Welcome back to TeachBoost’s Coaching Roundup! While coaching has looked a lot different this year with many new challenges, there have been a ton of amazing ICs who have shared their knowledge and tips on how to coach virtually. We’re covering them all this month, so read on for how you can harness your own remote coaching powers!

3 Traits to Cultivate When You’re Coaching Remotely

Vicki Collet recommends a few traits that coaches should refine when working remotely.

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Relational characteristics can make or break a coach’s work, even if all the right procedures and protocols are in place. This is especially true when coaching remotely. . . . Personal characteristics like empathy, curiosity, humility, and approachability also support your coaching work. In uncertain times, however, traits like courage, consistency, and joyfulness become key to the relational work of coaching.”

4 Ways ICs can Support Teachers and Students Virtually

Relationships between teachers and ICs have never been more pertinent than they are right now while working from a distance. Amber Van Den Berg relays a handful of her go-to techniques to support both students and educators in remote learning environments.

“The feeling of isolation can set in very quickly when learning virtually. Instructional coaches need to encourage teachers to continue collaborating between grade level or content area teams. . . .
Instructional coaches can help teachers capitalize on what is working well by asking reflective questions. Posing deeply reflective questions to individual teachers or teams not only helps build self-confidence, but also helps us reach our number one goal of providing quality instruction that promotes student learning.”

Virtual Coaching for Anytime, Anywhere Teacher Development

Stephanie Affinito explains the benefits of a virtual coaching cycle and why those who don’t have in-person coaching opportunities should explore online options.

“With the help of virtual learning platforms, instructional coaching can be done online and offers educators a deeper level of support for their teaching. While virtual coaching shouldn’t replace in-person coaching efforts wholesale and while there are many benefits to working with a coach in person,
it can be used to complement current instructional practices or provide a new avenue to coaching when an in-person program or coach isn’t available.”

Step Up Your Approach to Virtual Coaching

If working from home has been a tough transition, you’re not alone! Kristi Sacha believes there are three major areas that ICs should focus their time on while working remotely—take a look!

“Now is also a perfect time to
partner with other coaches in your district and connect with the wider coaching community. . . . Connection is how we form those relationships: while working remotely, be proactive and
take the time to email or call teachers to check in and see how they’re doing
. Be sure to ask if they have questions you can help address, or if they have any personal or health concerns you can assist with.”

4 Key Mindsets for Coaching

Coaching and leading remotely require a shift in the way we think and carry out our daily routines. Luckily, Stephanie Affinito is back with some of her must-have attributes of ICs working remotely.

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We are teaching and coaching under such unprecedented circumstances that we have to we get to (not have to!) coach and lead in ways we have never tried before. . . . The lessons we learn each day open up new possibilities for coaching when we return to school, a gift to appreciate as we search for gratitude in these challenging times.”

Virtual Coaching Cycles

Kathy Perret breaks down remote coaching cycles and why sharing a “we’re in this together” mindset between a teacher and coach is key.

“The role of an instructional coach is often misunderstood.
The more we work together with teachers, the more they will come to understand the role and that your main focus is them (and their students). I see co-planning possibly taking a more substantial role within coaching cycles this year. Teaching remotely, using a hybrid model, or even face-to-face teaching will look and feel different. Both teachers and instructional coaches are going to need to learn together, plan together, and implement together.”

Coaching during a Crisis: Advice from Experts

Suzanne Bouffard provides eight tips for ICs on how they can be resilient while working remotely

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It’s important for school leaders and coaches to be sending consistent messages to teachers, especially during a time that can be confusing or even chaotic. In many districts, principals and other leaders are in close contact with coaches about how they can support teachers in a way that is aligned across classes and schools. But
if you haven’t heard from your principal, don’t be shy about reaching out to her or him.”

Coaching for Community: 4 Tips for Coaching in Unprecedented Times

Wow, Stephanie Affinito can’t be stopped when it comes to sharing virtual coaching tips! Here she offers four ways coaches can support teachers during their transition to a new reality: working remote.

“Classroom teachers are working tirelessly to ensure everyone stays connected and that their students continue to learn amid COVID-19 school closures. They’re gathering resources, connecting with students and other educators online, and rethinking what learning looks like in times of crisis. . . .
During these times, coaches need to reach out to teachers to ensure they’re still heard and seen.”

Virtual Coaching with TeachBoost Coach

Now more than ever teachers need the support of coaches as they adapt to distance learning. Luckily, TeachBoost Coach makes this transition seamless! Here are a few articles on how TeachBoost Coach can help with your work remotely:

• Guide: Remote Coaching with TeachBoost Coach
• Three Reasons Why TeachBoost Coach Is Your All-in-One Coaching Tool
• 3 Quick Tips for Remote Coaching with TeachBoost Coach