Coaching Resistant Teachers

Karyn Ginesi Jennifer LapeEdmondson Heights Elementary

Our Schools:

Arbutus Middle School Edmondson Heights Elementary

Lansdowne ElementaryRodgers Forge Elementary

Why?

Padlet

What does the word "resistant" mean to you?http://padlet.com/kginesi/resistant1

What are characteristics of resistance?

Chalk Talk Walk• Round 1: Silently, add what you think about each topic to the chart paper.• Round 2: Silently, choose one poster to add a drawing or diagram that represents what you have come to believe or understand about the topic.• Round 3: Silently, respond to at least two colleagues additions on two different posters.• Round 4: Discuss and summarize the main ideas from the poster and record labels for the types of resistors. What disagreements or point of confusion are noted? Report out.

Pitfalls of Perception When we label a client "resistant," we create a psychological and even moral distance that can undermine our goals. Resistant means "refusing to accept new ideas or changes." This label carries a layer of judgment that may prevent us from trying to understand our coachee's reality, dilemmas, competing commitments, or even aspirations.

How to Approach a Resistant Teacher1. Look in the mirror

2. Take an inquiry stance

3. Invite your coachee's story

4 Corners•Return to one of the resistor posters •Partner up and decide who will be the coach and

resistor•Using the scenario provided, role play the strategies

we have provided

Yes, but...a.k.a. Eyeore Scenarios• The coach is encouraging the resistor to make a dessert for the end of school

celebration that caters to several taste preferences rather than the plain vanilla she always makes. What strategies can you employ to help this resistor?• A teacher asks for help with engagement strategies and you coach the

teacher through a planning session. The teacher invites you to come view the lesson. During the lesson, the teacher does not use the strategies discussed during the planning session. During your next coaching session, the teacher says the strategies would not have worked with his students.• The resistor has always run outside to start his car. The coach has introduced

him to a remote starter in order to expand his repertoire of car starting options. What strategies can you employ to help this resistor?• You are facilitating a PD on behavior management techniques. A group of

teachers talks as you are facilitating the session.

Silent, but Deadly ScenariosScenario 1While completing homework with your son, you notice that he doodling on his paper, glancing at his phone or daydreaming whenever you try to explain how to complete his math homework. For one of the most difficult problems, he closes his eyes and puts his head down. You’re becoming frustrated. What strategies can you employ to engage him?Scenario 2Your sister is having a hard time finding a daycare center. You have two children and have visited several centers in the past. You are surprised that your sister has not asked for your assistance. You visit her and offer a few suggestions. Whenever you suggest something, she sits in silence or says “okay” but does not visit any of the places that you suggest. However, she keeps complaining about not having daycare for her daughter. How can you adapt your coaching style to help her make a selection?Scenario 3During professional development sessions, you notice that Mr. Brown always seems to sit in the back of the library and engages in other activities, such as completing lesson plans, talking quietly to his neighbors, or even doing crossword puzzles during the sessions. For one of the sessions, the information presented is particularly critical and you’re becoming frustrated and embarrassed. What strategies can you employ to engage Mr. Brown in the professional development? Scenario 4A third year teacher in your building is having some difficulty creating a learner centered environment. Since this is one of the key initiatives for the school, her department chair has asked you to work with her. Whenever you coach her or suggest something, she sits in silences or says “okay” but does not implement any of the suggestions. How can you adapt your coaching style to build a rapport and help her create a learner centered environment?

Avoider Scenarios • Your 8 year old is walking around in sneakers that have lost their

laces, have holes and the sole is coming off. They are his favorite sneakers, but he refuses to go to any shoe store. What strategies can you employ to go shopping for new shoes?• Your teammate has been coughing, sneezing and feeling miserable for

3 weeks. They need to go to the doctor, but are avoiding it. How can you assist?• Everyday when a friend reaches her office there is still trash in the

trash can. She knows it means the custodian is not doing their job, but doesn't want to offend anyone. What steps can your friend take?

Overwhelmed aka Busy Bee ScenariosScenario 1: Your sister is planning a first birthday party for her son for 40 people. She made a list of things that need to be done and starts working on it. She starts cleaning the kitchen and she realizes that the hand towels are dirty and need to be washed. She goes to put the towels in the wash and realizes that she forgot to put the load that was in the wash, in the dryer and another load needs to be put away. On her way to put them away she steps on a toy and starts to clean up all the toys in the living room. When she finally makes it to put the towels away, she notices how dirty the bathroom is and starts to clean the sinks. Halfway through, she remembers that she put the birthday cake in the oven when she was in the kitchen and forgot to put the timer on. The cake is burnt, and she realizes that she has not completed anything on her list. She sits down on the floor and starts to cry. What strategies can you use to help her?

Scenario 2: You want to start learning walks and share the procedures with your staff. After the meeting, one teacher approaches you and says that they just have too much going on and don't have time for it. What strategies can you use with this resistor?

Scenario 3: At a meeting you share that your staff will use time at grade level meetings to look at the alignment of the ELA diagnostic and culminating events. You also share that they should bring some examples to grade together. One grade level rolls their eyes at each other and you overhear one of them say, "Great, that's just one more thing!" What strategies can you use with this resistor?

Quickwrite

Take 5 minutes to write about how you will use these strategies in your school.