#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 October 5, 2016
Good evening Let’s start by introducing ourselves and sharing a success story from the week!
My tweets for the next hour are for the fabulous chat.
I'm Kathy, co-moderator of . I'm flying solo tonight. was learning from & coaches from 4 past 2 days!
Roy from Bama. Science IC in Rome, Ga. - getting to sleep late this week on Fall Break. (Does that count?)
Hey all! Kyle, Instr. Coordinator for Technology, NKC. Led a great PD session for teachers wanting to get introduced to Twitter.
Another is gaining another coach to work w/through virtual coaching! https://t.co/2e4FrEV2B6 Love helping others SHINE.
My tweets for the next hour will be for the Twitter chat, as I learn from others to become a more effective instructional coach.
Lauren, K-5 Instructional Coach, Indiana. My is teachers reaching goals in coaching cycles & eagerness to cont our work!
Hello tweeps! Tina from TN, popping in&success: getting a veteran Ts to embrace Google classroom & use slides w/Ss to story build
Wonderful. Always great to have more teachers join the Twitter movement!
how awesome! Biggest takeaway?
Of course getting extra rest counts as an
Good evening, . Dan from in Omaha. was seeing some collaboration with new teachers starting to pay off.
definitely! It's all about balance. We start FB next week.
I really love the structure for today. Met at a school. Observed a coach in a cycle w/T and then debriefed. Powerful.
Laura Jenkins from Chicago, IL great conversation with teacher
My tweets for the next hour will be for the Twitter chat.
sounds exciting! Did you have a good response? So much power in helping others see value of Twitter.
good evening from Wisconsin. Getting veterans teachers to embrace app to communicate with parents
Sarita from Waltham, Ma. Former middle school math teacher, now an implementation specialist w
there is a great hashtag for all types of instructional coaches that I think you would like
Hi ! Amanda, Math/Tech TOSA in NorCal was setting up regular PLC mtgs this yr w/2 mathTs who work in isolation otherwise
That's great Daniel. I was close to your neck of the woods. Stayed w/a friend in Omaha! :)
sounds amazing! What a wonderful opportunity, Kathy!
Laura Jenkins instructional coach from Chicago burbs. great conversation with teacher
I'm Kimberly from Texas! I had one teacher share a strategy I used in her room w/ another veteran teacher. Now I'm modeling 4 her!
How did you help teachers to see regular PLCs would be helpful?
Michele from NC. facilitating productive SS PLCs today!
Glad you found us Kimberly! Coaching = The Ripple Effect!
sometimes all it takes is one conversation to start the momentum of greatness!
It seemed very positive...most were all very new to Twitter, so we took some baby steps!
Tonight’s topic will be: Coaching Cycles and Effective Reflective Questioning
If you are new to we use a Q1 A1 format. Please make sure to include the hashtag in your tweets.
Holly here, Noblesville instructional coach
My tweets for the next hour will be for an twitter chat!
Q1 What are ways schools can clearly articulate the role of the instructional coach?
listening is harder than it seems. Especially listening to understand, not to reply. :)
I'd love to know more about the PLC's goals? I work for on developing a features for virtual PLCs
PLC model is district-wide move, so my goal was reach out to those Ts & offer collaboration as prob-solve strategy...
..."2 heads better than 1" sell on supporting our Ss, I guess :)
A1 I love this question. IMHO: Develop a shared understanding among admin and allow time to communicate that vision to teachers.
Our district's in super begin stages of PLC work, so right now, I use 4EssentialQs w/Ts 2 get in mindset
- Couldn't agree more. That is what we are doing now! https://t.co/wyhSXIDqCs
..."2 heads better than 1" sell on supporting our Ss, I guess :)
A1:addressing potential misconceptions and then clarifying what coaching does revolve around.
A1: Would love to hear other's responses.... https://t.co/H7CTgV5iyc
Q1 What are ways schools can clearly articulate the role of the instructional coach?
- Interesting. What are the Qs? I'd love to talk more at another time? I don't want to monopolize your time now.
A1: share where we can assist & model model model while building relationships
What technologies have you been using? And how have they been transformative
there are 4 coaches in our school. We sat down with our AP & created a principal/coach agreement.
A1. Clarify role w admin. And admin who protect role as much as possible so coach can coach.
A1 (cont) Teachers who have participated in coaching also play a key role in this. They are the best advocates.
Q2 How do you determine who to work with as a coach?
A1: Ideally, P should define role. IC should avoid the role morphing into part coach-part admin. Suspect that isn't as effective.
