Teachers Teaching Teachers, February 2007, Vol. 2, No. 5
Instructional dialogue: Literacy coaches use this method one-on-one
Instructional dialogue is a structured form of discussion between a coach and a teacher. Through this process, teachers have the opportunity to carefully examine classroom practices with the goal of improving student learning. Teachers identify the teaching challenges they want to address, and with the support of the coach, commit to specific changes in instruction.Examine the benefits of the process and learn about the role of the coach in instructional dialogue. The article explores the skills that a coach needs and develops as a participant. The author also provides a lengthy example of a discussion between herself as the coach and a teacher, with annotations that explain the coach's thinking and observations.
By Marilyn Duncan
Focus on NSDC's Standards: Coaches help teachers collaborate
How do coaches support school-based teams? Explore the Collaboration standard from the coach's perspective. To be successful, teams generally need to develop skills in collaborative decision making, communication, and conflict resolution. Coaches can assist teams through skillful facilitation and modeling effective collaborative behaviors.
By Joellen Killion
Voice of a teacher leader: Classroom has poignant pull
Ferriter has had wonderful opportunities as a developing education leader, opportunities that NSDC would love to see many teachers experience. But how does a teacher work it all in? And when they get chances to move away from the classroom, what do they need to consider?Read Ferriter's thoughts on this topic and more in his blog. Return often -- Ferriter posts his provocative ideas frequently and would love to hear about your experiences and challenges.
By Bill Ferriter
Research brief: Why a strategy may fit here but not there
An evidence-based intervention that improved reading achievement at schools in one state was not as effective in another state, according to a study reported in the Journal of Educational Research.This month's research brief outlines how the study was conducted as well as the results. Read the brief and consider implications for coaches who support school staff in choosing instructional strategies.
By Carla Thomas McClure
NSDC profile: Eileen Vanderheyden -- Coach to the rescue
Eileen Vanderheyden is a math teacher at Bloomfield Tech, a vocational high school in Bloomfield, N.J. Three years ago, Vanderheyden became a coach to help out a new colleague. She's still a coach -- and she's still a full-time math teacher.Read more about Vanderheyden's journey in this month's teacher leader profile.
By Tracy Crow
