Joellen Killion, a senior advisor to Learning Forward and a leading expert in professional learning, joins Jim Knight in a captivating conversation. They discuss the transformative power of instructional coaching, the importance of coaching for student success, and strategies for effective coaching. They also explore the allocation of time for instructional coaches, the measurement of coaching effectiveness through teacher practices and student outcomes, and the significance of cultural changes in schools.
Clear goals and alignment across personal, teacher, school, and district levels are crucial for effective coaching and a healthier coaching environment.
Continuous learning, reflection, and active listening are essential for coaches to deepen their understanding and improve their effectiveness in supporting teachers.
Deep dives
Importance of Clarity in Coaching Goals
The podcast episode emphasizes the need for clarity in defining the goals and purpose of coaching. It highlights the importance of aligning personal, teacher, school, and district goals to create a unified approach. By being clear about the desired outcomes, coaches can effectively prioritize their time and make informed decisions about what to say yes or no to. Clarity in goals also helps eliminate conflicting beliefs and assumptions about coaching, reducing tension and creating a healthier coaching environment.
The Power of Continuous Learning and Reflection
The episode emphasizes the significance of continuous learning and reflection for coaches. It suggests that every conversation and experience is an opportunity to learn and extract useful information. By actively listening and reflecting, coaches can deepen their understanding, improve their coaching skills, and stay open to different perspectives. The episode encourages coaches to engage in continuous curiosity and self-reflection to enhance their effectiveness.
Listening as the Core Skill of Coaching
The podcast highlights listening as the foundational skill of coaching. It asserts that deep listening is essential for effective coaching, enabling coaches to support teachers and facilitate their learning. Through active listening, coaches can create opportunities for teachers to share their experiences, reflect on their practice, and find solutions. The episode emphasizes the power of listening to build rapport, understand the needs of teachers, and foster a collaborative coaching relationship.
Examining Contradictory Beliefs in Coaching
The episode explores the concept of contradictory beliefs in coaching and how they can create covert conflict. It suggests that different stakeholders in coaching, such as teachers, coaches, principals, and coach supervisors, often hold conflicting assumptions and expectations about coaching. This leads to tension and obstacles in the coaching process. The episode proposes the need to examine and clarify these beliefs and align them to foster a healthier coaching environment where everyone is engaged and focused on the desired outcomes
Join Jim Knight, co-founder of the Instructional Coaching Group, in a captivating conversation with Joellen Killion, a senior advisor to Learning Forward. Joellen, who served as the association's deputy executive director, is a leading expert in professional learning. She leads initiatives on the crucial link between professional development and student learning, and played a pivotal role in the recent revision of the Standards for Professional Learning. With extensive experience in planning, designing, implementing, and evaluating professional learning at various educational levels, Joellen collaborates with coaches, principals, district leaders, and state officials to embed standards-based professional learning within educational systems.
In this enlightening podcast episode, Jim Knight and Joellen Killion explore the transformative power of instructional coaching in professional learning. Gain invaluable insights from Joellen's vast experience as they discuss practical strategies for enhancing professional development practices. Discover how effective coaching can revolutionize education and lead to improved student outcomes. Prepare to be inspired and equipped with actionable takeaways that will empower educators, administrators, and policymakers to transform their approach to professional learning.
Hear more from Joellen at the 2023 Teaching Learning Coaching Conference, where she'll be featured as a breakout presenter. Register to attend in-person in Orlando, FL or virtually from your home or office.