This is the time of the year when reflection and introspection help define the year's progress and what areas of strength and need are identified for planning purposes. What were the goals for the year; how did we get from point "A" to point "B"; how do we know that the goals were accomplished; what do we do if the goals were not met; and for coaches, what is my role for next year?  Although we do not have a crystal ball to see the future and to help anticipate the challenges we might encounter, the instructional coaches have an incredible opportunity to gather the collective wisdom of the practitioners in schools and to share that wisdom so all may benefit. As Confucius says, "By three methods we may learn wisdom: first, by reflection, which is the noblest; second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest." 

The Annenberg Institute for School Reform (AISR) at Brown University works with a variety of school districts that are engaged in the school transformation process. Many of these districts implement instructional coaching as an effective job-embedded professional development model. AISR has found that focusing on these four critical areas for school wide improvement is a promising practice: human capital; sustainability; equity and internal accountability; and connecting school and district (Professional Development Strategies That Improve Instruction). Instructional coaches are integral to providing continual professional learning that focuses on both content and process.

As the winter months remind us that “…the weather outside is frightful,” we need to continually find ways to keep learning fresh by supporting best practices in all school communities. We need to keep students at the center by helping their teachers and other school leaders stimulate thought, motivate students, increase student engagement, and build teacher capacity, all at the same time.

As the New Year begins, all of us think about the many ways in which we can make changes and amend our practices both personally and professionally. The same 10 pounds are still here even though I’ve promised myself that with each new year, I’d shed those pounds instead of keeping them around like an old, comfortable pair of shoes. Although I have lost some and gained some over the course of several years, one thing remains constant – my attempts to keep those unwanted pounds forever at bay are hindered because my “implementation” of a healthy life style is sporadic, choppy, ineffective and relatively unsupported. As I get older, I clearly understand why weight loss “buddies” are more successful than me just talking to myself. After all, no matter how many times I get on the scale, the weight does not come off any faster or with any less stress, especially if I do not have a champion who understands the process and has some experience with the challenges that thwart sustainability.