#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 February 24, 2016
My tweets for the next hour are for , my favorite inspiring chat each week!
Good evening Let’s start by introducing ourselves and sharing a success story from the week!
I'm Jessica, one of the co-moderators and elem. principal. My would be having another school visit us this week to see 1:1
Good evening . I am a co-moderators of the chat. is concluding a month of heart centered actions for educators
I’m Shira one of the co-moderators My leading PD on Project-Based Learning; helping tchers make progress on project design
Lauren, K-5 Instructional Coach, Indiana. My is seeing positive impact on student learning as a result of coaching. Yay!
Jennifer, district math coach in Oregon. My was setting up coaching visits in a school that I haven't worked with much.
That sounds great! Do you have a method for measuring impact from coaching?
Hi folks, Chris in Melbourne. was yesterday's staff PD session - peer-coaching, teacher inquiry, prof reading, protocols
Jay, principal from Merton, WI checking in to . Our was experiencing the head pirate last Friday.
Susan, an Instr. Coach at Shanghai Amer. School. is doing learning walks with our Chinese dept. for 1st time.
Jessica, public Montessori instructional coach my was taking a group of Ts to visit another campus
Busy day, Chris. Thanks for joining us from Australia! Love the global connections! Together we are better.
using various data points but also other areas such as seeing increased student engagement and transfer of learning!
Christian Ledesma, Lit coach, grades 3-5 in Minneapolis. Success: created plan for PD later this Spring.
What a great picture! Love the engagement!
It certainly was! But created a bit of momentum.... now to keep it going!
My name is Leslie, Literacy coach from NC, my was leading a discussion on the importance of literacy with 9th graders!
that sounds exciting! I love observing instruction. Always walk away with something.
Rebecca, 6-12 Spanish and MS instructional coach, Williamsport, PA.
Charlie, High School Instructional Coach in Iowa, is overall # of true reflective conversations I've had this week
how are you utilizing teacher inquiry?
Reminder: Our next Better Conversations book study chat w/ will be on March 30. We will discuss chapters 4-5.
I had a blast at Merton! Thx, Jay!
Welcome fellow Iowan. Great things happening w/coaching in our state!
Tonight’s topic is: The Isolation of Coaching/Leadership
Always great to see a PIRATE join !
Q1: In what ways is coaching/leadership isolating? What contributes to the isolation?
Jay shined the pirate light in the sky...and poof!
Dan. English teacher and coach, Omaha. Love tonight's topic.
I'm so glad! I am as well; looking forward to upcoming book chats.
You should see the hooks in use this week. Interior design, videos, costumes, dominoes. Great stuff!
A1: Often times you are the only one in that position on a campus...confidentiality & trust means you can't discuss w/anyone
A1: being the only one in a position in a district or school can be isolating
A1: We live in that gray world between admin & teachers. And there are fewer of us.
Yes, confidentiality alone leads to the isolation.
A1:isolation in the fact you're in a singular role,whereas Ts have grade level PLCs for collaborative aspect-collab differs for us
Yes, it's a "tweener" job...
A1: often times you're the only one in your building. Confidentiality in honest conversations is important
A1 You are often the only one in school or district in your position. Reach outside of your comfort zone. https://t.co/BwOlbMXuUn
Q1: In what ways is coaching/leadership isolating? What contributes to the isolation?
A1: I move between buildings so it's difficult to feel like I really belong. I definitely miss working with a set group of Ts.
A1: Approach. It's important to sit side-by-side w/ Ts as a coach and continue a rapport of equality. https://t.co/8Z8bN2iwS7
Q1: In what ways is coaching/leadership isolating? What contributes to the isolation?
Ohh! I want to meet Boji - the dog:)
A1: Even w/ clear communication, some Ts have a tough time believing coach isn't somehow an administrator or trying to be one.
A1 Coaching role can feel isolated because much of what we do is invisible to others
A1 Coaches/leaders are singletons - the only one in building. Sometimes roles are misunderstood causing isolation.
so interesting! Thank you for sharing!
A1 The guide on the side is just a teacher in disguise. You're not a pal, and this a lonely condition.
So true!! Great way to put it into words. https://t.co/prDoZhaUAj
A1 Coaching role can feel isolated because much of what we do is invisible to others
Love hearing that there is implementation!!
