Coaching Retrospective: What impact have we had in five years? A little over five years ago, I sat across the table from seven or eight of our school’s senior leadership team to be interviewed for a newly-created position: Teaching and Learning Coach. “Tell us about a time you helped others be reflective.” “What do you think about when you are planning instruction?” The questions weren’t hard to answer, but I had no idea what they thought of my responses. At the time, I really didn’t have a clear concept of what the role of Teaching & Learning Coach would entail or whether I would be a good fit. I went home thinking I had quite possibly embarrassed myself in front of the whole LLT. I guess I did okay in the interview though, because eventually I was offered the role, and became part of a cross-school team. The team has ebbed and flowed a bit over these five years, but one thing has been very consistent: the group of people I’ve been privileged to work with has been amazing. Th
Camera Roll Reflections: The last eleven months on my camera roll are filled with images like these: nature shots taken on my daily walks, artifacts from a year spent minimizing contact with other humans. (Also featuring heavily: photos of my cats, selfies of myself in different masks, and screenshots of lockdown memes.) I don't think a day has gone by that I haven't gone for a walk. During the endless spring of improbable sunshine, when fear was creeping up my throat and tears frequently threatened to spill over, I walked. When summer finally arrived, and I missed my annual pilgrimage home to see my family and didn't get to meet my new nephew or see my ailing mom, I walked. When school started back up again in person and I wrestled with how to talk about racism with my students, I walked. Even now, with the wind and the rain and the darkness, I walk and I walk and I walk. I also run or ride my bike sometimes, but even on my worst day I can get myself to go for a walk. O