While instruction coaching continues to imply different things depending on geography or culture, this can lead to confusion. Are we talking about telling teachers what to do? Are we sharing insights into how to improve pedagogy? Let’s look at some key considerations that may be impeding schools from making the right choice.
Which coaching model to choose?
In his book ‘Slaying Zombies: Beyond Instructional Coaching’, Team Optix’s EVP Dr Will Percy explains why moving away from a directive coaching model led by a superhero school leader/head of department. By superhero, we mean the leader who swoops in to save the day, taking control and delegating tasks. However, there is a flip side to the superhero approach – what effect does this have on faculty? Research shows that this is likely to be disengaging for faculty, stifle innovation and impede the transfer of learning from CPD to the classroom.
Cost
Most coaching models rely on expert external coaches who work one-on-one with a small group of teachers over time, with studies estimating costs to rise as high $5,000 per teacher- way beyond the CPD budgets for many schools.
To counter this, schools often turn to senior teachers within the school to act as coaches. However, this raises the issue of removing top teachers from the classroom and the likelihood of reducing the quality of learning for those teachers’ own students. The school would still need to organise cover while highly skilled senior teachers are leading coaching sessions.
Sustainable Coaching Practice
Professional development is no flash in the pan exercise – with careful consideration, the right coaching practice can engage teachers in meaningful CPD and collaboration within their team and help to foster a culture of learning.
Free Pre-launch Copy of ‘Slaying Zombies: Beyond Instructional Coaching’
Come and meet the TeamOptix team at our CESA table, where we’ll be delighted to hear about your experiences with coaching, answer your questions and introduce you to the Slaying Zombies coaching practices.