I hear many great things about Waukee - even long before TLC!
so true! We are teachers yet in a different capacity somewhat than our colleagues.
A1: not being in a building full time makes it hard for you to "fit" into what's normal for Ts
I'm sure and I will keep you updated.
Hi Ken! So glad you popped in to
I'm intrigued-will look into further.
Q2: What barriers keep us isolated or even lead to burnout?
finding ways to create more visible profile & understanding of your work is important. Takes time & admin support
Multiple buildings can make it difficult. What ideas do you have for that situation? Many are in it.
A1: Building bridges between admin and teachers can be tricky. Building trust is key
Barb, instructional coach, MN popping in :)
Hi all, from Toronto. A1 Leadership'
responsibilities can be a burden and isolating at times. Resilience is key.
. Figured I'd check it out.
I work with many Ts & Ss in my 3 schools plus others in district... Hard to believe more people = more isolating!
Building trust becomes that much more important. The more we model, the more they will believe. https://t.co/cGX7iYdlnx
A1: Even w/ clear communication, some Ts have a tough time believing coach isn't somehow an administrator or trying to be one.
So glad you did; bring on your creativity/innovative spirit
A2 Leadership roles are time consuming (as are teacher roles) The nature of the work/planning can keep us isolated.
it's looking at the small wins instead of seeing big ones. That's hard for some to see and recognize.
A2: Still new to my role but I can see how the immensity of the "big picture" could lead to burnout.
A2
Trying to do too many things... Means not doing any of those things well!!!
A1: I do not feel isolated-empowered by my ability to support, although Ts' perceptions re admin's agenda interferes
Megan, Instructional Coach from IL stopping by for a little bit.
Find ways 2 build relationships with the people that you coach. Can be as simple as a note in the mailbox. https://t.co/1B3FPlmaPf
Multiple buildings can make it difficult. What ideas do you have for that situation? Many are in it.
A2: Burnout can be caused by the things required to do the job well: the time and emotional energy it takes to build relationships.
A2: Coming from an English back ground, it's difficult to keep up with all contents and standards, this is isolating!!
Boji is a great coach/pirate/spoiled pup/pillow hog/best friend.
A2 The sheer number of staff you are working with may hinder building a true trusting relationship. https://t.co/PECrGSiRF5
Q2: What barriers keep us isolated or even lead to burnout?
all the more reason to build a PLN like Find your Coaches need coaches too :)
A2: I'm my biggest barrier at times. I've tried to get out of my comfort zone by chatting, smiling, and building relationships.
I'm in multiple buildings as well. Makes it tricky for checking in and following up after projects.
A2: For me it's all of the many little things that are big/time consuming that take away from focus/time on learning leadership
A2: When trust or confidentiality is lost, the isolation becomes even more evident. If you can reach them, you can't teach them.
Veronica, Instructional Coach from IL, jumping in. :)
A1 it's important to build trust which becomes an antidote to the isolation.
A2: we're partially tied to a lot of work & At times people want quick fixes versus working alongside each other to build capacity
That's my motto - coaches do need coaches. Love connecting with my virtual coaching clients https://t.co/p88GjRqYJh
I am the same way! I use the app Simple Goals to remind me to have small conversations.
Trying to get out of office by scheduling time 2 work in common areas & teacher drop-ins during their free period
A2: Time and proximity can be barriers - I'm balancing district projects, PD planning, and coaching support.
My goal the first day of school is to stop by each of my buildings and hand each T a water bottle.
A2 You are foreigner! an invader! and thus must constantly show yourself to be friendly. Exhausting, no?
I agree! Need to keep making connections and focusing on the relationships.
A2: I do virtual coaching, which brings a whole diff set of barriers to the coaching conversation
A2: Burnout for me comes from taking on too many tasks...I'm campus based so still see my Ts everyday
A2:When trust or confidentiality is lost, the isolation becomes even more evident. If you can't reach them, you can't teach them.
That's really interesting though!
Yes! The little things are powerful. As a coach I enjoyed participating in a variety of projects! https://t.co/b5SO9PdPf3
My goal the first day of school is to stop by each of my buildings and hand each T a water bottle.
