Last year I was half time writing teacher and half time instructional coach. This year I am full time instructional coach. Last year was transitional from teaching to coaching; this year requires a commitment to coaching.
In preparation for an hour session tomorrow with the instructional coaching coordinator in our district, I have some thoughts on coaching:
First of all, making the switch from teacher to coach of teachers requires much letting go.
Second, listening to teachers is much more intense than listening to students.
Third, feedback still means criticism.
Fourth, when a teacher thinks coaching is a waste of time, the teacher usually wants to spend coaching time describing why students are so ill-prepared academically and how students’ work ethic sabotages a teacher’s efforts to instill personal accountability.
Fifth, when a teacher has an insight that shakes up what was heretofore unshakeable assumptions about teaching, it’s time to wrap up the conversation before the teacher gets defensive.
Sixth, if I don’t make rounds at least twice a day drumming up coaching opportunities, no one will initiate a conversation.
Seventh, sometimes teachers will check in with me on positive things happening in their classes as if they feel I need positive reinforcement that our time together has made a difference.
Eighth, sometimes teachers are insulted if I ask how things are going.
Ninth, sometimes I need someone to talk to me about stuff other than teaching.
Tenth, my extended family now believes I didn’t just settle for teaching to get my summers off.
