Common Barriers to Success with Student-Centered Coaching

Barrier #1: The Coach’s Time is Diluted and Unfocused

Solutions to Barrier #1

• Establish a data-driven focus for collaborative learning
• Align the coach's work with that focus
• Protect the coach's time
• Avoid busy work that keeps the coach out of the classroom and away from true coaching

Barrier #2: The Coach is Seen as a ‘Fixer’

Solutions to Barrier #2

• Send the message that coaching is for everyone because we all have students with needs.
• Coach all levels (new and veteran)
• Make the coaching caseload public and celebrate those who join in
• Understand when the situation calls for supervision rather than coaching

Barrier #3: Trust or Credibility is Missing

Solutions to Barrier #3

• Hire coaches who are skilled teachers and who can build trusting relationships
• Support coaches who are lacking in content knowledge
• Position the coach as a 'thinking partner' rather than an expert
• Never waste teachers' time

Barrier #4: The Coach's Role Isn't Defined

Solutions to Barrier #4

• Create a high quality job description for coaches
• Notice when the coach's role becomes diluted and act to re- frame the role
• Build a coaching model that includes clarity of role
• Celebrate the impact that coaching is making on teaching and learning

Reflect & Discuss

• Consider how the common barriers have impacted your coaching program?
• What might you do to adjust?