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.
Greetings from Indiana! Excited to be co-moderating tonight’s chat and being part of this community. My #eduwin is celebrating the upcoming start of new coaching cycles! Excited to grow alongside my colleagues!! #educoach
Lucy checking in from South Texas! Looking forward to a great chat about coaching. I believe coaching Ts is one of the most powerful actions that can increase Ss achievement through teacher effectiveness.
#educoach
Hi I’ml Lauren. Instructional Coach in Long Beach. My success this week was a teacher telling another coach “I love when Lauren observed me. It’s no pressure. I just feel like she’s there to help” #educoach
Hello #educoach. I'm Kathy one of the co-moderators. So many success stories as we start the year! Great collaboration with team members as we plan for supports for area teacher leaders/coaches. #educoach
Today we spent time considering the shift from teaching content, to a more engaging process of "figuring things out" -- for instance, how do apples grow on trees? Then Ss start the questions and investigations. #educoach
Lucy checking in from South Texas! Looking forward to a great chat about coaching. My success story this week is having the opportunity to coach Ts...one of the most powerful actions that can increase Ss achievement.
#educoach
Have to share the best sunshine from the week: After hearing some experience yet new-to-district teachers introduce themselves and share that this was their dream job, a first year teacher introduced herself and said "Today my dream begins" #educoach
A1: Being in the classrooms more this year. The last two years I’ve waited to be invited, but this year I’m going in without anything in my hands hoping they feel more comfy with me coming in. I want them to understand I’m not evaluative. #educoach
A1: I’m inspired by our last book study. I want to build teachers’ capacity to reflect and help to build an overall more reflective culture @educationhall@AlisaSimeral#educoach
A1: My goal is to encourage Ts to volunteer for professional learning cohorts. They plan a Professional goal and then can use learning walks or observe coworkers to reach their goal #educoach
Being visible is so important in a coaching role. Even if you just do quick pop ins, it will make your colleagues used to seeing you. 😊 I intentionally block out classrooms float time each week, which helps. #educoach
A1: 1. Survive and arrive on time, because I'm split between 6 schools. 2. Mainly, develop lasting relationships where I can work with my teachers to continue innovative practices without me. #Educoach
A1: My biggest goal is to do some coaching around the work of Zaretta Hammond with our MS and HS teachers. I hope to bring awareness to how our practices are already strong and can be tweaked a bit to be more culturally responsive #educoach
A1 My goal is on the support side of things. I strive to support teacher leaders and coaches. We have so many things planned for our area teacher leaders - so they have opportunities to learn, reflect, grow, and collaborate with each other. #educoach
I have a system, so I continually rotate. I can share with you more if interested. It’s easy to fall into the same classroom all the time trap, so it helps. Great opportunities to visit all areas of our building from preschool to music! #educoach
My plan is to let the teachers observe on their own after a pre-planning session. I can be there for debriefing afterwards. I'll most likely cover their classes. #educoach
A2 I like to look at long term goals and then break them down into doable parts. I had been reflecting monthly, but plan to do it more often this year to stay on target. #educoach
I've lead peer coaching labs with the teachers in our building, so they are almost all familiar with the process of observing, noticing, and asking questions. #educoach
A2: I write down the top 3 things I want to accomplish each day, and unless I have meetings all day, popping into 2 classrooms is one of those 3 things. I also plan the teacher and the time and put it in my calendar. I keep a checklist to make sure I make it to everyone #educoach
A2: I’ve been using the reflection continuum and it’s been super accurate and helpful. I’m going to share the resources with admin too. Hopefully we can all work toward the same goal #educoach
Late to the chat, Alicia Sewell, second year Instructional Technology Coach. A few successes from the week are connecting with teachers and planning lessons in the upcoming week AND finalizing Twitter party logistics. #Educoach
A3 - Listen to them. Know what motivates them. Help them move desks or other not-glamorous work but shows that you care about their time and will do the grunt work by their side #educoach
Love that analogy! Yes, coaches are working to bring the puzzle together. Some times we start with the easier parts (ie edges), but each person/piece has something unique to contribute to the whole. Some times they don't even realize what that is. We help others SHINE! #educoach
