I recently provided a virtual workshop for coaches to explore the question of making suggestions to teachers as part of the coaching process. When I am asked the question, “Should I make a suggestion, my answer is, ”It depends.” Knowing when to step in and how to approach these coaching moments can significantly impact the […]

Here is a slide that I frequently display at the start of facilitating a learning opportunity for school leaders, instructional coaches, and teachers. I personalize the statement with a look at myself. “There is no mountaintop in learning mastery as an educator. One needs not worry about reaching mastery prior to retirement. Having passed the […]

In a previous blog, I explored how educator learning might be approached through a push or pull model. Push training is traditionally management-driven with information delivered from the top down. Its formally scheduled sending people to training events or programs where they passively receive information, often delivered at a pre-determined time.  (I just had a […]

Jennifer D. Klein, the author of, “Taming the Turbulence in Educational Leadership: Doing Right by Learners Without Losing Your Job,” shares the need for leaders to support teachers who frequently struggle with false dichotomies like knowledge vs skills or play vs academics. Teachers and leaders often feel isolated and threatened in their efforts to prioritize […]

The Executive Director of Counselling in Schools, Kevin Dahill-Fuchel, explores the environments needed for students to thrive in school and survive in life. A key to that environment is a staff that can manage their emotions personally and be resilient so that they support students authentically. What role do instructional coaches and school leaders play […]

Every educator sends signals to students that, consciously or unconsciously, determine who experiences belonging—and who doesn’t. When students perceive they do not belong, they are at risk for a host of adverse consequences. Conversely, when students feel a sense of belonging, it can lead to an abundance of positive personal, social, and academic outcomes. How […]