A1: there are 4 coaches in our school. We sat down with our AP & created a principal/coach agreement.
tell more...what did this look like?
I'm popping in from Southwest Iowa tonight. Glad to be here for
A2 It's best if Ts volunteer but often districts want "more" out of the investment they make in a coach. So, it can be tough.
A2: started out making sure I was present in schools, now it's when the Ts or Ps request me, offer pd ops
A1: Create coaching vision and mission, develop actionable goals each year with coaching
Hi Nancy. Great to see you! I enjoyed my time in your area this week. Learned lots from
A2: Coaching shouldn't be mandated yet highly encouraged as a means of reaching a goal
A2: New teachers are assigned coaches. Veterans select to work with us. We reach out where we see need & relationship.
A2 as a new coach, anyone who will work with me, new teachers, teachers with highest need students!
A2: I have read that IC's should start working w. the willing Ts first and let reputation spread to those less than willing.
A2: (cont): coach those who seek us yet be proactive w/support w/new teachers, etc as well as use strengths to find entry points
Q3 Coaching cycles are a typical topic in coaching training. How have you moved coaching cycles into practice?
A2: In our district, coaches are invited into classrooms; or I approach those I know are interested in growing their practice
A2 I offer coaching cycles to the whole school, sometimes it is highly suggested by admin, usually it is opt in
A3: Transparency w/Ts helps them understand that it's about the process through a cycle and the steps we take together.
2morro I'm starting "Day in Life of _Grader" Following 7th grade schedule all day 2 experience. Hoping 4 coaching convos after!
A3 Really liked the learning lab approach we used with today to move coaching cycles from training to practice.
A3: Have scheduled some cycles with willing Ts. Being goal-specific & non-judgmental, recording data. Ts have been very receptive.
A3: I think I am. My fave is co-plan, I model, you teach, we reflect. Is that a full cycle?
A3: Cycles have to wait until relationship is established. Then, a focused discussion on parameters and then T chooses focus.
A3 Tried coaching cycles last year but pulled in too many directions to complete. Want to try again!
Coming in late for a little learning! Love that this is an hour earlier!
I wish teachers had a chance to do a "day in the life" See how much time Ss spend seated & quiet
Coaching cycles still so abstract to me. Modeling for 2 weeks? Observation for 2 weeks? Reflection and data analysis 2 weeks?
learning labs are a prof. goal of mine this year. Would LOVE to hear more about this or any insights.
I'd love to hear more about the Learning Lab...
Cycles are the favorite part of my job! Just started my first round this week, with goal setting meetings S centered T focused.
What other things pulled you in various directions. What can you do to make coaching cycles a priority?
What types of data do you find most meaningful to Ts?
A3: I've read several books on coaching, attended a few trainings and as a coaching district team we study best practices
great point about relationships-they are our foundation for any kind of forward progress.
A3: Data and student-centeredness has been key for me. CC's are about S growth and not about "helping" teachers
principle to practice in action with learning labs are strong entry points for coaching cycles
A3: has tried to schedule our time more efficiently by targeting specific populations throughout the year
A3 One thing about coaching cycles is to let Ts set their goal, no matter how small. A successful cycle hopefully leads 2 more!
A3: Attending a Jim Knight week long coaching institute is a goal and looking at 's coaching institute is a dream
Would love to hear more about this.
If Ts grow then Ss will as well. What types of data do you find most powerful?
That is my plan for this year, too! https://t.co/anvBMgoM4o
A3: Data and student-centeredness has been key for me. CC's are about S growth and not about "helping" teachers
Q4 The coaching cycle of observing/modeling in classroom & reflective follow up/support takes time. How have you structured this?
So far, keeping data on S engagement has been very useful. Ts see if technique is losing students or keeping their attn
I've found much more success having the goal be around student growth. T's learn and reflect, but focus is on Ss
What is the process that your district decided upon what best practices to promote? I’m in that position currently
teacher investment is key! They have to be motivated by the goal established.
A3: organically evolved&learn every Ts has diff starting pts&1size fits all never works...meet Ts needs & strive for sm successes
Yes! Just heard from Ts whose IC didn't build relationships first--just gave directives https://t.co/ah6A0n0nLb
great point about relationships-they are our foundation for any kind of forward progress.
A4: I usually commit to 6 weeks for a coaching cycle. 2Xwk in class and 1x wk for planning. The writing units of study work well.
Relationships matter! Big time!
