“We do not learn from experience… we learn from reflecting on experience.” Whether or not Dewey wrote those exact words in that exact form is debated, but the concept runs throughout his work. Experience alone does not guarantee learning. Reflection turns experience into learning. Inquiry begins when we encounter uncertainty. This diagram from the Great […]

How often has this happened to you? You’re listening to a teacher describe her frustration with a group of students. Halfway through, you recognize the situation. You’ve seen it before. You solved it when you were teaching. You know what will help. Even if you don’t interrupt, you’re no longer fully listening — you’re thinking […]

Several years ago, I explored a question that still surfaces frequently in conversations with instructional coaches: Should coaches describe their role as helping teachers? Does the phrase, “How can I help you?” fit in coaching conversations? At first glance, the answer feels obvious. Of course, coaches help. Supporting teachers is central to the work. But […]

What’s one of the first questions you tend to ask a teacher after you’ve broken the ice in a post-conference? Here’s one I hear very often: “How do you think that went?” I cringe a little when I hear that question. The reason is something I learned the hard way early in my coaching career.  […]

I’ve been facilitating a team of K-12 educators over the past several months in an exploration of teacher feedback and its impact on student learning because we all have too many examples of feedback not leading to learning. Initially we examined the need for effective feedback to be timely, specific, and aligned to learning goals. […]

“When leaders consistently show up in classrooms, not to judge, but to learn and support, they help to create schools where continuous improvement is not an initiative but a way of life.” (Dr. Raymond Schmidt) Dr. Schmidt describes how learning walks can build alignment among a teaching staff and administrative team. He explores elements pre, […]