Teachers Teaching Teachers, December 2005, Vol. 1, No. 4
Role: School leader
School-based coaches assume leadership roles in schools, whether formally or informally. As leaders, coaches work intentionally to make a positive difference in their schools. Leadership tasks for coaches include serving on school improvement teams, working informally with teachers to understand change initiatives, and collaborating with principals and other administrators.
Learn more about the challenges and skills associated with the school leader role.
By Joellen Killion , Cynthia Harrison
NSDC profile: Bill Jackson--Lesson study invigorates math coach--and his school
In 1997, Bill Jackson joined a study group and watched a TIMSS videotape of math classrooms. Inspired by what he saw in Japanese classrooms, Jackson began to change his own teaching style. Soon after, the study group learned about lesson study, the professional development process that Japanese teachers use to improve classroom lessons. Jackson teaches at Paterson School No. 2 in New Jersey and has become his school's lesson study facilitator. He observes the everyday practice of his colleagues and facilitates discussions that "provide a common understanding of teaching practice."
Read how the lesson study strategy has transformed the way teachers at School 2 teach and learn and what it takes to sustain such innovation.
By Joan Richardson
Focus on the NSDC standards: Be the change you want to see in others
The teachers who serve as leaders in their schools are key to setting and reaching improvement goals for student learning. Teachers act as models and advocates in fulfilling the Leadership standard: Staff development that improves the learning of all students requires skillful school and district leaders who guide continuous instructional improvement.Learn more about the teacher's role in achieving this standard. Killion's article details many day-to-day examples of how teachers demonstrate leadership in schools.
By Joellen Killion
NSDC tool: Levels of yes and no
School-based meetings often require groups to reach agreement about any number of ideas or proposals. For proposals that invite a wide range of opinions, try this two-page tool. Facilitators can use this strategy to display a range of opinions and to identify and address common concerns.
