As the school year comes to an end, instructional coaches play a critical role in helping teachers reflect on their growth and celebrate their achievements. Join us to discuss strategies for closing out the school year on a positive note.
Take time to reflect on the progress and achievements you made throughout the school year. Think about the impact of your coaching efforts on teacher practice and student learning. Reflecting on your successes and challenges can help inform your future coaching priorities and strategies.
Technology Tools:
Lauren G from Iowa: "One thing I need to accomplish is to figure out the best way to support new teachers to the district (depending on if is their first year here, first year teaching, etc.). I want to have some questions ready for teachers to reflect on before school starts, as well as plans in place to meet with the new teachers at least once during the PD schedule at the beginning of the year."
Seek feedback from teachers to assess the effectiveness of your coaching initiatives. Conduct end-of-year surveys, interviews, or focus groups to gather insights and identify areas for improvement. This feedback will provide valuable insights and help guide your future coaching efforts.
Technology Tools:
Google Forms
Microsoft Forms
Jenna K from Illinois: "Make and send out a survey. We need feedback on how our individualized learning sessions have been going and also just coaching in general so we can reflect on this year and help us better prepare for next year."
Schedule end-of-year meetings with teachers to review progress towards goals, celebrate successes, and discuss plans for continued growth and development. Set agendas, review data, and collaboratively set goals for the upcoming school year. End-of-year meetings provide an opportunity to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the next year.
Technology Tools:
Canva (Agenda Templates)
Google Docs (Meeting Notes/Agenda Template)
Adina M from New Jersey: "After graduation, we host an end of year staff PD for all members of the team who will be returning next year and we revisit the year’s goals and discuss how we hit our goals for the year. We name our wins and celebrate the effort that it took to get there."
Collaborate with administrators to review your coaching initiatives. Schedule meetings to discuss coaching outcomes, share insights, solicit feedback, and align priorities for the upcoming year. This will ensure that your coaching efforts are aligned with the school’s goals and priorities. In addition, you can summarize your coaching outcomes.
Technology Tools:
Google Slides
Canva Presentation
Kara H. from New York: "I try to have a end of semester data sharing meeting with administrators where we share the teacher data we have been collecting from the formal observations as well as the informal observations, and discuss areas of strength and areas where we need to grow for next year."
Celebrate the successes and milestones achieved by the teachers you have supported throughout the year. Recognize and acknowledge their hard work, dedication, and accomplishments. Whether it’s a small gesture of appreciation or a larger celebration, taking time to celebrate achievements fosters a positive and supportive school culture.
Technology Tools:
With some extra time, you can get a head start on preparations for the upcoming school year. Design a professional development schedule and plan topics based on current needs. Think about how you will support new teachers next year. In addition, create templates, like monthly newsletter templates, and have those ready to go for the upcoming school year. This proactive planning will ensure that you hit the ground running when teachers return.
Technology Tools:
Google Docs (Newsletter Template)
Canva (Newsletter Template)
Reflect on your own professional development needs and plan for ongoing learning opportunities, either during the summer or next school year. Explore relevant workshops, conferences, or courses to enhance your coaching skills and knowledge. Investing in professional development ensures that you continue to grow and evolve as an instructional coach.
Technology Tools:
Google Sheets (Track PD Opportunities and Goals)
Take time to rest and recharge during the summer break. Prioritize self-care and well-being to ensure that you return to the next school year feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Spend time outdoors, practice mindfulness, or pursue hobbies and interests that bring you joy and fulfillment.
👉 Exit ticket: Drop an emoji in the chat that represents how you plan to recharge this summer.
Join the Instructional Coaches Group in the TCEA Community
https://tcea.mobilize.io/main/groups/58949/lounge/posts/1255744