Monday, March 11, 2024
Article submitted by CESA 9 coach, April Schofield
“No significant learning can occur without a significant relationship.”
Dr James Comer
This quote from child psychiatrist Dr. James Comer illustrates the importance of forming genuine connections with the youth we interact with, emphasizing that meaningful relationships are crucial for helping each and every child achieve success.
In the world of instructional coaching, the quote resonates deeply, highlighting the profound impact of meaningful relationships in professional learning. Similar to young learners, educators working with instructional coaches flourish in an environment characterized by trust and strong connections.
This quote further reflects the approach of Instructional Coach Courtney Burger, who supports the 4-year-old kindergarten teachers within the Unified School District of Antigo. Courtney, now in her third year of coaching in Antigo, brings valuable experience from her previous roles teaching Early Childhood Special Education and 4-year-old Kindergarten in the district for 15 years. Courtney's story serves as a powerful reminder to other coaches reading this article to remember the power of connection in their own coaching endeavors. It also reminds us that instructional coaching can occur at any level, including 4-year-old Kindergarten.
In her journey as an instructional coach, Courtney has prioritized building relationships with her coaching clients. One way she does this is by focusing on clearly communicating in a variety of contexts, as outlined in Wisconsin Coaching Capacity #3, Communication. In her role, she facilitates one-on-one sessions with teachers, participates in collaborative team meetings, leads group professional development workshops for both classroom teachers and paraprofessionals, and engages in discussions with school administrators. Courtney also collaborates with instructional coaches within her district, who have helped build her coaching capacity and ensure consistency in coaching cycles across her district. In all settings, her focus on clear communication has helped to create shared understanding around 4K team goals and has helped Courtney build trust with her clients.
Courtney's dedication to fostering meaningful relationships extends beyond communication strategies, as she approaches coaching from a place of humility and compassion. Courtney intentionally reinforces the importance of the teachers she supports, reminding them that their efforts are ultimately geared toward providing the best possible outcomes for the children they serve. In discussing her role, Courtney shared that she sees herself as a "guide," helping teachers make sense of all of the things on their plates. She also credited the teachers she coaches for their daily efforts in making positive changes for their students, adding that they are the ones doing the “real work”.
Courtney’s approach to coaching aligns with Wisconsin Coaching Capacity #2, Relationship Development, which states, “A mutually trusting and respectful relationship between coach and client is characterized by the reciprocal sharing of knowledge and perspectives and honoring the expertise and experiences of all. This provides supportive conditions for shifting behaviors, mindsets, values, and beliefs.”
Just as Dr. James Comer's quote emphasizes the importance of significant relationships in facilitating meaningful learning experiences for students, Courtney's coaching journey illustrates the important role of building relationships in the realm of instructional coaching. By focusing on connecting with her clients, Courtney has created a safe space for learning, which has helped the 4K team in Antigo make significant strides in their professional learning which has led to positive shifts in their practice. Together, they have transformed their 4K program, and the team takes pride in offering developmentally appropriate literacy, math, and SEL instruction that truly nurtures the growth and development of their young learners.