What is a Coaching Conversation?
Chapter. 1
After the leadership academy on Jan. 21, 2016. It opened our eyes to more resources that we can utilize when we are going into classrooms and having follow up conversation with the teachers. These conversation now will allow us to dig deeper with the teachers and hopefully have the teachers reflect more on their teaching and assessment.
TQS- Guest Speaker Todd Abbot
Providing Effective Feedback
- going in to classrooms with a specific goal, asking teachers what they would like me to focus on
- sharing observation notes before post meeting
- adding questions to notes that give teacher something to think about and reflect on
- Asking teachers what you can do as an administrator or as a school that would help them create a higher level of instruction
- resources, PD, modeling etc
#Bethefilter
ON FEBRUARY 12, 2016 BY CMACMILLAN IN PROVIDING INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP I missed the past session because I was busy ” snowboarding ” with my MT Snow club (which to me it means sliding down a hill praying that I don’t fall ) . Nichole happened to miss it too . After hearing the positive responses from those attending we asked Todd if he’d come to MT and give us an overview of what he presented . Todd graciously met us after school and we had a great conversation about Instructional leadership , coaching and Dealing with Difficult people . Again Thank you Todd : )
The First thing he said was that we are not adequately prepared to have the tough conversations and most people are not comfortable having to do them . He mentioned that we should be formally trained to have professional conversations.
Being a new Principal I knew this would be an area to show growth and improve . I knew I’d have to make a transition from Teaching Colleague to School leader ; and how people will have different expectations of me . After the readings and Todd’s conversation with Nichole and I , I noted that one area that I needed to improve was being a filter to the staff. Every school will have the ” Negative Nancy/ Norm ” and these people will find others and unload their stresses and problems . I’ve tried to be a filter and “Protect ” others from being bombarded . It’s a great analogy but has a harsh connotation, But negativity is like a cancer and can spread quickly . However if treated properly its possible to remove it or slow it’s growth .
Be consistent and Show Professional Fairness
ON FEBRUARY 12, 2016 BY CMACMILLAN IN PROVIDING INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP I missed the past session because I was busy ” snowboarding ” with my MT Snow club (which to me it means sliding down a hill praying that I don’t fall ) . Nichole happened to miss it too . After hearing the positive responses from those attending we asked Todd if he’d come to MT and give us an overview of what he presented . Todd graciously met us after school and we had a great conversation about Instructional leadership , coaching and Dealing with Difficult people . Again Thank you Todd : )
The First thing he said was that we are not adequately prepared to have the tough conversations and most people are not comfortable having to do them . He mentioned that we should be formally trained to have professional conversations.
- Now , Ideas – Where do we go for this Training ?
Being a new Principal I knew this would be an area to show growth and improve . I knew I’d have to make a transition from Teaching Colleague to School leader ; and how people will have different expectations of me . After the readings and Todd’s conversation with Nichole and I , I noted that one area that I needed to improve was being a filter to the staff. Every school will have the ” Negative Nancy/ Norm ” and these people will find others and unload their stresses and problems . I’ve tried to be a filter and “Protect ” others from being bombarded . It’s a great analogy but has a harsh connotation, But negativity is like a cancer and can spread quickly . However if treated properly its possible to remove it or slow it’s growth .
- Footnote: Thanks Nichole for the Edits and Suggestions : )
Be consistent and Show Professional Fairness
- Collin DillonHey Cam,
Nice post and good on you for bringing Todd in to bring you up to speed on his great presentation.
As a leader, you’re right, you have a great opportunity to transform the culture of your school so that negative environment is limited or non existent and that starts at the top. If you model a positive, approachable, welcoming environment it will become contagious and spread throughout the building.
Thanks for the post,
CD
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FEBRUARY 15, 2016 AT 6:10 PMREPLY - mrshawnallisonNice post Cam! The relational bank – a great way to view the building of and maintaing of relationships. As a leader, it’s crucial the work on adding positive “coinage” into that bank ASAP and as much as possible. Starting with all positive first interactions with staff and then continuing to foster/maintain these positive interactions later. As you spend more years in this position, I’m sure it will become much easier!
Here’s a question for ya, If the bank is broke then what?
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FEBRUARY 17, 2016 AT 9:57 PMREPLY- cmacmillanDon’t go broke attempting to fix a bank that won’t help itself. We should provide opportunities for growth and a re-build . But at certain point, you have other banks that need help.