/zWfUzltkf8
A1: Aim for diverse perspectives in literacy leadership teams-cross grades, buildings, districts. Vertical, grade-level, admin, Ts
Coaching is no different than any other type of leadership. Relationships and trust are prerequisite.
A1: With a lot of thought, guidance, mentoring, and follow up! https://t.co/4XORxvWoBn
Q1 Teams are the fundamental building blocks of professional learning. How do you form these teams and determine their focus?
yes - my last school was K-12
Q3 What type of team agendas have you used? Or what would be important to include to keep team meetings flowing?
A3:Always a check-in - again, building relationships and trust is key. End w/a reflection - how was our time together worthwhile
A2: best method I've seen is opening conversations up with members of the teacher team before taking the coach-teacher approach
A3 All agendas have the norms at the top. All members can add agenda items. Start with shoutouts! https://t.co/Q8yESLCYb8
Q3 What type of team agendas have you used? Or what would be important to include to keep team meetings flowing?
For an efficient meeting, keep everyone standing up. Those meetings don't last as long. https://t.co/ktAclATmKD
Q3 What type of team agendas have you used? Or what would be important to include to keep team meetings flowing?
A3:Make sure everyone knows if the agenda items are dialogue or discussion.Knowing the difference makes the purpose clear
A3: Also - are there clear outcomes? Why are meeting? What are we hoping to get accomplished?
A3: Google is a must for my team so that we can all follow along and add to the notes, ask Qs, refer back to, etc.
Norms are key - they should always be present so that we're reminded of them often.
A3: ideally agenda is in shared Gdoc and all members contribute before, during, following face to face meeting
A2 Simply being present and really listening in collab w Ts- needs begin to surface https://t.co/Agm0jeTNwa
Q2 How can instructional coaches be involved with teams of teachers?
A3: I've gotten better meeting goals & agendas by cocreating them via google docs. Team members can add their needs/wishes.
A3: Used to create agendas for teams, now I provide a menu of possible agenda items for 2-3 months to guide agendas.
A2 As a coach my first priority is to be the lead learner, put myself out there, lead by example. Model curiosity & wonder.
A3 Agendas we have used have had time guides, outcomes, and focus on solutions.
A2 Let teachers set schedule & topics, Be a guide & problem solver 4 their daily instructional challenges https://t.co/6SIJBPdNk6
Q2 How can instructional coaches be involved with teams of teachers?
Nice idea! What has changed as a result of providing a menu rather than an agenda?
A3: Anticipate which agenda items may be controversial and do some behind the scenes work ahead of time.
Do you two know each other? Wow! Can we all get together?
A3 I learned from one of my mentors to always begin a workshop or meeting w/a chance for all members to be "seen"
A3: Clear outcomes. Sometimes Ts think decisions need 2be made but there is value in dialogue https://t.co/fy84LiUYcB
A3: Email the agenda ahead of time so team members have time to process.
that is a good point. A great way to also monitor and respect time. I will have to use this https://t.co/PwRanQGjrf
A3:Make sure everyone knows if the agenda items are dialogue or discussion.Knowing the difference makes the purpose clear
Say more; that sounds really interesting. How do you make it possible for all members to be “seen”
Teams take more ownership for doing the right work- less feeling of something being done to them.
Q4 “Time” is often a barrier. What are ways to ensure teams of teachers have the time to meet?
Can you provide some examples you would use for them to be seen? https://t.co/dlCFPyCXph
A3 I learned from one of my mentors to always begin a workshop or meeting w/a chance for all members to be "seen"
If you know a meeting is going to be tense, bring lollipops. It's harder to argue when you have a lollipop in your mouth.
A3: Set guidelines 4 the meetings & not a formal agenda we found this approach conversation flow better https://t.co/QShGUxfOsT
Q3 What type of team agendas have you used? Or what would be important to include to keep team meetings flowing?
We used a Loss Function to determine our Ts needed the agenda 1 week be4. A huge discrepancy between needs of Ts!
In other words, a chance to talk/write about themselves before diving into business. Share something.
A4 Make sure teams share common planning time in the schedule. Keep it sacred! https://t.co/IWEydjaJiH
Q4 “Time” is often a barrier. What are ways to ensure teams of teachers have the time to meet?
Genius! https://t.co/a0c9Yq2ndU
If you know a meeting is going to be tense, bring lollipops. It's harder to argue when you have a lollipop in your mouth.
A4: Protect team mtg times. May need to schedule them way in advance & commit to that schedule.
Sounds really intriguing. What impact have you seen?
A4: Respect peoples time. Make it consistent (same day of the week, same time). Put it on the calendar (repeating)
A4: Time for teams to meet has to be a priority when making the master schedule. If not, it makes meeting very hard
A4 Building meeting time into the master schedule shows value and commitment and protects the time.
Q5 What are ways to handle conflicts between team members if they arise?
A4: using tools like Google Docs and other collaborative tools allow for asynchronous meetings. Also ensures record of convo!
A4 Encourage teams to do housekeeping digitally. Keep time focused on student data and T needs.
