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Getting Organized

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Back-to-School Coaching Reflection Survey

Lisa Mazinas offers a back-to-school coaching survey that taps the gift of time and space that summer provides. Download a copy of the survey to use when you return to school.

Crafting a Vision of Teaching and Learning Rooted in the Strength of Multilingual Learners (Part II)

In this second installment of a two-part series, Stella Villalba gives more examples of how to sustain a vision for teaching and learning that is rooted in the strength of multilingual learners. It is essential that we reflect on our practices to learn, unlearn, and rethink what  is essential for students.

Crafting a Vision of Teaching and Learning Rooted in the Strength of Multilingual Learners (Part I)

Stella Villalba calls us all to action in leading a vision for teaching and learning that is rooted in the strength of multilingual learners. It is essential that we reflect on our practices to learn, unlearn, and rethink what  is essential for students.

Making the Most Out of Teacher-Librarian Partnerships

Strong librarian-teacher partnerships are a win-win! Gigi McAllister shares how they provide extra support for students and create reinvigorating and fulfilling experiences for colleagues.

The True Test of Leadership

Matt Renwick delivers a powerful essay about the true test of leadership as he reflects on a sustained medical leave of absence. Matt reveals the importance of shared leadership and offers guidance to strengthen it in your school.

Energizing Yourself

Hannah Tills and Josie Stewart give practical ways instructional coaches can refuel their energy levels.

Picture It: Highlight the Strengths in Student Writing

In this Picture-It, discover the power of naming the intentional moves of student writers and displaying their strengths for all to see.

Making Learning Visible from Coaching Cycles

Jonathan Winslow offers three practical ways to share teacher learning during a coaching cycle with the entire school or district. His suggestions are excellent ways to uplift teacher voices and inspire one another.

Classroom Library Elements in School Library Design

Gigi McAllister uses classroom library ideas to create a school library that is comfortable and full of student ownership.

Combat Self-Doubt: Make a Ta-Da List

Ruth Ayres addresses the issue of impostor syndrome in educators. She offers a charming way to battle the tension of feeling like we don’t do enough.

Coaching Minute: Keep a Meeting Journal

Curriculum director Inga Omondi spends a lot of time in meetings. To make connections, remember next steps, and stay organized, she keeps a journal with all of her meeting notes.

Coaching Minute: Coaching Groups of Teachers

Ruth Ayres offers a useful tip when planning your coaching calendar: Create groups of teachers.

Maintaining an Inquiry Stance: Seeking to Enhance the Practice of Questioning in Leadership

Heather Fisher cracks open some of her secrets to developing and maintaining an inquiry stance as an instructional coach. If you’re looking to  strengthen your listening and feedback, this is a great place to begin.

Picture It: When Material-Use Goes Awry

In this Picture-It, Ruth Ayres prioritizes nurturing relationships with students when material-use goes awry.

Redesigning Experiences for Parents/Guardians Conferences

Stella Villalba questions the traditional practices of parent/guardian-teacher conferences. She offers a reflection and a call to action for everyone to consider the possibilities for more connection and equity during conference nights.

35 Ways Leaders Can Improve School Culture

Matt Renwick shares 35 actions leaders can take to create a stronger school culture. If you are a new leader, you can use this list and implement one a week throughout the school year.

A 30-Day Coaching Challenge

Stephanie Affinito invites instructional coaches to engage in a 30-Day Coaching Challenge designed to bring renewed enthusiasm and effectiveness to our work. Grab a notebook and get started today!

Constantly Evolving Toward a Stronger Practice

In education much attention is paid to change and transformation. Cathy Mere challenges us to consider placing our focus on evolution and understanding that we are constantly evolving toward a new version of ourselves. In this personal essay, we will all find hope as we reach toward our strengths and use them to find our next steps forward.

Coaching in Community: Co-Creating Learning Spaces (Part I)

Stella Villalba suggests that we consider how to continue creating spaces where learning is co-created with a community. She encourages instructional leaders to share the ways they are learning (and unlearning) ideas for stronger literacy practices.

How Do You Show Up?

Brian Sepe encourages instructional coaches to engage in self-reflection to better meet the needs of teachers. Using a simple matrix, Brian leads us to powerful realizations for showing up in meaningful ways.

Using a Checklist for Powerful Post-Conferences

Lisa Mazinas gives a structure for post-conference conversations. These talking points are the perfect place to begin.

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