What do you do if you receive feedback from instructional coaches as a teacher?

1 Understand the purpose

The first step to respond to feedback from instructional coaches is to understand the purpose and the expectations of the coaching process. Instructional coaches are not evaluators or supervisors, but rather partners and mentors who aim to help you grow as a teacher. They are not there to judge you, but to support you and provide you with evidence-based suggestions and resources. Therefore, you should approach the feedback with an open and positive mindset, and see it as an opportunity to learn and improve.

2 Reflect on the feedback

The second step is to reflect on the feedback you receive, and identify the strengths and areas of improvement that the coach has highlighted. You can use a framework such as the RISE model (Reflect, Inquire, Suggest, Elevate) to guide your reflection and dialogue with the coach. The RISE model helps you to analyze your own practice, ask questions to clarify the feedback, explore possible solutions, and set goals for future action. You can also use a journal or a portfolio to document your reflections and track your progress.

3 Implement the feedback

The third step is to implement the feedback in your teaching practice, and monitor the impact on your students' learning. You can work with the coach to plan and execute specific actions based on the feedback, such as trying a new strategy, using a different tool, or modifying an assessment. You can also ask the coach to observe you again, or to co-teach or model a lesson with you, to provide you with more feedback and support. You should also collect and review data from your students, such as test scores, surveys, or work samples, to measure the effectiveness of the changes you made.

4 Seek more feedback

The fourth step is to seek more feedback from the coach, as well as from other sources, such as your colleagues, your students, or your own self-assessment. Feedback is not a one-time event, but a continuous cycle of learning and improvement. You should always look for ways to refine your practice, and to challenge yourself to grow as a teacher. You should also appreciate and celebrate your achievements, and acknowledge the positive impact you have on your students.

6 Learn from others

The sixth step is to learn from others who are also receiving feedback from instructional coaches, or who are serving as instructional coaches themselves. You can join a professional learning community, a network, or a forum, where you can share your experiences, challenges, and successes with other teachers. You can also learn from the best practices, tips, and resources that other teachers and coaches have to offer. You can also seek feedback from your peers, and offer feedback to them, to create a culture of collaboration and mutual support.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?