The #coachapproach chat benefits school administrators and other school leaders wishing to lead with a "coaching hat." It moderated by the co-authors of the book The Coach Approach to School Leadership: Leading Teachers to Higher Levels of Effectiveness.
I'm Andy a PK-12 Principal in MN. This is my first chat, @PrincipalJ invited me. I am looking forward to learning from and networking with others. #CoachApproach
A1 - I always try to speak to colleagues about how we can make a difference in the lives of students. Also, a constant focus on positivity and it’s role in teaching and learning. #coachapproach
A1: I always feel a conversation is hopeful when the teacher is able have ownership of the reflection, goal and action steps...I just support it! #CoachApproach
A1. We have started instructional rounds in our building which have led to great reflective and courageous conversations within our building. This is new for my staff but they are definitely seeing the benefits. #coachapproach
If you're new to a twitter chat, we follow the Q/A format. Please make sure to include #CoachApproach in your tweet so all can see your response in the conversation.
A1 I love conversations where a light bulb goes off. The Teacher (or coach - I coach coaches) sees something new, realizes they have made a shift and can't go back to old ways. #coachapproach
A1 reflection is hard. Looking at and being honest about our practice is difficult but being vulnerable and sharing that with another- wow, that’s courage #coachapproach
We started with a small group of teachers that I consider my leadership team. We have been focusing on the @robertjmarzano framework which has led us to minute to minute monitoring 4 learning. This is what has caused my teachers to start the reflective practices.#CoachApproach
Q2 - Easy to become complacent. If students are compliant, it’s common practice to think things are great. Being reflective often means at least some change in our practice. That can be tough. It’s like introducing tech to a person who has never used it. #coachapproach
A2 The "time" factor is often given. Yet as school leaders we can make that happen. If we want teachers to be reflective we have to honor that with time. #coachapproach Teachers have so much on their plates. What can we take off to make room for reflection/coaching?
Yes - focusing on the students is key. Too often teachers think coaches/admin are trying to fix them. Coaching is about enhancing through the lens of the students. #coachapproach
In reply to
@DaultonAS, @Shapiro_WTHS, @jimknight99
Using mme moe, teachers can reflect on their school day in 2 minutes as a habit, and then go on to a deeper dive in a learning journal should they want to. @KathyPerret#coachapproach mme moe is a teacher self-coaching platform
A2 I have a very veteran staff that did think things were great. They have since seen the benefits of being reflective. There have been lots of tears and hugs throughout our process. My staff has built trust going through this process together. #coachapproach
A2) frustration often gets in the way of true reflection. Coaches should display empathy with the real challenges teachers experience, and should never forget how difficult the role is. #CoachApproach
I see more and more teachers fearful and/or stress these days. They have so much to do, to think about, etc.... We must remember what it's like being in the classroom. #coachapproach
A2) trust is a pre-requisite for true reflection. If teachers don't trust their coach or admin, they will not be open and honest about where they need to grow. #CoachApproach
So true...it's hard to be vulnerable and show that there are areas to grow. Gone are the days of the teacher being the sage on the stage. #CoachApproach
Q3 - Again, results matter. If I’m doing PD, and I’m showing a 30 slide PP about reflection, do you really think most teachers are going to make change? If I can show them how it will enhance their practice, make students engaged and improve their teaching👍 #CoachApproach
A3. I believe that building trust and finding the strengths of those involved to have your initial conversations paves the way for truly reflective teaching. This leads to those deeper conversations. #coachapproach
A3 Put myself out there first. Model how I’m being reflective in my own practice. Be present and patient. Be prepared to listen without judging #coachapproach
Thank you for attending our #coachapproach chat. We chat the first Thursday of each month at 8pm CST. You can obtain transcripts of chat here: https://t.co/W2dCm5Nc3d
I always love learning from others. Keep spreading the word about our monthly #coachapproach chat - the first Thursday of each month at 8pm CST
Keep SHINING!
Q3Connect with teachers on a daily basis and start building trust! I started facilitating bi-monthly power PD sessions for staff. My session content comes from teacher questions during coaching conversations. #coachapproach