A3: At the very beginning of the year, I “introduced” myself (I’ve been in the same building for 3 years but we have new teachers) I explained my role and my goals for the year. I also check on them in the mornings before Ss come to their rooms. #educoach
A3: You all can help me with this one being my first year. Where I've started is just being visible and an extra set of hands assisting centers, helping opening breakfast, providing resources based on observations, etc. We are on our 2nd full week of school! #Educoach
A3 I have found that listening and connecting with teachers during the first days of school helps build strong relationships! Everyone is struggling and needs an ear! And chocolate is always a great way to become a sympathetic ear!! #educoach
A3 one of the best ways to build relationships with teachers at the start of the year that lead toward impactful coaching opportunities is simply observing and listening to them #educoach
A2: I have district goals, including curric work, data analysis, & PD on a macro level. I also have personal goals that involve building relationships, increasing S & T capacity, trying new approaches to instruction & creating professional learning opportunities. #educoach
A3 Get to know staff on a personal and professional level. Watch for things you may have in common. Find out the hopes/dreams teachers have for their students. Strive to partner with teachers. The list could go on and on... #educoach
My first year partnering with admin was key. NOT to have them force me on anyone, but to create a climate where collaboration with me was encouraged and to help me game plan #educoach
A2: I try to approach everything with optimism. Serving 6 schools, I have to stay focused. Keeping my mission and goals in mind and always having a backup plan helps me stay purposeful and busy. #Educoach
Bingo - Chocolate. My signature candy was Dove Chocolate. It sure drew people in - the quotes on the wrappers sparked opening conversations in team meetings, data digs, PLC, etc.... #educoach
I definitely think that is very beneficial. That teamwork makes the dreamwork, but also helps admin to show they want to change with the offer of support. #educoach
A4: I have anchor charts in my room with goals posted. I have a notebook I bought with to-do lists. My district coordinators created a booklet for us this year for our meetings that allow us to write notes, next steps, and who is responsible for the next steps. #educoach
Always great to have admin support, and that will help the teachers see you as someone that can share multiple viewpoints when there are questions that emerge from the classrooms! #educoach
My first year partnering with admin was key. NOT to have them force me on anyone, but to create a climate where collaboration with me was encouraged and to help me game plan #educoach
Bingo - Chocolate. My signature candy was Dove Chocolate. It sure drew people in - the quotes on the wrappers sparked opening conversations in team meetings, data digs, PLC, etc.... #educoach
A3: Building relationships is a constant work in progress. One conversation at a time, one day at a time... this starts with showing how much you really care. It takes a village, we are all in this together. Keep Ss at the core of everything conversation. #educoach
A4: I have a planning doc where I hyperlink all my work so I can QUICKLY access any coaching doc we need. Also, GCal -- a very strong commitment to setting appointments and time to prepare for working with Ts: wasting their time = death of our relationship #educoach
A3: Being genuine, nonjudgmental, and compassionate. I tell my teachers to let me love them & I mean it. I am empathic to their needs, their passion, and I serve them with these things in mind. Trust is important & I build on that. #Educoach
A4: A fresh moleskin has been my friend. Each day is a fresh page and it allows me to carry ideas forward and reflect on lessons from past weeks. Also allows me to write down meaningful quotes on lessons and planning activities to help me develop coaching development #educoach
A4 One of the tools I use to keep track of goals, to-do items, daily responsibilities, etc., is Google Calendar. I use it to organize my schedule, and share my schedule with others. #educoach
A3: Be real with them & Share your own struggles. Open communication and trust is key. As an AP, I feel that if my teachers fail then I’ve failed them. #educoach
A3: Building relationships is a constant work in progress. One conversation at a time, one day at a time... this starts with showing how much you really care. It takes a village, we are all in this together. Keep Ss at the core of every conversation. #educoach
A4: I use Google Apps, my Happy planner, sticky notes, emails, and my phone. If I’m not organized, I’m lost so I am constantly checking things off mentally then on paper and on my devices. #Educoach
This is a must! How many times have I needed a doc in the middle of a meeting or classroom visit and did t have the time to search? We have an amazing team that has built these documents for consistency at all buildings in our system #educoach#datathatworks#edtechforthewin
