Team+2

 Support Structures For Peer Coaching Success Travis Jiskra Diane Matsche Andrea Thiry-Wenz

//How can schools provide a support structure that leads to coaching success?// In soliciting the input of other coaching facilitators, the component of principal support was citied as the most critical for coaching success. “We believe that principal's leadership is the key to successful implementation of peer coaching because their commitment is necessary to provide the model, money and structures (i.e. time) for teachers to collaborate and receive training.” (Gleisner and Harm, July, 2010) The additional components of support follow the principal’s critical role: providing work time, technology access and tools, strong initial and continuing training, access to existing curriculum tools and research based practices and models.

//Some ideas for bringing support to peer coaching with principal support.//

The principal can coordinate simultaneous professional development which is harmonious with the Peer Coaching process. For example, the faculty could read various articles on improvement ideas related to coaching, and use the models and tools that are incorporated in the coaching process (Learning Activity Checklist) in conversations about instructional planning and quality. In addition, other events can support peer coaching success. One can produce student learning fairs to highlight the changes in teaching and learning. Reflection and discussion with the faculty as well as the coaches and collaborating teachers following this event can further support this method of development.

Coaching teams should give the principal on-going information. Consider conducting principal check-ins 3 times throughout the year. In these short meetings the coach and collaborating teacher would highlight progress and current status for the principal. Essential questions that might guide these discussions could include: //What is the goal of our improvement? What is the project and process being utilized? What other steps remain toward achieving the improvement goal?//

//Several resources from the peer coaching training program support the essential buy-in of building principals.//

In "Frequently Asked Questions About Coaching" (Session 1 Activity 4), additional support ideas are provided for the consideration of building leadership Stipends - Many schools have chosen to provide a small stipend for their coaches. The stipends, which have ranged from $500 to $2,500, reflect the added responsibilities coaches have assumed. Payment for extra time - In some cases, coaches have worked beyond the typical teacher’s day to provide coaching support. Some schools have chosen to provide a limited amount of extra time funds for these hours worked. One school, for example, provides its coaches with up to $200 to compensate the coaches for extra time worked.

The article "Peer Coaching Fosters Whole-School Change (South Africa)" can be read and discussed, focusing on critical practices to foster a school environment for change, trust and growth. @http://www.school.za/PILP/peercoach/chronicles/1/ezine_wholeschool.htm

In order to support ongoing collaboration, teams of coaches, collaborating teachers and principals might use the "Ongoing Collaboration Assignment" worksheet.