Tim Scripko, York, PA
This year I have been assigned my fifth school for which I am providing coaching. When I first started coaching, I was a little apprehensive and wondered if this was really for me. My viewpoint of coaching quickly changed once I got into the classrooms working with the students and the teachers. This is when I realized how rewarding the coaching experience could be.
Coaching is a great opportunity where teachers are able to partner with a coach to receive feedback in a nonthreatening environment. The relationship between the coach and the teacher is one of trust and the belief that the coach is there to help impact student learning and achievement, which is the focus of every teacher. Without this trust, nothing will get accomplished. It is good for the teachers to have someone come in from the outside that has no connection to the school and provide unbiased guidance and suggestions. At this point in my coaching assignments, the experiences have been both very positive, and filled with growth in student achievement. This has been accomplished because the teachers have been very open to an extra set of eyes and outside support.
When I complete the coaching cycle with the school, I still have contact with many of the teachers. They may have questions, concerns, or just need some advice. This has occurred because of that relationship of trust that was established during the coaching process. I have recommended some teachers be TLs and supported a teacher to be part of the TRC. The best part has been when I have received that email or phone call telling me how well their students are doing or have done. This is when I reflect on the coaching and just smile….so have a coach and a smile!