Coaching Activity Description

LEAD 553

Spring 2017

Coaching Activity

Description:  This activity will provide each student the opportunity to function as an instructional coach.  As a school administrator you may not always have the opportunity to directly function as a coach of teaching strategies but you will have the obligation to create an environment of trust, respect, and professionalism that will stimulate staff to improve instruction so that each student has  an effective and positive learning experience.

The coaching unit will consist of two cycles.  Each cycle must include the following:

   1. Pre-conference with the teacher being coached.

   2. Observation of the teacher in the classroom working with students.

   3. Post-conference with the teacher to reflect on the observation

   Each of these three steps must be video-taped.   Edit the video to include portions of each session but the final cut should be no more than 15 minutes.   You will present your video tape to a small group of your colleagues during a class session.   These colleagues will then use coaching strategies to provide feedback to assist you as a coach.

I require the second coaching cycle to allow students to develop and practice their coaching skills.  The second cycle also allows the teacher being coached to extend his or her practice of the skills discussed with the coach.  Both the coach and the teacher should see progression in not only the professional skill but also in the development of a professional relationship.

As we start the class and if you have not experienced instructional coaching,  this assignment may seem overwhelming.  However, several of our activities in the first few sessions of the semester will focus on coaching to support you as you venture forward.   We will be reading Jim Knight’s book on instructional coaching that provides clear guidelines about coaching techniques.    We will also be watching videos with Knight serving as the model for effective coaching.   Don’t worry.  What may seem murky and maybe impossible as we begin should clear as we  move forward.  If you are having difficulty with the assignment, please let me know.

The biggest obstacle will be time.  Below is a proposed timeline that will help you meet the deadlines.  Those deadlines are highlighted.  

Possible Timeline

Jan 18 - Jan 25   Identify teacher who is willing to be coached.   Establish date for pre-conference

Jan 25 - Feb 3 -  Participate in  the pre-conference, observe the teacher, and hold a post-observation conference.   Video each step.  

Feb. 3  - Feb 7 - Prepare video and send to members of your discussion group.

Feb. 8 - Show video to your group and talk them through the challenges and revelations you experienced through the process.

Feb. 9 -  Feb. 17 - Complete the second series of pre conference, observation and post conference.

Feb. 18 - Feb. 21 -  Finalize the video of your second cycle of coaching and send to your colleagues.

Feb. 22  Present video to your discussion group and receive coaching on your coaching techniques.

March  6   Submit Assignment  for  CAPE  2D