By IU 29 PIIC Mentor Evelyn Wassel

Building relationships can be very taxing if you are a new coach.  These tips will help you to develop (or strengthen) your relationships with teachers and administrators within the PIIC model.

• Let teachers know you value what they are currently doing in their classrooms.  Give them kudos for successes they already see with students.  Assure them that you are not there to teach their content but make it more accessible to all students.

• Get to know the teachers and let them know you.  If you are only known as the person who comes in to see what they are doing, they will not be as receptive as they would be if you had an emotional connection.  Share stories, laugh, empathize, etc.

• In the beginning, the best way to get in the door is to give them resources.  Teachers love anything that will make their lives easier.  Offer these as suggestions and not directives.

• Listen, listen, listen.  And keep conversations in confidence.

• Follow through on commitments made to teachers.

• Be a cheerleader!  Sometimes lessons will not go as the teacher expectes, but you need to focus on the positive so teachers will be eager to try again or experiment with a new technique.  Your attitude toward teachers will be known throughout the school.  Always be encouraging to get more business!

So how can we reach administrators and harness their assistance to make instructional coaching a success?

• Meet with the administrator on a regular basis but respect their schedules.  Principals' schedules can change by the minute.  Whenever you meet with them, give them something to make their life easier.  If it is an article about coaching, highlight the specific sections for them.

• Listen, listen, listen.  And keep conversations in confidence. (Note this is the same as for a relationship with a teacher).

• Invite principals to be part of the BDA process – with teacher permission.  If an administrator feels like they are an integral part of the coaching program, they will be more supportive.  Teacher permission is critical because they need to trust the process and it may not be possible with more people in the mix.

• Invite administrators to PIIC monthly coaching meetings or share what you learn.

• Although you share some responsibilities with the principal (visit teachers, analyze assessments, provide resources, etc.), remind the principal that they are critical to the success of the coaching model and their voice is the one that is heard most clearly.  Invite their input and support.

Establishing positive relationships is critical to your success as a coach.  Go out there, meet the staff and meet their needs.  Word will spread and you will be in demand!