Do I wait, or jump now?

I have posted several times this year all about my job and how reflection is a huge part of coaching. Reflecting on your own teaching practices or even your life. I have done a ton of reflecting this year as well. I can honestly say I can actually tell I have grown. Grown as an individual and as an educator. The feeling is amazing (and sometimes makes me so excited and nervous I feel like I could vomit).

As we near the home stretch of the school year, many of us might find ourselves in the middle of a big change. You need to switch grade levels, you might be taking on a leadership role or maybe even stepping out of education altogether. You are making a choice. It might get scary. It might be really exciting. Just remember to hold your head high and think of all the positive outcomes. How will you grow from this change? How might your life be different due to this change? Is this something that has the power to reignite a passion you might find you are losing?

Be patient. Be positive. If you need to, make a compare and contrast chart to weigh the pros and cons. You might surprise yourself when you put it all out there.

Challenges in life make us stronger. Stay strong. Good luck.



(Image found at www.imgur.com)

Getting to know... Yourself

Last week, I finished up an 8 day course in cognitive coaching. It has been spread throughout the school year and I LOVED every minute of it. The first two days I was transitioning from the classroom and thought my brain was going to explode with information. However, walking into days 7 and 8, I held a sense of clarity and excitement. I almost giggled though, as I thought back to the previous weekend in which I wish someone would have been with me to cognitively coach me through a situation.

I am currently remodeling my kitchen and have been working on this since last August. I have free help (my dad) available to me and in his line of work, I have to be patient. So the day finally arrived in which the major remodel would take place. We were moving appliances and electrical outlets. I did as much prep work as I could in order to utilize our time as best as I could. Plus I really love DIY projects and the chance to knock out a wall that drives me crazy was just too tempting. I have had the image of what I want my kitchen to look like mapped out for months. My dad measured things and said that my plan was not going to work. I am not really sure why it wasn't going to work, something about cabinets being too big. My world came crashing down. I was at a loss. He kept trying to throw ideas at me and all I could think was how I wasn't gaining anything. Just moving things around. My resourcefulness was a thing of the past.

It was the craziest feeling. I knew what was happening to my brain and almost giggled out loud. As much as I scrambled, I could not think of anything other than "my plan is not going to work". I was stuck.

Now, if I would have had a coach start asking me questions, I think I would have been able to get through it. But I just called on the next best thing... my mom. And just like I was 5 years old again, she came running to the rescue and was able to think of a new plan. Once she made a suggestion, it was like someone had restarted my brain. Ideas were racing through my mind and finally I found myself able to think clearly and come up with a new plan (that I might even love better than the first one).

As I sat through days 7 and 8 of Cognitive Coaching, there were several references to controlling yourself and your own personal emotions as you coach someone. It had a connection to a class I am teaching right now. If you can't control yourself, how do you control a classroom. Or better yet, how can you function as a team or group of teachers working together. Can you control your emotions and stay consistent? Are you able to monitor yourself and make smart choices on the fly?

So I challenge you. Get to know yourself. What strengths do you have? What weaknesses do you have? What are your values and are you doing your best to stick to them? How will this affect your relationship with your students? How will think affect the relationship you have with your staff or team of teachers? Consider having this discussion with the teachers you work with and see if your team grows.

Could you be more effective as a whole if you knew yourself as individuals? Think about it!



Jenna

Buzz Words

So, you may have noticed I haven't blogged in quite a while. I have been super busy with LIFE. My hubs and I just took a week long vacation to Cozumel. What an amazing time! However, leading up to it was insane. We both were working late into the night before we left and when we returned, picked right back up with the craziness. But with how cold it has been here, it was such a relief to escape, even for a little while. Plus, my old teaching partner and her husband joined us so it was great to just chat, compare ideas and catch up. I promise we only talked school for part of the trip.


I came back to a week of training. Which... WOW... so amazing. Our school district adopted a writing curriculum by Steve Dunn 3 years ago. This year, we have started to adopt some of his reading stuff as well. When we adopted the writing, I couldn't believe how much my students were writing. It was amazing! Such a world of difference. I felt like I had no direction before when I was teaching writing and then, boom, my kids just took off. But, it wasn't just because of the curriculum, it was because of the teaching strategies that Steve taught us. Tons of student engagement and quick, to the point lessons. Not a lot of fluff and buzz words, just good teaching.

