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Professional Development Tools

Whether you’re looking for something as simple as the perfect icebreaker, or a plan for a full-day in-service session for 100 teachers at many grade levels, this is where we share our tried and trusted tips for successful professional development sessions.

Latest Content
Exit Slips Open Doors

We’re firm believers that literacy coaches should go where they are welcome in classrooms and be patient. But what happens when you’ve been a literacy coach for years, and you’re still waiting for those invitations from some teachers? Amanda Adrian explains how a simple professional development closure activity garnered many new invitations to classrooms. Download an exit slip to use for your next closure activity.

What Coaches Carry (Part 2)

When coaches consider what to carry, they think about what they value and how to stay student-centered in their approaches. Read on for more tips.

The Power of Linking Words and Perceptions

Melanie Quinn relays a powerful practice for staff members to reframe language and perceptions while putting common labels for students in a whole new light.

The Coach’s Notebook: How to Capture, Organize, and Analyze Your Data and Responsibilities

Matt Renwick opens up his coach’s notebook and guides us in establishing a tool that supports teaching and learning.

Bridging the Gap (Session 2): Finding Your Footing

Mary Brower provides a second professional learning session to help ease the tension between teachers who have opposing views about literacy instruction. Mary provides a protocol for creating a school-wide document of foundational literacy beliefs.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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