North Carolina Digital Leaders Coaching Network 2018-2019 #NCDLCN
Coaching
In my work with individuals and with PLCs, one thing kept coming back to me- the need for a learners' voice to set their goals and resources to support their work. Through the new PDP website that I created for teachers, staff can choose their own path, better define their goals, and receive supports along the way so that they, too, can #GrowAtPowe!
Diving into the DLCs
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On selected Tuesdays, teachers could attend optional PD to dive further into the Digital Learning Competencies. Participants took an initial self-assessment, which revealed that teachers wanted/needed more instruction on using digital tools in their classrooms. In collaboration with one of our district's Educational Technology Specialists, teachers explored the DLCs, HyperDocs, Seesaw, SchoolNet, Google Classroom, and GooseChase.
Teachers Need It Too
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Very early in our Tech Tuesday sessions, it became apparent that there was a need to differentiate professional development for teachers. Within our Tech Tuesday group, teachers were asked to self-identify as a "Desktop" or a "Laptop" for the exploratory part of our time together. The "Laptops" group was the group that has the ability to plug in with others, but can work independently too. "Laptops" might run a program like Sierra, so they might be more likely to be a risk taker. Our "Desktops" are teachers who are still capable of all of the same things as our laptops, but they need to have the support of cords, wires to be able to plug in. Their home screen might be a clear map with step-by-step instructions. With this type of self-identifcation, teachers can receive the instruction they need at the pace they need it. This has allowed teachers to feel comfortable so that they can further their learning for the benefit of their students.
Reflection, Communication, Engagement
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After introducing the free version at a Tech Tuesday session, a handful of teachers began using this tool in their classrooms. However, they realized that the free version limited them from accessing some of the more useful features of this app. All staff members received training on Seesaw after our school purchased a Seesaw for Schools account for each student, K-5. We have one teacher who has become a Seesaw Ambassador, and at least one more teacher who will complete this program this summer.
Personalized
LEARNING
Seesaw has been at E.K. Powe for about 3 months, and we've already earned these stats! We're aiming to expand the use of Seesaw to more classrooms next year to engage learners and families!
Coaching and Professional Learning
In order to better coach individual teachers and work with PLCs on specific needs, I have created a website they can use to customize their Professional Development Plan (PDP). I believe that all teachers need coaching, as we all have things to work on and work towards- with the ultimate goal of impacting students. In my first year as a coach, we did not do enough as a school to foster this mentality. Teachers wanted PD and they wanted a variety of PD, but it often felt as if the ultimate goal was for CEUs. I scheduled, led, and operationalized differentiated PD for teachers, but it became very difficult for me to provide accountability to all teachers after these sessions.
The goal of our new Professional Learning site is that teachers would ultimately take ownership of their learning. Since I am not an expert in all areas, I would prefer to step into a teacher's journey by helping to provide resources, give feedback on lesson implementation, and model and co-teach together based on their identified goals. It is my hope that this site will provide support by offering teachers with choice, connecting teachers with professional learning groups, and providing feedback and accountability on their goals.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY:
THE IMPACT OF COACHING ON INSTRUCTION
Abby introduced me to Seesaw. The app has transformed how my students collaborate and communicate with each about their learning. My students post their work and receive feedback from their friends. This app has also strengthened my connections with families as students and families have access at home.
PERSONALIZED LEARNING
Abby introduced me to Seesaw. The app has transformed how my students collaborate and communicate with each about their learning. My students post their work and receive feedback from their friends. This app has also strengthened my connections with families as students and families have access at home.
COACHING
Through one on one coaching with Abby, I strengthened my ability to unpack learning standards with students. Abby shared her template for single point rubrics which has led to more intentional reading and writing conferences with my students, particularly improving their reflection on their work and engagement with tracking their progress.
EQUITY
Abby’s commitment to equity is the reason I stayed at my school. Her coaching work is guided by her belief that all students should have access to core content through high quality lessons in which students of all backgrounds are engaging in their learning together. In order to stop the de facto segregation of pull out AIG services, Abby has supported me as I earned my AIG certification and provided AIG instruction within my classroom. Her observations and feedback have improved my ability to differentiate instruction in my classroom so I can meet the needs of my students without AIG pull outs.
RESPONSIVE
I do want to let you know how you’ve helped me this year as a teacher and as a learner. It has been a tough year for me in many ways, but you have continued to be someone I could call on for support as I learn to be a more tech-savvy teacher. You were responsive to concerns and challenges and tailored the sessions you originally planned to allow for those of us who were still “desktop” learners and not quite ready to be “laptop” learner.
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I appreciate your offering to hosting the these Tech Tuesday sessions at Powe. Technology is definitely increasing in our building, and our world, but we haven’t seen the opportunities for technology professional development offered by the district and definitely not in our building like we really need to keep up with the changing demands until you joined our school this year.
INDIVIDULIZED
You have been open to individual requests that I have had in trying to learn to use technology more efficiently - from holding one on one sessions with me on how to be more productive with how I handle and sort my email to answering questions and facilitating observations to see Seesaw in action in another class with students - you have continued to find ways to support me as learner. It really shows how sincere you are in your support because you often send and email to follow up where you have continued to brainstorm, troubleshoot, or research a topic that I was trying to learn more about.
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SINCERITY
Lots of people will say, “Let me know if you need any help,” but in the interactions I have had with you this year, I have really seen and felt the dedication you have to our school and to myself as a teacher and learner. It’s clear you really mean it when you say it.
Sincerest thanks!
WHAT'S NEXT...
#GrowAtPowe continues!
To build off of the work begun this year, my goals include:
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!00% use of Seesaw in grades K-3 to foster reflection, engagement, and communication with families
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expansion of Seesaw use in MI (specials) classes
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exploration of Google Classroom with grades 4-5
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growth of social media presence to at least one teacher/class per grade level to build teachers' PLNs
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supporting 5+ new-to-Powe teachers through Coaching Cycles
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focused coaching based on teacher needs through Professional Development Goals (and supporting website)
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streamlined PLC model to focus on common assessments, team coaching cycles, and inclusion of support services
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differentiated coaching through a variety of modes (i.e. puzzle piece coaching visual) to extend coaching tools and support
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Personally, I plan to continue to utilize coaching resources to build my coaching tools, such as communication/questioning techniques and my co-teaching skills. To achieve this, I will continue to meet with my district-level coaching PLC. I also plan to finish my online coaching course and to read The Art of Coaching Teams to further my professional development.
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It is my hope that next year contains more reflection and further-reaching ripples, as I venture into year #2 of coaching with a few more tools and fellow adventurers!