How can I use the Instructional Coach?

I know that the position of the Instructional Coach is unfamiliar this year.  So for this month's post, I wanted to list some ways that I can support you in your classroom instruction and professional development.

• Classroom Observations:  We can get together and plan for you to observe in someone else's classroom.  I will ask you what you hope to see and we will construct a sheet with specific look-fors.  You will have the chance to observe a colleague teaching, and I will teach your class while you are gone.  After your observation, we will meet to discuss the things you saw and reflect on ways that your observation can help you in your class.
• Observing you in the classroom: An Instructional Coach can serve as an extra set of eyes in your classroom.  Maybe you want to focus on the level of student engagement in your classroom?  I can come in and track the number of students who are engaged at set time intervals.  We can then meet and discuss my observations.
• Cycles of Teaching: Is there a new instructional strategy or technique that you would like to try?  We can meet and plan a lesson together.  One idea is that I could teach, while you watch or record me, reflect and then discuss.  We would follow this by you teaching another lesson, while I observe, and then we reflect and discuss.
• Planning or Pacing: Are you having a hard time with planning out a lesson, or pacing a series of lessons?  I would love to sit down with you and collaboratively plan an upcoming unit, or lesson.  I can also assist your team with this as well.
• Recording Other Teachers: Is there a teacher you would love to watch, but don't feel comfortable leaving your class?  I can be your eyes, and record another teacher's lesson for you.  You then watch the videos, reflect on your own, then we can reflect together with the other teacher.
• Data analysis: In April, we will take our next round of benchmark tests.  I can meet with you to discuss your data results, and reflect on what those results are showing us.  We can then plan on how to meet the needs of the students in your classroom.
• Collaboration: I can support your efforts to collaborate and co-plan with other teachers.  I can create a planning worksheet for you, and work with a group to plan units or lessons that are aligned with the Curriculum Framework.
• Looking at SOL released tests: Would you like to know about released tests from the last three years?  I know you don't have time to spend analyzing those tests, but I already have.  I would love to meet with you and share what I found.

These are just some of the ways that you can use me, as your Instructional Coach, to support you in the classroom.  There are many, many more ways as well.  Please call on me for help or support in any area!