My Instructional Coach and I sat together and reflected for the last time today. It was a meeting we had been putting off because we didn't really want this coaching cycle to end.
The cycle started so naturally. She came in at the beginning of the year just to observe, to see high school kids in action. But she loved my College Prep Lit class and the discussions we had about books. She read and discussed right along with us. I loved that about her. Even the kids would ask when we were discussing if she was coming in to join us. It was so positive to have her in my room.
And then one day, she told me about a class she had visited that used thinking prompts to guide discussion. It sounded like something right up my alley.
"Want to try a coaching cycle with me?"
I thought, "Why not?"
And so a partnership was born.
I know some thought I was crazy to do this in my last year. Why not slide by? Why did I need to work with a coach? What could I possibly learn?
I did it anyway and loved every minute of ir.
Let me tell you about working with a coach.
It's reflecting on what you already do and upping your game. It's thinking about what you already do and making it work better for kids. These discussions in class made me look at the standards and how they connected to the books and literature I am using. I paid more attention to the interactions of certain students and their groups. I would not have noticed that before. I shared the standard with students and we talked about what they needed to do---and their discussions got better. I love the dynamic of this class because of the work I have done with my coach.
Working with a coach is not teaching harder, it's teaching better.
I love the way you sum up your thinking at the end: Working with a coach is not teaching harder, it's teaching better.
ReplyDeleteYour post makes me want to return to my role as coach next year. :)
Thank you for this portrait you painted of working with your coach. It makes me wish we had a coach in our district because I love getting better at my craft. Maybe I'll pursue it now....
ReplyDeleteI love that you are still learning even though it's your last year! So inspiring! Thanks for sharing!
It can be so difficult for so many to let someone in as a coach. 'Coach' often just feels like 'Criticize'. But your are so right, Coach should feel like Better!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful reflection and experience, Deb. Thank you for sharing your story. I only hope others can find this much pleasure in working with an instructional coach. So lucky to have teachers like you giving this new opportunity a try.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post! As a coach myself, it is always great to hear about successful partnerships.
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