Lately it is been hard for me to get in any sort of rhythm at work. I want to get in classrooms. I want to be part of grade level collaboration. I want to co-teach and help with instruction. As most coaches (and administrators) know stuff can get in the way. That stuff for me has been various meetings, the flu taking my family hostage, covering for teachers, daughters' soccer tryouts, helping with discipline and so forth. It all piles up and somehow creates this overwhelming feeling of 'blah'. It happens. I know.
Recently, my fellow coaches and I were asked to reflect on some questions:
·How are your classroom visits impacting instruction?
·How are your coaching messages impacting instruction?
·How are your coaching messages impacting student learning?
Well, in my current state, my answer would be "not very well". Feeling 'blah' I look at the negative.
But, that's how I feel right now. If I take the time to really look at where we started from and where we are now, my answer would have to change. I am willing to guess that most academic/instructional coaches go through this same type of 'slump' from time to time (I really hope that's true). Even though we've been reminded to look at the positive impacts of our work, for me at least, it is very difficult to truly give myself credit. Learning the Common Core, leading the learning, and modeling it; is challenging work. It is going to take time. Lots of time. If I dwell on the road ahead and not take the time to remember the highlights of journey, I'll be in this slump for a while.
Recently, my fellow coaches and I were asked to reflect on some questions:
·How are your classroom visits impacting instruction?
·How are your coaching messages impacting instruction?
·How are your coaching messages impacting student learning?
Well, in my current state, my answer would be "not very well". Feeling 'blah' I look at the negative.
But, that's how I feel right now. If I take the time to really look at where we started from and where we are now, my answer would have to change. I am willing to guess that most academic/instructional coaches go through this same type of 'slump' from time to time (I really hope that's true). Even though we've been reminded to look at the positive impacts of our work, for me at least, it is very difficult to truly give myself credit. Learning the Common Core, leading the learning, and modeling it; is challenging work. It is going to take time. Lots of time. If I dwell on the road ahead and not take the time to remember the highlights of journey, I'll be in this slump for a while.
Sharing my thoughts with other coaches, my principal and Director of
Instructional Services, really helped to start getting my mind right. We all need to have people to talk to, share challenges and successes with. Knowing that others are going through or feeling the same things as you helps. From my conversations, I know I have to push through the challenges. I can create some short-term SMART goals to address some areas of need. I can take time to reflect on the positives. I can acknowledge the fact that this is a long road that in the end is about student success.
Our work isn't easy but we try our best, learn along the way and keep moving forward....
Instructional Services, really helped to start getting my mind right. We all need to have people to talk to, share challenges and successes with. Knowing that others are going through or feeling the same things as you helps. From my conversations, I know I have to push through the challenges. I can create some short-term SMART goals to address some areas of need. I can take time to reflect on the positives. I can acknowledge the fact that this is a long road that in the end is about student success.
Our work isn't easy but we try our best, learn along the way and keep moving forward....