I’m an Instructional Coach… Now what?

Once you are hired on as an Instructional Coach, you are so excited, but later the feeling settles in... where do you begin? I found myself asking this question over and over again! Here are some helpful ways to get started with being the best Instructional Coach you can be!

1. Find some summer book reads that will help you understand your role and what to expect when starting coaching! View this page on my website to see the books I recommend!

2. Grow your PLN! I wrote a post about Professional Development before and mentioned growing your coaching toolkit. This is very important! View this post to see the different ways I have done so!

3. Make your office a fun, relaxing and inviting place! It doesn’t hurt to have snacks and coffee either! You won’t be in your office often but when you are, teachers will flock to it when snacks and coffee are involved and conversations can be started here!

4. At beginning of the Year PD, ask Admin for a segment of time to introduce yourself and your role! I created this presentation and shared it with my staff! We played some not so cheesy icebreakers, in my opinion. I didn’t see staff eye rolls! My staff, including Central Office members and Administrators, were laughing and having fun with each other! Then, I explained my role and how I was there to support the staff. I gave out a getting-to-know-you form so I could get to know my staff and give personalized goodies through the school year when staff would be on my coaching cycles!

5. Build relationships with your staff. I started by walking around on staff work day, which is one day built in in August where there is no PD and staff can work in their rooms on decorating, cleaning, planning, etc. I re-introduced myself, asked them a little about themselves, tried to find a way to make a connection with each one, and asked if I could help them today in any way. Most said no but some did ask for help with even just copies or fixing the copier or finding a room because they were new on campus. I was too but I had spent a few extra days so I showed them where to find what they were looking for. I walked around again on the first day of school with students present and asked how I could help. More teachers asked for help this day and some invited me in to play icebreakers or meet students! I could tell I was already starting to build relationships when I had 2 volunteer to be on my first coaching cycle! Relationships are everything when it comes to coaching as it is teaching!

Next, head over to my post "Coaching Cylces: Tips and Tricks" for some advice on starting and planning for coaching cycles!