Instructional coaches and school leaders dedicate significant time to encouraging teachers’ reflection, as it can be the cornerstone of improving teacher practice and student learning. But are you allocating sufficient time for your own reflective practices?

Now that it’s June, you’ve likely completed another school year. In education, most of us have the privilege of concluding a school year and rejuvenating ourselves for the next one. Reflection is crucial to the recharging process. As authors Pete Hall and Alisa Simeral (2017) write, “The more reflective we are, the more effective we are” (p. 21).

This summer, I urge you to make time for reflection. Settle down in a cozy spot with a notebook or digital device. Clear your mind of distractions and think back on your work, goals, and learning over the past year.

I’ve created some questions to get you started. For each question, jot down your thoughts and expand on them. Use the AWE (And What Else?) question technique (Stanier, 2016) to seek further insights. Allow ample time to go through the process. Write down your thoughts, take breaks, and return to add more. Include your own categories and questions to make the process your own.

R – Relationships: Reflect on the relationships you built with the teachers you coached, as
well as challenges or successes you experienced in building trust and rapport.

E – Effectiveness: Reflect on the effectiveness of your coaching strategies and approaches, and consider changes or improvements you can make.

F – Focus: Reflect on your coaching goals and the extent to which you were able to focus on them, and consider strategies to help you maintain focus and prioritize your coaching.

L – Learning: Reflect on your own learning as a coach, including professional learning you pursued, coaching techniques you tried, and successes or challenges you experienced.

E – Equity: Reflect on your coaching practices through an equity lens, and consider how you can continue to support all teachers and students, regardless of their backgrounds.

C – Culture: Reflect on the school culture and the ways in which your coaching impacted it, and consider ways to foster a positive and inclusive school culture.

T – Targets: Reflect on the targets you want to set for yourself, and consider strategies or action steps you can take to achieve those targets.

In addition, analyze your thoughts, identify patterns, and set goals for the next school year. Consider breaking larger goals into actionable steps with the help of a colleague, mentor, or coach.

One useful tool for continuous reflection is the ACT method that Kenny McKee and I described in our book, Compassionate Coaching. We suggest using it at the end of each week during the school year.

A = What actions have I completed toward my goals?

C = What changes have I noticed?

T = What things do I need to do to get closer to my desired results?

By delving deep into our experiences, successes, challenges, and methods, coaches can identify areas for growth and set meaningful goals. Through this process, we can continue to make a positive impact on the students and teachers we serve.

As you prepare for the school year, continue reflecting and growing. And never forget the impact you have on those around you.