Lead Lit Topic: Guiding Teachers
Here is where you'll find information on guiding teachers.
Results
Coaching Minute: Encouraging Teacher Leaders
Instructional coach Jonathan Winslow shares how he intentionally uplifts teacher leaders. After a coaching cycle, he embeds a reflection that highlights the learning from the cycle that is then shared...
Feedback Is Overrated: Focus First on Building Positive, Trusting Relationships
Go to any of the major educational publishers’ websites and enter “feedback” into the search bar. You will likely get dozens or even hundreds of books and other resources about...
Five Classroom Design Ideas for Supporting Readers and Writers with ADHD
Kids do well if they can. —Ross W. Greene In the world of literacy instruction, we talk a lot about literacy but maybe not enough about instruction. Specifically, I see a...
Using a Checklist for Powerful Post-Conferences
The new school year has started! You’ve connected with your teachers, created a schedule, organized your resources. As you begin to navigate your coaching cycles, it’s helpful to have a...
Capturing Classroom Currents
As a coach, I have the amazing opportunity to see classrooms through an objective outside view, but even more, to see the art, the creativity, the ebb and flow of...
A PLC Planning Template to Help Focus Work with Teachers
“But what is your goal?” Ann asked after listening to me (Kate) talk for several minutes about ideas for an upcoming PLC with the second-grade team. I had no immediate...
Stay Sharp with Professional Reading
Kate Mills and Tara Barnett share ways to stay sharp with professional reading.
Yes, and . . . A Collaborative Philosophy
I approach Jean as she lies on the stage, hands in the air, moving them in a semi-rhythmic twisting fashion. “Hey, Jean, whatcha’ doin’?” I offer, almost complacently. “I’m putting...
Let’s Upskill: How to Revive and Transform Instruction to Serve Today’s Learners
Summer is a great time to think of ways to “upskill” our instruction. At the beach, on the back porch, and when walking the dog in the sunshine, we can...
Coaching Minute: Creating Conversations to Anchor Professional Relationships
Instructional coach Jen Court takes advantage of the early days of a school year to be present with classroom teachers and create conversations that begin to anchor meaningful professional relationships.
Coaching Toward Independence: Using an Instructional Framework to Guide a Principal-Teacher Conversation
One mistake leaders can make when coaching teachers is to give advice. For instance, we see an opportunity to make a suggestion during an observation. Yet this “opportunity” also takes...
How to Respond When Books and Curriculum Resources Are Challenged
In the past few months, many literacy leaders have been facing challenges from parents or community members related to classroom library books, school library books, and supplemental materials that support...
Changing Positions? How to Rethink Your Community (Download)
“How are you?” I asked the teacher as I walked into the hallway where she was looking at art on the wall. “I don’t know,” she said. “I’m switching to...
Books for Literacy Leaders
Not long ago, I attended a training that started with a familiar icebreaker. “Go around the room,” the presenter told us, “and say your name, your job title, and something...
Professional Books that Make an Impact
Without taking the time to fine-tune your skills, your efforts will be built on a foundation that is bound to crumble once it is put to the test. —Quincy Jones...
A PLC Idea: Planning Scaffolds for Upcoming Units of Study
As classroom teachers, we loved being thoughtful about the charts we authored with our students. Rather than relying on premade charts, we built the unit as it progressed, relying on...
Combating Leadership Loneliness
Several years ago when the literacy coordinator position opened up in my district, I decided to apply. I had been an interventionist/coach for seven years, and although I loved the...
Professional Learning Accountability Partners
I have a friend Julie. We have known each other for nearly 15 years. We have worked together in two different buildings, collaborating easily together, finding a groove quickly, and...
Five Books to End the Year Coaching Strong
Instructional coaches have many tools in their coaching toolboxes to support teacher learning and reflection: sticky notes, chart paper, anchor charts, conversational protocols, templates, and more. But my favorite coaching...
Mini (But Mighty) Ways to Connect with Teachers
Communication, the human connection, is the key to personal and career success. —Paul J. Meyer Maintaining consistent contact and connection with teachers is essential for a strong relationship between teachers...
Using Photographs for Coaching Conversations
When beginning a coaching cycle, I typically start the conversation with student achievement goals. As I work side by side with a teacher, we start with a goal where we...
