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
By Candice Stafford, Principal Introduction by Leanna Harris This past summer, I had the pleasure of facilitating an online course in The Essential Guide for Student-Centered Coaching with a cohort of twelve coaches, administrators, and teachers from Norwood Elementary School in Baltimore County, Maryland. Nine months later, school principal Candice Stafford shares her thoughts on … 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
Written by: Leanna Harris and Diane Sweeney “Coaching is exceptionally needed but nobody has the time for it.” – Chris Finch, Assistant Superintendent, La Grange School District Now that the school year is in full swing, instructional coaches are looking for ways to go deeper in their partnerships with teachers. In years past, we … Read more
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 … Read more