February Refresh: Elevate your Impact

by Tracee Keough

Reinvigorating Our Role & Empowering Our Teachers!

Hello Incredible Instructional Coaches!

Can you believe it's already February? The first half of the school year flew by in a whirlwind of learning, growth, and undoubtedly, a few well-deserved coffee breaks! As we dive into this new month, it’s easy for the "mid-winter slump" to settle in around our campuses. The initial excitement of the new year might have faded, the weather is often grey, and spring break can feel like a lifetime away.

But here’s the secret: February is our secret weapon. It’s the perfect time to pivot our schools and ourselves from "survival mode" back into "growth mode." It’s an ideal opportunity to gently re-introduce ourselves and breathe some fresh life back into our coaching cycles.

Our Coaching Role: Your Personal Professional Development Partner

Think of us, the coaches, as the personal professional development partners, sounding boards, and biggest cheerleaders for our teaching staff, all rolled into one! Our ultimate goal is to empower them to refine their craft, explore new strategies, and ultimately, create the most engaging and effective learning experiences for our students. We aren't there to evaluate, judge, or add more to their already overflowing plates. Quite the opposite! We're there to lighten their load by offering targeted support and celebrating their successes.

So, how can we, as coaches, proactively engage our teachers and staff this month? Here are some creative ways I'm approaching my "February Refresh" that you can adapt for your own school community:

Creative Strategies for a February Refresh:

1. The "Coaching Confections" Pop-In: Instead of an email that might get buried, consider a "Cart & Chat." Load up a rolling cart with some simple treats (like chocolate hearts or coffee) and a friendly sign: "Sweeten Your Instruction."   
   • The Message: "I'm here to help you find the 'sweet spot' in your trickiest lessons. Need a thought partner, or maybe a co-teacher for that one wild period? I’m in."
   • Coach's Hack: Use this informal time to gather quick insights on who might be feeling overwhelmed versus who is ready to innovate. It builds a low-stakes connection.

2. The "Spring Cleaning" Audit: Teachers are often drowning in papers and digital files. Offer a 20-minute "Tech or Task" Clean-out.
   • What it is: Sit with a teacher for 20 minutes to help them automate a grading task, organize their Google Classroom, streamline their Canvas page, or find a simpler way to track data.
   • Why it works: This builds immediate, practical trust. Once you save them time, they'll be more open to trusting you with their pedagogy.

3. "Secret Admirer" Feedback: February is the month of love, so let's spread it! Dedicate some time to doing 10-minute "Glow Walks."
   • The Strategy: Pop into classrooms, find one amazing thing happening (a brilliant transition, a clear objective, a moment of profound student engagement), and leave a bright, positive sticky note on their desk or send a quick "You’re Crushing It!" email.
   • The Hook: At the bottom, subtly add: "Want to work on creating more? Let’s chat about a coaching cycle!"

Core Principles for Our Coaching This Month:

• A Thought Partner in Their Corner: Be ready to listen, brainstorm, and collaborate on solutions tailored to their unique classroom and students.
• Bringing New Strategies to Life: Stay current on innovations and help them bridge the gap between educational theory and practical application in their classrooms.
• Your Confidential Sounding Board: Remind them that your conversations are always confidential – a safe space for triumphs and struggles.
• Observing, Reflecting, and Growing: Offer non-evaluative classroom observations to gather data and spark powerful reflections, collaboratively setting actionable goals.
• Celebrating Their Wins! Actively seek out and acknowledge the incredible things they are doing. Our recognition fuels their motivation.

💡 Pro-Tip for My Fellow Coaches

When you reach out this month, focus on subtraction, not addition. Ask your teachers, "What is one thing on your plate that I can help you simplify or systemize?" Our role isn't just to give them more tools; sometimes, it's helping them realize they don't need the belt to be so heavy.

Let’s make February the month we move from "getting through it" to "getting better together." We are uniquely positioned to ignite that spark and empower our staff.

How are you refreshing your presence on campus this month? I’d love to hear your most creative "in-roads" with hesitant staff! Share your ideas at the Elevate your Impact conversation.