Teacher Coaches

Walkie Talkie? Check. Ear piece? Check. Teacher Coach sitting in the back of the class? Check. Students ready to get into an argument? Check and check. Today was my first day of "Read Time Coaching." Let's just say the first thing I did when I got home was crack open a beer and ate scoop of ice cream. It was a rough day.

Real Time Coaching is this new teacher-coach program that has the coach in the back of the room watching the chaos unfold. In the moment, the coach can speak into the walkie talkie that is connected to the teacher's ear piece to tell them what to do. Basically it is the little voice in your head of wisdom that pushes you to do the right thing at the right time. Or in my case, kick out 6 kids when I normally would let slide. Even though she made the final decision and told me what to do, I still had to deal with the aftermath of the angered teenagers and hear what they think about my new "stricter" discipline plan. Let's just say, the crowd wasn't pleased.

4th period was pretty bad, but I must admit, I have put up with much much worst behavior. After my coach sat through my notorious 4th period (after which 2 students got suspended) she said, "Kellee, I have been doing this for 30 years and that class was a tough one." At least that validates my experience with 4th period.

I called my coach after school to talk about what happened and to get tips for tomorrow. Basically tomorrow I have to be prepared: plenty of referral sheets, a hard-ass attitude, and explicit expectations. Bring it.

At the end of our conversation my coach also kindly added, "I don't give out compliment when they aren't deserved; I say it like it is. But today, I was impressed how you held it together. Any lesser teacher would have broken down and cried." High five for the new teacher.

So tomorrow is a new day, and a new battle field. Today I caught my students off guard; Tomorrow, they are going to be a bit more prepared. I am dreading it, but all I can do now is think to how AWESOME my behavior management will be by the beginning of school next year. Those freshmen won't know what hit them.

-Ms. Q

Positives:
- Not only is my coach helping me, but she is coaching my administration. THANK GOODNESS because they neeeeeed help.
- Next week is CSTs i.e. no lesson plans!
- Week Without Walls Salsa Dancing Edition is in 2 weeks. Can't wait!
- 6 more weeks of school. OMG
- I met my co-workers for my summer job (I am a fashion and design instructor through Galileo Learning). They are amazing and I am already so excited to get to know such interesting people.
- Only 6 weeks of school left!
- I am redecorating my room. FINALLY
- I went home last weekend and got lots of family time. Happy B-day MOMMY!
- Did I mention I only have 6 more weeks of school?