Q3: What are ways of overcoming the isolation of coach/leader? What resources do you recommend?
Q1 A1 When you travel b/w different buildings you can't fall back on the comfort of a school identity. You have to make your own.
A2 Leaders are the barrier! We *think* leaders are supposed to be lonely, and we don't work hard enough to diffuse our loneliness.
A3: I camp out in staff rooms during lunch time and work and check in with people. Building connections and trust...
Amanda Stahle, instructional coach, Solon High School (Iowa) checking in while cheering on the Hawks!
have you ever listened to the Educational Leadership podcasts? There are some powerful ones about that! :)
A2 Many passive accept that leadership is lonely and don't do a damned thing about it. Seems natural.
A2 Finding quality time to reflect with others can be a great barrier.
A3 First suggestion, find like minded/roles to connect with. I hear there is a great chat called . GRIN
A3 twitter chat. Connect with this group and you should never feel isolated. Make a call or send an email. https://t.co/AtwVCjv8Fg
Q3: What are ways of overcoming the isolation of coach/leader? What resources do you recommend?
A3. Be present. Make the best out of what you have. Start small. Celebrate successes. People will start to notice!
I underestimated the impact of necessary time devoted to each relationship in the past; insightful reflection
A3: I meet with the other HS Coaches in my county and we lead on each other for advice and friendship
Q3 A3 Building relationships and trust is the key to overcoming isolation. Oh, and chocolate helps.
A3 If you're in a non-admin position - ask to be invited to staff meetings.
A3: Go out into the school. The library, hallways. Ask Ts if I can come to their classrooms for informal visits.
A3 Purposely put yourself in situations in which you will have to shed the armor of leadership!
A3:ongoing building and maintaining T relationships-find new entry points and build rapport. Highlight positive student learning.
A3: We have a state group of math TOSAs that meets a few times a year. Big help!
Yes. I'm in 3 buildings too. Trying my best to doing things well, but I am also doing many many things.
A2: What's the purpose of coaching? To lead or find leaders and empower? Collaboration fuels passion and protects against burnout
A3 Have lunch with people way on the other side of the org chart, and act like a normal human being.
Oh yes, I'm a podcast junkie!
A2 bring everyone together as a district. We meet monthly!
A3 Put yourself in vulnerable situations at least 5 times a day.
I also co-host the podcast.
A3: Be real w teachers you coach; not only the upbeat, celebratory leader - a learner who struggles&questions as well
We know what it's like that first day. Talking a lot; water is a must. It's a little thing but I get to see everyone
A3 Find ways to communicate with your community & share what you (and they) are up to - blog, newsletter
Q4: A connected PLN is helpful, yet are there ways that being a connected educator creates a divide with others in your buildings?
This is so ideal! What happens with all buildings have different visions of coaching...? The struggle...
A3 Schedule carefully...need time to work with others and time to catch your breath and reflect.
awesome! Will add to my list!
A3: Small gifts of appreciation, emails, and conversations to check in have helped. Like this for V-day. https://t.co/AHqz7Fr7jS
Regular social gatherings w/ other coaches in the district; work with kids; informal conversations with Ts that are not "business"
A3: offer to help out in their classroom, co-teach a lesson, find a way to get your foot in the door
A4 The divide can occur if connectedness is discussed without showing and explaining what it means. https://t.co/iZboVRF52Y
Q4: A connected PLN is helpful, yet are there ways that being a connected educator creates a divide with others in your buildings?
A3: take time to express gratitude to those in your building. Things aren't as isolating when people are thankful for each other
Yes, behave like an educator, because you are no different.
A2: No matter how long I've lead, I still have so much to learn!
So true! It's all about perspective! We can & should productively struggle together. That's growth! https://t.co/IxahfKk8KC
A3: Be real w teachers you coach; not only the upbeat, celebratory leader - a learner who struggles&questions as well
Lindsay, instructional coach from Ohio. A3 The other coaches within my district and I host google hangouts to connect and process
A2 I agree, I want to help Ts as much as I can, but there will be a day when I am out of steam and can't do it anymore
A2: No matter how long I've led, I still have so much to learn.
A3: Our coaching team connects freq utilizing structured protocols to enhance conv. Also, share successes on Twitter!