A5 Take risks. Try out things you learn in any trainings right a way. Seek supportive groups like #educoach for your growth. Find ways to be coached yourself. Remember coaching is more about listening that talking. We don't have to have all the ideas. #educoach
Last year, I served 13 so this year with 6 is a lot easier. My main tip is so stay organized and be patient with yourself. You can’t and won’t be able to do everything. Also, don’t be too prideful to the point that you don’t seek help. It’s necessary. #Educoach
A4: I use Google Apps, my Happy planner, sticky notes, emails, and my phone. If I’m not organized, I’m lost so I am constantly checking things off mentally then on paper and on my devices. #Educoach
Thank you for thinking of those that might not think they can contribute. At times, people can be their own worst critic and think they don’t have anything to add! #educoach
A5: Keep a smile on your face, and work on relationships and building trust. It's a process. As someone else mentioned, you don't have to have all the answers. #educoach
A6: I will observe them at least 2 times per semester and give the feedback. Also, if they want to observe another teacher in the building, I will cover their class for them. All of this will hopefully lead to coaching conversations. #educoach
A6: Monthly meeting with the other district coach. Also, Dane County has a monthly coaches forum which gathers ICs from a dozen schools for learning, troubleshooting, and community. Vital collaboration in my opinion #educoach
A6: being willing to teach and reteach the basics! Just as we should use the first few weeks to teach our students procedures, we should do the same with our Ts, new and veteran! New Ts need encouragement and extra hands!! #educoach
A5: Whew, so much! I was in their shoes last year and still feel like a first year coach. 😂 LISTEN, LEARN, SUPPORT. Vent when YOU need to because it can be overwhelming. Be patient with yourself & get a mentor. #educoach
A6: I try to seek out the new teachers in each building to be extra visible and supportive to them. I want their first year in teaching or the district to feel successful. #happyteacher#happyclassroom#Educoach
Awesome. Thanks for stepping up. Let us know your availability and we can get this scheduled. #educoach
Maybe even take #educoach to another format for a night with screen share capabilities?
I offered Ts in my school options on when they would like to be engaged in a coaching cycle: ASAP, in a bit, next semester, last possible. If they choose it, no excuses to not follow through #educoach
A6: I will observe them at least 2 times per semester and give the feedback. Also, if they want to observe another teacher in the building, I will cover their class for them. All of this will hopefully lead to coaching conversations. #educoach
A6: I will observe them at least 2 times per semester and give the feedback. Also, if they want to observe another teacher in the building, I will cover their class for them. All of this will hopefully lead to coaching conversations. #educoach
A6: Today I realized that vets need just as much support as new Ts. Listening, checking in, reaching out, and giving feedback AND praise is how you keep people empowered. I’m all about lifting spirits and connecting. I’m more than a coach, I’m an educator. #educoach
A7: Align my goals with expected student outcomes. I serve Ts AND students so the latter is always, ALWAYS my number 1 priority when supporting Ts. Can’t have one without the other. #educoach
A7: STAY. ON. BRAND! always make sure that you know what your school/district goals are and how they relate to student learning targets. If you are consistent in expectations, then Ts will be better I formed on the message! #educoach
A9: Bold School. We went 1:1 this year. This book has great strategies for using technology and remind us to use technology as a support to our objectives, not create our objectives around the technology. Tech shouldn’t replace the teacher. #educoach
A9: Anything Elena Aguilar @artofcoaching1 ; right now reading #Onward and wishing I had a few more days of summer to complete before starting the year ahead! #educoach
A8: with my team, we live by calendars. With my Ts, I have found that a “text free” or “sideline” number has been beneficial. It keeps my personal number private and creates a list of communications and contacts that I need to make separate form the rest of my phone #educoach
@lsmith0917 Yep and if you see something you especially liked, let them know about it. Positively reinforce positive behaviors, approaches, and strategies. #educoach
A9: I'm reading "Kids 1st From Day 1" by Christine Hertz and Kristine Mraz. Lots of takeaways for developing classroom community and helping Ss learn social/emotional skills. Lots of built in reflection for Ts! #educoach@HeinemannPub
A9: I'm reading "Kids 1st From Day 1" by Christine Hertz and Kristine Mraz. Lots of takeaways for developing classroom community and helping Ss learn social/emotional skills. Lots of built in reflection for Ts! #educoach@HeinemannPub
