#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 23, 2016
Good evening Looking forward to learning & sharing tonight
Good evening Let’s start by introducing ourselves and sharing a success story from the week!
Good evening - ironically my "Spring Fever" is covered in snow during a blizzard warning. Send me some spring!
Lauren, K-5 Instructional Coach, Indiana. My is setting up end of year goals with teachers even with spring break looming.
Shira here; I attended a screening & conversation about Most Likely To Succeed; going to another screening Sat night
That’s fantastic! What are some of the goals?
Way to go. There is so much instructional time left in the year. Kudos to the Ts for recognizing that! h
Saw that earlier this year. EXCELLENT!
Isn’t it fantastic?! I led a trip to High Tech High earlier this year.
we are looking at teacher talk time vs Ss talk time, Ss engagement, questioning and even some risk taking
Barb, instructional coach, Minnesota. This morn's rich convo -T asked-how do teams get better at listening to each other?
Love it! Sounds like you are nurturing an incredible culture of learning
agreed! It's been great to keep momentum going strong.
That’s really insightful; asking the question shows tremendous depth&wisdom
thank you! It has been an incredible year working with some amazing educators
Ben Hartman, Instructional Tech Coach Elmhurst, IL Finalized plans for in-district summer grad courses for Ts
Great reflection. What were your next steps?
I bet the coach is quite incredible herself:)
You offer grad courses for teachers?! Wow! Impressive!
thank you for the kind words! :)
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 Coaching through “Spring Fever”
discussed ways to introduce listening as a PLC topic...will continue to make progress!
Q1: How can “Spring Fever” get in the way of student/teacher learning?What challenges do we face this time of year?
Jay checking in from Merton, WI. My was a great conversations at our BLT meeting.
A1 What? Is it Spring? We've got snow predicted here. https://t.co/HEi6pYRnFv
Q1: How can “Spring Fever” get in the way of student/teacher learning?What challenges do we face this time of year?
great question! when is spring break for you?
A1: Teachers, coaches, & admin are torn between learning this year & planning for next year; can be overwhelming
Bacon Lettuce Tomato or Building Leadership Team?
BLT= Building Leadership Team (not the sandwich).
We are under a blizzard warning. Snow falling - A LOT predicted. No clue what I'll wake up to in the AM
A1: Ts/Ss losing momentum to keep focus with goals. They can be less apt to continue seeking growth.
Ahh - thought I might be missing out on some new collaborative approach (PLC; BLT) Thanks for the explanation
A1: Spring Fever in MN means state assessments and getting outside-we need to remember that tests do not mean the end of learning!
A1 Visions of upcoming summer break often causes lack of focus.
what staff consist of your BLT?
A1) Begin to focus more on the following year in the spring. We can't forget we still have current Ss who need us 100% present
we have Friday off, that is all this year!
A1 Every time of the year has its challenges. Stay positive, celebrate often, and set goals.
Creating 1:1 Environment, Revisit, Reflect, & Revise (the same), & Open Ed Resources: Replacing Static Textbooks
Good evening, ! Sorry I'm late. Online shopping distracted me!
WOW! A full line up! How exciting! Do a lot of of teachers take part?
Did you buy anything? Glad you made it to
Jumping in late...spring baseball! Spring is testing season in TX. Can be a distraction-everyone is overwhelmed.
No problem.Glad you could join us.
Grade level reps, special education, specials(electives), technology, coach, me(admin).
Not yet, but the night's still young!
wow!! We have two weeks starting next week due to balanced calendar.
Q2: What signs might you see in teachers indicating that “Spring Fever” is affecting them?
awesome. What a nice variety for convo. Thanks for sharing!
A2 My pet peeve - count down (to summer) bulletin boards.
Hello👋🏽
Shabana Jameel, M.Ed
Education Consultant
I'm just lurking.
Don’t hesitate to keep us posted:)
A2 T's start looking tired and counting down the days. Convo changes from what to do this year to what to do next year.
Balance is good-enjoy! We have Ts in flexible learning year program in our bldg-off this week and next.
A2 Short fuse with kids & colleagues. Door closed. Arrive on time & leave on time. Countdown on board. https://t.co/D8dVhwfS8t
Q2: What signs might you see in teachers indicating that “Spring Fever” is affecting them?
