• ISTE Standards for Coaches

    Reflections on Peer Coaching

    My Take Aways This quarter has been very formative and has expanded my thoughts about coaching. Here are some of my big take-aways:  First and foremost, take time to develop relationships. Just like in a classroom, you won’t make much headway helping students learn if you do not take the time to get to know your students. Slow down now so that you can speed up later.  A trusting relationship is vital to coaching work. It is important when working with teachers to highlight that it is a partnership and that you are excited to learn from them too. Coaches also need to be humble and empathetic, caring about the…

  • ISTE Standards for Coaches

    Resources for Meaningful Tech Integration

    The Problem Okay, let’s be honest from one educator to another. When it comes to technology, have you ever felt like once you learn something new the educational world is already moving on to the next and greatest? Or have you ever just shrugged off the current technology trend and chosen to stick with what is familiar and comfortable when it comes to teaching? Perhaps you are trying to use different forms of technology, but feel like the technology is more of an expensive toy than actually enhancing and redefining the learning experiences? If you answered yes to any of those questions, you are not alone. “New, often more effective…

  • ISTE Standards for Coaches

    Developing a Shared Vision and Culture That Embraces Technology

    The Foundation Having both a clear vision and a healthy school culture are essential foundations before adopting new and innovative practices. According to ASCD, school culture is the way “teachers and other staff members work together and the set of beliefs, values, and assumptions they share.” These beliefs and values have a huge impact on instructional decisions and student learning. So if a school is adopting a new technology initiative, school leaders should take the time to create a shared vision and culture for using technology. If teachers believe in the positive influence technology can have on student learning, then there will be forward momentum by staff working towards a…

  • ISTE Standards for Coaches

    Practical Communication Skills to Help Your Coaching Get Off The Ground

    Communication is at the crux of our society. And while it is such an important part of our daily life we stop explicitly teaching it as our kids get older. Right now I have a baby and toddler at home and we spend a large part of our time teaching appropriate ways to communicate (or more so, what ways are inappropriate… demanding food, glaring at mom, throwing toys in frustration, etc.). I’m sure all of you caregivers and parents out there are nodding your heads in agreement. During those early years, kids are like little sponges, observing and soaking in how to communicate both verbally and nonverbally. Why is it…

  • ISTE Standards for Coaches

    The Roles and Responsibilities of Successful Coaching-Teacher Relationships

    Coaching is a powerful practice schools can adopt in order to provide support for their staff and encourage continuous professional growth. Like the quote states above, school leaders should aim to create a learning community for teachers that are focused on trust, collaboration, and growth. Too often teachers chat in the halls but carry out their work in the silos of their classrooms. Coaches can help remedy this situation. They play an integral part because they can come alongside teachers and meet them where they are at. Just like we wouldn’t impose a one-size-fits-all curriculum for our students, we should recognize that our teachers have varying needs, skill levels, and…

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