How to Get Your Foot in the Door for Instructional Coaching Support, Ep. 18: The Coaching Podcast
Have you ever had the metaphorical or maybe actual door slammed in your face? We’ve all had teachers shut us down or refuse to let us in the door.We become a coach that is not only credible but also empathetic. If you’re just empathetic, they won’t believe that you can help them.
If you’re just credible, they won’t believe that you care. In this episode of Buzzing with Ms. B I will give you six ways to open that door that has been metaphorically (or literally) slammed in your face.
One of the biggest things you can do is clarify your role. Often, teachers don’t see us as “helpers” because of past experiences with other coaches or maybe they have a bad perception of you. Make sure your teachers know who you are and what your role is. You can do this in a formal way with a group PowerPoint or with something more casual by hosting a Coffee with a Coach. Find out how both options work and get a great resource tip by tuning into Episode 18.
I said you have to be credible and empathetic, right? This second tip is all about empathy. You can start opening a closed door by popping in to simply say “hello” to a teacher. This check in is all about how the teacher is doing as a person. If you bring a treat, you might even win a few bonus points.
A huge tip is starting with a friendly. A friendly is a teacher who wants your help. Why start here? Well a friendly teacher acts as a commercial for you. It can even help with those teachers who fall into the sixth tip: complainers. You can learn more about how to deal with complaints and why friendlies are the way to start by listening to the full episode.
Opening a closed door is never easy. It’s going to take time, and you’re going to have to repeat the process more than once. It’s just a fact of life. However, if you follow any of these six tips that you hear about in Episode 18 Buzzing with Ms. B The Coaching Podcast and they work, let me know by giving me a shout out using #buzzingaboutcoaching. Opening a close door can be difficult, but you can start by tuning into Episode 18 to get all six great tips. Happy Coaching!
Reasons Teachers Might Be Resistant to Change
Coaching Teachers Who Don’t Want You Around
Introducing Yourself as an Instructional Coach
Helpful resources
Coaching in Classrooms Slide Show & Forms
Sticky Note Messages for Instructional Coaches
Join the Coaching Resistant Teachers Challenge!
Thank you for listening to Buzzing with Ms. B: the Coaching Podcast. Want more coaching ideas?
Check me out at buzzingwithmsb.com and on Instagram @buzzingwithmsb.
Podcast produced by Fernie Ceniceros of Crowd & Town Creative
