This four-part series shares leadership tips for instructional coaches. This first post will share generalized tips and each subsequent post will be specific to an aspect of coaching. Below are 7 leadership tips for instructional coaches: Be Human– Before leaders can lead, they need to be able to connect as people. Share your interests, show…

Coaching teachers at the end of the year differs from the typical routine followed all year long. Generally, state testing begins to alter a coach’s schedule in the spring as they account for testing supplies and proper distribution, planning student accommodation locations and support variations, and completing other minor tasks. During this time, Professional Learning…

Teacher Appreciation Week and National Teacher Day occur in the month of May. These events were created to show support for hard-working teachers and the impactful work they do in classrooms every day. These celebrations should incorporate all stakeholders that teachers work with daily (ie.students, non-instructional staff, leadership team, parents and community members). Whether you…

Are your students gaining stronger mathematical skills? Are teachers spending more quality time learning and growing their math instructional knowledge? Creating a strong math culture is a topic we have been discussing recently here on the blog based on a discussion I lead on the Clubhouse app.  Over 20 educators (classroom teachers, administrators, school board…

Take Your Child to Work Day is a national holiday that occurs in April of every year. Originally the holiday was called Take You Daughters to Work Day to expose girls to skills and job opportunities. It later expanded to include boys as well. You can find more information here about the history of the…

Is your school making progress in valuing math? How can you tell? Creating a strong math culture is a question we have been discussing recently here on the blog based on a discussion I lead on the Clubhouse app.  Over 20 educators (classroom teachers, administrators, school board members, instructional coaches, and content area specialists) came…

How would you rate the math culture at your school on a scale from 1-10 (1 being poor and 10 being excellent)? Are teachers confident at teaching math? Are students excelling in math? I recently lead a discussion on creating a strong math culture at your school on the Clubhouse app under the Instructional Coaching…

As an instructional coach, there are certain items that can make supporting teachers easier. Each of the items shared here are highly recommended by myself as a teacher leader working in multiple buildings across a large district. Grab a binder and fill it with essentials like your standards, pacing guide, and teacher performance rubrics. Below…

I often to get asked for educational recommendations, from books to classroom materials, that I decided to put together a list of my Top 10 favorite things for you. I have even included links so you can make these resources some of your very own favorites starting today! Books Teach Like A Champion by Doug…

Coaching teachers during a pandemic can be challenging. Covid-19 has changed the professional development landscape and therefore teacher leaders need to be creative and responsive in how they support teachers. 10 tips for Coaching Teachers During a Pandemic are shared below. For best results, implement just a few tips at a time to avoid overwhelm…