As I leave the coaching world and many others are applying for instructional coaching positions, I want to pass along questions I wish I had asked before accepting a coaching position because the culture, context, and support for coaching will make or break things.
1/
1/
Question 1: "What is your vision of meaningful, high-quality instruction?"
If they struggle to answer this question, it means it's not a priority. Watch to see if they can agree on it, if they have resources, etc. If so, it means they've prioritized it already.
2/
If they struggle to answer this question, it means it's not a priority. Watch to see if they can agree on it, if they have resources, etc. If so, it means they've prioritized it already.
2/
Question 2: "How are teachers currently encouraged to engage in walkthroughs or observe each other?"
This will tell you a lot about the culture and trust that already exists. If this isn't actively created, getting into classrooms will be incredibly difficult.
3/
This will tell you a lot about the culture and trust that already exists. If this isn't actively created, getting into classrooms will be incredibly difficult.
3/
Question 3: "Can you describe the professional learning plan you use, maybe specifically focusing on teacher ownership of it?"
It is crucial that there is already a positive association with professional learning, and an understanding that PD is more than sit-and-get.
4/
It is crucial that there is already a positive association with professional learning, and an understanding that PD is more than sit-and-get.
4/
Question 4: "What work has informed how you and your team view instructional coaches and their role in a school?"
Many schools won't have an answer for this, and be wary of that. Admin understanding and support for the role is a crucial element.
5/
Many schools won't have an answer for this, and be wary of that. Admin understanding and support for the role is a crucial element.
5/
There are many more, but in my reflecting on why instructional coaching wasn't a role I necessarily loved, these are some of the big ones.
Lastly, for those pursuing instructional coaching as a stepping stone for something else, please don't. Do it because you love...
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Lastly, for those pursuing instructional coaching as a stepping stone for something else, please don't. Do it because you love...
6/
Teaching and learning and want to help spur that love in other people, not because you want the power and prestige that people think comes with coaching.
Because here's the truth: no one cares about positional power, and if you're given positional power with that...
7/
Because here's the truth: no one cares about positional power, and if you're given positional power with that...
7/
Context and culture you need to be successful as a coach, you'll find yourself feeling like you're wasting time, like you're constantly frustrated, and like you're just being paid to be a placeholder.
Nobody wants that.
It can be incredible, but enter cautiously.
8/8
Nobody wants that.
It can be incredible, but enter cautiously.
8/8
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