A3 If there are other coaches in the district, set weekly times to meet. Connect with other coaches via GHO, Twitter.
Do you ever find Ts perceive your visits to be "supervisory" in nature? I struggle with this... Suggestions?
Sometimes it does. Being connected in ways like Twitter isn't always for everyone.
Jennifer from Texas dropping in for a late chat
Melissa Pickens, Instructional Coach, Indiana. Just coming off moderating the first chat in my district
A4: Paradoxically, connected educators enter a "bubble" of connected educators;forget others are not having the same conversations
Learning & growing in a coaching role is important https://t.co/UCqt27sxj4
A3: Be real w teachers you coach; not only the upbeat, celebratory leader - a learner who struggles&questions as well
agreed! The different visions are my biggest obstacle as an .
Holly Gillam, Indiana, joining late
A4: I think it all goes back to communication. Sharing what you learn from others is powerful.Feeling out of the loop=intimidation
agreed. I'm relatively newly 'connected', but others who are not see me as 'out there'.
A4: There is such a thing as too much connectedness. Be aware of realistic social/professional limitations & focus on needs.
I refer to my "observations" as "walk throughs" feels less evaluative in nature
it's so easy to feel 'out of the loop' with social media--so much, so fast!
I have that issue sometimes, but I tell them "I'm just visiting" or "how can I help?"
A3 Treat Ts the way you would want to be treated & they will welcome you. Check any superiority at the door!
A4: if we only share with teachers digitally, then it can create a disconnect. Teachers need human contact to feel connected
Yes; & so easy to forget others don't necessarily see how much we all are missing; how much is happening in world of ed
You never run out of steam to help a follow Tt
I feel like some of us are always excited to talk about what we learned on Twitter while others see us w/ 2 heads!
A4: the goal is to move, as a team, from where you are to an improved state. Can't let connectedness skew view of current state
'Walk through' has a negative connotation in some schools. Ts want me to stay!
I always have a stash of chocolate and tissues on my desk!
I agree. We are all educators. Equals with the same goal. https://t.co/euhteYeE3C
A4: if we only share with teachers digitally, then it can create a disconnect. Teachers need human contact to feel connected
I like "learning walks"! How do you use the info you gather during walks? What are follow-up steps?
A4: being connected provides inspiration, translating and integrating it with environment takes work
Q5: Are there ways we allow ourselves to be vulnerable as coaches/leaders with those we support?
I have explained class visits in mailbox notes. I also explained why I visit during a faculty meeting.
Q4 A4 The visions of connected educators vs. non-connected are very different. Connectedness leads to innovation and change.
& I think although we know, we forget others may not be experiencing the pace of conversation/learning
My walk through tool is a google form, I then share the responses with Ts and use it to map next steps
A4: Make it a priority to learn more about learning about being connected Ed together. Go slow to go fast.
A5 We better. Take risks and share failures and successes. https://t.co/RBLrN85RGs
Q5: Are there ways we allow ourselves to be vulnerable as coaches/leaders with those we support?
I am curious to hear about learning walks too.
A5: Model lessons... very vulnerable! I always ask for feedback and I'm usually hard on myself...
It's made clear that I'm not in an evaluative role which helps.
A5: Being vulnerable w/those I have led has been hard for me; that has been a mistake & something I am working on now
Yes! I recently read a blog post that was titled "Succeed Less, Fail More". What a concept!
A5: Be transparent and real with Ts. Acknowledge the highs AND the lows. With growth and change comes challenges for us all.
A5: gather feedback on coaching cycles, film yourself modeling a lesson = demo willingness to grow
Yes! Seeking out feedback is key. We're all growing in our practice.
A5: I think it's important to for Ts to see that we don't have all of the answers, but we will provide support in finding them.
Q5 A5 I take things too personally. I need to realize that some things are out of my control despite my best efforts.
I've led many learning walks; happy to share
A5: Try something new! Model it & suck at it. Let's learn together about what "I" as coach could have done better.
it's important to model being a learner, a great listener and a collaborator.
A5: I ask teachers to visit my classroom when I'm teaching and ask for their ideas.
A5) I recorded a reflection with a teacher and then we watched it together and reflected on my coaching conversation.
nicely stated and agreed! Some Ts need that scaffolding to lead them towards the right direction.