A2) Loss of patience, present but not involved, less motivated
And they are brutally honest. It's the only way we get better.
I’ve found the shift to planning next year, while still have months left of the current year, to be overwhelming
A2: lack of keeping or maintaining commitments; general shift in attitude and/or enthusiasm towards learning opportunities
Me, too. I prefer to focus on now for and how we can effect change for our current students.
A2 Lack of focus after spring testing is complete even though there are many instructional hours left in the year.
true! feedback is feedback-good or constructive, it helps us grow.
this drives me crazy! Stop counting the days and make the days count!!
Q3: What signs might you see in students indicating that “Spring Fever” is affecting them?
A2: Ts w/spring fever see new ideas and plan to use next year-I like to suggest they give it a trial now!
A3: Longing looks out the window
A3 Students can read Ts anticipation of the end of the year. Trickle effect.
this drives me crazy! Stop counting the days and make the days count!! https://t.co/ysrQuF6uXq
A2 My pet peeve - count down (to summer) bulletin boards.
Yes! Let's make a difference for the kids we have now. Never too late to model reflection & risk taking! https://t.co/Eeenyczcjv
A2: Ts w/spring fever see new ideas and plan to use next year-I like to suggest they give it a trial now!
A3: Ss always seem to get louder and chattier as the EOY approaches. Increase in off task behavior/decrease in engagement
I'd like to work with Ts on PBL and projects during this time that tends to be less structured.
A3 Checking out their basketball brackets in the hallways,at lunch, and at recess. https://t.co/PCMB0VX78h
Q3: What signs might you see in students indicating that “Spring Fever” is affecting them?
A3: Ss: anticipation of family trips and questions about next grade teachers and classes
A3) Signs of Spring fever for students - students putting in less effort, not as motivated, turning in less work
such a good point. Ts need to model the behavior that they want to see emulated from their Ss.
Our librarian put up a March Madness book bracket. Kids are totally into it; voting in classrooms.
Guilty as charged (but I'm not in a school setting) GO IOWA STATE CYCLONE. Sweet 16 game on Friday.
Q4: How can a coach/leader help support both teachers/students to overcome “Spring Fever”?
5th graders are doing a poetry bracket thanks to !
Focus on designing engaging and relevant projects that challenge & inspire any time of year. .
A4 Be more visible and available and supportive, without being pushy. It's a fine line. https://t.co/Tojz3vqH9X
Q4: How can a coach/leader help support both teachers/students to overcome “Spring Fever”?
Great way to leverage freedom for innovation! C archive for Mon convo of makerspace and STEAMlab https://t.co/n5ljKik2o2
I'd like to work with Ts on PBL and projects during this time that tends to be less structured.
A4: Model the same behaviors we want to see con't with Ss/Ts. Find different entry points to try new things w/Ts. Keep momentum!
A4 Many of the same strategies from classroom. Model excitement & use novelty and new approaches https://t.co/Jt4pVKnpVc
Q4: How can a coach/leader help support both teachers/students to overcome “Spring Fever”?
Yes! I’ll be leading an immersive school next year; happy to talk further
A4) Talk to the Ss about their effort & motivate them, but also ensure that the work is meaningful & has purpose for doing it
A4 We have to honor where teachers are at. Many are exhausted. We walk a fine line. Determine ways to assist Ts.
this sounds amazing! Tell me more! We have PBL and genius hour currently within our building as well.
A4: I really like idea for PBL or other less structured yet rigorous learning opportunity! Use some of the energy!
I'd love to know more. Doing a lot of research on my own, but I'd love a mentor!
Yes, we have to respect the effort and tiredness while gently prodding toward continuous improvement. It's a balance.
A4 Assist Ts with student centered learning project. Spring is full of inquiry based questions and wonder!
It could be making contacts for a project, getting the materials or co-teaching it to assist in different ways.
check out :) it's a great resource!
Q5: In what ways can we use this exciting time of the year to inspire new learning?
Happy to learn/talk/dream together
It's such a fine line. says too much innovation can be overwhelming. I want to share, but not wear them out!
