Making changes in education isn't always easy, but if the goal is to improve student learning, I agree with Wagner (2014) that we must also improve teaching and the coaching of teachers. Over the past few years, I am starting to see more and more of this at my own school. As a teacher I found this intimidating at first, as when it was done only during an evaluation and visits rarely occurred. However, in recent years, observation and feedback has been more frequent and constructive, and has occurred outside the standard teacher evaluation. Also, teachers are starting to observe colleagues to look at different strategies that are being used to teach common core or to assess students. An important point here is to make observations welcoming, collaborative, and informative.
Along with improving teaching and coaching of teachers, Wagner also looks at administrative competencies. Our school is still in the process of selecting a new principal, so this is something I have thought a lot about. We have had several meetings at our site discussing what we want in a principal and are in the process of putting together an interview panel. I agree with Wagner's list of administrator competencies, particularly a written School Improvement Plan, as we would have a better idea of principal's leadership style and whether it is a good fit for the school.
As for what happens when an educational team meets regularly to observe classrooms, discuss common practices, and look for solutions to problems, it is empowering and gives more control to the educator over their own learning, professional development that is needed, and "buy in" to the overall vision.
Along with improving teaching and coaching of teachers, Wagner also looks at administrative competencies. Our school is still in the process of selecting a new principal, so this is something I have thought a lot about. We have had several meetings at our site discussing what we want in a principal and are in the process of putting together an interview panel. I agree with Wagner's list of administrator competencies, particularly a written School Improvement Plan, as we would have a better idea of principal's leadership style and whether it is a good fit for the school.
As for what happens when an educational team meets regularly to observe classrooms, discuss common practices, and look for solutions to problems, it is empowering and gives more control to the educator over their own learning, professional development that is needed, and "buy in" to the overall vision.
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