Dos and Dont’s of Virtual Coaching: Episode 36 of The Coaching Podcast
Instructional coaches are feeling overwhelmed with coaching virtually, and this can create a situation in which we don’t produce our best work.
The teachers you are supporting are doing all sorts of impossible things. Some are all online. Some are in the classroom. Some are online and in the classroom. Because teachers are all over the place in terms of how they are teaching, you are coaching a variety of ways as well. With this, there is naturally more stress. You can simplify your coaching life by following these dos and don’ts.
First of all, you never want to overwhelm teachers or yourself! There are a million lists out there that have 100 different technology tools. Do not share all of them with your teachers. Giving your teachers a list of 100 or even 20 anything is going to cause confusion. Instead, choose a few to work on that you know well and that are helpful to teachers. You don’t have to do this work alone either; have teachers vote on what they like the best and what is most effective in the classroom.
Tip two is all about relationships. Relationships don’t happen overnight whether you’re in the classroom or online. It is so difficult to create a meaningful relationship when you don’t have that personal connection on a day-to-day basis. Therefore, we can’t assume that we are naturally going to develop relationships. You can however build them virtually. How? Listen to all of Episode 36 of Buzzing with Ms. B to find out.
Another thing we want to avoid is throwing out the old handbook of coaching. I talk about this as well as a few other don’t in Episode 34 in more detail, but it’s important to mention here too. We do not have to re-invent the wheel. Instructional coaching is still essentially the same it just looks different. So, combine the “old” with the “new” and you’ll be just as effective as you were in the classroom last year.
When you’re doing anything virtual, stuff can be all over the place! You don’t want to send important forms or resources through email. Instead, have a one stop shop for your teachers to go to and find what they need. This way, your stuff isn’t getting buried and you’re not falling into another don’t: checking your email constantly.
Right now we are all wearing so many hats and sometimes doing the work of three or four different people. You can make your life easier but checking out this podcast, Episode 36 for not only tips but a few resources as well. Until next time, Happy Coaching!
Podcast produced by Fernie Ceniceros Pin It
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Learn More
Virtual Coaching Cycles, Ep 35 of The Coaching Podcast
Helpful resources
Google Sites
Virtual Coaching Start-Up Kit
Thank you for listening to Buzzing with Ms. B: the Coaching Podcast. Want more coaching ideas?
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Podcast produced by Fernie Ceniceros
