Coaching Events | Instructional Coaching

Sixth Annual Instructional Coaching Conference and Preconference

We are very excited to announce that the 2011 Instructional Coaching Conference will be hosted at the Oread Hotel on the campus of the University of Kansas on October 10, 11, and 12. The Oread, owned by the same people who own the Eldridge Hotel, is a beautiful setting for our conference, and we hope it will be our home for many years to come.

Registration

Conference registration form (pdf)
Preconference registration form (pdf)

Special Events

There will be a social from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9, at the Oread Hotel.

Complete schedule: 2011 Instructional Coaching Conference (Word)

Preconference: October 9

New Practices for Instructional Coaches (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)
Presenter: Jim Knight
Cost: $150 (For registrations postmarked after October 3, add $25 late fee)
Location: Oread Hotel - Hancock Room

Description: Since the publication of Instructional Coaching: A Partnership Approach to Improving Instruction in 2007, researchers at the University of Kansas have significantly refined the way in which we recommend instructional coaches go about collaborating with teachers. Specific modifications include the following: (a) the use of micro video cameras, (b) strategies for goal setting with teachers, (c) the use of checklists for precise but provisional explanations of teaching practices, (d) six possible ways of providing modeling for teachers, (e) effective questioning techniques for coaching conversations, and (f) effective strategies for exploring video with teachers.

During this session participants will learn how to conduct each of these new instructional coaching practices, learn about the research conducted to validate these practices, and receive tools they can use to implement the new practices with teachers.

Jim Knight is the author of Instructional Coaching: A Partnership Approach to Improving Instruction and Unmistakable Impact: A Partnership Approach to Dramatically Improving Instruction, Director of the Kansas Coaching Project at the University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning, and host of the Annual Instructional Coaching Conference in Lawrence, Kansas

Coaching to Create a Positive School Culture and Empower Educators to Achieve Excellence (8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.)

Presenter: Dara Feldman
Cost: $75 (For registrations postmarked after October 3, add $25 late fee)
Location: Oread Hotel - Gathering Room 1

Description: Do you want transform school culture and increase the individual performance of staff and students? Do you want to bring more joy, meaning and purpose back into teaching and learning? Dara invites you to join her in this highly interactive and joyful workshop where you will learn 5 strategies to: 1) Achieve your highest potential by identifying and strengthening your own unique character qualities. 2) Strengthen communication, using virtues to acknowledge excellence, guide learning and correct mistaken behavior 3) Recognize teachable moments to help others build resiliency and develop authentic self-esteem 4) Set clear boundaries based on “Restorative Justice” and transform bullies into leaders 5) Honor the spirit of individuals and inspire group unity 6) Companion others to find clarity and their own solutions 7) Utilize these 5 strategies for personal, professional and organizational development. For more information about this work check out www.heartofeducation.net

Dara Feldman is a Master Facilitator and Director of Education Initiatives for the Virtues Project International. She has been a classroom teacher, technology specialist, instructional coach, curriculum developer and educational consultant. She is Disney’s 2005 Outstanding Elementary Teacher of the Year, an Apple Distinguished Educator, a National Board Certified Teacher and is passionate about inspiring educators to bring out the best in themselves and others.

Sea-Change: How to Design an Instructional Coaching Administrative Model for Your School or District (1:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)
Presenters: Nina Morel and Carla Cushman
Cost: $75 (For registrations postmarked after October 3, add $25 late fee)
Location: Oread Hotel - Gathering Room 1

Description: Coaching works. But what are some of the nuts and bolts that go into building a viable program of coaching in your school or district? This session will guide you through developing your model, aligning it with your mission, vision, and school improvement targets, hiring and training your coaches, and preparing your school and district staff for instructional coaching. This interactive workshop is designed for principals, lead teachers and district office personnel who want a practical “how to guide” to start or redesign a coaching program.

Nina Morel and Carla Cushman are seasoned administrators with personal experience starting and championing a coaching program in their school district. Morel is an associate professor and director of M.Ed. programs at Lipscomb University in Nashville and Cushman is Professional Development Director for a large school district in Middle Tennessee.