Friday, April 20, 2018

Coaching in the Classrooms

Tech Coach. Digital Learning Coach. Technology Integration Specialist. Digital Curriculum Specialist.

Call it whatever you want, but so many schools have decided it is important to add some sort of a digital coach to the payroll. Hence, how I even have the job I have right now.

I've always been proud that I am in at least one classroom every day; some days I just run from room to room and never make my way back to my office. Those are the best days.

But the sad news is, looking back at my calendar, I seem to be in the same rooms over and over again. Don't get me wrong. I LOVE that these teachers trust me enough and see the value in my being in their classrooms and trying new things. 

But, then there are those teachers. 

Any tech coach knows what I'm talking about. And if you don't, I want to hear your secret. 

Seriously. I want to know the secret. 

No matter how many ideas I bring their way or offers I give to just be an extra set of hands, I feel like I am begging them to open up their classroom to me. 

For some it is that they don't like the inclusion of digital curriculum and blended learning. The old way worked just fine.

For some it is a sense of control and that they would, in some way, be giving some of that up.

For some it is purely be overwhelmed with everything else going on that they don't know how to fit in one more thing and struggle seeing that I want to try to streamline something and make their life easier.

For some it is a sense of pride. 

For some it's fear of the unknown.

So to them, no matter their reason, I say this. I am here when you are ready. I will continue to send emails with ideas related to the topics you are covering in class. I will continue to share opportunities I see online and through social media. I will continue to swing by your classroom and touch base with you. At the end of the day though, you need to invite me in. I am not going to force myself into your classroom, nor do I want it to feel that way. 

To the teachers who just aren't sure about letting a coach in, just try it. Take something you already have planned and let's blend it together. 

To the teachers who are always looking to try something new and let me in, I hope you have found it helpful. 

And, thank you. The moments I get to spend in your classrooms working with you and your students are truly the best moments of the day. I would rather be running through the hallways trying to make it another classroom in time than be sitting in my office. 

Anyone want to try something fun today?