5b

During my coursework in SPU’s Masters in Digital Education Leadership program, I became enthralled with new and exciting forms of professional learning. Digital Learning Coaches can help teachers build capacity by providing active learning experiences that engage and inspire educators to try new things. Some models I researched were individualized PD, inquiry-based PD, and edCamps. Check out my blog post, Shaking up PD, to learn more. These three models of professional learning allow teachers to be in the driver’s seat. These formats allow learning to be relevant, individualized, and collaborative. 

While serving as a technology coach I helped plan and lead training for staff on various topics like Microsoft’s Teams, the ISTE Student Standards, and Understanding by Design. When possible, I partnered with teachers in a coaching relationship that supported them in achieving their personal goals related to instructional technology. We also tried to identify teacher leaders who piloted new technologies and let them share their experiences with the staff in “mini-PD” sessions. 

One area that I am continuing to grow in is providing meaningful feedback. Here are my key take-aways from my graduate studies:

  • Coaches need to keep critical feedback to one or two key points and keep the conversation focused on data.
  • Make sure to invite the teacher into the conversation and ask them to share their thoughts and/or feelings.
  • Plan next steps by asking “what’s next?” and “how can I support you?”
  • Make sure to follow up.

Coaches can play an integral role by giving formative feedback that allows teachers the chance to reflect and reshape their teaching in order to achieve their personal goals. Please read more at The Art of Giving Meaningful Feedback.

To read more about my work with this standard, you can use the drop-down menu above or the buttons below to navigate to a specific performance indicator.

Works Cited

ISTE Standards for Coaches (n.d.). Retrieved from: https://www.iste.org/standards/for-coaches

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