Change...
I selected this image to represent my work, as we experienced a lot of change this year as a staff and in education. Because of COVID-19, we're looking at new technologies to help us activate learning. We're trying different methods to capture attention and engagement. At my school, we're also facing administration change and changes to staff for next year.
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We don't have a lot of the answers yet, but we'll continue to learn and build as we seek healthy and sustainable changes to education.
Last year, I set some goals.
As a part of #NCDLCN, I set goals for the 2019-2020 school year and my role as a Coach. In order to move forward with purpose, we have to reflect on what we've done, and look ahead towards what's next.
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We had100% use of Seesaw in grades K-5! And, what a lifesaver it was in the remote learning situation we found ourselves in due to COVID-19. We were able to expand the use of this tool for the purpose of communication and instruction in all K-5 classrooms, plus our EC-SC rooms and for our specials teachers!
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I connected with at least 1 teacher in every grade level K-5 on social media in a professional way. In the wake of the racial injustices brought to the forefront of our country's attention, sharing resources on social media has felt like an authentic way to share and listen to one another in this time.
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We had 10 new-to-Powe (lead) teachers this year, and I was able to connect with all of them through 1:1 Coaching work!
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My big project of the PD Goals website was not initially used as I intended it to be- as connected to staff PDP goals. However, when we found ourselves in a remote working/learning situation, I was able to change course with the site to make it a place for staff to go to find curated resources for professional learning and guidance. It was well-used and well-received by staff.
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My initial goal with PLCs was not met as I envisioned, and there's still work to be done to ensure that our PLC model has a focus on common assessments, team coaching cycles, and inclusion support services. However, we made a lot of growth as a school into how PLCs function. Through prepared agendas, team visions, and regular meetings, I believe we laid a foundation to carry us into next year and build upon our success.
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Lastly, I wanted to be more comfortable and skilled in utilizing the different puzzle pieces of coaching. Because much of my work was focused on helping teachers with curriculum implementation this year, I was better positioned to plan with teachers and to co-teach and/or model lessons. Doing the work of learning these curriculums was a vital part of my year. My individual study of the elements and philosophies of them are important, but also getting in there and trying it with teachers and students is also vital! As we expand our math and literacy curriculums again next year, I hope to continue this work!
Looking ahead
learning new curriculum
- add Eureka in 1-3
- implement ARC Core in 4-5
- coach through the curriculum
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commitment to continuing to learn about my biases and racial justice in our schools
- read and review Culturally Responsive Teaching & The Brain
- coach through Ready 4 Rigor framework
- continue to learn and reflect through books, articles, podcasts
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Your drive and relentless pursuit of improved outcomes for students has inspired me this year. I have enjoyed learning about all of your great work each month and am excited for all the next year will bring students at Powe.
​I appreciate you for taking the time to bring us together to collaborate as we learn about the new literacy program for our schools! I appreciate the time you take to prep, plan and meet with the group.
Abby is such an amazing colleague! She is always ready to listen to my concerns, but more importantly, she's always ready to help me reflect and grow. She is the person I go to when I need someone to think through a challenge with me and she's the person I go to when I need a word of affirmation and support. She is grounded in strong values and beliefs and consistently models how to make decisions from that core, strong foundation.
Abby has been supportive and offered her help with ARC and with Canvas.
Abby, your organization, the work you do, and the relationships you have with your teachers are AMAZING. You are the true definition of an instructional coach AND tech facilitator. Your knowledge and dedication to learning are out of this world. I am so proud to call you my friend.
Abby, you are always thoughtful in your approach to everything! I learn so much from you!