Kelly Hastings, founder of Enlightening Leadership and author of Leading Change That Lasts shares thoughts on school leaders planning backwards from desired student outcomes to leadership actions. How do leaders involve and empower teachers in the process? What role does evidence of progress, with cautions around “fidelity,” play in supporting an implementation. Visit the Enlightening […]

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 […]

Fostering a culture of collaboration among teachers isn’t just a lofty ideal—it’s an actionable strategy to enhance teaching efficacy, elevate student outcomes, and improve teacher retention. Team teaching, when effectively supported and implemented, provides an avenue for teachers to share expertise, design richer learning experiences, and build a professional camaraderie that sustains their passion for […]

Planning backwards from student desired outcomes eventually leads to identifying teachers’ needs for understanding or learning. I suggest that as teachers study student work and assessments in a PLC, the question, “What do students need us to learn?” emerges. I believe that as teachers we are doing everything we can to have students reach mastery […]

In Learningforward’s Summer 2012 copy of The Learning Principal, Valerie von Frank writes about coaching for principals. She includes the following list of attributes of effective coaches: Self-awareness: What drives the coach? What inspires her? Honesty: How does what the coach thinks, does, and says align with his stated values? Sincerity: How do the coach’s […]