Guiding Teachers

Planning for PD in the Company of Teachers

Heather Fisher brainstorms with teachers to get the “big picture” of what makes a professional development experience exceptional.

When Harsh Words Are Said: Ways to Move Forward

Tara Barnett and Kate Mills offer sound advice and practical actions to maintain collaborative relationships when harsh words are spoken in professional settings.

Teacher Booklist

Julie Cox offers a unique booklist compiled of non-education books that strengthened her literacy leadership skills.

Pedagogical Clarity in a Time of Changes

Stella Villalba encourages us to reflect on our core beliefs about teaching. She offers a list of reflection questions to encourage brave and meaningful consideration.

Benefits and Challenges of Using AI as a Coach

Matt Renwick offers three ways ChatGPT can support the work of instructional coaches.

When Coaching Fails: How to Help Educators Who Resist Help

Matt Renwick digs into the reasons educators are resistant to change and offers advice for next steps when it seems like coaching has failed.

Tapping Novelty for What Teachers Need

Suzy Kaback engages in the power of novelty to uproot dissatisfaction during curriculum meetings. It begins by asking, “What do teachers need?” and then providing time to meet their needs.

Opening Moments

Suzy Kaback transfers an instructional practice from her elementary classroom to her college classrooms for preservice teachers. Read about the variety of ways Opening Moments can engage, teach, and build community with students of all ages.

Coaching Minute: Clarifying a Vision

Inga Omondi encourages asking questions during meetings to determine how a vision needs to be clarified.

Cultivating a Habit of Reading Children’s Literature as Part of Our Professional Growth

Stella Villalba is committed to having teachers share picture books during professional development sessions to deepen their reading identities and enhance their choices of picture books to use in their classrooms.

Supporting Literacy in All Subject Areas

Julie Cox shares ways we can use professional learning time to work together as a whole school to improve students’ literacy skills.

Tips for Personalizing PD