A4 One idea is to set up buddy classrooms. (ex 1st & 4th). 1 week 1st Ts watch class and 4th Ts meet. Switch the next week.
A4 In states with strong unions, build into teacher collective bargaining agreement
A4: Our bldg has coverage for short gen ed teachers' PLC-looking for SpEd and specialist teacher time-currently find their own
so it is a share-a-thon about themselves. Like what is your for the week. https://t.co/R5qaclvPiy
In other words, a chance to talk/write about themselves before diving into business. Share something.
A5 Other than Double Dare physical challenges?
Joining late. Hi, all! Lisa IC from suburb of Chicago.
A4 45 minutes of work time before kids normal arrival time. I take 430 kids for 30 minute assembly. 75 minutes total team time.
In combination w/other strategies: stronger relationships. Relationships are everything in this work.
A5 Be proactive. Have norms for meetings including what to do to reach consensus. Fist to Five or whatever.
Welcome. Glad you could join us.
A3: Agenda have to address the what. These DuFour Qs are the priority, the work of instructional teams https://t.co/5hQWHQFMqW
Sounds awesome and scary!
A4: Let team members contribute 2 fellow member's issues via google doc w/o a mandate 2 attend meetings https://t.co/PdewRzBBVi
Q4 “Time” is often a barrier. What are ways to ensure teams of teachers have the time to meet?
When you bring lollipops to the meetings, there are fewer conflicts. https://t.co/MUUwyadRtg
Q5 What are ways to handle conflicts between team members if they arise?
You are a dream principal, There is always a solution, isn't there! https://t.co/0SEmlgvxvh
A4 45 minutes of work time before kids normal arrival time. I take 430 kids for 30 minute assembly. 75 minutes total team time.
A5 Best if they handle it alone. Sometimes need admin to moderate. Either agree or agree to disagree. https://t.co/ok9cU8HHPR
Q5 What are ways to handle conflicts between team members if they arise?
A5: Individual coaching prior to next meeting. Focus on each person see the other's perspective.
A5: I will be conducting one-on-ones this year so coaches can share with me without all other team members.
A3: How are the Qs addressed? Through the instructional cycle. This makes our meeting focused&purposeful https://t.co/b8v0amu6jG
Exactly! But it might be photos, student work, anything that makes sense for the context.
Q5: I think it depends on the conflict - is it reoccurring, impacting the entire team?
A5: Remember the wisdom of Aretha ... R-E-S-P-E-C-T.
Q5: The first step is to listen - intently, not to respond ...but to understand. Presume the positive
A4 Self-deprecating humor. Laughter is good for the soul. 😂Used this meme earlier in the year. https://t.co/eUtGH4QbCz
Share-a-thon!!! I love that!!!!
A5: name the conflict, remind them most conflict comes out of our passion to do best for Ss; it is worth the work to grow-for Ss
A4: Speaking of time - thanks to I spent 4 1/2 hrs waiting for a RM to be booked. Checked in at 12am last night.
Love this! Food magically makes all things better :)
A5: Depends on the conflict & area of contention, but a method used in couples therapy "Imago" works well https://t.co/suLrpgKwiD
Q5 What are ways to handle conflicts between team members if they arise?
A5 I find Crucial Conversations helpful for the most difficult cases. Overkill for low-level conflict tho https://t.co/nzia3AdBVn
A5: I am really going to have to reflect on that question. Should you have a plan in place just in case?
Q6 What do you see is the main differences between coaching individual teachers and coaching a team?
A5:I read 's : talked good behind each other's backs + made excuses +made everyone feel better.
A6: To me coaching goals and teacher goals are different. Focuses are different. Needs are different
A6: Dealing with team dynamics v. one person is huge. Often times people play off of one another in good or bad ways
A6 the goals and the ownership.
A6: Although there are differences one goal that is the same is the goal to build capacity amongst both.
A6 Coaching individuals is for personal goals. Coaching teams is for team goals. https://t.co/qX1zjRn2Vk
Q6 What do you see is the main differences between coaching individual teachers and coaching a team?
A6: 1on1=personalized coaching on specific instructional challenges v. team=collaborative problem solving https://t.co/MBKRcBj9LK
Q6 What do you see is the main differences between coaching individual teachers and coaching a team?
A6 team dynamics play a huge role in coaching teams. The way teachers respond 1:1 is sometimes different in groups
A6 1/2 One-one support is focused on T individual strengths & next steps,
Is the ownership different because the team has to take ownership together? https://t.co/erf68SLTQv
A6 the goals and the ownership.
A6 2/2 Teams are about school-wide vision, learning from & supporting each other.
A6 When coaching teams we need to be mindful of what is confidential and what is open to the team.
I completely agree! It is like dealing w/someone face to face v. behind an email - total different personalities sometimes
A6: Coaching 1-on-1 is good for buy-in, but coaching a team lets members gain perspective, feel more confident, and support others
A6: complexity is difference-must provide multiple approaches to goals for teams to move together-easier to personalize for one T
I air on the side of everything being confidential until an individual brings it up themselves
A6 It's not as simple as we may think - does team invite coach/coaching in the same way teacher does? Do they understand role?
