As the school year begins, our goals are sort of like New Year’s Resolutions… we make them in good faith but then life intervenes! So, what can we do about making realistic goals that both support and challenge our instructional coaching roles?

First things first… think about last year’s accomplishments and build on them. Maybe you accomplished all you set out to do. Or, maybe you only achieved a few of the goals on your list. Either way, re-focus your energies and review the goals you set. If your goals were met, great. Move on with enhancing and building your previous goals. If your goals were not met, take a moment and reflect on why not. Were they specific enough, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely? What exactly did I want to achieve? How did I plan on achieving them? Did I have the right people on the bus with me to accomplish those goals? Was my timeline appropriate and doable? Did I have alternative ways to achieve the goals throughout the course of the commitment? What got in the way of attaining these goals? Did I talk to a trusted colleague about these goals and share possible strategies for reaching them? Remember, two heads are better than one!

As you begin this year, review your role with teachers and administrators so you can continue to promote the culture of professional learning throughout the year. Collaborate with your teaching colleagues and gather the collective wisdom of your group to help develop this year’s coaching toolbox of professional learning offerings. Go back to goal setting and encourage your colleagues to co-create the professional learning plan with you for the year. Plan smart and work smarter!

Have a great year!

What are your first steps in setting goals for the year?