Diane SweeneyFrom time to time, we all suffer from a lack of confidence, and when we lack confidence it is a whole lot harder to reach our goals. Research from a study conducted by the University of Utah found that, “Performance affects confidence and confidence affects performance. A change in either will elicit a change in …
An excerpt from Student-Centered Coaching from a Distance (Sweeney and Harris, forthcoming) Now that we’ve had some time to settle into distance learning, we are hopefully beyond the place of addressing immediate needs of safety and access. This allows us to look more deeply into how we can actually teach our students in the best …
There is no question that teachers are facing unprecedented challenges as they adjust to hybrid and/or virtual instruction. Many proven pedagogical practices are no longer applicable which means we are in a constant state of innovation around teaching and learning. Lack of connection with students is also creating a sense of loss and disorientation for …
Written by Diane Sweeney and Michelle LeFevre The levels of stress that educators and their students are under is unprecedented. In a recent Twitter poll, over 48% of respondents listed ‘Concern for students’ as their biggest frustration or challenge. Concern for others implies a lack of control, and a lack of control leads to stress. …
As we shift our teaching practice online, it begs the question of what kind of work we will be asking our students to do. Will the disruption of COVID-19 lead us to digitize worksheets so that we keep our students busy through the next few months? Or will we create rich learning opportunities that engage …
In this era of Covid-19, many schools are moving online. Just this morning, a coach and I discussed her role in this new reality. As a practioner of Student-Centered Coaching, she regularly works closely with teachers in their classrooms. What would this look like when students are engaging through webcams? She is also sensitive to …
Written by: Diane Sweeney and Leanna S. Harris Excerpt from: The Essential Guide for Student-Centered Coaching (Corwin, April 2020) It’s exciting when districts find the resources to hire coaches. When creating a plan for hiring, it’s imperative to get clear on the philosophy and practices for coaching first, and then staffing the positions later. It …
Written by Diane Sweeney and Leanna Harris From: Student-Centered Coaching: The Essential Guide for K-12 Coaches and Principals (Corwin, Forthcoming) We know that teachers need job-embedded opportunities for professional learning. But let’s not forget that coaches do too. While it can be valuable for coaches to attend conferences, read professional texts, and meet with district …