Peer Coaching
Mindy Lohff, Missy Madigan, Erin Vanekenvort, Lauren Olson
What is it?
Coaches assist in collaborating with teachers to blend best practices and technology into classroom activities.
Coaches assist teachers to develop the skills and strategies needed for classroom use of technology by: o Planning technology-rich activities or projects with individual teachers. o Identifying resources or strategies necessary for successful learning activities.. o Modeling or team-teaching lessons that integrate technology and engaging learning strategies.
What does that mean for me?
What will it look like?
Coach's Role
initiate coaching relationship: brainstorm lesson activities that might be improved in the coaching cycle
· co-plan learning guidance and collaborative time to improve lesson design with the integration of content and 21st century skills
· model practices
· observe and reflect
· no evaluation
· just in time help
· as the “first level of technical support”; answer quick and easy questions when someone is “stuck”; point them toward other help if necessary
Partner's Role
· take responsibility for your own learning
· be willing to take risks and learn with a peer coach
· accept the opportunity to revisit your practices and make improvements that are more 21st century focused
· be honest about student engagement and achievement so that growth can be targeted and accomplished
· ask questions, contribute ideas and elevate your instructional planning with 21st century skill integration with the help of your peer coach
· let your needs be known. If you need focussed time, ask and collaborate with the principal/coach to plan for this
· show your efforts toward improving student achievement and growth with artifacts generated via peer coaching
Principal's Role
clearly communicate the what, why and how to staff that promotes Peer Coaching and the research behind this initiative
· gather building coaches as a team;
· endorse the plan developed by building coaches as one component of your building-level PD plan
· support collaborative time with creative scheduling or Title II funds
· support the work of coaches and partners
· assess the success of the peer coaches and peer partnerships to determine year 2 activity
School Coaching Team's Role (Peer Coaches + Principal)
principal and building level coaches should meet, develop a “plan” that aims at building/district goals
· create coaching partnership assignments