When I applied to be a Consulting Teacher in January 2020, I wrote in my cover letter that my coaching philosophy would be to coach with grace. At the time I had just finished reading Lead with Grace by Jessica Cabeen, and I strongly felt that "coaching with grace" meant I would be authentic and personable; would build relationships with teachers and stakeholders; and would lead by example in communicating with every person I met. I articulated that I hoped to collaborate with people who have different backgrounds, teaching beliefs and styles, and to positively impact student learning and achievement. I wanted to provide teachers with a safe place to express their concerns and show their vulnerability; and I wanted to build trust and support teachers with thinking through a situation, strategizing and coming up with solution.
I could not tell you present day why THIS struck me as what my coaching philosophy should be; but after walking through this academic school year, I can tell you THIS would be EXACTLY how I would needed to lead and coach teachers during a PANDEMIC. This year has been TOUGH - mentally, professionally, personally and emotionally. There were many moments spent in the valley and many days when mountain top views just did not seem attainable. But God! It's funny when you look back and realize you "planned your steps" but God made your paths straight (Prov 3:5-6).
I met with a client the other day to check out for the school year, and I asked her what her advice would be for first year teachers this fall. She said, "To lead your classroom with grace ... giving it to both yourself and to others." If that does not sum up this year, then I do not know what else does. And for me - that's a warm reminder, that since Janauy 2020, God had been ordering my steps all along.
The '20-21 School Year ... That's a wrap!
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