When we enter a coaching conversation, we need to consider two layers. One is visible: the lesson design, the teacher’s actions, student participation, questions and responses, and evidence of learning. The other is less visible. It includes the teacher’s beliefs and assumptions, confidence and uncertainty, previous experiences, fears and concerns, values and intentions, sense of […]

How well do you need to know a teacher to coach them well? I found myself pondering that question after reading Randi Brown’s Edutopia article on supporting teacher growth through trusting relationships. Brown describes two threads that exist in a coaching conversation. One is visible—the lesson plan, instructional strategies, student engagement, assessment results, and the […]

It’s that time of year when new coaches may find themselves wondering, “What do I do in August if I don’t have a classroom to prepare?’” Some new coaches might not even have an office to set up. Experienced coaches are reflecting upon what they have learned about coaching in their experiences up to now […]

For instructional coaches and principals, generating feedback with teachers is one of the most powerful levers for professional growth—and one of the most nuanced. When done well, feedback fosters trust, reflection, and improvement. When mishandled, it can shut down dialogue, erode relationships, and stall progress. A podcast I recorded with Craig Randall, author of Trust-Based Observations, […]

How do instructional coaches address the mentoring concerns and needs of new teachers? Joellen Killion, senior advisor to LearningForward and international consultant to educational leaders addressing professional learning for student success, joins Steve to explore the mentoring elements of instructional coaching. They examine how instructional coaches and administrators can plan for novice teachers’ transitions from […]

I am looking back to identify some of the writers, presenters, and ideas that have shaped my work. I realize that today, we have many educators who recently or currently are starting their coaching careers and may not have the information about some of the early work that led us to where we are today. […]