So as we began the reading journey with him, I was very interested to hear him refer to the fact that what he was showing us wasn't anything new, it was just the way and order it was taught in. His ability to make things make sense for not only me as a teacher, but for students is such a talent. There is simplicity and steps to teaching and the way he models it just makes sense. It is just good teaching.

Now, I know there are a lot of programs out there that are effective. I just think of myself as an educator and my style and how this fits. It allows me to use any book that I choose and teach. I think this is where I tried to start as a teacher and didn't really know where to begin. It makes me want to go back to college and help them adjust the way our new teachers are taught to teach.

I should probably point out that I am not getting paid to say any of this and that everything that I put in my blog is strictly my own opinion. The reason I share this is because after last week, things just really made sense. I have read so many blogs and research articles about trends in education and what the new "buzz" words are. I think teachers just get stuck in the new fad and forget about what good teaching looks like for kids and how if we all did the new buzz word every year, our kids have to start over every year. If we just focus on good teaching and teaching strategies, the kids will be able to build upon those year after year instead of starting over.

I will stop rambling. I was just pretty amazed at how my mind came full circle last week and thought it might be worth sharing. I hope it all makes sense. Let me know what you think.



"Change your thoughts and you'll change your world." -Norman Vincent Peale


Thanks for reading... until next time,

Jenna

Step Away!

We've hit some big milestones this year. We made it past Christmas vacation, winter benchmarking, had some snow days, celebrated the 100th day and have almost made it to the end of the 2nd trimester. Wow! What a crazy last few months.

I am here to tell you to STOP, STEP AWAY and BREATHE! Now is a time of frustrations and panic attacks. We start to worry if our kids are learning everything they are supposed to be and how we are going to fit it all in before the end of the year.

It is important to feel those concerns. It means you are passionate about teaching, your students and your classroom. However, do not allow those feelings to make you drown. Stay above water. Do something for yourself, or even start something for someone else. Start a secret friend chain, do something nice for someone and let them know to pass it on (but keep it a secret). Who doesn't like a little surprise gift every now and then.

Keep plugging away and you will get there. Just remember to step back and breathe.

And remember, your coach is always here to offer support and guidance.

Tops Tips for Teaching

I love reading blogs. I also love reading blogs when I can instantly take something from it. Whether it is an actual product or an idea, I love how the simple things can change the way I look at the world. So after reading countless blog posts and adding my own... I give you my (personal) TOP TIPS FOR TEACHING.

1.  Set Goals (and stick to them)
       - Make a list and follow it. Avoid getting side tracked. Keep a list of things to get done today, this week and this month. I also personally like to keep a list of "wish" items, just in case I get side tracked.

2.  Prepare, Prepare and then Prepare some more. But be prepared to throw it out the window.
      - Always have a well thought out plan. Anticipate problem areas or questions. However, stay flexible. We all know working with kids or adults there is always a chance for a curveball. It does take time, but if you made a list, everything should go smoothly.

3.  Teach Everything, Assume Nothing (Thanks Mrs. Joyce)
     - Everything means everything: how to sharpen a pencil, wash your hands, organize a desk or locker, put supplies away, line up... the list can go on and on. Some of you might be thinking you don't have time or your students should already know how to do those things. Never assume! Plus this way you will make sure they know what your expectations are.

4.  OMG! Put your sweatpants and baggy sweatshirts away!
     - These are reserved for special days only! Dress neat and clean. Put some effort into your hair and makeup. I'm not implying you need to look ready for a night on the town. Be smart and not too fancy. If your students see that you care about yourself and the way you look, they will care too. If you show up looking like you just rolled out of bed or came from running errands on a Saturday morning, they are going to feel that way too. Find your happy place somewhere between super model and slob.

5.  Watch others (but never judge).
     - Watch as many other teachers or people in your position as you can. Even if they haven't been doing it as long as you or if they are brand new. Everyone has something to offer and it just might be the thing you are missing or looking for. However, DO NOT JUDGE! If you see something you would not care to do in your own classroom, keep it to yourself. Only positivity here!

6.  Get to know the important people... the custodian and cooks
     - Get to know these people like a friend. They can be the most helpful. The cooks can get you a snack if you need a pick me up, or might even give you extra food when you forgot yours at home. Make friends with the custodian, they clean your room. This does not mean you get to leave a mess. Pick up the best you can so when the unexpected happens, the custodian will have no problem reporting to your issue right away with a smile on their face.

7.  Get. Rid. Of. Stuff!
     - More on this later as I currently have no experience with this one (it is on my "wish" list of things to do).

