Learning Forward
Equity and excellence in teaching and learning.
IDEAS
Building blocks of collaboration
A variety of coaching roles can strengthen teams
By Chris Bryan and Brenda Kaylor
Categories: Coaching, Collaboration, FacilitationDecember 2018
Vol. 39 No. 6
In our work with schools and districts across the country, we find there is a strong expectation that collaborative teams will improve student learning. Many districts also expect instructional coaches to be a part of these teams, although there is much confusion about what roles they should play within a team. We hear questions like: I wonder why my principal asks me to attend team meetings? What do I bring to this team? If I am not the facilitator, what should I be doing? Do teachers wonder why I am here? Do they see me as an evaluator or an outsider? Are they looking at me as someone who adds extra work or slows the team down? What exactly is my role? Approaching collaborative work
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Chris Bryan is a senior consultant with Learning Forward. She is also the professional development director for the organization One to One Women Coaching Women. Bryan draws on deep instructional experience to serve her clients and learning partners—from classroom teacher, learning specialist, mentor, and staff developer, to instructional coach and coach of coaches. Currently, she coaches school executives, school-based coaches, and other leaders of organizations.
Brenda Kaylor is senior consultant with Just ASK Publications and Professional Development.
Categories: Coaching, Collaboration, Facilitation
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