Peer Coaching ~ Building a Community of Learners Catherine Poling Kemptown Elementary Assistant Principal

Today’s Goals: Laying the groundwork for peer coaching Building trust and rapport Structures and supports Coaching tools Coaching as a part of your school culture

Comments from KES Teachers: In an isolated world of teaching, peer coaching allows us to be introduced to a whole new realm of possibilities. To discuss and share teaching practices, observe others, and foster collaboration among teachers will provide us with a tremendous amount of support; which in turn, will not only lead to improved teaching performance but will also result in our ultimate goal – improved student achievement. ~ Amanda Bales, Grade 1

Comments from KES Teachers: I’m looking forward to finally accessing the most valuable resource we teachers have – the knowledge and experience of other teachers. I believe peer coaching will put us on a path toward improved collaboration and instruction, in a non-threatening and empowering way! ~ Natalie Wirtz, grade 5

Getting to know each other… Introduce yourself to the group ~ Name, School, Position Share a topic in which you are interested Activity 1: Listening Posts 5 minutes to talk about a topic of shared interest Recorder shares with the larger group Low Risk

Is your school ready for peer coaching?

Activity 2 ~ Talk Walk Think about your experiences with collaboration and/or coaching (professionally and personally). Have they been positive or negative? Where would you like your school to be? Pair up and take a Talk Walk around the room to discuss them. Low Risk

What does collaboration look like? Teachers understanding own areas of strength and need Teachers taking ownership of their professional growth, conversations, and coaching Cross grade level/content area

Teachers’ Perspectives

Activity 2 ~ Helping Trios Groups of 3 Person A shares a problem with the group while B & C listen (using active listening strategies) and ask clarifying questions (2 minutes) B & C offer suggestions/solutions (2 minutes) Medium Risk

Other Medium Risk Options Jigsaw Carousel Brainstorming Pinwheels

Moving towards Formal Peer Coaching Definition: A way to provide feedback, support, and assistance while refining present skills, learning new skills, and solving classroom problems. Three Phases of Each Round: Pre Conference Observation Post Conference High Risk

The Pre-Conference Choose a topic – narrow focus Find a partner Overview Lesson and Expectations Cognitive Coaching Questions to reflect on lessons in advance Create data collection tool Set guidelines for visit Summarize understanding of what is to happen

The Observation Teachers observe only what was agreed upon Cut signal Admin used to help coordinate coverage as needed

Peers work together to create data collection tools

Sample data collection…

Peers work together to create data collection tools

Dear Mrs. Poling, I really want you to come and have ice cream with us. Mrs. Bales is an awsome teacher and she helps us and you and her need a bracke. And you and Mrs. Bales needs a bracke. And you and Mrs. Bales is very nice to us. And Mrs. Bales is a great techer and we love Mrs. Bales as a teacher and we like you as our sitint prinsable. We have lerned a lot and we work hard and we love Kemptown. We love ice cram! Vanessa

The Post~Conference Let data guide discussions Use questioning to help observee reflect on focus area/lesson

Tips for a Successful Program Make it optional ~ an invitation to break the isolation and build collaboration Offer credit for initial participation Offer $ for time outside of the school day Provide necessary structures (ie. journaling, meeting times, sign up lists, Blackboard) Facilitate coverage for release time – make it easy for teachers to observe each other

Comments from KES Teachers: Having a peer coach allows us to try new ideas and self-assess while not distracting from the actual instruction. I look forward to feedback on my lessons without being judged or officially graded on them. As a relatively new teacher, I am also excited about hearing suggestions and opinions from veterans. Time in the current schedule does not allow for this. We teach our students by modeling and guiding them, and peer coaching allows teachers to continue to grow and learn in that same model. Teachers are learners too. ~ Abby Horman, grade 4

Comments from KES Teachers: In my 9 years of teaching for FCPS, my most valuable teaching lessons were learned in a cooperative environment where I was given the opportunity to work one-on-one with other teachers. The opportunity to brainstorm ideas, gather new approaches, problem solve and plan with one or more teachers can provide creative stimulation and encouragement for even the most seasoned teacher. I look forward to sharing things that I have learned while gaining new perspective and ideas from another teacher. ~ Alicia Milam, Music

Comments from KES Teachers: Teaching is, in some ways, an isolating job. Yes, we are surrounded by all those young, eager learners who are just waiting for us to impart our wealth of knowledge, yet we rarely get the opportunity to surround ourselves with the wealth of knowledge and experience of our colleagues. Peer coaching gives us the chance to share our strengths, reflect on our needs, and improve our practices so we can grow with our students as we all strive to achieve. ~ Patty Madert, grade 2

Questions?