Communication Plan
A Plan for Coaches and Teachers
CUR/540
Sasha Johnson
University of Phoenix
March 7, 2016
Instructor: Sara Mattson
Introduction
Effective communication should be a part of any workplace but, with as many moving parts as school has, communication is essential. There must be a way to share information, express concerns and ask questions for all parties involved. There also needs to be a way to articulate the goals of the school. This plan will serve as a model for communication between all stakeholders at the school level, with specific focus on the communication between coach and teacher.
Communicating with Stakeholders:
As a coach communication is key. Often at the school level, the coach will need to interact with teachers both, individually and in groups. The coach may also need to speak with administration on a regular basis. In either case, finding ways to communicate effectively is an important part of the job.
- Weekly News Letter
One of the easiest ways for coaches to communicate with teachers is through a weekly news letter. The news letter can convey the coaches schedule for that week, links to videos that teachers can use a quick professional development, deadline reminders and other events that occur on a regular basis.
While email is not always the best way to communicate certain topics, it may be the best way to reach a teacher to: schedule a meeting or observation or get their feedback on something without taking too much time out of the day. The communication is quick and it allows the teachers to answer at their convenience. Emailing may also prove best for principals since they can quickly respond to the coach. A principal may also request a short email digest of an observation or an outline for a meeting later that week. Email is also useful for sharing files from professional development with teachers. Emailing can also be used to follow up on a face to face meeting.
- Face to Face
Coaches should meet with stakeholders face to face as much as possible for, pre- and post conferences, mentoring sessions and principal meetings. This will allow for a dialogue between all parties that is misinterpreted by and email. It is also more personal and shows the person that the coach is meeting with that, they are a priority.
Educational Stakeholders
A Framework for Conversation:
Creating norms as a good at the start of the year, is a good way to ensure smooth conversations throughout the year. In her book, Student Centered Coaching, Sweeney (2012), suggests the following seven norms:
- Pausing,
- Paraphrasing
- Probing
- Putting ideas on the table
- Paying attention to self and others
- Presuming positive intentions
- Pursuing a balance between advocacy and inquiry (p. 54-56).
These norms create a environment that is solution based and allows all parties to work towards their goals.
Although the video above is geared towards businesses, it includes communication tips that can be applied to any field such as, paraphrasing and using I statements to be sure that you understand the person you are speaking with.
Conflict Resolution Process:
Even with the best framework for communication, conflicts will occur. It is important to have a plan in place to address conflict in a way that is healthy and helpful for all parties involved. Teachers and Coaches can use the following process to overcome conflict:
- Determine what is wrong
- Figure our why the problem is occurring
- Work together to come up with a solution to the problem.
By using this basic process for conflict resolution, the involved parties can get to the root of the problem and move towards solving it rather than staying in conflict.
The following video clip contains more information on conflict including the different types found in the work place and further tips on how to resolve them.
Conclusion:
To be a good coach, one must start with good communication and problem solving skills. Teachers and administrator trust the coach to take care of issues and provide feedback in a timely matter. Having a communication plan in place will not solve all problems but it may make the problems less likely in the future. Furthermore, having a plan in place arms teachers and coaches with the tools they need to communicate effectively and solve conflicts should a problem arise.
References:
Business skills tutorial: Effective communication | lynda.com. (2013, August 12). Retrieved March 07, 2016, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMUSEYR80E8
Conflict Resolution Strategies. (2014, June 3). Retrieved March 07, 2016, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIzyvjaOEY8
Rebori, M. (n.d.). Effective Problem-solving Techniques for Groups (pp. 1-4, Rep. No. 97-26). Reno, NV: University of Nevada.
Sweeney, D. (2011). Student-Centered Coaching: A Guide for K-8 Coaches and Principals. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.