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 #educoach crew! I’m Stefanie, an instructional tech coach from central IL. Success ➡️ sharing my passion for Slides, Drawings & Keep w/ another school district!
A1: Coaching light might be more like one-way support (providing training, resources, etc.) Coaching heavy might be deeper engagement in classroom work w/ educators. #educoach
A1 coaching heavy spends the majority of the time oroviding feedback and working alongside the teacher-coaching light is working for the teacher:running errands, giving tests, etc #educoach
A1: Heavy coaching involves relationship, data, discussion and is focused on student outcomes. Light coaching, while helpful, seems to be somewhat removed from the work in the classroom. #educoach
A1 seems like coaching heavy spends the majority of the time providing feedback and working alongside the teacher-coaching light would then be working for the teacher:running errands, giving tests, finding new resources and sending it to them to try etc. #educoach
Heather from NC. I am an EC teacher who also serves as my school's PBIS and MTSS coach. I'm not new to either PBIS or MTSS, but definitely am new to coaching! My win this week is joining this chat to learn about coaching. #educoach
A2: I spend a lot of time on PD for my schools/district. That can be helpful if I support teachers at schools afterward. I also spend more time with teachers who volunteer for coaching. #EduCoach
A2: The light coaching that takes the most of my time would be providing group (one off) PD (departmental, Lunch and Learns, School Improvement Days, New Teacher Meetings, etc) #educoach
A3 - I see so many coaches here: Do you regularly work outside your comfort zone and stretch your coaching skills, content knowledge, leadership skills, relationship skills, and instructional skills?
So proud of all they do! #educoach
A3: I do work with MOST teachers in the schools, so that's good. I often use pre-conferences with teachers, and I am working with administrators more closely in all of my schools this year. #EduCoach
A3 - I see so many coaches here: Do you regularly work outside your comfort zone and stretch your coaching skills, content knowledge, leadership skills, relationship skills, and instructional skills?
So proud of all they do! #educoach
A3: I would definitely say working one on one with Ts. I observe and gather data, and later, meet with the T to provide a framework for reflection. I also have a great deal of co-planning and co-teaching on my docket in the next few weeks. #fun#educoach
Time is a factor. Is there a way to help rearrange time so it doesn't fill like you are pulling teachers from something. Can administrators help w/time factor? #educoach
I use my coaching menu (it's a Google Form) to give me an idea of their needs and to help me schedule -- that way we have some ways to focus the pre-conference. It helps with time and follow-through for me and the teacher. #educoach
A4: Teachers are avoiding coaching cycles. They prefer to work with their grade level teams for the most part, during PLC times. A cycle "takes up too much time" #educoach
A4 barriers include my own limited time working at two sites, and marketing myself and the coaching program. Also I need to get my schedule under control. And teachers’ time is precious. They would rather work alone, grade papers, organize the field trip etc... #educoach
A4 barriers include my own limited time working at two sites, and marketing myself and the coaching program. Also I need to get my schedule under control. And teachers’ time is precious. They would rather work alone, grade papers, organize the field trip etc... #educoach
A4: My time. I feel like teachers are so willing and I see opportunities everywhere. I have to be careful not to overextend myself so that I have enough time to reflect on next steps and make the work meaningful for us and make an impact on student learning. #educoach
A4: This is the first year my district has had coaches so we are trying to build capacity. Barriers are knowing what our role is and how they can utilize us. Observing in classrooms makes them nervous so trying to show them we aren’t evaluative #educoach
A5: sometimes mandatory meetings and trainings are unavoidable, and it breaks your heart that you can't Coach the way you want to. But yes! Scheduling appointments is a lifesaver, being intentional works! #educoach
A6: Coaching light is most important when establishing a working relationship with Ts. It allows Ts to see value in their work with you. You gather resources, provide ideas and encourage along the way. #educoach
A7: Coaching heavy matters because of the depth and personalization of the work. These are the experiences that are proven to enhance teacher practice. #educoach
A7: Heavy coaching is where the greatest impact is made for both Ts and Ss. Since it has the greatest impact, it is the most meaningful and enjoyable for everyone involved. (Definitely is for me! :) ) #educoach
I think there are different seasons in our careers too. Sometimes I'll do heavy coaching with someone one year and then lighter coaching the next. It depends on so many factors. #EduCoach
I agree with the "seasons of coaching." One of the best compliments I ever received is "You have never lost the teacher in you." We must remember the shoes teachers walk in. #educoach
A8: Really five more into lesson studies to restructure and design alongside my teachers. Seek more student engagement through content, not just tech tools #educoach
Video is a game changer. I just spent the past 6 weeks virtually coaching a teacher. We used video and @SibmeApp. We met one hour a week. It was powerful. #educoach
A8: Really dive more into lesson studies to restructure and design alongside my teachers. Seek more student engagement through content, not just tech tools #educoach
Sounds like lesson study may be a good #educoach topic. I'm guessing you each may be meaning something different. First thin that comes to mind is Lucy Calkins, but you could mean other things. #educoach
A8: I'm currently working outside my comfort zone -- seeking opportunity to work with Ts that I have not yet worked with. First week in January I'm observing in rooms of 2 Ts that I haven't worked with. #educoach
A9: Choosing a unit to work with in each grade level and starting small. Providing a depth of knowledge in certain units can stimulate thinking #educoach
