This blog has been largely dormant since I left the classroom and moved into the literacy coaching position in my building. I've struggled with how I can write about the work I do, thinking alongside teachers to solve problems of practice or working with them to grow as professionals. A large part of my job is the trust I need to build with the teachers who let down their guard and invite me into their classrooms and their professional lives.
I was afraid that if I wrote about this work, it would violate this confidentiality and trust.
But as I learn more and more about being a coach and being reflective about my own practice, I realize there are things I can write about in relation to coaching as well as good instructional practice. To some degree, I can write in generalities about my work with teachers, but be specific about my own reflection on the work.
It will be a fine line to walk, but I'm sure I can do it. As time goes on, I feel a greater need to write about the work I do and reflect upon it in order to grow as a coach. While I could do this privately, in a notebook no one else will see, I also crave feedback from others whose jobs are similar to mine. I am the only middle school coach in my district, and while I have a learning team composed of the coaches in the three K-5 buildings, there are many situations that are unique to the middle school. I'd love to grow a professional network as a support system.
It may take me a while to find my writing groove again, but I am determined to do it.
And I'd be grateful if you'd join me in my search to find my voice.
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