Book Study

Chapter 5 Assignment:

After reading chapter 5 on implementing formal coaching cycles I decided that I liked the Edtech Coaching Cycle. This coaching method seems to be the most logical and practical for use with my school system. I would work through the steps outlined in the chapter to get things going with my teachers.

The first step would be to initiate a conversation with teachers to see who would be interested in participating in a coaching cycle. Since teachers, especially in the elementary grades, are so busy with their instructional demands, you really need the cooperation of a teacher who has the desire to work through a coaching cycle. I would create an interest form to send to all teachers and then work through the data to see who would be the best candidates to work with. Ultimately I would want at least one teacher from each of our school campuses.

The second step would be to have a pre-meeting and goal setting session. These meetings would be needed to set expectations and find the correct direction for the coaching cycle to head. This will provide myself and the teacher the opportunity to focus on what we need to gain from doing this coaching cycle. 

The next step would be to conduct an observation of the teacher's use of technology in the classroom. This step is important because it will give me an idea of how the teacher approaches her use of technology in the classroom. The purpose of this observation is not to evaluate the teacher, but give feedback to the teacher. While in the classroom I would look for observable data to share with the teacher. This data can then be used as actionable steps to use to meet the coach and teachers goal for this coaching cycle. After the observation, I would meet with the teacher and we would have a time of feedback, but also allow time for self-reflection. 

Planning would be the next step in this process. We would meet to make an action plan. This would be done in small steps to help keep the teacher from being overwhelmed. Also during this plan I would create a plan to support the teacher along the way of this planning phase. I would come up with the methods or tools the teacher may need to be successful during this coaching cycle. Another part of the planning process would be to create a timeline of events. This timeline would be used to help keep the teacher and myself focused on outcomes and not get distracted with unimportant details.

The final stage of this process is to implement the plan and provide support to the teacher as they implement the plan. I see providing the support to the teacher as a crucial part of this process. If the teacher does not feel like they are getting proper support they will not be successful and it will hurt your chances of helping teachers in the future.

Chapter 8 Reflection

This experience with the ALTIC group has allowed me to grow in several ways and it has caused me to pause and consider where am I still weak and need improvement. As I look at where I was last September I realize I have gained a new understanding of what a technology coach should look like and do. Perhaps the best is yet to come as I begin to reflect on what I have learned and what I need to do with knowledge.

As I think back on my application for the Foxtrot group I realize I was ignorant of many things. I was weak in my knowledge of the ISTE standards for technology integration. Through this process I have become better acquainted with the standards, yet I still need to work to better utilize these standards to drive my job performance to another level. The standard I am still weak on is standard 4.1 Change Agent. I find it hard to be a change agent. I will work on cultivating a supporting culture and encourage my teachers to use technology to increase student learning and not use technology as a baby sitter.

As far as what do I see as my strengths now, or what I have improved the most over the last seven months, I believe standard 4.3 Collaborator has improved. As I have almost completed my second year as a technology specialist, I have learned to build close relationships with 3 out of the 4 schools in my district. I still struggle with our high school. I have worked hard to help teachers that are looking to learn and grow their technology skills. I have worked to encourage these teachers to push themselves to help improve their instruction and by using data driven decision making to help improve their students’ academic talents.

With this reflection upon what I have gained these last 7 months, I know I have a strong basis to continue to improve and I look forward to how I will grow in the future.