Tips for the LEARNING-FOCUSED Coach: Providing the Support Teachers Need

Debbie Cargill
Jun 23, 2008

Keep the Learning-Focused conversations going: Fostering ongoing dialogues with teachers and administrators about exemplary practices will help create a common language for all. A common language will help create a culture of learning for the school with a focus on increasing student achievement and closing achievement gaps. Learning-Focused conversations provide coaches with opportunities to coach teachers' thinking and help them to move forward with the implementation of the Learning-Focused model.

Build teachers' capacity to work together: There is strength in collaborative planning and sharing. Coaches can facilitate the coming together of teachers to collaboratively reflect and plan by scheduling time for sharing ideas, tasks, and decision-making. Teachers talk about teaching and learning and work together to improve skills and solve problems. Coaches facilitate the formation of effective teams and help teachers to build trust and positive, nurturing relationships. The more collaborative the environment, the more likely that classroom doors will open and everyone will learn from each other.

Model exemplary practices: Teachers need opportunities to see exemplary practices. Coaches can demonstrate and co-teach lessons and strategies for individuals and grade level teams.

Provide professional learning opportunities: Professional development has been shown to be most effective when it is job-embedded and driven by agreed upon goals. Teachers learn best from other teachers. Coaches facilitate these learning opportunities by taking on the role of professional development leader and maximizing the resources and talent present in the school. The ultimate goal is to build the capacity of every teacher to ensure that every student is successful.

Be a change leader: Remember to listen, start small, and stay focused. Coaches facilitate the change process through collaborative relationships and ongoing conversations. Effective support for teachers is the key to improving instructional practices in the classroom.