Literacy Coaches Share the Vision with Administration

Share your vision:  Once you have your plan of action written out, go to your administration and discuss it.  This ensures your vision aligns with your principal’s.  This is key.  You want the support of your administration.  You want your principal to be aware of the goal for your teachers.  And you want her to know what to look out for, encourage, and correct when she does her walk throughs.  

Don’t be intimidated:  Some may feel intimidated with this step.  This is completely normal.  When you put your goals out in the open, someone may not agree with them.  What’s wrong with that?  Not everyone has to agree with your goals.  If you have conducted focused observations, assessed your current situation with data, studied what successful implementation looks like, and planned out your baby steps, then your goals are thoughtful and purposeful.  You have been wise with your goals.  No need to fear.

Feedback:  You have to make sure not to get defensive if your administration does not agree with your plan.  The purpose of this meeting is not to have your principal agree with everything you present.  The purpose is to present your data and goals and then receive feedback.  Notice, I wrote feedback and not criticisms.  This is key to not becoming defensive.  Ask questions for clarification.  You are each in the position you are in to improve student achievement.

Reflect:  After the meeting, reread your notes.  Add your principal’s feedback to your plan.  If there were any concerns with your plan, take a couple of days to reflect as to why your principal shared those concerns.  Don’t throw away your plan and don’t ignore the concerns of your principal.  Your principal is the ultimate authority of the school.

Coach/Principal Relationship:  I personally have a great working relationship with my principal.  Many have commented that we are very close.  We are friendly and professional, but this does not mean we have agreed on everything that goes on in the school; however, I understand her position and the amount of responsibility she has on her shoulders.  I also understand my position and my job.  My job is to lead the curricular initiatives in the school.  She is my boss and her job is to lead the school.  I support her.