When we returned, I spoke with her and was interested. I went to her room and observed her class several times. We debriefed what I noticed and she visited my room. And then, nothing. I didn’t make the time because I was “too busy.” I failed her. I failed her students and mine. I failed myself. I didn’t even realize it until today when I was applying for a program at the University of Wyoming for coaching of preservice and early career teachers. I truly believe that we need to support each other and especially those teachers who are new to our profession. And yet, I didn’t do that for my friend and colleague. I feel awful. Tomorrow, I am going to apologize and get back on track. I hope she will accept my apology. I’m also going to pray I get into the program at UWyo so I can learn how to better help other educators. After all, I am a teacher and not just a teacher for the students in my grade book.
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
Peer Coaching Fail and Hopeful Redemption #SOL18 March 27
At a conference this past September, I attended a session on peer coaching which was really good. A colleague was with me and she started doing some right away. I was in awe of her and wanted to do it too but no opportunities presented themselves. After Christmas, I still hadn’t started but my friend was still doing it, just with a different teacher. I was jealous and wanted to but couldn’t didn’t find someone to talk with about peer coaching. On a road trip to the Colorado Reading Conference, my friend and the teacher she was peer coaching discussed it at length. Man was I green with envy and blue because I hadn’t found someone to learn from and with. I wanted to experience what my friends were experiencing. Then, they gave me an idea! Another teacher in our loop might be interested. I had to talk with her!
When we returned, I spoke with her and was interested. I went to her room and observed her class several times. We debriefed what I noticed and she visited my room. And then, nothing. I didn’t make the time because I was “too busy.” I failed her. I failed her students and mine. I failed myself. I didn’t even realize it until today when I was applying for a program at the University of Wyoming for coaching of preservice and early career teachers. I truly believe that we need to support each other and especially those teachers who are new to our profession. And yet, I didn’t do that for my friend and colleague. I feel awful. Tomorrow, I am going to apologize and get back on track. I hope she will accept my apology. I’m also going to pray I get into the program at UWyo so I can learn how to better help other educators. After all, I am a teacher and not just a teacher for the students in my grade book.
When we returned, I spoke with her and was interested. I went to her room and observed her class several times. We debriefed what I noticed and she visited my room. And then, nothing. I didn’t make the time because I was “too busy.” I failed her. I failed her students and mine. I failed myself. I didn’t even realize it until today when I was applying for a program at the University of Wyoming for coaching of preservice and early career teachers. I truly believe that we need to support each other and especially those teachers who are new to our profession. And yet, I didn’t do that for my friend and colleague. I feel awful. Tomorrow, I am going to apologize and get back on track. I hope she will accept my apology. I’m also going to pray I get into the program at UWyo so I can learn how to better help other educators. After all, I am a teacher and not just a teacher for the students in my grade book.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
It is always hard to find the time for this kind of work but the rewards are great! You write so honestly about your regrets. Just follow through. And it will become easier with time, and with making the relationships and seeing the value.
ReplyDeleteFinding time to do coaching well is really, really hard, especially if you are also in the classroom. I'm sure your colleague will understand. Maybe try another cycle after spring break.
ReplyDeleteIt was good and not perfect. We are forgiving of each other as educators. You probably support many teachers in informal day to day ways.
ReplyDeleteI can so relate to this post. I am a coach at my school and have not had luck getting a cycle going. Everyone seems so busy! I hate to ask more of them. You have motivated me to get to work.
ReplyDeleteOh Wendy....this is why you are such a good teacher. Your reflection and desire to always do better is so important. I KNOW that teacher will accept your apology. What a great learning experience for all of you!
ReplyDelete