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.
Hi! Lauren, Instructional Coach, Indiana. Excited to be here co-moderating with @IAteacherNan tonight! My #eduwin is enjoying hosting teachers for lab site experiences during our summer programming the last two days @CLCoachIND. #educoach
Hello! Carrie from Indiana. Director of Curric & Inatruct This week I was involved in some great PD and our coaches shared their successes to our School Board. #educoach
Q1 I get to work with four other amazing full time coaches on my campus. We all share a coaches room. We are adding sofas, conference table, comfy chairs, and expanding our professional libraries for next year. #educoach
A1: comfy chairs. A big table for collaboration. A projector or a large monitor. A window with natural light. Soothing walk colors. Art work. Fresh water and coffee. And I always keep chocolate for anyone who needs a piece. 😉 #educoach
A1 My ideal space: bookshelves, tables for small group instruction (modeling), projector/Smart Board, comfy chairs for teachers to chill out in, and a private-ish workspace where I could meet with teachers. #educoach
A1: I have my dream space already. Our admin brought in an office designer who turned a classroom into an office that 4 of us coaches share. We each have a cubicle, lots of storage, window, and a meeting space #educoach
A1 (part 2) We have a separate conference room used for PLC, so our coaching room can be used more for individual coaching conversations. We move our coaches room every year, based on available space. #educoach
A1: I have my dream space already. Our admin brought in an office designer who turned a classroom into an office that 4 of us coaches share. We each have a cubicle, lots of storage, window, and a meeting space #educoach
A2 - must have items are collaborative space for teachers, personal space for me, projector and printer, and a place for all my books to live. Comfy seating, treats, and those aesthetic touches that make teachers feel at home would be nice. #educoach
When my district started IC positions 3 yrs ago, we were told to make a list of furniture. Then we were provided all the leftover desks, tables and chairs from district storage instead. #educoach Disappointed . . .
Fluorescent lighting is a bummer. I brought in a lamp—I much prefer working with that on and the fluorescent lights off—but I go with whatever works better for the teacher. . #educoach
A3 It's all about creative use of space. This year, my math coach roomie and I will have an empty classroom to spread out in and create space for all of those elements. #educoach
A3-one of our coaches @MrsMoodyIC utilizes a dry erase wall in her office to document the goals of her coaching cycles and her personal goals #educoach
A3: What if my workspace weren't my workspace? Can coaching occur in the teacher's comfort zone (classroom)? Or does that introduce distractions? Thoughts?
#educoach
A3: All snarkiness aside, my “office” is wherever it is convenient and comfortable for teachers to work with me. I spend lots of time ‘squatting’ in the 6 schools I work in. I fit like sand around pebbles. #educoach
A3: Having private, spacious areas in which to work can help. Group collaboration can exist, while at other times private dialogues can feel protected. Environment is instrumental. Shape it. #educoach
Yes, especially if being in T's room is handier and more convenient for the T. Coaching session in IC office can be a calm respite from a busy day for a T though. #educoach
A3: What if my workspace weren't my workspace? Can coaching occur in the teacher's comfort zone (classroom)? Or does that introduce distractions? Thoughts?
#educoach
I almost always meet with the Ts in their classroom, they are in their comfort zone and have data & resources that we can refer to without dragging it somewhere else #educoach
A3. As a coach, you need to set the tone for the space. Provide space for collaboration. Invite people into the space to build relationships. Also be visible throughout building. #educoach
Yes. I think that can work. It’s more about relationships than spaces. Ideally the space would support relationships, but people are hardy creatures. We make it work. #educoach
Yes, I usually go to the classroom of my colleague. My space is actually used for collaboration for all staff, so it’s multi-purposeful. I prefer to be in the room of my colleague. #educoach
Coaching can occur wherever it needs to, informally or formally. Hallways, standing in line for the bathroom, at lunch, in PLC, in a car on the way to a meeting, literally anywhere. #educoach
A3: What if my workspace weren't my workspace? Can coaching occur in the teacher's comfort zone (classroom)? Or does that introduce distractions? Thoughts?
