Coaching 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
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
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
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
As instructional coaches get their year started, many wonder which teachers should be first in line for coaching cycles. On the surface, this seems like a relatively easy question to answer. We’ve heard everything from, “We start with our new teachers.” To, “Teachers participate on an invitational basis.” And even, “Our coaches focus on teachers … Read more
From 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 … Read more
An excerpt from Student-Centered Coaching from a Distance (Sweeney and Harris, forthcoming) There are lots of ways to formatively assess. One of the most powerful is through one-on-one conferences. In their text, Rigorous Reading, Nancy Frey and Douglas Fisher (2013) write, “Conferring provides the teacher with an excellent opportunity. These conferences allow the teacher to … Read more
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 … Read more