I'm never afraid to tell a teacher that I don't know but I'll research and find out!!
A5: Keep an iron in the teaching fire, co-teach! Saddling up to Ts in the trenches brings relevance to your messages.
Q6: What are ways in which you nurture your own resilience in the face of obstacles that you face as a coach/leader?
will have to check that out!
I just read an article on videoing your coaching. Interesting!!
A5: Share coaching plans with fellow coaches. What are some celebrations/areas for concentration?
A5 being honest about my lack of experience with an age level or content has been possible when I link that with working together
A6: This can be hard! Reflecting with other coaches helps a lot. https://t.co/X0cnrfOUr0
Q6: What are ways in which you nurture your own resilience in the face of obstacles that you face as a coach/leader?
A6 Self-care is something all educators must focus on. We are in serving roles and we often forget to serve ourselves FIRST
Q5: model teaching makes me feel vulnerable! There is always a small fear that: what I know to be good instruction will fail.
A6: The fact that I still teach one class helps. Mindfulness practice. Time to reflect. Celebrate successes with colleagues.
A6: I write and reflect when I'm frustrated. It's hard to go from a team of Ts to hash through issues with to being a singleton
I simply say "visits"...walkthrough also has evaluative connotation in my district
A6: I've begun daily journaling; reflecting - paying attention to my own emotions/choices
Agree. I've modeled lessons where things don't go as planned. It's good for Ts to see it happens to everyone.
A6: I continue to work with a coach to build and nurture my areas of need, everyone needs a coach
Mollie, instructional coach SD just following along tonight but love all of the thoughts on coaching and plan to join again
A6: always reminds me that difficult situations are just helping me to learn and grow!
A6 It's important to take time for yourself and your family. Time away allows for greater focus at school https://t.co/rANlrCiaJu
Q6: What are ways in which you nurture your own resilience in the face of obstacles that you face as a coach/leader?
A6 Tell stories of edu challenge and self-overcoming. To yourself, your Ts, your blog. #
I think we have all been there. It's what makes us human and understand how much Ts are protective of their craft.
True. I have a team that still remembers the older crier during my lesson last year... They say I'm "real."
Welcome, Mollie! So glad you introduced yourself
Yes, I avoid any language that admins use when they do any type of eval.
Q6 A6 I try to reflect on the positives and use them as catalysts for overcoming the negatives.
A6 Set up a Moth-like storytelling deal for the folks you coach. For the whole school community!
A6: Reading The Mindful School Leader (and now on my 2nd read) has been helpful for my own self-care.
mindfulness practice is helping me quite a bit; wish I had been introduced to being mindful earlier in my career
I always start w/a reflection from my previous coaching sessions. What went well and what didn't.
A6: Running, books, monthly massages, friends, and God for guidance
A6: Create space & time to reflect. Coaching from other coaches. Unplug from work: no email, no prof reading, no to-do list; 1x wk
A6: focus on positive; yoga, exercise, interacting w/others outside of education
Yes! And it's important for us as coaches to lead by example. Education is not a field you go at alone! https://t.co/7ptBH2zakv
A6: I continue to work with a coach to build and nurture my areas of need, everyone needs a coach
RT A6: Running, books, monthly massages, friends, and God for guidance
I enjoy co teaching so much-any advice on how to get Ts open to trying?
A6: allow yourself to say "no." Over-extending in anything can cause burn out. Reflect every day.
A6: Most importantly, remember to just take a deep breath and take time for reflection.
oops intro- Instructional coach &Sp.Ed. Consultant. In NY and CT
Oh, I am with you! (minus the running - although I do enjoy daily brisk walks)
Leaders who are risk takers lead teachers who are risk takers who teach children to be risk takers
A6 ask why a teacher reacted in a way & always try 2 remember that likely it wasn't about me. Take a day or 2 and try again.
Q7: How can we help keep our teachers from becoming or getting stuck in isolation?
Or "not now" and schedule for later
Wow! Do you have an abstract; or any articles. I'd love to learn more
Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! and Yes!
Yes...I'd love to read that too!
