Unmistakable Impact—Chapter 4 part 2: Instructional Coaching support from the administrator’s perspective.

My last post focused on how Knight stressed that it is extremely important for the administrator to be actively involved with instructional coaching in his/her school.  I shared that two of the most important roles the administrator has in supporting instructional coaching involve the leadership style of the administrator and the fact that the administrator needs to clarify the role of the coach.  Today, I want to share the last few items that are important for how the administrator needs to support instructional coaching in the school.

Ø  Confidentiality

o   The administrator needs to respect that what occurs between teacher and coach needs to be confidential (within legal means of course).  This is critical because:

§  Teachers need to be free to express their fears, concerns, and thoughts.

§  Teachers often share private matters and that should remain private.

§  Adherence to confidentiality increases the likelihood that teachers will participate in coaching.

o   Trust is imperative in the coaching relationship.  Administrators must realize and honor this.

o   It is important that administrators and coaches discuss what they will discuss and make sure that is followed consistently and communicated to all stakeholders.

Ø  Frequent meetings are important for the following reasons:

o   Communication is key in all relationships; especially so between the coach and administrator

o   For the principal to effectively lead as an instructional leader, she/he must have support.  The coach is an effective person to discuss the professional learning of the school.

o   As the instructional leader, the principal needs to set the tone for the learning in the school and the coach can help convey the message to the teachers.