Diane SweeneyCoaching in the classroom is a core practice for Student-Centered Coaching. That’s because much of our best work takes place while a lesson is being delivered. As we explore this practice, I’d like to mention that you may have heard it referred to as ‘co-teaching’. Either way, it’s meant to be a dynamic process where … Read more
Order today or find your Corwin rep for bulk orders Engaging teachers in coaching is an ongoing process that requires planning and intentionality. Whether you are new to a school or have been there a while, the beginning of the year brings forth the opportunity to envision what our work will look like, and the … Read more
Spring is upon us and experienced coaches are readying themselves for the spring slump. Newer coaches may be surprised by the fact that fewer teachers are lining up for coaching as we near the end of the school year. It’s easy to understand why, when you consider the benchmark assessments, field day, AP exams, classroom … Read more
I’ve recently had the opportunity to hear from teachers about how coaching is (and isn’t) helping them thrive in their classrooms. These have been courageous conversations that have surfaced some hard lessons about how we can be responsive as coaches. Here’s an example: during a planning session that I recently joined, a coach had hoped … Read more
It’s hard to believe that it’s been over a decade since the publication of Student-Centered Coaching: A Guide for K-12 Coaches and Principals (Corwin, 2011). Now with a collection of books about Student-Centered Coaching, we are often asked which one is right for me? I thought I’d provide answers to that question in this blog … Read more
Written by Diane Sweeney, author of The Essential Guide for Student-Centered Coaching, Leading Student-Centered Coaching, and Moves for Launching a New Year of Student-Centered Coaching One of the most important things we can do to set coaches up for success is to clearly define their role. If we leave it up to teachers to make … Read more
Ending a coaching cycle means it’s time to celebrate all of the learning that has occurred. Acknowledging the hard work and results of what took place reinforces the coaching relationship and provides energy for teachers to feel seen and valued. In her book, Collective Efficacy, Jenni Donohoo writes, “Celebrations help highlight the power of working … Read more
Whether it’s the beginning of the school year, or somewhere in the middle, engaging teachers in coaching is an ongoing process that requires intentionality and perseverance. In his book, Good to Great, Jim Collins uses the term the ‘Flywheel Effect’ to describe how organizations get and maintain momentum. He writes, “No matter how dramatic the … Read more