Heather Putio
Walden University
Sally Jo Toland
Teacher Leadership – Mentoring, Coaching and Collaboration with Colleagues EDUC 6655H - 1 February 26, 2013
My Reflection of Mentoring, Coaching and Collaboration As I reflect on the past seven weeks of learning I must confess that this has been the most interesting learning experience for me. It has impacted my practice at work on a daily basis and has engaged me in learning like no other course. It is authentic learning for me because it is practical and useful. I am able to practice what I learn immediately and I have peers that are interested in deep learning conversations about the resources and concepts. I feel like I am operating in the perfect laboratory and have been given the very best opportunity to learn and practice in a safe and supportive environment. It has been the ideal learning situation for me, which means it suits my personality style and learning preference very well. The following is a summary of my reflections from the course.
I believe that the meaningful work that comes from collaborative professional development will positively impact on student learning in the classroom. The partnership principles create a safe, professional learning environment that is most likely to be effective if the process as outlined in our resources is followed. I believe that everyone wants to be successful and given the appropriate support and tools is the way to increase the likelihood of their success. I am encouraged by Jim Knight’s work and his explanation of a simple solution to improving instruction, “we should take the partnership approach and treat adults like adults.” (Knight, J., 2011. p. 28) The partnership principle honors the ideas explored in education, psychology, philosophy and business. The expectation to participate in learning
References: Jonson, K. F., (2008) Overcoming Obstacles and Reaping the Rewards in Mentoring, Coaching, and Collaboration. Thousand Oaks, CA. Killion,J., & Harrison, C., (2006) Taking the Lead, New Roles for Teachers and School-based Coaches. National Staff Development Council, Oxford, OH. Knight, J., (2007) Partnership Communication in Mentoring, Coaching and Collaboration. Thousand Oaks, CA. Knight, J. (2009). Instructional Coaching in Mentoring, Coaching and Collaboration. Thousand Oaks, CA. Knight, J. (2011) Unmistakable Impact. A Partnership Approach for Dramatically Improving Instruction. Thousand Oaks, CA.