The+Coaching+Journey+Continues

Solutions and Strategies to deal with to Issues / Challenges The Coaching Journey Continues Barrie March 22, 2010 1. **** What is/should be the “Role” of the coach? ** § Building trusting relationships to enable learning § Support – not pressure; Guide not tell § Help to clarify directions and identify a focus § Open up new ideas / thinking about teaching math / content knowledge for teaching § Help to focus teaching on improving student learning § Move teachers / department beyond their comfort zone § Facilitate / mediate communication and goal setting between administration and department or teachers § Bringing awareness re: continuum of learning to support DI based on readiness § Importance of assessment //__for__// learning § Assist teachers in moderating student work samples § Recommend resources / places (internet) to go for resources 2. **** “I don’t have time / need to be coached.” ** § Networking (e.g., all grade 5 teachers participate) 4 sessions – bring back student work to discuss § Professional collaboration site visits (whole divisions / grades) § Coaching becomes something positive § Facilitated co-teaching, one-on-one § Time (curriculum) – clustering of expectations § Time away from class (no solutions suggested) § Act as an observer in the classroom, to interact with students, gaining insights to discussions with teachers § Establish relationships § Build strengths within teacher’s existing plan § Target areas that teachers identify as challenging § Frame initial support around school initiatives / goals § CIL-M model collaboration co-plan, co-teach, co-debrief § Build on the strength of teachers within schools / department (often one person start there) § Use video for artefacts of co-teaching cycles – sharing with colleagues within school boards – breaks down barriers and teachers say, “Oh I can try that.” 3. **** Federation / Union Issues ** § Planning time – dependent on administrator’s point of view and action s/he takes o If required, take time at the end of session o Local decisions (by admin) – pay back time o “volunteer” vs mandating attendance o flexibility – work with teacher schedules § Clear expectations from the administrators to reduce problems / issues with teacher professional learning that is offered
 * Issues / Challenges and Strategies / Solutions **
 * [[file:Issues Strategies Barrie March 22.doc]]

4**.** **“What about starting with a department or group that is “stuck””?** § Let them share with is working for them § Model lesson and then reflect – partnership § Work with teachers who want to move forward § Administrations needs to be supportive and help foster an environment that seeks change § Allow teachers choice – go in the direction that interests them or they have questions about § Support of admin re: dealing with parents’ concerns re math math education § Professional learning for admin related to math coaching, math strategies