“I feel like I haven’t seen you in a while.”
This phrase strikes fear into my coaching heart. It means that I need to make more of an effort to connect with all teachers in my schools.
There are times of the school year where I am doing focused coaching work with a particular grade level/span or specific teachers. Weeks can pass quickly, and although I am doing important work, when I pause to look up, I realize I haven’t seen or spoken to certain teachers in quite a while.
I believe this is a common situation for many coaches. It can be difficult to maintain a connection with all teachers all the time. But, ours is a position where we really need to try our best to keep the lines of communication open with teachers even when, or perhaps especially when, we are deep into focused coaching work.
One morning before school a few years ago, I had a few teachers I needed to see before the students arrived. After I spoke with them, I decided to poke my head into the classrooms of a couple of teachers in the wing just to say hello. It turned out that all three of the teachers I spoke with that morning had something they had been wanting to share with me or a question to ask me. This made me remember that I had heard some coaching colleagues talk about occasionally walking around their buildings in the morning and chatting with teachers. They found it helpful, so I decided to give it a try on a regular basis.
I started what I now call morning rounds in my second year as a coach. Thirty minutes before students were expected to arrive, I walked around the school and went into teachers’ classrooms to say good morning. At first, many teachers seemed surprised and thought that I had a question for them or needed something. I explained that I was saying hello, and wished them a good day. These exchanges were a pleasant way to start the day and allowed me to see each teacher. Sometimes we would chat about weekend plans or exchange stories about our families. I was still building relationships as a new coach and saw this as a way to build rapport.
Then halfway through the year I noticed a shift. There were certainly exchanges of “Good morning” and “Have a great day!” but more and more teachers asked questions or shared stories from their classrooms with me.
Now, a few years later, I still do morning rounds most mornings. The difference is that now, without fail, in addition to morning greetings, several teachers have something important they want to ask me or share with me.
Here are a few examples from this week.
- “Hey, I’ve been meaning to email you . . .”
- “I’m glad you stopped by. Can I ask you a question?”
- “Take a look at this _____ I created.”
- “Check out this piece of writing.”
- “Can you help me find . . . ?”
Since the students have not yet arrived, I am able to take the time to answer questions in the moment or listen to teachers as they share.
Morning rounds have become an important, informal way for me to stay connected to teachers throughout the year even if my coaching work does not directly involve them.
Implementing Morning Rounds
- Carry your calendar and keep notes.
- Make them part of your routine.
- Keep interactions brief.
- Follow up as needed.
Carry Your Calendar and Keep Notes
Teachers often express a need to meet or request a classroom visit. Having your calendar with you will allow you to schedule in the moment. Additionally, if teachers have questions or need assistance, you will want to write these down so you don’t forget. I never leave my office without my iPad. It allows me to have my calendar, take notes, and take pictures of things teachers want to share.
Make Morning Rounds a Part of Your Routine
If morning rounds become just part of what you do, then it becomes more natural for teachers to get used to seeing you. It will allow you to have follow-up conversations and provide more consistent interactions to build relationships. Since I am in two schools, I plan out my schedule to ensure that I am available a couple of mornings in each school.
Keep Interactions Brief
Time is one of our most precious commodities in education, and mornings are understandably busy for everyone. When making morning rounds, pop in to say hello, and if the teacher does not initiate any further conversation, bid them a good day and move on.
Follow Up as Needed
Morning rounds are a great way for teachers to ask questions face-to-face rather than through email. Sometimes teachers have a question or request that you may not be able to answer in the moment. Be sure to write down the question and let the teacher know when you will be following up.
Staying accessible and connected is vital for positive relationships between coaches and teachers. If done consistently and respectfully, morning rounds are an effective way to foster this connection.