#educoach
A3: I keep chocolate and light snacks visible and available in my space—it gives Ts a reason to stop in so we can begin to build a relationship. I also keep the bulk of my professional library in my space to loan out for anyone who wants it. #educoach
A4 I believe the coaches office should be a haven for teachers. If it is comfortable, packed with resources, and coffee - the smell of coffee is sure to bring people in. #educoach
Unfortunately, i have no pictures of the planning maps on my phone. They aren’t always picture perfect...but too me there is nothing better than brainstorming and planning with a team! #educoach
A4: Thinking ahead... I need plants, an essential oil diffuser, a book shelf, some photographs, and chocolate. If nothing else space-wise changes, I can still add these elements without infringing on colleagues who share the work area. #educoach
A4: Thinking ahead... I need plants, an essential oil diffuser, a book shelf, some photographs, and chocolate. If nothing else space-wise changes, I can still add these elements without infringing on colleagues who share the work area. #educoach
A4 A homey setting is inviting - lamps, photos, plants, candy, coffee, comfortable seating. But what really draws people in is the relationship/partnership mindset - a culture of trust that encourages vulnerability and risk-taking. #educoach
A4: Visual organization is important to me. Doesn’t need to be sterile, just an uncluttered space where fun tools lay at the ready. I don’t go in for much decor. Just try to decorate whatever space I am in with a genuine smile and realistic positivity. #educoach
A5: I keep in mind the impression that visitors to our school will leave with -- what does the space say to them about instructional coaching work? #educoach
Unfortunately, i have no pictures of the planning maps on my phone. They aren’t always picture perfect...but to me there is nothing better than brainstorming and planning with a team! #educoach
A5 Ideally: making decisions based on what is best for kids, celebrating teachers and their professionalism and grit, positivity, creativity & solution-focused discussions. #educoach
A5: If my walls could talk, I would want them to say that I believe in the potential of every person, and I will work very hard to follow through on that belief. #educoach
A5 I would want my walls to tell stories of success and struggles shared in a safe space. I'd want them to say this is a place where we can laugh, cry, plan, and grow together. They must say that everyone who enters here is safe, welcomed, and supported. #educoach
A5 I want my space to show that I am passionate about reading and writing! I also need it to show that I am a learner..I don’t have all the answers. Let’s work together! #educoach
A4: Becca, Instructional Coach from K-5 San Diego area jumping in! The room is EVERYTHING! Ts love coffee, snacks, a fridge stocked w/La Croix and other treats! Variety of furniture helps! Here's our PD room! #educoach#SMETigerWay
A5 (joined late, but I think I'm caught up)
My walls have math posters and quotes.
"There's a mathematician in all of us."
My bookshelf holds beliefs, too.
My office is in an old district building, so most of my coaching happens in schools.
#educoach
A5 I want my space to show that I am passionate about reading and writing! I also need it to show that I am a learner..I don’t have all the answers. Let’s work together! #educoach
A6: We have a professional library for loaning out. Each month I put a new basket of books in Ts lounge for borrowing. @hdutrey & @MrsHLWells have also hosted a book tasting event #educoach
A6: My professional library demonstrates life long learning, but quotes and notes on my bulletin board and desk make it clear the books are not just for show. #educoach
A6: Right now these posters sit on my portable office wall (currently a corner in central office). They are indicative of our commitment to growth. Our own, our students. They go hand in hand. #educoach
A7: Post-It notes are a must! And a bulletin board right in front of my desk for paper copies of schedules, etc. Rest goes on Google calendar! #educoach
A6: A PD library is a good start! Reminders about things to try, showing how others use tech, tips and tricks to share! Who is an expert on campus..celebrate them and spread the goodness! #educoach#SMETigerWay
A7: Because I work out of my car, digital organization is essential for me. Google drive and my blog are my portal. I use apps to organize coaching forms. I use video to meet when I need to. And generally my car is stuffed to the gills with math paraphernalia. #educoach
#educoach. A7 I love using organizational structures from classrooms! Not only does it keep me organized, but it may give someone an idea they can transfer to their classroom.
For sure—I do use post it notes and short daily lists. But my google calendar is my go to for managing time and tasks, and I can quickly easily review where I’m spending time so I can evaluate whether I need to make tweaks. #educoach
I use this, too—integrated with my Google calendar. But I’m finding that sometimes Ts don’t use it. Any suggestions on how you e encouraged use? #educoach
