What is a model classroom and why do you need one?
On this episode
of The Coaching Podcast, I answer these and other questions about using a model classroom to help teachers
improve their practice.
What is a model classroom?
A model classroom is where an instructional
coach provides support and leverages it to grow the teachers on the campus. It’s a place where you will spend a lot
of your time. Teachers will visit and observe practices in this room.
The model
classroom is not a perfect classroom. It has a strong teacher who can serve as
a model, but that doesn't mean they are the best at everything.
Creating a
model classroom won't do coaching work for you, but it will serve many teachers
if you’re strategic. When they visit, they’ll notice things there that pique
their curiosity and prompt them to learn more.
How to choose a model classroom?
Instructional
coaches need to be thoughtful about how they choose a model classroom. First, you’ll need to decide how many model classrooms
to have for your staff. You probably want a classroom for each band of grades
or in each content area you serve.
During the episode, I explain my thought
process for how to choose the right teacher. A good place to start is getting to know each teacher in
their classroom.
Choose teachers with solid management in
place. Someone who has influence in the grade level and wants to try something
new.
You can use the strategy in Episode 39 called “Classroom Sweep” to get to know teachers fast. The free Coaching in the Classroom download below has all the forms you’ll need to make your observations.
What to do once you choose a classroom?
Now that you
have a model classroom or two, what should you do with them? Basically, you do
your coaching work in there.
Focus your objectives on something that
teachers are interested in and tied to your school goals or initiatives. You're
choosing a focus for your work with that model classroom, and you're keeping in
mind how it's going to support other classrooms in the school.
Using model classrooms to leverage your impact on
campus
You’ve been working with your model classroom
and you see good things beginning to happen in there. So how do you use this to
support other teachers on your campus?
There are a few different things that you can do that will help you maximize your effectiveness in other classrooms. During the episode, I go into details about what to do and how to do it.
Here are a few suggestions to leverage your work in that model classroom across the school.
- Have teachers sit in on planning sessions with you, your co-teacher, and the cooperating teacher.
- Teachers can observe the coaching model or lessons that are co-taught in this model classroom.
- Use this classroom as a model of what coaching work is like. It will show teachers that coaching is not for weak teachers or punishment, but it’s for anyone who wants to improve their craft.
- Record videos of you modeling and co-teaching. This library can provide support for teachers when time is tight.
When teachers see coaching in action and see the results, they are more likely to invite you into their room. You can use this to leverage your way into other classrooms and get those other teachers enrolled in coaching cycles.
After you have gone through coaching work with
this model classroom, you may decide it's time to move to the next one. Maybe
you change model classrooms once a semester or every six weeks. It depends
on your school climate and what you're working on.
The model classroom can be used for deep
coaching work and to show teaching in action. If you want to find out more, be
sure to tune in to the entire episode. I share my best tips and ideas for
creating a model classroom.
Ready to listen? You can listen below with the
media player, or search for Buzzing with MS. B: The Coaching Podcast anywhere you
listen to podcasts!
Check me out at buzzingwithmsb.com and on Instagram @buzzingwithmsb.
Podcast produced by Fernie Ceniceros of Crowd & Town Creative
