Collaborative Coaching: Coaching Partner's Guide

Coaching of new teachers by experienced colleagues can have a profound impact on the implementation of new knowledge and skills into a teacher's practice.  Collaborative Coaching: Coaching Partner’s Guide, by Susan Villani and Kathy Dunne, explains the value of coaching and why it is essential that teachers have multiple opportunities to reflect on their practice with colleagues.

This six page (tri-fold) laminated guide provides an overview of the collaborative coaching process and offers guidance for the new teacher being coached (the coach’s partner) on how to get the most out of the relationship. The authors identify a three-step coaching process that includes

• Planning conversation,
• Coaching observation,
• Reflecting conversation.

Collaborative Coaching: Coaching Partner’s Guide also outlines the skills essential for effective communication, including

• Pausing,
• Paraphrasing,
• Probing,
• Paying attention to one’s self and others.

In a collaborative coaching relationship, the coaching partner is responsible for establishing the criteria for a successful relationship with the coach. This requires the partner to share with the coach his or her personal learning goals, preferred learning styles, areas of personal/interpersonal and professional strength, and areas in need of improvement. Such open and honest communication facilitates a productive and rewarding relationship that results not only in professional satisfaction, but in greater student achievement as well.

It is recommended to purchase the compalnion guide, Collaborative Coaching: Coach's Guide, to get the most out of this resource.