Slice of Life # 24 - March 24, 2011 Since I moved out of the classroom & into a support role as Literacy Coach this year, I have rather meandered my way down the path, learning as I traveled. At first I thought talking to colleagues, both individually & in groups (small & large) would not be the same as talking to my students. I think I was wrong.
There are some basics that remain no matter whom you are working with: I believe in community building, finding good ways to connect personally. In conversations, I listen more than talk, nudge more than shove, show interest & support in what they are doing more than what I believe should be done. I show appreciation for all that is accomplished, whether baby steps, or giant ones. And, I try to be a resource when asked, rather than an expert who knows all. Do I take the wrong path once in a while? Of course. But the most important thing I've learned this year is that the same philosophy for helping others learn holds for everyone-from birth on. It's been a wonderful, new kind of year for me, but I guess I can say that I love my 'colleagues' just as much as I loved my students last year, & will look forward to learning beside them again next year.
Sounds like you are on the right path!
ReplyDeleteThis is great advice. Thank you for this reminder. I especially enjoyed the this, more than that pattern. "Nudge more than shove," was my favorite. I also appreciated the reminder to show interest and support. Wise, wise words.
ReplyDeleteErin
I loved this slice. Next year I am taking a leave of absence from my classroom in order to fill in as a sabbatical replacement at a local university. I had been worried about whether I was going to miss being in "the classroom" but recently had a realization as I was responding to college Write to Learn journals that so many aspects that I love about teaching are still the same. It was encouraging to see that you are making that realization as well. Now I am even more excited for next year!
ReplyDeleteYou sound like you are doing a wonderful job. I'm so glad to hear that the transition was seamless and that you are happy.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate your reflection in this post. Earlier this year I was thinking about pursuing training as a literacy coach, but then I was hired as head of a high school and curriculum consultant for a K-12 private school. You're observations about listening and nudging and being a resource are things that I want to remember as I move into my new position next year.
ReplyDeleteThat's why you're such a great teacher Linda!
ReplyDelete