We wrapped up April with some traits that coaches should refine when working remotely, a bunch of questions that promote reflection, one IC's favorite blogs and resources on virtual coaching, and more. Enjoy! 👍

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3 Qualities to Cultivate When You're Coaching Remotely

Vicki Collet recommends a few traits that coaches should refine when working remotely.

" Relational characteristics can make or break a coach's work, even if all the right procedures and protocols are in place. This is especially true when coaching remotely. . . . Personal characteristics like empathy, curiosity, humility, and approachability also support your coaching work. In uncertain times, however, traits like courage, consistency, and joyfulness become key to the relational work of coaching."

A Virtual Coaching Toolkit

Bookmark this: Stephanie Affinito put together an online portfolio of a few of her favorite coaching tips and blog posts on remote coaching.

"I've been honored to work alongside teachers as they continue their own professional learning during COVID-19, as well as shift their teaching online for their students. And I've made even better use of technology and digital tools to transform my coaching in these digital, virtual and remote coaching environments. We have virtual Zoom sessions with colleagues, connect through individual coaching calls and even engage in virtual coaching cycles around virtual classroom instruction. That's my favorite."

Remote Teaching

Christine Weis shares four ways that teachers can work smarter, not harder, during these less-than-ideal circumstances we're facing.

" There are so many great resources out there for remote/distance learning for every single grade level from preschool- grade 12. . . . There are shops full of prepared digital resources. Some teachers, like myself, have even begun transforming their favorite resources from print to digital to support teachers. There are so many resources that are engaging, fun and are compatible with Google Apps. I bet a lot of what you need is already out there. Now go get it and make your life easier."

Continuing Remote Learning for Students without Internet

Micah Castelo encourages leaders to think outside of the box when creating remote learning initiatives to ensure all students have the ability to learn from home.

"Transitioning to a remote learning environment, especially during times of uncertainty, is no easy feat. School districts must be prepared to tackle numerous challenges—from dealing with data privacy threats in virtual classrooms to ensuring that educators are prepared to teach in an online environment. . . . With the internet, students and teachers have the freedom to use digital tools and platforms to continue learning, collaboration and communication with each other outside the classroom."

My Distance Learning

Ashley Taplin reflects on how important it's been for her to focus on teacher clarity, SEL, and feedback while working remotely.

" The value of teacher clarity is something I will continue to share with teachers in coaching and planning to improve our teaching and impact on student learning. . . . As I started writing lessons and working with teams, I made it my mission to notate anytime I heard a new strategy about feedback and the idea I have been connecting with the most is 'empathetic feedback.'"

My Distance Learning

Steve Barkley offers a plethora of questions for teachers, coaches, and principals that encourage introspection.

"Instructional coaches and administrators can play an important role in assisting teachers in reflection with questions, paraphrases, and listening that encourage teacher talking. The teacher often needs to hear her voice in order to find insights. In the 'normal' school setting teachers often have little time for collegial conversations. . . . I recommend coaching questions that have teachers describe what is happening or what they are feeling rather than asking them to evaluate, 'How's it going?'"

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