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“I believe the best quality in a coach is the ability to ask the questions that allow a teacher to come up with the answer.”                                                 

We learn so much when observing our English teachers.  It is easy to forget that when you are teaching you cannot see yourself.  Holding up a mirror helps teachers to see what we are doing that works and what we need to improve.  So far this year, Concept English has visited our Chicago and Milwaukee schools taking notes, having professional dialogues during post observations, and then identifying one or two areas for improvement.  As stated, I believe the best quality in a coach is the ability to ask the questions that allow a teacher to come up with the answer.

We are about to embark on month of travel to visit and observe our other schools.  These visits are not evaluative.  We will be providing formative feedback to help guide you to even more effective teaching.  We think of it as observing to coach.  And like all coaching is about creating opportunities for success.

Pictured on the left is one of our new teachers Ms. Koswenda from HSA McKinley Park and on the right another new teacher Ms. DeJesus. Featured on the news page, Ms. Hughes, one of our teachers at HSA Southwest Chicago.

Clare Brooks, Director of Social Studies and Andy Flaherty, Director of English during recently presented our Concept vision for Observations & Coaching to our Assistant Principals.  We want to assure you that we will be there for the sole purpose of nurturing your growth and development as English teachers.

A significant amount of time was dedicated to the field of coaching about the time many of the states were converting to Common Core standards.  While all states are not using these standards, it is still useful to employ coaching techniques to improve practice.The Center for Comprehensive School Reform and Improvement defines the role of a coach this way:

“The purpose of an instructional coach is to improve instructional practices and to promote reflective, collaborative, and professional culture.”

The research is very clear – if we reflect and collaborate, we grow.  

Below are the characteristics of Concept Coaching.