A4: still working on it...pulled thin but thankful Ts use me
A4: it's tailored to each coachee, but I never leave a planning session or modeled lesson without a debrief scheduled the next day
A4: Not even sure I've made it through a coaching cycle ever. Last yr was yr 1 & spent most of time building relationships...
A4: I try to have the T set pace over a 4 week period to plan our S-focused work. I set beg & end parameters for T to work within
Do you ever debrief virtually (email or otherwise)?
A4: I'm still struggling with this. All are busy, including me. Would love some practical ideas/resources.
The first year especially is all about relationships. It's like building a business.
Q4: Being IC at multiple schools, e-mail has been invaluable. I share w. Ts the Cycle form that has data & observations.
Glad I'm not the only one.
I connect with my coaching clients virtually. Works well! :) (video platform)
A4a: ...this yr is pretty diff already, &getting lots more work. Trying to sched a follow up or reflection after every demo/PD
Q5 How have you used data in the coaching process? What type of data?
Agreed-same here. The foundation of these relationships are becoming more and more important at how I look at coaching
Also hard to schedule full coaching cycles as a TOSA... not solely an instructional coach so my duties vary
I'd love to hear your feedback on as a virtual tool to look at student work with Ts Can we connect later?
A4: after initial goal is set w/ T we collect pre-data and then plan. We set my schedule up for the 8 wks @ beginning of cycle
hard to be seen as a collaborative partner in learning with that approach for sure
A4: I think the time is proportional to the size of the goal.
What is the vision of coaching at your school? Have roles been defined?
A4: schedule for planning, CO teaching and reflection set ahead means the work continues
A5: We have data from last year that I use, as well as pre-assessment or unit checkpoints. Goals are for targeted Ss
A5: No data yet. I'm in a HS. How do others in that setting find good data?
I'd love to hear your thoughts on around looking at student work with Ts virtually. Can we connect later?
A5: Target areas Ts think they are weak at. S-engagement, T-centered v. S-centered time, T signal effectiveness, etc...
Depending on the subject, could you use preassessment?
A5: type of data collection varies based on goal but always have goals that are measurable and can be collected throughout cycle
A5: I have mainly used student on/off task data to help Ts. I’ve had a few Ts that use video data to push toward their goal.
Also, what about having Ss self-assess, set goals, and report as to whether they meet them? Think visible learning
A favorite books for data collection ideas is Coaching Classroom Management https://t.co/HAC32mcgrX - Data can lead to other goals
Expanded the definition of "data." Let Ts decide what they want to gather & collaborate to design way to gather.
How does timeliness fit with a pre-assessments?
A5: implementation of new reading, writing curriculum set up several cycles last yr
Absolutely. I am unfamiliar with . What is it?
Not sure what you mean? Wasted instructional minutes?
A5: data collected depends on goal of T. Today I collected data with selective scripting. Use & forms I've created
That's a great coaching move, as they can really focus instruction.
Q6 Reflective dialogue is important between a coach and teacher. What resources have helped you accomplish this?
supports math problem solving using Polya's 4 phases and peer-to-peer collaboration.
The docs from are great! They’ve been the basis of our work in building our coaching team/program.
A6: Watching myself on video. Hugely helpful to remember to take time and not talk so much.
Hi , dropping in very late from Melbourne :)
A6 Chapter on listening in Art of Coaching is a great one to read.
Powerful! Video is such a great tool to aid in reflection.
We use our ipads/smartphones once the T has agreed that this is direction they want to take to collect data
A6: & provide great resources; I always provide reflection questions for Ts after each coaching convo
A6: I've used a lot of resources with question prompts from
You can't hide from it or change how it goes. It's just there. Sigh.
A6: Goal 2get better at this! Currently reference resources to help me improve on reflective dialogue
Diane Sweeney student-centered coaching -- reflective and probing questions
A5 The sister chat did a chat of 'data' recently. You might find the blog & archive useful: https://t.co/zq3opgPYcY
A5) Data = information; broad def. is of benefit across coaching activities & applications (cchg indivs., cchg. grps, cchg lrdrs).
Happy Thursday to you, Chris! Glad you could join us. Our time change probably doesn't hit your lunch as well.
A6: No real resources here. I just try to have a back and forth about the lesson. Mostly, I try to listen & prompt good reflection
A6: First honoring where each coachee is at, then knowing which coaching stance to lean upon to support goals
A6: dialogue & questions are my improvement goals this year. Going to video my convos w/ TV to reflect
Hey leaders! Greg- K, MD. Checking in very late to the conversation, but ready to engage.
And then our clocks will change soon in US!
