First Steps in Virtual Coaching, Ep. 34 Buzzing with Ms. B: The Coaching Podcast
Online, in the classroom, some kind of hybrid of both? What’s your school year look like right now? I’m sure everyone listening has a different answer. I am also sure that at least a piece of it includes virtual learning which means you get to be a virtual coach. Virtual coaching isn’t something that new to the world of instructional coaching; however, it is new to many coaches out there. So, what can you do to make sure you are being an effective coach?
First, take a deep breath. You can do this! Next, you want to define your role as a coach just like you would any other year. When you’re defining your role as a coach do not tell yourself or even think for a second that you are “just one more thing for teachers to do.” You are far more than that. You are a support. You are a partner. You are a resource finder. You are a friend. You are not one more thing to do. Once you get that idea out of your head, make a list of all the things you would normally do. Then think about how you can provide those same supports virtually. Can’t think of anything? I’ve got a list for you inside this episode!
Once your coaching menu has been created, you want to go and talk to your administrator and ensure you are all on the same page. You do not want to overstep what you are supposed to be doing, but you certainly don’t want to under-perform either. Schedule a meeting with your administration and talk about what he/she thinks your role as a coach is this year. You can and should share your ideas too. Once you know for sure what your role is as a virtual coach, go to the final step.
The final step is sharing your role as a virtual coach with your teachers. You can do this by having a meet and greet with your teachers via Zoom, Google Meets, or any online platform that lets several education loving people to gather together. At this event, you can have coffee with the coach and ask the teachers to bring their favorite mug. To get the complete “How to” guide for a virtual meet and greet, listen to the full episode of Episode 34 of Buzzing with Ms. B the Coaching Podcast where you’ll find great resources too!
Good coaching is needed now more than ever and I know that you can do it! Make sure you to check out all of Episode 34 for great tips and tricks/ Until next time, Happy Coaching!
Ready to Listen?
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Tips and Resources for Virtual Professional Development
Introducing Your Role to Teachers
Defining Your Coaching Role
Helpful resources
Virtual Coaching Start-Up Kit
Just the Forms: Instructional Coaching Forms for Google Drive
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Check me out at buzzingwithmsb.com and on Instagram @buzzingwithmsb.
Podcast produced by Fernie Ceniceros