Jenna Moller, instructional coach in Illinois, shares why affirmation is important—both in our personal and professional lives—and how taking a moment to acknowledge others every day fosters strong coaching relationships.

As the coronavirus pandemic forces states and districts to suspend instruction, leaders are adapting with a shift to distance learning. Stephanie Affinito, literacy education professor at the University at Albany in New York, offers four ways coaches can support teachers during their transition to a new reality: working remote.

Are you and your teachers tired of the same old "sit-and-get" professional learning initiatives? If you said "yes ✋," then it's time to shake things up by adding some fun to the mix. Amy Storer, instructional coach in Texas, shares a few different ways to include fun as part of your upcoming professional learning sessions.

Happy Valentine's! Our lovely coaches this week share how they use treats (topped with puns!) to remind teachers of the ways they can support them, why reflection is integral to a coach's day, how education unconferences can help teachers drive their own PD, and more. Enjoy! 💕🍫

Kelli Schiltz, instructional coach in Wisconsin, gives her staff fun (and funny) treats throughout the school year to remind them of all the different ways she can support them in their work.

Are you a coach looking to hit the ground running with new teachers? Paige Bergin, instructional coach in Oklahoma, shares how she focuses on building relationships with new staff right away, and some tips to make that easier.

This week we learned why coaches should listen carefully and learn from those they work with, how one coach builds trust with her peers by rolling up her sleeves and getting in the trenches, a few critical issues that can get in the way of professional learning, and more. Enjoy!

Happy New Year! 🎆 We're starting 2020 out strong with the top articles from January's weekly coaching roundups. Learn how you can publicize and promote your role as a coach, a few ways principals can support instructional coaches, some elements of professional learning that provoke teachers to embrace learning, and more! 

Brandy Alexander, elementary instructional specialist in the Houston, TX area shares four ways to publicize and promote your coaching role—a must for any coach working in a less-than-perfect coaching environment.