Beginning a coaching relationship is a bit like a first dance. You have to watch your partner, understand his or her body language, and listen carefully in order to dance well together. And in the beginning, it is easy to step on each other’s feet.
One strategy we use when we start a coaching relationship is to ask, “Can you tell me about a student who keeps you up at night? Who are you worried about?”
For us, this question helps focus the coaching on the students rather than on instructional practices. As the teacher talks, we listen and learn.
Next, we often ask, “Can you show me some of [student’s name] work?” During these few moments, we learn more about the student and learn a bit about how the teacher designs learning experiences. As the teacher shares, we listen again and wonder and learn more about how students in this classroom engage in learning.
As the teacher talks, we start to develop some possible entry points for coaching.
A wise staff developer once told us, “It doesn’t matter how you get in the door; just figure out a way to get in.” Listening first and asking about a student of concern has helped us form relationships and step on fewer feet.