A5 Spring is a time of rebirth and newness. Why not try something new in your classroom or school? https://t.co/vhq4uEN7fy
Q5: In what ways can we use this exciting time of the year to inspire new learning?
Excellent! Looking forward!
If you have any questions about PBL, I would love to help you out in any way. Absolutely love this way of teaching
Anyone interested in a chat/community of practice?
Yes - Use the changing of the seasons and rebirth as a theme to enhance educational practices. https://t.co/nTBpUJTiI6
A5 Spring is a time of rebirth and newness. Why not try something new in your classroom or school? https://t.co/vhq4uEN7fy
Q5: In what ways can we use this exciting time of the year to inspire new learning?
A5 Reflection questions that encourage new thinking. Several lists are available online for this.
Thanks for helping a first year IC!
A5: inspire learners to connect learning from the year in a more complex project or creation
A5: Love to show Ts it's about perspective. Either enter the "slide" or utilize the time to be a risk taker and try something new.
A4 - Encourage Ts to pratice what they preach - take risks, make mistakes, do some PD Twitter chats, try something new
A5: Teachers have already asked me for suggestions of books to read over the summer.
What reactions are you getting?
It's a great time to take a risk with your learning and the learning of your kids.
A5) Look at standards & develop a project that is meaningful. Have a driving question that students are working towards answering
Yes; curious about the theme of spring/rebirth - how that might be designed into the learning
Are you on ? I'd love to connect and find ways to GENTLY introduce PBL.
Example I'm a fan of CORI - Concept Orientated Reading Instruction. Spring could be a time to introduce.
Meaningful is the key. Ss can always identify busy work.
I’m on but not a great fan of the medium
It's also a great time for to be implemented where students can really study their passions. They love it.
favorable! It's a balance but have to be responsive to needs of the T. Build off something they are working on
And we have Google Expedition coming to our school April 8th. It will be awesome!
Q6: How can we support teachers to reflect on the year and plan for next year?
A5 Teachers set goals at the beginning of year. We looked at them at middle of year, & now's a good time to bring them back up.
I'm open to however you prefer to collaborate. I'm an IC at a K-5 elementary school in TX.
A5 - 4th Qtr is a light at the end of the tunnel. Ss are ready to do all that awesome stuff Ts imagine them doing back in 1st Qtr.
I have more questions than the allotted 140 characters! DM your email- I'll be in touch!
Great way to look at it! It's very realistic, too.
These children are competent, active agents of globalization is the cause.
A6 Model our reflection with them and then challenge them to do the same. https://t.co/LCLwbmUKyH
Q6: How can we support teachers to reflect on the year and plan for next year?
I use it, bbengt223 but find DM much more accessible-I am on Twitter more often
I’ll be working on intensive design in the coming months; happy to share
A6 I'm planning to start the conversation by choosing Qs from this list and revisiting BOY goals. https://t.co/UGZcgm1ko1
A6: Reflect-what is something you want to be sure to do again next year? What will you get rid of next year? What will you try?
A6 reflect on their learning goals for their students. Let their data talk what worked what didn't
Can't wait to hear how your school is coming along
A6: Find time to connect with Ts, find out their next steps through reflection, and provide some scaffolding to build excitement.
A6: I wonder about ways of nurturing a culture of reflection w/teachers & students
Now is often a good time to develop summer opportunities for students https://t.co/jqRq4ZiEoQ - An alternative to summer school
Now is often a good time to develop summer opportunities for students https://t.co/2f4f0neBEx - An alternative to summer school
Happy to share & to learn together
Too bad you are not in NY; interviewing for a founding head teacher
I joined the facebook page. So cool to see the projects. I'd love to try it out!
A6 - Ts need to find a success and celebrate. Find a failure and see an opportunity to become a better T for their Ss.
Need to step out - dog wants to see the SNOW. BRB
Help wanted! What are "must-haves/look-fors" in elem math textbook? Want a checklist/rubric for evaluating texts.
Yes! Sometimes we forget to look at all the forms of data. Perception (surveys) & anecdotal data should be with # data.
