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
One way I am trying to personalise learning in my classroom this year is through student-driven goal work. While not always easy to do, giving over control to my students has paid off big time. No matter if they are critiquing their own calculations and mathematical arguments or finding flow and fluency in problem solving students are developing game changing habits that will serve them inside and outside the classroom. Some students are working on remedial skills that they haven’t quite mastered yet or further understanding math vocabulary as an English language learner. One student just set a new goal in an area of strength. She found herself thriving in our last unit and doesn’t want to lose this newfound knowledge and understanding. How cool is that?! How often do students get to be in charge of their own learning? Not enough, in my opinion, and I am trying to change that! Much of school just happens to our kids. I firmly believe that the one doing the thinking (talking, tinkerin