When is the last time you heard about a new initiative being rolled out in the education realm? Sometimes it feels like the most recent change has changes made within five minutes of its initial implementation. This is just one of the many reasons why a teacher might be reluctant. Understanding the reasons for educator reluctance is crucial for instructional coaches to provide targeted support. Supporting reluctant teachers can be a delicate and strategies process. Instructional coaches play a crucial role in helping educators overcome reluctance and embrace professional growth. In this article, we will explore five ways for instructional coaches to support reluctant teachers.
Build Trust and Rapport
Creating an environment where teachers feel comfortable expressing their concerns and challenges without fear of criticism is key when supporting reluctant teachers. Coaches who are approachable, non-judgmental, and empathetic will aid in breaking down the walls of teachers who are reluctant. Actively listening to teachers’ concerns, frustrations, and aspirations provides coaches opportunities to demonstrate that they understand teachers’ perspectives. This fosters trust and opens the door for collaboration.
Provide Individualized Support
Just as we expect teachers to differentiate their instruction to meet the unique needs of their students, instructional coaches must also differentiate the types of support they offer each teacher with whom they work. One strategy to determine the types of support each teacher needs is to conduct a needs assessment. A needs assessment allows the instructional coach to understand each teacher’s unique challenges, strengths, and areas for growth. This allows them to offer support based on all the teachers’ specific needs and goals. Additionally, instructional coaches should offer differentiated coaching strategies that align with each teacher’s preferred learning style. Some may benefit from one-to-one sessions, while others might prefer group workshops.
Model Effective Strategies
Another way instructional coaches can support reluctant teachers is to showcase practical applications of effective instructional strategies in the classroom through modeling. This allows reluctant teachers to witness successful techniques in action. It also holds weight in the simple fact that the coach is willing to get in the trenches and partner with the teacher to help them succeed. While there are certain situations that might hinder a coach from being able to model the strategy they recommend to a teacher, they can certainly spend time in the classroom supporting the educator while they work through the implementation. As educators grow more comfortable interacting with their instructional coach, coaches can then collaborate through facilitating co-teaching opportunities. Sharing the instructional responsibilities can ease the transition to new methods. Spending time in a teacher’s classroom while students are in the room as a support figure rather than an observer goes a long way when building rapport with teachers who are already reluctant.
Offer Relevant, Ongoing Professional Development
It is very important to consider carefully the types of professional development offered to reluctant teachers. Instructional coaches should facilitate targeted professional development workshops that address the specific needs and challenges of reluctant teachers. The sessions must be practical, interactive, and relevant to their classroom context. In order for reluctant teachers to feel their time was well-spent, instructional coaches should ensure ongoing support after workshops through follow-up sessions, resources, and opportunities for continued learning.
Celebrate Small Wins
Instructional coaches often need to pick up their cheerleading pompoms when supporting reluctant teachers. Acknowledging incremental progress boosts teachers’ confidence and motivation to continue trying new approaches. Do not underestimate the impact of a little recognition or small celebration; the amount of motivation it provides many reluctant teachers produces fruitful outcomes. Also, continuous positive reinforcements, such as highlighting specific improvements and positive outcomes that resulted from reluctant teachers’ efforts, helps those educators to feel seen and validated for the hard work they are doing. Don’t be shy; make a big deal out of their labors.
In the dynamic landscape of education, where change seems to be the only constant, instructional coaches play a vital role in supporting reluctant teachers through the winds of transformation. By understanding the multifaceted reasons behind reluctance and employing targeted strategies, coaches can nurture a culture of trust, growth, and resilience among educations. Using our unique approach to professional learning, together, let us champion reluctant teachers on their path toward professional growth, knowing that with patience, empathy, and unwavering support, every obstacle can be overcome, and every challenge can be transformed into an opportunity for growth and excellence.
Are you an instructional coach who needs resources to support teachers? Visit www.educatorsforte.com/contact/ for more information.