Beyond the Helper Zone: Strategies for Sustainable Math Coaching Impact

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Its time to break free from the "helper zone" and step into your role as a thought partner. If you find yourself stuck providing quick fixes—like working with individual students or reteaching concepts—this episode is for you. Learn how to redefine your role by clearly communicating your purpose, collaborating with teachers through co-planning, facilitating learning walks, and using reverse coaching to model effective practices. You'll discover actionable strategies to build trust and empower teachers, ensuring your coaching efforts lead to sustainable instructional change.

Key Takeaways:

• Ensure the staff understands your role as a thought partner, not just a helper.
• Clearly outline the services you provide and how they align with professional growth.
• Identify which teachers or teams are ready to shift from relying on quick fixes to engaging in collaborative problem-solving.
• Use strategies like co-planning, peer observations, and learning walks to build teacher capacity and foster shared ownership.
• Invite teachers to observe you during a training or meeting to demonstrate effective coaching practices.
• Focus on long-term solutions that address root causes, ensuring your impact extends beyond individual interventions.
• Collaborate with school leaders to reinforce your role and create systems that support your work.

This episode equips you with the tools to redefine your coaching role and drive meaningful, lasting change in your school community.

Show Notes

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Are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.