Coaching to Disrupt the Status Quo

Towards Liberation

Coaching and instructional leadership should work towards liberation for all, the theme of the Towards Liberation newsletter!

Coaching ContentLauren VargasNovember 30, 2022liberation, freedomComment

Virtual Coaching: The Coaching Meeting

In Part 2 of 2 on Virtual Coaching, we explore the similarities & differences between virtual and in-person coaching and discuss virtual coaching meetings.

Coaching ResourcesLauren VargasNovember 16, 2022virtual coaching, coaching meeting agendaComment

Virtual Instructional Coaching: Observations & Accountability

In part 1 of 2 on virtual coaching, we explore tips for classroom observations and teacher accountability for both virtual and in-building coaches.

My Journey as a Virtual Coach

How I got into virtual instructional coaching, and why I LOVE it.

Coaching StoriesLauren VargasNovember 2, 2022virtual coaching, partnershipComment

5 Strategies for Powerful Relationships Between Families

Looking to push beyond one-way communication in your family engagement? Consider these 5 tips for connecting families to one other in your learning community.

For TeachersLauren VargasOctober 26, 2022family engagement, relationships, communicationComment

Dismantling My White Savior Mentality as an Educator

I share my personal journey with unravelling the tangled motivations that prompted me to be a teacher.

Coaching StoriesLauren VargasOctober 21, 2022savior mentality, white savior mentality, reflectionComment

Coaching in the Classroom: Preparation is Key

In part 3 of the series on coaching in the classroom, we look at 4 tips for preparing well to make the experience effective for teachers.

Coaching ContentLauren VargasOctober 15, 2022coaching in the classroom, coaching stance, planning, real-time coachingComment

Coaching IN the Classroom?!

Here we dig into 4 strategies with examples for Coaching in the Classroom (Part 2 of 3).

How I’ve Come Around to Real-Time Coaching

My story of moving from a strong aversion to “real-time coaching” to opening up to coaching in the classroom as a helpful tool for teacher support. Part 1 or 3.

Coaching StoriesLauren VargasSeptember 29, 2022coaching in the classroom, real-time coachingComment

Support Struggling Teachers, Rooted in Relationships Not Control

When supporting new or struggling teachers, coaches should consider these things in order to develop class community rooted in relationships, not classroom management rooted in control.

5 Ways to Create a Strong Coaching Climate (Part 3/3)

In the third and final post in this series, guest writer Amber Brewer shares how positive relationships and practice are key to a strong coaching climate.

5 Ways to Create a Strong Coaching Climate (Part 2/3)

In the second of Amber Brewer’s guest posts, she explores the power of building a common process, language, and best practices.

Coaching ResourcesLauren VargasSeptember 15, 2022goals, coaching climate, common language, best practicesComment

5 Ways to Create a Strong Coaching Climate (Part 1/3)

In this guest post by instructional coach and consultant, Amber Brewer, we dive into the first of 5 strategies for building a positive climate for coaching at your school.

Coaching ResourcesLauren VargasSeptember 14, 2022coaching climate, outcomes, goalsComment

Coaching for Self-Advocacy, Not Surrendering

When teachers want to surrender to burn out or education’s systemic injustices, coaches can work to build teacher self-advocacy to make their voices heard and finder greater balance.

Coaching ContentLauren VargasSeptember 7, 2022self-advocacy, burn out, boundaries, work-life balance, teacher voice, organizingComment

Coaching for Agency, Not Assimilation

Instead of asking kids to conform to the status quo of schooling, coaches work towards classrooms where students share power, responsibility, and leadership.

Coaching ContentLauren VargasAugust 27, 2022student agency, assimilation, classroom observation, cogens, student choice, listeningComment

Coaching to Engage Every Student, Not Just a Few

When you see teachers consistently calling on one student at a time, its time to coach to engage every student, not just a few!

Excelling Beyond the Seen Obstacles

Instructional leader Dr. Shantel Small shares her reflections on and advice for supporting teachers in challenging times.

Coaching StoriesLauren VargasJuly 27, 2022coach-teacher relationships, challenges, collaboration, partnership, summerComment

Confident Humility

In this guest post, principal Africa Jones shares 4 strategies for humbly supporting teachers without feeling like we have to know it all.

Coaching StoriesLauren VargasJuly 19, 2022learning, liste, humility, imposter syndrom, coaching beliefs, guest postComment

Coaching for Listening to, not Lecturing, Students

5 strategies to support teachers in shifting their power dynamics from lecturing to listening deeply to students

Coaching ResourcesLauren VargasJuly 17, 2022listening, liberation, power, student voice, cogens, restorative practicesComment

Coaching Out a Teacher’s Savior Mentality

Even when their intentions are good, a teacher’s savior mentality is harmful for students - and complex to address. Here are 4 tools for responding in coaching.

Coaching to Disrupt the Status Quo

Instructional coaching resources, ideas, and stories to inspire coaches to disrupt the status quo of schooling and work to create the kind of learning where all kids can thrive. Written by Lauren Vargas.

Instructional coaching resources, ideas, and stories to inspire coaches to disrupt the status quo of schooling and work to create the kind of learning where all kids can thrive.
Written by Lauren Vargas.