Pennsylvania Institute for Instructional Coaching — A Partnership Between the Annenberg Foundation and the Pennsylvania Department of Education
Responses from the January 2012 PD PDF Print E-mail

“As always, it is fantastic to have the opportunity to talk with other educators and share ideas. The opportunity to discuss the PIIC program with the knowledgeable staff really helped me to understand what PIIC was and what my role should be.  The one-on-one meeting with Ellen (Eisenberg) was extremely helpful, and I would highly recommend incorporating it into the presentation for all ‘newbies’.”
-School/District/Regional Instructional Coach

“I really enjoyed the time to talk with others, hear what works and doesn't work, and brainstorm together.  Being there with my IU Mentor and other coaches from my IU was great too; we could talk about things specific to our area and learn together.  Thank you, thank you, thank you for putting this together!”
-School/District/Regional Instructional Coach

“What stood out for me this time was how we seem to be training ourselves to respond more quickly and are more willing to listen to each other with an open mind. All of this is coming together and is having a positive effect on our own abilities to engage as a group.”
-IU PIIC Mentor

“I have immediately applied several coaching strategies upon my return to the building. I'm working on becoming a better listener and offering support and affirmation to the classroom teacher. The coaching role is very different from being the classroom teacher, and I have already had success with using student data to implement instructional change with teachers. I am so glad that I was able to attend this event!”
-Elementary Coach

“Each PD session further clarifies our mission and supports the acquisition and development of skills required for effective instructional coaching and school reform.” 
-Regional Mentor Coordinator

“I am not alone!  Being the only coach in the district, supporting six schools, it's often easy to feel overwhelmed.  Being able to talk to others about what they do in their districts, how they handle things, etc. was very beneficial.  Throughout the entire three days, I began to see more and more how important my position is and what great possibilities lie in the future for the teachers and the students with whom I work.” 
-School/District/Regional Instructional Coach

“PIIC conferences are always motivating to me!  I am reminded of being reflective in my role as an instructional coach and helping classroom teachers and students be reflective about effective instructional practice as well!”
-School/District/Regional Instructional Coach

“I love the idea of using photographs in history and filling in bubble comments! Also, the presentation on the Common Core was very well done, and provided activities I can use with my coaches. Finally, the BDA sessions really encouraged folks to go deeper by participants generating table discussion.”
-IU PIIC Mentor

“We are implementing the new teacher evaluation in my district, so this information was extremely timely and was shared directly with my administrators. The LDC information will also prove useful as I work with teachers to create more rigorous, literacy based assessments.”
-School/District/Regional Instructional Coach

“The conference was very helpful to create a strong foundation for coaches from my IU. I am especially grateful that Ellen (Eisenberg) offered a follow-up session for coaches.  I love the flexibility of the PD in order to serve the community.”
-IU PIIC Mentor