This week we learned how coaches can support teachers during their transition to distance learning, some examples of open-ended questions that promote reflection, why coaches need to focus on relationships and compassion with teachers as they work remotely, and more. Enjoy! 👍

Want to get the latest coaching news and insights delivered to your inbox every Wednesday? Subscribe to our Weekly Coaching Roundup emails!

Coaching for Community: 4 Tips for Coaching in Unprecedented Times

Stephanie Affinito offers four ways coaches can support teachers during their transition to a new reality—working remotely.

"Classroom teachers are working tirelessly to ensure everyone stays connected and that their students continue to learn amid COVID-19 school closures. . . . During these times, coaches need to reach out to teachers to ensure they're still heard and seen. We can send weekly or daily emails asking a teacher how they're doing or how you might help from a distance, sending messages of support through our social feeds. In addition, we can offer our support, helpful resources, and even a dose of inspiration to brighten a teacher's day."

Promoting Reflection for Educator Learning

Steve Barkley provides some examples of open-ended questions that encourage reflection and the value of taking the time to wait and listen for a response.

"One skill for a coach's conscious practice is to use open rather than closed questions. . . . Paraphrasing is another conscious skill for coaches to use to encourage teacher reflection. It provides for slowing down and following the teacher rather than leading. The paraphrase is a statement rather than a question. It invites the responder to extend his/her comment and reinforces the coach’s understanding of what has been shared."

Coaching through Challenges

Kathy Perret shares a few ideas—both tech- and non tech-related—for supporting teachers during their push to distance learning.

"In my experience as a coach I saw teachers open up to coaching opportunities once they experienced my empathy to any challenge they were experiencing. . . . The key is finding time to support teachers. Please do not add one more expectation to their list without the support. Our teachers NEED our support now more than ever! Coaches can be a lifeline here!"

Coaching During COVID-19

Lizzie Fortin promotes focusing on relationships and the importance of compassion to help educators deal with the sudden change and uncertainty with distance learning.

"As a teacher and coach, I have always prioritized relationships over everything else. . . . The new normal is rising. We can make significant structural and systemic shifts during this time. I implore each of us to imagine here – instead of attempting to fit what we currently do into a different "distance learning" box. I implore us to center love and compassion and listening, rather than knowing."

Teaching through a Pandemic

Stephen Merill offers six mindset-related approaches to keep teachers grounded in this difficult time.

"Humans are social animals. Working from home, or worse, from quarantine, is isolating and often depressing for both teachers and students. Make a concerted effort to speak to other colleagues and trusted professionals to provide emotional and psychological context to your work. Teaching at this moment is extraordinarily hard, and you’ll need the virtual company of people who are experiencing what you are."

Have some interesting instructional leadership news?
Share it with TeachBoost and we'll highlight it here!