Tips for Advocating for Teachers as an Instructional Coach
Advocating for teachers as an instructional coach is an underutilized strategy to promote collaboration and achieve goals. To advocate for a teacher means an instructional coach would understand the needs and wants of the teachers and support their efforts in meeting the request. The benefit to successfully advocating for teachers is that it builds relationships, enhances communication, and solidifies trust. This leads to more productive partnerships that improve instruction in classrooms.
This blog post will outline ways to advocate for teachers, specifically in getting started, advocating while on site at schools and going beyond the boundaries of the school building.
Get Started
- Establish expectations – Meet with administration to set expectations for the vision and daily operation of coaching, including advocating for teachers
- Set boundaries – Explain to teachers that what is communicated or experienced while partnering together is confidential, unless it goes against school/district guidelines.
- Make the ask – Create space and time to have teachers share what it is they desire for themselves to be successful in their role and what support they need to get there
Advocate On Site
- Represent teachers – When meeting with administrators share the needs and wants of teachers as well as possible solutions to remedy them
- Set the tone – During planning and collaboration, speak up on behalf of those who don’t and hold each other accountable for doing their part
- Engage students – Remind students of the value of their education and the hard work of their teacher, bringing to light that teachers are doing their best to help students be successful
Go Beyond
- Share with parents – Be sure to share all the positive contributions teachers have had on students and the learning environment with parents to increase their understanding and support
- Make requests – Reach out to the community for items teachers need or want to enhance instruction while also sharing positive impact teachers are having on students and the community
- Show up and support – Come to school board meetings and share the great things happening in classrooms because of teacher dedication, knowledge, risk-taking, and growth in skill
Instructional coaches can implement these tips at their school sites to create safe, supportive places for growing skills in both staff and students. If you are need of resources to help you become an even stronger coach, browse these printable and digital options. Check out my instructional coaching must-haves here. Also, catch up on other help instructional coaching blog posts here.
GO BE GREAT!
How do you advocate for teachers?
About the author, Gretchen
I am a teacher trainer and coach. Working elbow to elbow with teachers and teacher leaders to ensure instructional proficiency and student achievement soar lights me up. We have a real need in our nation for strong educators to remain in the field. My blog, book, podcast, courses and instructional materials are geared towards empowering teachers (and those that lead them) to receive the support needed to grow and thrive today, tomorrow and always.