Let the coaches coach

Let the coaches coach

In various forms, instructional coaching initiatives have cropped up all across the educational landscape over the past few decades. Based originally on research from Joyce & Showers (1980) and reinforced in multiple studies since, instructional coaching is the...
The Power of Principal Mentoring

The Power of Principal Mentoring

Too often, principals are handed the keys of the school-house and told, “Good luck!” The principalship is arguably the most influential, and most challenging, position in today’s educational landscape. Serving as middle-management (supporting district and state...
Walk-throughs? Why?

Walk-throughs? Why?

When I was a newer principal, I was advised to get out of the office and into the classrooms of my school. “Go do walk-throughs,” my advisor said. “Lots of them. They’re a great tool.” Seemed like a good idea, but soon a problem arose. You never announce, “I’m going...
Watching Game-Tape: Video and professional growth

Watching Game-Tape: Video and professional growth

What do successful quarterbacks do when they come off the field? Not blow-dry their hair and sign autographs; that’s for later. The successful ones grab a tablet and immediately begin to analyze video footage of the plays they just ran. They analyze their opponent’s...