Liberty’s Innovation and Learning Coaches are fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Diane Sweeney and Leanna Harris of Diane Sweeney Consulting on a regular basis. Our team spent the last two days focused on professional development for launching Student-Centered Coaching in Liberty Public Schools. It was a two days full of collaborating about our purpose and expectations, developing work products, and building skills connected to dialogue and discussion.
In reflection from the last two days, I have five significant areas that will continue to be themes in my work as a coach:
1. Building relationships is, and will always be, my number one priority. Just as teachers need and love to establish and maintain trusting relationships with students, coaches do the same with colleagues and administrators.
2. Learning Targets are essential for understanding how to meet standards. This is integral work for teams, and my support in this area will be meaningful for student learning.
3. The work teachers are currently doing (and being asked to do) is all connected. Standards are the “what,” formative assessment is the “where,” and instructional practices are the “how.” Coaching closes the gap.
4. Data-driven, student-focused coaching allows for a partnership with teachers that builds capacity. The best leaders encourage others, celebrate growth, establish collaboration, and build other leaders.
5. I work on a diverse team with differing strengths and areas for growth. This allows us to challenge each other, learn from one another, and grow together.
I’m looking forward to my first coaching cycle, upcoming work with teachers, and more learning in these areas.
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