As you get started in new or continued coaching relationships this school year, consider how you can set the stage for successful coaching sessions (Internal Coaches Initial Meeting Outline) by ensuring coaching is a safe place, coaching is supportive and non-evaluative, and both the coach and coachee have clearly defined roles (coaching agreement) in partnership. For a few quick tips you can read the Top 10 Tips for Coaches from the Office of Head Start National Center on Quality Teaching and Learning (also on page 250 of the "Essentials of Practice-Based Coaching Book).
Focused observations and coaching meetings each, generally, take place 2 times/month, based on a coachee's fidelity phase. Access the Internal Coaching Schedule Guidance as you plan your focused observations and coaching meetings.
Coachee Action Plans drive the coaching partnership. Determine what data is available to support action planning with coachees. This might include fidelity tool data or self-reflection checklists from last school year, ideas from training, or program identified priorities for all coachees to work on.