I've modeled lessons, then observed, then asked about co-teaching. Relationship & trust are huge first
A7: in a 1:1 district, if you're not willing to try new things you'll be left behind, so making new things simple and do-able
A7: co-planning; cover Ts classes so they can observe each other; cross-curricular projects https://t.co/rgJobfyMdT
Q7: How can we help keep our teachers from becoming or getting stuck in isolation?
A7: model and encourage collaboration, work smarter, not harder!
Love the mindfulness concept. It would B a great topic & sounds like Daniel could help w/moderating
agreed-sometimes we need allow ourselves to step away in order to best refocus our efforts.
A7: I want to set up more opportunities for teachers to visit other classrooms.
Hello . I find my coaching PLN on Voxer, Twitter & at my school to be invaluable supports.
Q7 A7 Encourage collaboration! Having even just one person to serve as your sounding board can make all the difference.
I organized a lot of peer observations, teachers love seeing what else is going on in the bldg!
A6 Co-planning, co-teaching & co debriefing builds trust and community.We need 2 feel that we are valued just like our colleagues.
A7: empathize with where they're at in their journey, be a present listener, and celebrate every step, regardless of size
A7: Some view what we might consider "isolation" as "autonomy"; showing benefits of greater connection requires patience/empathy
A7 a lab site experience reminded me of the power of vertical conversations & visits. Make connections beyond grade level team.
A recent post from me: How we use the Danielson Framework for Teaching in coaching conversations https://t.co/TsJlnK1Awk
A7: We set up a district-wide Google Drive for Ts to share lessons and promote a for all.
Be honored and happy to do it. Anything for
I think hearing success stories from Ts & seeing positive results builds interest.
A7:I think of it like an island. No one wants to be stranded alone. Reach out & find entry points w/those who may be more isolated
YES! I just facilitated a vertical alignment protocol today!
A7: Make time for them to collaborate & observe one another. Take them along to special district visits/meetings.
I wonder is mindfulness linked to being present in the coaching conversation?
A7: Together, explore possibilities of sharing their work, telling their stories to others. What might that look like?
Oooh, that would be a gift!
This accomplishes 2 goals: exposure and opening the mind to change.
Q8: What are insights you have gained from tonight’s chat?
Thanks for book suggestion!
own reflection is important; I recently had a coaching conversation - as coach - which I found quite overwhelming
I just saw another chat - have you participated in this one? Sounds like right up our alley!
I think so;mindfulness helps us be aware of reactions, distractabillity&be more fully present
Keep at it, and you might be a giant!
A7 Check in often, especially in a non-coaching moment. Helpf them connect with other educators. https://t.co/janWaPwKFj
Q7: How can we help keep our teachers from becoming or getting stuck in isolation?
I love this quote from , "it's about helping them from their point A to their point B" https://t.co/aI1RGFSail
A7: empathize with where they're at in their journey, be a present listener, and celebrate every step, regardless of size
you can download the Framework for free from the Danielson website. Maybe check it out there first.
For too long I ignored my own reactions/difficult emotions; willing myself to be happy; learning to be more honest/aware
A8: A great reminder that we are not alone. Anyone want to get together for a healthy beverage? :)
A8: Deliver gifts, keep connecting with Ts, be more reflective about my coaching conversations (ask for feedback, record video...)
Q9: What topics would you like to see in future chats?
Q9: What topics would you like to see in future chats?
It's OK to have some me time once in a while. You deserve it!
embracing own vulnerability is difficult!
A9 How is a wrestling match like coaching? https://t.co/2KRRFVHuf7
Q9: What topics would you like to see in future chats?
A8: A new PLN to share with my coaching peeps :) I've enjoyed it, thanks!!
yes! It's another great one. The website they have is amazing too!
A8: That folks are welcoming, insightful, and kind. Thanks for the great chat.
Observing each other is one of my favorite things to facilitate! Hard to organize though...
A9: I'd love to hear more about how others are doing their "learning walks/walk throughs/visits"
A8 this will be a good chat to come back to on those days when we need the extra boost and lifeline to keep balance in our work.
P Palmer: Self-care is never a selfish act . . good stewardship of . . the gift I was put on earth to offer
It's powerful to do this with the teacher. You can both chat and reflect together about the visit.
A8: isolation only creeps in if you allow it to. This chat is proof that there are lots of people in the same boat. Reach out!
