Feeling Behind...
Unfortunately, this is not a post about an amazing coaching session or even a new tool. This is just a post about the craziness of my school year and how I feel as if I am way behind and haven't been able to do any coaching.
So at my district, I am the Tech Coordinator, the IT Department as well as the tech coach. And this year it really has felt like the administrative and technology parts of my job have taken over the coaching part of my job. I just haven't had the time to sit down with any teachers and have those discussions about what would help them. I am organizing my second PD on Schoology for the year so that is happening but no real one on one sessions has happened this year. I am hoping to have at least one coming after this PD coming up tomorrow but still I feel kind of useless when it comes to coaching.
A couple of positives to finish this out. I am doing this PD tomorrow and I don't have to present! We have worked out our Schoology PD as based on a come as you go model, kind of like a mini tech conference. The nice thing is I have teachers present so they are learning from their peers. We did this before the school started and it worked well, so I am hoping this will work well today too. My other positive is I have been working towards getting my Certified Educational Technology Leader certification. This certification is combining the Administration, Education and Technical areas of a Technology Leader into one bucket. It has been a lot of reading but it has been very helpful for me to see what things we as a district need to work on.
So at my district, I am the Tech Coordinator, the IT Department as well as the tech coach. And this year it really has felt like the administrative and technology parts of my job have taken over the coaching part of my job. I just haven't had the time to sit down with any teachers and have those discussions about what would help them. I am organizing my second PD on Schoology for the year so that is happening but no real one on one sessions has happened this year. I am hoping to have at least one coming after this PD coming up tomorrow but still I feel kind of useless when it comes to coaching.
A couple of positives to finish this out. I am doing this PD tomorrow and I don't have to present! We have worked out our Schoology PD as based on a come as you go model, kind of like a mini tech conference. The nice thing is I have teachers present so they are learning from their peers. We did this before the school started and it worked well, so I am hoping this will work well today too. My other positive is I have been working towards getting my Certified Educational Technology Leader certification. This certification is combining the Administration, Education and Technical areas of a Technology Leader into one bucket. It has been a lot of reading but it has been very helpful for me to see what things we as a district need to work on.
Wow! That is a LOT to take on! One of our coaches came up with an idea that we've done twice now, an internal conference with sessions by teachers for teachers. The tech trainers don't do any of the sessions. We just put it together. :) It's been on a Saturday morning in January, all volunteer time, and we ask our vendors to donate prizes, food, swag, etc.
ReplyDeleteYou really are doing a lot! Don't be hard on yourself. I feel like I've only really recently began to have the time to really get into a groove with coaching. By providing the PD for your teachers, you are coaching. You're giving them what they need. I also do PD around Schoology so give me a shout if you have any questions or just want to collaborate around Schoology PD!
ReplyDeleteThat is a lot of hats to wear! Stepping back and facilitating is definitely coaching - you are coaching other teachers to be leaders. And that is very powerful.
ReplyDeleteThis year for me has felt like every day I do a ton of work, and every day I make backward progress! Hopefully it helps to know you're in good company! Hang in there!
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