This summer has been filled with so many fantastic learning opportunities. I can hardly wait to take my learning back to campus – I’m ready to change things up. I’m ready to implement new ideas and reinforce the great instruction already happening. The trouble is I don’t know where to start. I have notes scattered all over my home office, on my phone, on my iPad and on pieces of paper stuffed at the bottom of a number of bags and purses. It’s this time of year that panics me the most. And this isn’t the first summer I’ve felt this way.
In years past I’ve felt exactly as I do now – excited to start the year and full of ideas, but I failed in following through on any of those ideas; I was so overwhelmed with where to start. Instead of planning with the end in mind, I just went head-first into the year and hoped for the best. What kind of coach does that? One who depends solely on the ability of her players, I suppose. But even the best players need practice and that, my friends, is where I’m making my change this year.
First, I’m going to take all the idea scraps I have and organize them. Yup, this means rummaging past the smushed protein bars, crumpled receipts and various writing implements at the bottom of numerous bags. I may or may not have a chance to use them this year, but I want them available if I need them. Next, I’m going to the players on my team with a three question survey: what do you want to learn more about, what do you want to get better at doing, and what do you want to implement or improve upon in your classroom. The answers to these questions will drive my coaching. Pete Carroll, the greatest coach of all time according to my husband, believes that, “each person holds so much power within themselves that needs to be let out. Sometimes they just need a little nudge, a little direction, a little support, a little coaching, and the greatest things can happen.” So this year, I’m going to nudge, I’m going to support, and I’m going to coach.
Just Write for Me 