OOH - that is a must! One of my dogs seems to believe snowmen are “evil invaders”; I’m here w/ no worries
Q7: What are approaches coaches & leaders can use to reflect on the year and plan for next year?
Model and provide opportunities. There has to be relationships & a culture of safety for Ts to be willing.
Thanks! Sounds like an amazing opportunity! But, that East Coast cost of living is something else!
True; many reasons not to want to be in NY
This has to be done with less paper/doc work and more hands-on/face-to-face engagement. Ts learn best with other Ts.
Yes . . . And; I think real reflection is a skill we don’t nurture enough in students, teacher, or ourselves
A6) Have reflective questions. Be honest with what went well. Celebrate successes, but look to improve on any lesson/project.
A7: I love the idea of a "feel, think, wonder" then using wonderings to lend themselves into the next year's goals.
A7 I use a template shared on here once to analyze how I spend my time. I also use a district form as a self-reflection tool.
Hands-on manipulatives, concrete games, tie-ins to children's literature, aligned with state standards, tech component
Love bringing wonder into learning, teaching, & coaching
A7 I set aside a half day for reflection at BOY, MOY, and EOY.
A7 Reflect, blog honestly & share w/staff. Sharing blog shows a willingness to take risks. https://t.co/LhLj5XnIu3
Q7: What are approaches coaches & leaders can use to reflect on the year and plan for next year?
I'm visiting NY next week! Never been!
agreed! I think our conversations can drive reflection and actionable next steps.
A7 We seek feedback on the coaching process at the end of each individual cycle. Provides helpful data.
I found my best lessons/units could always be improved the next yr. Collaborate & brainstorm new ideas. Don't want to be stagnant
Enjoy! Let me know if you’d like to “meet up” (although my school is not yet open, no place to visit)
Q7 really it is about student progress. Celebrate the progress and focus on what can be tweaked for next year
Yes. Blogging is a great way of reflecting and showing willingness to think aloud.
Great point! Even if it was the BEST lesson for last year's kids, this year's may need something a little different.
A7. Surveys, evals, journaling
A7: I wonder about ways we can reflect w/honesty on ways we are living up to our ideals as educators& ways we are not yet doing so
We are so fortunate. We have many kits at my agency for our teachers to check out!
Didn't think about that-blogging is a way to be reflective and model vulnerability & risk taking. https://t.co/fY7fqoVfJe
Q8: What are some take-aways for you from tonight’s chat?
Not knocking NY, great place to visit but just really expensive to me for living
I didn't even notice you here. So busy going back and forth to questions etc.. WELCOME!
A7 Collating anonymised teacher goals or goal areas helps review coverage & makes our work more visible
I dream of authentic, beautiful, messy, productive coaching cycles.
Thanks Jay - walking the talk!
When you hit publish, isn't it always a bit risky?
Q9: What are topics you would be interested in for future chats?
If you say it, you darn well better try to do it.
A7)Surveys, reflect w/ model teachers. I plan on having a 10 min. 1:1 at end of the year w/teachers to reflect together
Yes never wanted siblings to have the same exact experiences. Always looked to change some things & always improve
Yes - authentic if it's messy. One coaching size doesn't fit all but should always be productive
The Power Struggle b/w Ts who simply don't want to work w/you + refuse to admit you might know something that can help them.
A I need to reflect and blog more than just once a week.
A8: appreciate the refocus for productivity using PBL or other integrated activity in potentially lost transitional times
A8: Keep the fire alive w/in our school culture by modeling our expectations. Provide Ts, Ss,& ourselves w/ample reflection time.
A8 I appreciate the suggestions for helping Ts and Ss overcome Spring Fever and, of course, learning with you all.
A8 I need to reflect and blog more than just once a week.
Thx for the learning, sharing&dreaming Special thx to my co-moderator - will be back next week
A9 Developing the bond between coach and admin. https://t.co/Yf4B8mO78q
Q9: What are topics you would be interested in for future chats?
A8) No matter what time of the year it is, we have to do what's best for students. What would we want for our own child?
Thank you for lifting my spirits! A blizzard at the start of my spring break was affecting my outlook. You inspire me!
Thank you for lifting my spirits! A blizzard at the start of my spring break was affecting my outlook. You inspire me!