The level of vulnerability. https://t.co/svCEXOJcHh
Q6 What do you see is the main differences between coaching individual teachers and coaching a team?
A6: Coaching 1:1 is perfect for content coaching. It allows coach and T to work closely together to perfect teaching craft
A6 (cont.): I think the team approach also fosters more reflection!
Yep. The pile on effect can become challenging in team settings but, clear guidelines on what is not ok helps.
A6 Following the Knight model of coaching and working on topics the teachers specifically want. https://t.co/MnO47I4ya3
Q6 What do you see is the main differences between coaching individual teachers and coaching a team?
. Yes! The dynamic of a team coaching session is very different from 1-1 - trust, vulnerability, confidentiality
Q7 How have you been supported in your role as a coach?
Thank you for clarifying. I completely understand and agree https://t.co/jdi8KagE6i
yes, due to why/how the goal was set. Also, ownership of the process to reach the goal depends on team dynamics.
A4 I like to start with goals for learning & hvng T's write a driving ? for learning to be asked at the end to ensure goal was met
A6: There is greater accountability and responsibility with individual coaching. Nobody to hide behind.
Good point, https://t.co/Vapcyccs6Z
I air on the side of everything being confidential until an individual brings it up themselves
A7 My supervisor is skilled at asking great questions to help me think more deeply about my work
...and coach knows your specific needs, therefore can support more strategically
My previous manager would do the same. It always made me reflect and it stretched me. https://t.co/9TijyPSwgW
A7 My supervisor is skilled at asking great questions to help me think more deeply about my work
A7 Working w/principals who are ready to be coached along w/Ts is the best form of support a lit coach can wish for!
A6: Level of depth in the coaching session can be adjusted to the specific teacher's level in individual sessions.
I'm very😠serious. 🍎Ts felt comfortable confiding in me, so I made sure to try to sooth😬relations.
A7: an emphasis on building relationships first has really supported any success I've had as a coach
A7 We have supported area coaches in 7 districts w/a monthly F2F networking meeting. Next year 35 districts!
A6 One way forward - train teams in coaching skills - active listening, questioning, clarifying, empathising...
A7:Our county has a community of coaches-abt 100. We receive monthly PD differentiated by ES v. Secondary.1st yr coaches get extra
A7: team of coaches, admin, and Ts all provide support and challenges for coaches/-ing; dynamic relationships and tasks fuel coach
A7 Seek out every opportunity possible to work alongside other coaches & staff developers. Find a mentor, or two, or three.
Q8 How could coaches benefit from having a coach of their own?
A7 the have been a great support for my practice this year along with our who drive & push me
A7: Our coaches are also supported through professional books - having the research, resources, and practical examples helps
Exactly. It's very . . Learning to be trustworthy + responding w/assistance.
Exactly. It's very . . Learning to be trustworthy + responding w/assistance.
A7: More than anything, our community of coaches support one another. We function like a family
A8 How would coaches not benefit from having a coach of their own?!?!
A7: Asking 4 feedback 4 what is working/not working from people being coached & peer discussions/Q&A https://t.co/9oFp2a2yCf
Q7 How have you been supported in your role as a coach?
iUsed to begin conferences w/I feel honored to teach your children. And I meant it. It's a trust. 1/2
A7 Coaches need time to immerse themselves in the development of their coaching skills & to develop their way of being
A8 Even and have coaches. Always grow with other perspectives
iHad Parent Volunteers sign contracts stating they would NOT share info about the kids w/other Parents
A7 Coaches need a coach too! Being coached on your coaching is very powerful - even essential!
Thanks Shelly! It has been fantastic partnering with you as well!
A8 I have loved virtually coaching coaches this past year. My Goal is for YOU to SHINE. I learned so much in the process!
A8: We all need coaching sometimes.When I call my coach friends w/an issue they help shift my thinking - I sometimes need that
Let me know if you are interested in receiving more info. I'd love to visit w/you about virtual coaching https://t.co/p88GjRqYJh
Let me know if you are interested in receiving more info. I'd love to visit w/you about virtual coaching https://t.co/dmdFue5MD0
A8 we are fortunate to have a staff of 13 coaches at Region 13. Coach Collaboration is out of this world!
A7 has been a great support as well. Thanks for facilitating great conversations and bringing us together
Q9 How can coaches coach each other?
A8: Knowing one's own weakness is great but, w/o a coach to help you bridge the gap it can become daunting https://t.co/VT9rPHOXFG
Q8 How could coaches benefit from having a coach of their own?
I couldn't agree more! I'm so happy that I found this chat & I will continue to recommend to my coach friends
A8: Coaching is a collaboration. Everyone can use some to collaborate with. Even I do. Listen, bounce ideas, be reflective with
A7: I wasn't a😠coach, but I felt supported as a former 1stGr🍎T. When 👮🏻Brutality initially occured: Parents + Staff gave me💰gift.
