We want to give you a peek inside our Coach Certificate & Mentorship Program. Coaches taking part in this academic-year-long journey have graciously given us permission to post some of their learning and reflections from the private coursework they are undertaking during this program. Where possible, we have shared the course and the action task to give context for the guest post.

The Topic: Phase 1: Finding Clarity

The Task: Share your artifact and a written reflection on your learning during this phase.

What were your key “aha” moments during Phase 1: Finding Clarity?

I first experienced an aha moment when I was reading the resources under Essential Skills for Coaches. “Listen for the request in the complaint” connected with me. Being a good coach requires good listening skills and listening to the teacher’s complaints will provide more direction on what the teacher needs.

Upon reflecting on my interactions and coaching relationships with teachers, I found myself fulfilling more of a consultant role rather than a coach. I wanted this to change, and I knew clarity was a key role in achieving this. A description of an effective coach in Building Teachers’ Capacity for Success: Instructional Coaching Essentials resonated with me. I want to be a coach who inspires teachers to embrace meaningful change, build capacity, increase instructional and reflective skills. This was a major aha moment for me and helped me stay focused on what is profoundly important.

Did you face any obstacles during this phase of the program? How did you overcome them?

After reading more books or articles about coaching during the summer, I start using education terms that teachers are not using on a regular basis. It was difficult for me to remember to provide clarity around my role, but in terms teachers can immediately connect with. I completed my artifact early in the phase and was able to revise it along the way.

What artifact did you choose to create and share? 

MY ARTIFACT includes the following:

• My Mission
• Technology Roles and Responsibilities Graphic
• Triangle of Troubleshooting
• How Can Teachers Grow the Most by Working with a Coach? Graphic
• What Does a Coaching Cycle Look Like? Graphic

Why did you choose to create this artifact?

I made the Technology Roles and Responsibilities and Triangle of Troubleshooting graphic last year and did find teachers having a better understanding of who to reach out to with different technological needs. I found myself in many consulting relationships with teachers and needed to create something to inspire more coaching relationships. My graphic emphasized the coaching relationship above all and connected each part with questions teachers are frequently asking me.

What did you learn in the creation of this artifact?

I learned that I need to create resources for teachers they can immediately understand and connect with. Adding the speech bubbles will hopefully provide clarity regarding the various levels of working with an instructional technology coach.

How has this artifact moved you closer to clarity in your coaching role or program?

This artifact moves me closer to clarifying my role in the district by providing information and directions on who to contact and when. Many teachers know my role has the word technology in it and will reach out about anything regarding technology. I wanted to provide more clarity regarding my role as a coach and not just a consultant. I know I have made great relationships with teachers as a consultant because that is not as intimidating to some, but I’m looking forward to using this artifact to grow this relationship into something with more of an impact.

Where are you at in terms of clarity in your coaching role or program right now?

One step closer than I was last year. I joined an already established coaching program in my district last year. The original coaches did an excellent job providing clarity around our coaching team, but I needed to clarify my role specifically because it was a new role to the team.

What are the next steps you need to take to further increase clarity in your coaching role or program?

Now that I have this artifact, I need to get the information out to teachers. I want to be very intentional on how I integrate these graphics in conversations, team meetings, or professional development opportunities.

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Read more from The Coach participants as they share their learning from the certificate & mentorship program…

Nicola: A Coaching Vision

Kristen: Coaching Menu and Calendar

Kelly: Math Coaching Menu

Tracy: Coaching Menu

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Level Up Your Coaching with The Coach!

If you are ready to dive deep into your coaching practice, to help you #coachbetter and build a thriving coaching culture in your school, please join us for our next cohort of The Coach!

Wherever you are in building a coaching culture in your school, The Coach will give you the strategies, skills and tools you need to make coaching a success and will empower you to confidently apply instructional coaching strategies in any situation – from building a coaching program, to having coaching conversations, to being a leader in your school community. We facilitate only one cohort each academic year so we can offer individualized support for each participant.

Coaches of all levels are welcome: you’ll start the program with a self-assessment to determine exactly what the next steps are for you!