FAQs – Coaching, Collaboration, & Curriculum
Welcome! Below are answers to the most commonly asked questions about instructional coaching, PLCs, planning support, and classroom resources at VMS.
Welcome! Below are answers to the most commonly asked questions about instructional coaching, PLCs, planning support, and classroom resources at VMS.
🗂 Coaching Support
What is instructional coaching?
Instructional coaching is non-evaluative, supportive, and collaborative. I partner with teachers to improve instruction through planning, modeling, co-teaching, data analysis, and reflection.
How do I request coaching support?
You can use the Coaching Request Form or email me directly at sarah.berglund@gocats.org.
Is coaching mandatory?
No! Coaching is available to all teachers as a supportive resource. You drive the partnership—we go at your pace.
📅 PLCs and PLs
What’s the difference between PLCs and PLs?
PLCs are weekly grade-level or content-based meetings focused on instruction, data, and planning. PLs are scheduled professional learning opportunities on school or district priorities.
When are PLC meetings?
PLCs are held every Thursday during planning periods. Check the PLC Calendar for topics and notes.
Where can I locate the PLC agenda?
The PLC agenda is created and maintained by your PLC Content Lead. You can access each week's agenda in your grade-level/content-specific PLC folder, located in your team's shared Google Drive. Be sure to check regularly for updates and meeting notes.
What is the difference between PLCs, PLs, and Team Meetings?
PLCs (Professional Learning Communities) take place every Thursday during your planning period and focus on instructional planning, data analysis, and collaborative strategies by content area.
PLs (Professional Learning sessions) are scheduled for Tuesdays and are required for all faculty and staff. These sessions focus on school-wide initiatives, curriculum updates, and professional growth.
Team Meetings occur on Mondays during your planning period and involve your grade-level team. These meetings address student needs, logistics, and interdisciplinary planning.
➤ You can find the Team Meeting Agenda Template here. Please complete the agenda weekly and save it in your grade-level team’s shared Google Drive folder.
🧰 Curriculum & Resources
Where can I find curriculum pacing guides?
All pacing guides are available in the Curriculum Resources Hub, also known as the Wildcat Way.
Do we have access to digital tools or learning platforms?
Yes! Explore the Valdosta City Schools Clever dashboard for links to Progress Learning, StemScopes, HMH, Google tools, and more. Just log in using your gocats email address!
Also, the GaDOE has a great resource called INSPIRE that houses not just your content area and grade level standards but TONS of other helpful tools that can help you plan various instructional strategies to get yourself prepped for every topic, standard, and lesson you'll teach! Here are the instructions on how to get access onto GaDOE Communities so that you can access all that INSPIRE has to offer! See below for more information.
📋 School Pass, Student Code of Conduct, PBIS Expectations
💻 How to Access Progress Learning, Google Classroom, Infinite Campus
Restorative Discipline Flowchart
👩🏫 Mentor Teacher Contact Info - lmccrae@gocats.org
Calming Music with Scenic Backgrounds to Use in Class
First Day of School Ideas/Activities
Interactive Notebook Templates
Google Forms Header Templates: Set #1, Set #2, Set #3, Set #4, Set #5, Set #6, Set #7, Set #8, Set #9
Daily Schedule Editable Templates
Google Slides Digital Agenda Templates
"Would You Rather" Getting to Know You Activities: #1, #2, #3, #4
Student Interest Surveys: #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, #12
📁 Pacing Guides by Content Area (ELA, Math, Sci, SS)
🛠 Instructional Planning Templates
Differentiated Instruction Planning Form
Unit of Study Instructional Planning Form (Example)
VMS Collaborative LP Template - General Ed
VMS Collaborative LP Template - STEM
Student Self-Check on Instruction
🔍 Assessment Calendar & Expectations
iReady ELA Screening Windows
Fall - August 11 - 15, 2025
Winter - December 1 - 5, 2025
Spring - March 9 - 13, 2026
iReady MATH Screening Windows
Fall - August 18 - 22, 2025
Winter - December 8 - 12, 2025
Spring - March 16 - 20, 2026
GMAS Screening Window - TBD
🎯 Standards & ALD Reference Guides
📆 VMS PLC & PL Calendar
PLCs - EVERY THURSDAY DURING PLANNING
PL Calendar - Coming Soon
🙋♀️ Request Coaching or Planning Help
❤️ Section 5: Culture & Community
Meet the Admin Team!
Stephen Crosby - VMS Principal
Shantrell Belcher - VMS 8th Grade Assistant Principal
Sheldon Mobley - VMS 7th Grade Assistant Principal
Valerie Smith - VMS 6th Grade Assistant Principal
Sarah Berglund - VMS Instructional Coach
PBIS Overview - Matrix
Wildcat Vision, Mission, and Values
VMS Teacher Handbook (PDF)...Coming Soon!