Team+1

Peer coaching incorporates teacher leaders as coaches. Coaches collaborate with their peers to retool lessons. Enhanced lessons utilize technology, which strengthens curriculum that leads to increased student achievement.

Research shows that peer coaching increases student achievement by providing job-embedded, on-going professional support to classroom teachers. Research on effective staff development shows that a peer coaching methodology meets teachers’ needs and is effective at shaping classroom practice. Researchers have noted that workshops that comprise most traditional staff development methodologies don’t provide sufficient time, activities, or content necessary to promote meaningful change (Garet, Porter, Desimone, Birman, & Yoon, 2001).The peer coaching model provides the necessary resources for effective professional development.

The following table displays the results of a mini research study by Rogers and Semrow, July, 2010. The research indicated that teachers prefer the following peer coaching strategies and skill in this order. The researchers provided an example of an activity that supports the strategies and skills.

**Order of Importance to Teachers** || **Coaching Strategies and Skills** || 1. || Encouraging reflection and analysis of teaching practice. || Communication Skills: 2. || Fostering collaboration among teachers throughout the school building. || Norms of Collaboration Inventory: 3. || Providing opportunities for professional growth for their colleagues, whatever their experience with ...More integrating technology || Lesson Design Template: *standards-based
 * Examples**
 * active listening
 * paraphrasing
 * clarifying questions
 * probing questions ||
 * pausing
 * paraphrasing
 * probing
 * putting on and pulling off
 * paying attention ||
 * problem-based
 * engaging
 * technology enhanced

Microsoft SkyDrive Technology Tools || 4. || Utilizing the school’s teacher leaders. || MCREL Video of Montview Schoolorder form || 5. || Providing on-going, cost-effective staff development. || School-Based Professional Development Standards: practice student learning aspects of school change ||
 * reflective dialogue
 * deprivatization of
 * collaboration
 * collective focus on
 * shared norms and values
 * structured methodology
 * connected to other

In conclusion, using these tools in your school will result in enhanced student learning and increased collaboration among teachers and administration. For further information about the peer coaching model, contact Christine Rogers or Lisa Semrow.

Reference:

Garet, M., Porter, A., Desimone, L., Birman, B., & Yoon, S. (2001). What makes professional development effective? Results from a national sample of teachers. //American Educational Research Journal, 38//(4), 915–945. Retrieved January 6, 2004, from http://aztla.asu.edu/ProfDev1.pdf