8. Just say no... to Pinterest!
     - Yep, you heard me right. I even shuddered a little when I typed it. Pinterest has a time and place. Yes, it works wonders to give you ideas for room decorations or anchor charts, but it should not frame your teaching. Just because "it's cute" does not mean it automatically belongs in your classroom. Do your research, then look around to get ideas.

9.  Communicate
     -  Keep the lines of communication open. Especially with your students and their families. If you involve them and keep them updated, they are more likely to be a part of their child's education. Email, phone calls, newsletters or even BLOGGING are great ways to stay in touch. It doesn't have to be fancy or lengthy, just keep the lines open.

10.  Expect Mistakes
     - No one is perfect, you will make mistakes. Admit to them, be real and move on.


I have a lot more but I told myself I would stop at ten. I plan to dive into some of these and the others still on my list more deeply in the future (add it to my list). Let me know what you think or if you have tips of your own.

Jenna

Unless... the support is there

As educators, we are constantly setting goals. Goals for our students, goals for ourselves as teachers, goals for our staff and goals for our school.

When I set my personal goals this year, I was a little confused with what I was actually going to focus on. Being new to the position and not really being clear what my role actually was made it extra difficult for me to narrow it down. But after lots of thought and notes, I finally narrowed it down to work on building relationships with staff and building a positive image for the coaches in our district. My previous post came from before my meeting with our assistant superintendent. I was going in with self-reflected data and a list of my strengths and weaknesses as a coach. Not was I was expecting to bring as "data".

You should know that when I first started in the classroom, my now assistant superintendent was my principal. I learned very quickly that she is just as amazing today as she was when I first started teaching. When we sat down for my evaluation, she allowed me to share all my data (if you would call it that) and asked a few questions here and there.

Then I shared the dreadful thought that has been haunting me since I have started. I shared how I really am not sure this is the position for me. At first she was surprised and didn't agree with me at all. She thought I was blossoming to become quite a powerful coach. However, she followed it up with her support of whatever I choose to do. If I wanted to go back to the classroom, she shared she would support my decision because she thought I would be great wherever I was.

I left my meeting feeling pretty amazing. However, it really didn't sink in until a few days later. I started having teachers seek my help. They are trusting my abilities and want my coaching advice. It feels as if this weight of doubt has been lifted all because of the support that surrounds me. I have other people who support me as well, but I guess I was either waiting for the right person, or enough people to add up.

This got me thinking about the support we offer those around us. Are we supporting each other? Or are we critical of one another? If we put our differences aside and worked together to help each other become the best educator possible, would that make an impact on our students? Is it possible that if we just cared about each other in a non-threatening way we could make a bigger impact than we are right now?

Just remember words by Dr. Seuss the next time you are critical of another teacher. Think about the what a difference you would make if you were there to support them instead of judge.

Because...

"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better, it's not."

Care about someone and show it. Show your never ending support for the teachers around you. Imagine how you can change the world.

Merry Christmas!

Measuring a Hidden Difference

This is my first year coaching and my first year being out of the classroom. For those of you that just started following my blog, I actually started the year in third grade and transitioned out of the classroom in early October. Then I hit the ground running, trying to get into as many classrooms as I could. however, when I came into this position, I really wasn't sure what it looked like or what it really meant to be  a Student Performance Coach. Every day I learn a little more about what my "job" should look like.

However, I miss the kids. I miss having my own classroom. I guess you could say I felt safe there. I knew that my actions directly affected 25 little minds. I had control and knew how to measure the difference I was making. Nothing was hidden. Now... I am not sure. I am struggling to find a way to measure the difference I make.

My mom is a wise woman that I talk on the phone with every morning because we both are on our way to work. I had told her that I was for sure going back to the classroom next year because of all the amazing things my district is doing. She finally said, "Don't you see you are much bigger than that?" I didn't understand what she meant at first until she explained that when I was in the classroom, I only made a difference to 25 little minds. Now that I am working with teachers, I am reaching hundreds of students. But, I told her to prove it.

I work with 4 different buildings and a wide range of teachers both classroom and specialists. How can one possibly measure the impact they make when working with such a wide variety and in many different areas? Plus if the teachers I do work with share with other teachers, how do I measure that as well?

So maybe instead of thinking about the classroom and what it would mean to go back, I should think about ways to measure my effectiveness with teachers. How do I track the difference I make for teachers? How do I measure how their instruction has changed because of something I did? How do I know that I am making a difference?

Help!