Lead Lit Topic: One-on-One
Just as one-on-one conferring in the classroom impacts student learning, individual coaching has the potential to significantly grow a teacher’s practice. With a foundation of trust and solid communication skills, coaches and teachers collaborate to improve curriculum and instruction. Not that it’s easy. It’s not. Teaching is personal; it’s who we are. Here you’ll find support from experienced coaches who have been there and attend to teachers’ learning styles, teaching styles, communication preferences and more on the imperfect journey of working intimately with adult learners.
Results
A Good Coach Is a Good Wingman
During World War I, the US Air Force started using a wingman pattern for their fighter jets. The wingman flies off the right wing and slightly behind the lead. The...
What Matters Most: Building Relationships
When I began my job as a literacy coach, I had a steep learning curve ahead of me. I was eager to learn, so I bought several books about coaching...
Coaching Debrief Early in the Year
Heather Rader observes Sean Moore teach a writing lesson to his second graders early in the year. This video of the debrief session highlights Heather's open-ended questions and listening strategies....
Good Intentions Gone Wrong
“Oh please, don’t do that!” As soon as the words were out of my mouth, I knew I shouldn’t have said them. It was early Friday morning before school, and...
Learning How to Communicate: From Teacher to Coach
One fall Saturday evening, at the end of a long week when things felt a little out of control, I decided it would feel good to clean up and clear...
Narrative Nonfiction Conference
Literacy coach Heather Rader confers with Beth Lawson about using more narrative nonfiction in both reading and writing workshops.
Getting Creative in Building Relationships with Teachers
Soon after my husband and I moved into our home, we found ourselves locked out. It was before we had a chance to have extra keys cut and stowed on...
Tips for Conducting Demonstration Lessons, or How to Avoid the “Am I Doing This Right?” Question
Teachers spend most of their day alone with their class, and each day they are required to make hundreds of "in-the-moment" instructional decisions. Here are just a few of the...
Just Tell Me! Evaluation and the Coach’s Dilemma
Coaches are not evaluators. We are a teacher's side-by-side partner; a confidential listener, encouraging teachers to take risks, helping them to hone their skills to become the best teacher for...
Coaching Conversations: Easing Your Way into Positive Relationships
In this conversation, Sharon Thompson chats with Brenda Power about how important it is for new coaches to listen, and the hazards of going where you aren't wanted. A full...
Picture It: Mentoring Organization
Here you see Mandy Robek has sorted her markers into color bins so kindergarten students can easily find what they need and return it to the right place. Valuable teaching...
Coaching Minute: Listen and Be Brave
Deb Gaby has wise advice about the coach's role with teachers in this brief video.
Reflection and Growth with New Teachers
As a teacher leader with the Teacher Mentor Program in my district, I shared Charlotte Danielson’s P-T-R-A cycle with new teachers and their mentors. P-T-R-A stands for Plan, Teach, Reflect,...
Coaching Conference Early in the Year
Melanie Quinn talks with Neisha about plans for writing workshop at the start of the year, and how Melanie can help.
Coaching Minute: Notes
Heather Rader explains how she uses the "notes" section in organizers to build rapport with teachers in this quick video tip. A transcript is available below the player. Systems...
Match-and-Move in Coaching
As I was closing the trunk on my last-minute camping groceries, I got my child’s “Please get me underwear” text. I sighed and returned to the store. If she needed...
Coaching Minute: Personal Story Barometer
Are you sharing too many anecdotes in your coaching? In this quick video tip, Heather Rader explains the "personal story barometer" she uses to gauge whether a story should be...
A Secret to Successful Teacher-Coach Relationships
Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude. Thomas Jefferson When...
You Are Not My Mentor
Sociologists and psychologists have long observed our deep desire to participate in reciprocal behavior. The fact that humans feel obligated to return favors has been documented in virtually all societies...
Coaching Minute: Teachers First
In this brief video, Ruth Ayres explains why listening and asking genuine questions are essential when mentoring teachers.
Coaching Minute: One Size Does Not Fit All
Ruth Ayres talks about the importance of varying responses to teachers with diverse needs in this two-minute video.
