Coaching

Coaching Cycle

A Coaching Cycle has 3 components: co-planning, co-teaching, and analyzing student work samples to inform instruction. In a Coaching Cycle, the teacher and coach typically meet once a week to co-plan a lesson or lessons tied to learning objectives and standards. The coach and teacher co-teach the lesson/s together during the week, using student-centered coaching moves to ensure that both the teacher and coach have a shared responsibility for student achievement. After the lesson/s, the teacher and coach get together during a co-planning session to analyze student work samples to inform instruction. Together, the teacher and coach look at student work samples from the week's lessons to determine next steps for lesson planning.

Coaching Cycles typically last 4-6 weeks.

Mini-Cycle (Elementary)

A Mini Coaching Cycle has the same 3 components as a Coaching Cycle: co-planning, co-teaching, and analyzing student work samples to inform instruction, but is shorter in depth and duration than a standard Coaching Cycle. It is more than a Software Tour because of the co-planning, analyzing student work samples, and possible co-teaching components. In a Mini-Cycle, the teacher and coach will typically meet once to co-plan a lesson or two tied to learning objectives and standards. The coach and teach co-teach the lesson/s together during the week, using student-centered coaching moves. After the lesson/s the teacher and coach analyze student work samples and reflect on teaching practices, making a plan for the teacher to implement moving forward.

A Mini-Cycle typically lasts 1-2 weeks.

Mini-Cycle (Junior High)

A Mini Coaching Cycle at the junior high has the same structure as an elementary Coaching Cycle, but shares a unique opportunity to structure co-teaching opportunities across one lesson or day (instead of across multiple days or weeks). Staff can access various coteaching models, allowing for a coach to model concepts during the first period, tag team coteach across additional class periods, and gradually release responsibility over to the classroom teacher by the end of the day. Follow up reflection sessions typically facilitate additional collaboration opportunities.

Software Tour

In a Software Tour, the coach walks students through a specific technology tool. This is an introduction to the tool, and can be taught primarily by the coach or co-taught with the teacher.

Modeling

Similar to a Software Tour, the coach walks students through a specific technology tool when Modeling. In Modeling, the coach models how to use the tool for learning, or how to apply the tool to a specific learning objective or for a project.

Co-Planning

A stand-alone Co-Planning session happens when the teacher and coach co-plan a lesson or series of lessons for the teacher to implement without teacher/coach co-teaching. In a Co-Planning session, the teacher and coach will work together to plan a lesson or lessons tied to learning objectives and standards.

Analyzing Student Work to Inform Instruction

To identify next steps for instruction, the teacher and coach Analyze Student Work. During this time, the teacher and coach will look at student work samples to notice patterns and to identify misconceptions and opportunities for enrichment. This may lead to a Co-Planning session where the teacher and coach work together to design lessons that further engage, enhance, and extend learning goals.

Reflecting on Teaching to Inform Instruction

To identify next steps for teaching, the teacher and coach engage in reflective discussion on teaching moves. This may lead to a Co-Planning session where the teacher and coach work together to design lessons that further engage, enhance, and extend learning goals.

Reflecting on Teacher Workflow

We recognize that the amount of tech in our professional lives can be overwhelming, and are prepared to offer support with district-supported tools including data management systems, communication tools, and general web navigation. We encourage moments of reflection to better understand the way we use tech and it's impact on our daily lives. We provide recommendations based on efficiency and seek opportunities to save teachers time.