Instructional technology coaches can help teachers improve instruction by guiding the adoption of ed tech into the classroom. Here are four key strategies:
- Prioritize communication. Coaches need to listen to the needs of the teacher, which are ultimately the needs of the students. After listening, they can provide feedback or try to find a solution or enhancement that technology can provide. When they find a solution, coaches then can ask teachers what help they would need to implement it.
- Focus on relationships. The best tech coaches take time to get to know teachers on a personal level and understand their challenges in the classroom. Trust is part of coaching.
- Build trust. Coaches need to build one-on-one relationships with teachers on an equal playing field. Coaches must make people feel comfortable with them so they can suggest things and the teacher will be open to it.
- Develop a support system. While a support system is important for teachers and other school employees, tech coaches especially benefit as their roles are often misunderstood and overwhelming.
Read our main feature on tech coaching: How coaches help teachers get the most from ed tech
