Leaders Lounge

You Don’t Write? No Worries

“You don’t have to write to teach writers.” Cathy Mere finds is shocked when she hears a literacy coach make this statement. But the more she allows her conventional wisdom to be challenged, the more insight she has into helping teachers who don’t see themselves as writers.

They Don’t Know High-Frequency Words

Cathy Mere shares strategies for coaching teachers with a common complaint—their students don’t know high-frequency words.

Coaching Minute: Leveraging a Calendar for Leadership

Jean Russell explains how a simple trick with a coaching calendar can build in more time and expectations for leadership growth.

Coaching Minute: Collaborating with Principals

Literacy Coach Jen Court explains how she collaborates with principals.

Field Notes: When a Coach Models in a Classroom

Ruth Ayres observes a coach who is a master at modeling lessons. What looks easy and natural on the surface belies all the skill and planning just below the surface.

When There’s No Time for Debriefing

A Little Bit of Clarity

Matt Renwick goes out to buy a new pair of glasses, and gets a stern lecture on taking care of them. The experience makes him ponder how we get clarity for best practices in literacy instruction.

Coaching Debrief: Author Styles Minilesson

Jen Court debriefs with second-grade teacher Logan about the authors minilesson and how it fits into their instructional plans.

It’s Not You, It’s Me

Dana Murphy has wise words for any coach who wonders why some teachers aren’t welcoming them into their classrooms. Her honesty will help build your patience and trust in the early days of your relationships with teachers.

Overcorrecting

“Did I do anything right?” Suzy Kaback receives a note from a gifted teacher that gives her pause. Suzy wonders if avoiding praise is damaging her relationships with teachers. She decides to give more feedback for continuation, which is praise’s smarter cousin for coaches.

Building on Success and Maintaining Momentum

Tips for Personalizing PD