Teacher approaches with nervous look on her face and half mumbles, while looking at the floor, that they want to discuss strategies for (insert area for growth). Then, unsure teacher stumbles to find an excuse or reason they feel they need help. Some have even added an apology with their request. Something along the lines of... "I know I should already have this down, I am sorry for taking your time." To those teachers that have come asking for guidance, this letter is for you.
A Coach's Letter to Classroom Teachers
Classroom Teachers,
You work through the day with hardly enough time to use the restroom. You take care of the social and emotional needs of each student while also working tirelessly to fill young brains with knowledge. You work your tail off and hope that each student absorbs as much under your care as possible. Sometimes you have success. Sometimes you have failure. There are some areas of teaching that come naturally and other aspects that remain a struggle. As a teacher, you tend to hyper focus on that area for growth. Here is what you need to know... everyone has an area for growth. Everyone has something they could improve. The ones that ask for help are the ones that end up making an impact. Hold your head high. Smile and be proud.
We go into teaching to make a difference. Think about how much more of an impact we could make by helping a teacher (you) improve instruction or management. Instead of helping one small group of students requiring intervention, we are now talking about multiple groups of students being met with high quality instruction daily... thus preventing widening gaps and beginning to fill holes. Hopefully, eliminating the need for intervention in the upper grades all together.
When I enter your room, I am not focused on the one student that is off task or the fact that you misspelled a word on the board. What I see when I walk in your room is so much more. I see a teacher that truly cares. I am in awe of what you do in your classrooms daily. It takes guts and courage to ask for help. There is no judgement on my part. Putting pride aside for the betterment of your students is admirable.
The secret that I know and you don't.... it's always the good teachers that come asking for help. The ones that want the best for their students. Hats off to you, brave and amazing teachers. ...And, YES I would LOVE to help!
With respect and admiration,
Your Literacy Coach
I wish someone had said these things to me when I was a young teacher.....so true. Thanks for posting Kristin.
ReplyDeleteI always knew how lucky the kids were to have you for a teacher. The teachers at your school are equally lucky to have you for a coach.
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