From time to time, the question is asked, “But how can we measure the impact of your work as a literacy coach?” I have a few ideas but if you asked me that question today, I’d say, measure based on my role at our faculty meeting focused on using writing checklists. At today’s faculty meeting, I got to be the person who clicks the space bar to advance the slides for the presentation on the big screen.
Today, Leigh-ann, a first grade teacher, took the lead presenting some work that has been happening in her classroom that began with a coaching cycle. She opened the meeting with a true story. She told all about her previous feelings about teaching writing-that it felt too lofty for her first graders and it was often the first subject to go when there was a disruption to the schedule. She described feeling like the middle man when a lesson on using a writing checklist popped up. She’d share the checklist and then tell the kids what they needed to do in their writing.
No one gave Leigh-ann the old “me too” sign as she shared her honest accounts, but if I had to guess, I’m sure there were others who have had similar feelings somewhere along the way.
Leigh-ann then went on to share how her students have grown and what she has witnessed as a result of teaching her students to use the writing checklists from the TCRWP Units of Study. The checklist went from another piece of paper to a tool that kids are using independently. She shared examples of ways that she connects her mini lessons to the checklist and how students are owning this work day in and day out. “They’re giving themselves feedback,” she shared.
Leigh-ann ended the meeting by saying that she didn’t have it all figured out, but her appreciation for writing and writing checklists was growing. As I clicked the space bar…to advance the slides, I was overcome with pride-not for this teacher, but for the work she is doing with kids and for sharing her journey with our colleagues.
More and more, I am cognizant of my voice and opportunities to have other’s voices heard. I could have stood up and shared everything that Leigh-ann said-as the literacy coach, but because she is a classroom teacher living the work fully, her stories and experiences bring another layer.
After the meeting, Leigh-ann emailed me this:
Thanks Jess for coaching and pushing me to be the best I can be! You said you were going to get me to love writing this year-so you can “check” that off your list (no pun intended).
Today, this is how I measure the impact of my work. We are growing writers…together.
*Because I was so busy with my important duties during the meeting, I didn’t take notes. Read Dawn’s Slice to hear more of Leigh-ann’s insights!
Where There Is Joy 
Sitting back, pressing the space bar, gives you time and space to watch, learn and admire! Your work with teachers runs deep. This is the tip of the iceberg! Thanks for sharing always!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ontario is about to experience more cuts to education. Our literacy coaches are already gone & this post makes me feel really sad about that. Oh, what I would give for someone like you to come give me some ideas. I can imagine how it must have felt good to realize that you had helped a teacher find a new way to approach teaching writing – and how that, in turn, will help students for years to come. Coaches really are invaluable, and you really are making a difference!
LikeLiked by 1 person
We’ve been through that same process of cutting back the resource teachers, but fortunately some leaders saw the importance and argued to bring it back. Forward this post to some of those people who are doing the trimming. It’s powerful when you can see the ripple effect, like Jess modeling and exploring, then the classroom teacher trying and tweaking, then the classroom teacher sharing, and then the “old veterans” saying, “Oh, I haven’t been doing it that way.’ and changing their plans for the next day. That was me yesterday.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Day made! This was the hope. Can’t wait to hear how it goes! 🙌🙌🙌
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a great way to build teacher capacity…let your teachers take the lead while you press the space bar and cheer them on! Now THIS is some great coaching work!
LikeLiked by 2 people
It’s so cool to hear about the work you’re doing! Our school recently adapted TCRWP Units of Study for middle school, and we’re still muddling through it. Nice to hear that teachers AND students are taking ownership of it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s worth it! Keep muddling!!!
LikeLike
The message is so much more impact to them from them. It sounds like so much amazing work. I know the other teachers are thinking more about what they are capable of this morning.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sounds like you are the consummate coach/teacher- letting your “students” soar on their own and being a facilitator of that flight. Congrats to you and Leigh-ann!
LikeLike
I sit,
forefinger
on the longest
key available,
the wide open
space between
what’s heard
and what’s spoken —
waiting
for the signal
to tap, as
my tongue holds back
in a forced quiet
to let you speak
— Kevin, a poem as a comment, inspired by your post (we don’t have literacy coaches, either)
LikeLiked by 5 people
Love! Thank you!
LikeLike
I did a double take as I read Dawns post and then stumbled onto yours. It was nice hearing both sides of the story as they both have uplifting messages reminding us all of the power of the coaching model.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Great entry, and it was a great meeting. I really got a lot out of it. See my reply to Amanda above.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for giving Leigh-ann a chance to shine. The other teachers will take from a tried and tested experience.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I read Dawn’s slice as well as yours– I love when the two of you share something similar but from different perspectives… Sounds like there’s someone else to celebrate besides Leigh-ann. People don’t make changes and growth unless they have someone working beside them making them feel confident and safe. Just saying.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yay! I totally agree – the weigh to measure our impact as coaches it to see how our teachers and students shine!
LikeLiked by 1 person
“No one gave Leigh-ann the old “me too” sign as she shared her honest accounts, but if I had to guess, I’m sure there were others who have had similar feelings somewhere along the way.” So true! I wish I had been there to hear it in person.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love that you supported her and let her take the lead. I wish all coaches could be like you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a great way to structure your reflection on coaching. I love the little way you tricked us at the beginning, leaving us to think that you were annoyed or sarcastic about your lowly position. And then it was so full of pride and fulfilment! I was so happy for both of you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your first paragraph (and title) makes me smile!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes! So important to let the teachers take ownership. Pushing the space bar is what we need to do sometimes when the limelight is on!
LikeLike
This post made me smile. I can’t wait to share it with my fellow lit coaches. (We have a district meeting next week.) I can only hope to be the space bar pusher for one of my teachers. It might become my next posted goal at school! Thanks so much for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
How exciting. I look forward to hearing how this goes!
LikeLike