Do you do classroom observations as a coach?
Have you ever thought about them being an opportunity to build leadership skills?
They are!
As a coach, lesson observations can be part of an established coaching cycle or can provide an opportunity to gather evidence and data for a colleague that can lead to a more focused coaching partnership.
As a leader, you may do observations as part of an evaluation but approaching them from a coaching stance can help build your work with educators as an instructional leader.
Today, I am going to share questions to consider before, during, and after a lesson observation to help ensure that your observation goes smoothly!
1: Before the Observation
What do you need to clarify before you go in so that you can do the right thing?
- Observing for their benefit, not as part of an evaluation
- Focusing on what they want data / feedback on
- Logistics (especially setting up follow up)
Do you wish you could make a bigger impact in your school setting? Is this the year you commit to your own leadership potential? Or will it be another year you’ll spend saying you’re not ready “yet”?
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2: During the Observation
What do you need to keep in mind during the observation?
- Recognizing that teachers will be vulnerable, you’re coming in with an air of authority whether you’re a coach or a leader, so you want them to feel comfortable
- Keep focus on what the teacher requested (even if you see something else)
3: After the Observation
What needs to happen after the observation?
- Present the data without judgment / feedback
- Allow the teacher to come to their own conclusion
- Determine next steps
Whether you are a coach building your leadership skills or an aspiring leader building your coaching skills, lesson observations are a critical part of our interactions with teachers and can build and sustain positive relationships with teachers and impact the perceptions of our role in our school community.
If you’re a coach you might want to think about how observations are part of growing your leadership skills. To dig deeper into that, check out Eduro Learning’s The Coach Certificate & Mentorship Program. For more, head over to edurolearning.com/coach
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