In today’s post, I’m going to share the top 10 ways you can make yourself invaluable as a coach. All of these 10 ways have been highlighted in our #coachbetter podcast series with teachers and school leaders – you can find all of those episodes right here on this blog, or wherever you get your podcasts!
1:: Just in Time Tips, Tricks & Strategies
Sharing those little things that come super easy to you, but might be a big challenge to somebody else can be an amazing way to make yourself invaluable. Think of these as the quick wins. Sometimes they’re the things you don’t really want to do, but they have a big impact for the other colleagues in your school building
2:: Be a Teacher and a Learner First
If you’re an instructional coach in a specific field like technology, instead of putting the tech first, put the learning first,
3:: Your Energy and Enthusiasm and Passion
Your positive voice for your subject area makes you invaluable. You’re the person who’s that passionate advocate for your subject area.
4:: Being Consistent and Reliable
Making sure that people know that they can rely on you to do what you say you’re going to do. So being where you say you are going to be and doing the things you say you’re going to do go a long way to making yourself invaluable to your colleagues.
5:: Make an Impact
Maybe you’re making an impact school-wide by building capacity of teachers in your building, or maybe you’re making an individual impact by helping push teachers forward and hold them accountable to their goals. Generally speaking, if you’re making a difference, you are invaluable.
6:: Be an Inspiration or an Idea generator
Help teachers see things in an entirely new way, by just being a fresh pair of eyes in their classroom.
7:: Demonstrating Trust, Genuine Care and Interest in Your Colleagues
Show that you’re invested in their professional growth. Being able to take the time to listen to what they’re going through and genuinely care about the outcome is what demonstrates that you are invested in them as professionals,
8:: Be Transparent in Your Goals and Honest in your Feedback
It doesn’t mean you have to have judgment in those conversations, but teachers knowing that they can trust you to take the time to work with them. Being honest and transparent in your communication with them is really important in building that coaching culture.
9:: Anticipating the Needs of Your Colleagues
When you’re there just in time with something useful, relevant, practical, just what they needed that shows that you’re invaluable.
10:: Be a Self-Starter
This one comes directly from our conversations with school leaders. They appreciate you the most when you are taking action and going for it, rather than waiting to hear what you should be doing.
Those are the top 10 ways that instructional coaches can make themselves invaluable to their colleagues.
Watch the 5 Min Friday video
Level Up Your Impact with Our Certificate Programs
There are so many ways to make an impact in your school community. If you’re looking to level up your impact, either as a school leader, a coach or a teacher, explore our certificate programs: Women Who Lead, The Coach, and COETAIL. Or, if your goal is truly unique, register for a private mentoring package. If any of today’s post resonated with you, join us for the next cohort of WWL, The Coach or purchase a private mentoring package! Registration for our global cohorts opens once a year, make sure you’re on our mailing list to be notified as soon as they open! You can find all of these learning opportunities on the our website!
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