A6 Jim Knight and Elena Aguilar lead the way for me
Q7 How do you ensure coaching cycles are a priority?
Thank you! I have to run. Have a great week.
Intentional, supportive listening allowing for quality exchange of ideas. Yes!
Any advice for using video to collect data?
A6 We collect end-of-cycle feedback from coachees - on coaching and impact on T & Ss
Hi All ✌🏻️Hopping in late from Denver. Just going to lurk since I'm late to the party 😊
Thanks Kathy! Great to be here, even if for a short time.
A6 A simple way is to close each coaching session with "so what's clearer now?"
What kind of feedback questions do you ask?
No worries. Hope it's useful :)
Lurking tonight as we prepare for Matthew. Happy to learn from the conversation.
Video allows for more authentic reflection. See what maybe you didn’t “see” initially.
I'm dropping into even later... I'm in Oregon, but my excuse was making cookies with my son.
Q8 What advice do you have for fellow coaches in scheduling coaching cycles?
A7: Thinking of coaching light vs heavy. Coaching heavy is when real, actionable change occurs and most often w/coaching cycle
[Pre-assessment data can be useful w/ any stakeholder.] Consider categorizing all accessible info.
Oh, I like this! https://t.co/PpoY8wU9Z0
A6 A simple way is to close each coaching session with "so what's clearer now?"
A8: Don't underestimate need for pre and post conferences in coaching cycles (advice to myself...)
Q7: prioritize time on the calendar. Take on only a few at a time.
A7: Losing the battle here. My calendar fills up quickly, and it's hard to get as many coaching cycles in. Must do better at that.
I like that, too! I need to add to my ing toolbox...
A8- I am not a coach…at this time…but I’d say make the cycles reflect needs of Ts, providing opps for feedback, dialogue. (pt 1)
A8- Some Ts may require more specific supports than others. Perhaps they may require/request more coaching/support. (pt 2)
Q9 What ongoing support do coaches in your district receive? What is needed?
Great resource - one to return to.
A8: Coaching cycles take varying time investments based on being responsive to T/S needs; make sure to allow time when scheduling
A:8. Avoid starting cycles near end of qtr or at conference time. Ts ask to wait a week or 2 to start. https://t.co/3ZY4rNjc1Z
Q8 What advice do you have for fellow coaches in scheduling coaching cycles?
A8- Allow for flexibility; adjust as needed. (pt 3)
Allison from SC! "lurk-sponding" (completely just made that up) out of normal routine tonight with storm.
Thanks for sharing! You Rock!
A8: be sure to allot time for prep & follow-up too---block it on your calendar
Q8: less is more. Cycle with a few. Support many.
timing transitions is an extension of on/off task when looking at management
A8: The debrief is where the magic can happen : ) so put it on the calendar
A9: Our coaches come together as a district team at least monthly for ongoing coaching support; love having our coaching PLC time
Several said they liked the ORID resource shared. Here is a good book using ORID Focused Conversations https://t.co/GdDCpXfNZk
Q10 What is something you will take away from tonight’s chat and try in your own situation?
team cycles work well too and support getting to practice with built in buy in for learning labs etc.
I have the same issue. "Enrolling" a small number of Ts at a time seems to help.
A9: 4 training sessions per yr with Diane Sweeney. New this yr-- monthly meet-up with school improvement director
A10- All of these ideas and resources. Not a coach yet, but perhaps moving in that direction in the next year or two.
Yes - so important to remember the busy times of a classroom teacher. Never lose the teacher in you!
Q9: we had 3 days with this summer w/ re: agreements, listening, cycles. 1 day w/Danielson group. So good!
A9 Coaching skills are one thing but developing a coaching 'way of being' takes time. Reflection with own/other coach helps
Cchg includes metacognitive approaches (from both sides). Consider "tiering supports" to adults. (sim. to Ss)
I agree! We energize each other! https://t.co/Mi4pKq38Yg
A9: Our coaches come together as a district team at least monthly for ongoing coaching support; love having our coaching PLC time
A10: con't to help Ts see value in ongoing coaching cycles based upon honoring where they are & how coaching might look for them
What future topic ideas do you have for ? Please include in your idea tweet.
Q10 I will definitely review tonight's chat since I was so late joining.
Oops! I'll try to fix that. Happy to share it. :)
A8: You're on Ts side. Give unbiased feedback, gauging when to coach hard & coach soft. Help them improve & sharpen their skills.
district director of learning w/strong coaching background; blessed to have strong support both school & district
Thanks everyone for another great chat!
