4-19-16 I had the great opportunity to implement some new learning from our training with Diane Sweeney around the idea of labs. There are several types of labs that we can do here at LCMS. This particular lab gave a teacher the opportunity to watch another teacher and learn from each other. I was a learner as I worked through the role of facilitator. There were times I had to pause and think through something before I moved forward. Everyone was very understanding. I am looking forward to practicing my facilitation skills as we implement more labs in the future!
4-19-16 A teacher told me today that she wishes I could be her co-teacher all day! Wow! It is humbling and motivating to know that a cycle is going well and teacher wants the coach to stay! Working with the LCMS staff is amazing!
3-18-16 Yesterday was our last day with Diane Sweeney for Student-Centered Coaching training this school year. Each day with Diane resulted in new learning and new ideas to take back and get started on. The training has been very valuable and we are looking forward to more learning in the future!
2-16-16 Twice today two different teachers mentioned never having had a co-teacher before and how much they enjoyed co-teaching with a coach throughout the cycle. It really warms my heart to hear that teachers are enjoying working side by side with us coaches! If you haven't had the opportunity to work with a LCMS coach you should contact one soon! There is power in working together.
2-8-16 Following a co-teaching session, I wanted to get feedback from the classroom teacher. We had worked very hard modeling our thinking, asking questions, and taking notes. Concerned that I had made the lesson last too long or slowed things down for the teacher, I sought out feedback. The teacher looked at me and said, that lesson would not have ever been that good if you weren't here. WOW! To think that I made that much of a difference! Coaches aren't perfect. We strive to do the best we can everyday. Feedback from our peers really helps us be able to meet the diverse needs in the classroom. This situation reminded me of the quote on the top of this page..."working together is success".
1-26-16 Well you can tell we have been super busy in our coaching cycles when you look at the dates between entries! I am learning so much from the teachers and students I have been working with in coaching cycles. One of the most recent privileges I have had is getting to coach in several exploratory rooms. It is neat to get to be a part of all the learning going on at LCMS!
10-9-15 So blessed to be a coach at LCMS!! Here is more positive feedback: "This coaching cycle has been so helpful. I know I keep saying that, but oh my goodness. I am so appreciative of your help this past few weeks! THANK YOU!!!!!!"
10-8-15 Received this in an email from a teacher: " This coaching cycle has been SO helpful!" Warms my heart to be part of making a difference! #BelieveAchieveLCMS
9-21-15 I got to participate in an amazing differentiation lesson today. The class is almost ready for an assessment. The teacher gave a quick check in to see who knew the material and who might need more help. Those that knew the material were presented with an enrichment activity to do in groups, while the other students worked more closely with the teacher to clear up the gaps in misunderstanding. As a coach I was able to work with the extension group. This was a great example of how a coach can be used in a meaningful way in a classroom.
9-21-15 A middle school teacher said something that touched my heart. She said, "When I see you come in (to my classroom) I get more at ease." Wow, so cool to know that as coaches we are putting people at ease and our presence is appreciated. Thank you for allowing us into your classrooms and letting us be a part of the learning process for your kids!
8-28-15 During a planning session with a Language Arts team, we were able to decide on the standards we wanted our students to focus on first and create learning targets from them. We had a major aha moment when we came up with this student-friendly learning target after a brainstorming session: "I can use my knowledge of plot to support my analysis of theme in a text."
After planning, one of the teachers responded with this email:
"I'm just saying a quick thanks to you both for helping us out this afternoon. That was such a positive planning experience, and I am feeling so much more confident and excited about starting off this year. THANK YOU!"
After planning, one of the teachers responded with this email:
"I'm just saying a quick thanks to you both for helping us out this afternoon. That was such a positive planning experience, and I am feeling so much more confident and excited about starting off this year. THANK YOU!"