On the outskirts of Chicago, Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202 is beginning an exciting journey. Until now, there has been no instructional technology support in the schools but that is about to change. Laura Weed, Director of Digital Learning and Information, created a team of 13 classroom teachers who will serve not only the children in their own classrooms but as technology coaches for their schools or “houses.”
Plainfield is divided into 4 houses across the district. Each house has several elementary schools. a middle school, and a high school. In addition to the regular classroom responsibilities, these teacher leaders will provide after-school professional learning, model engaging blended learning in their classrooms, and help other teachers leverage technology in a face-to-face or virtual blended learning environment.
ALP was tasked with helping Plainfield define their coaching model and develop a toolkit/field guide of resources that would give this new cohort of teacher leaders a better understanding of the goals of the program and the tools and strategies to implement the program in their schools. One of ALP’s most valuable strengths is that all content is customized for each partner based on their specific needs and requests. We created a customized toolkit housed in a Google Site for ease of access that is comprised of three focus areas:
- Laying the Foundations: Building Relationships, Adult Learning Theory, Growth Models, and Communication
- Professional Learning: Using Needs Assessments, Modalities and Strategies for Professional Learning, and Reflection
- Growing as a Coach: Coaching Conversations, Coaching in the Classroom, and Practical Planning
Each module was broken down into four consistent components:
- Page Description: Overview of the Page or section
- Guiding Questions: Questions to consider for individual or collaborative reflection.
- Putting it Into Practice: Content, Strategies, Activities, Resources, Examples
- Going Deeper: Additional Resources
Included in each module is background information, research-based articles, micro-PD consisting of strategies, resources, examples, and lesson ideas that can be used immediately in the classroom. Supporting video and written instructions were included where appropriate.
In addition to creating the toolkit, I had the privilege of working with the team for two days during the summer of 2021. The training focused on using the toolkit to support their new roles, professional development strategies, and blending their roles as classroom teachers with their new roles as technology coaches. ALP understands the importance of making adjustments when providing professional learning. When we realized that the team needed more time to plan together, create strategies by grade level, and increase focus on professional learning strategies, we pivoted, made adjustments, and provided more time for what really mattered. The team was able to do concrete work, create strategies and processes for helping teachers, and leave feeling confident and ready for their new roles in their schools. The excitement and energy in the room was pretty amazing to watch as the vision came to life. And being a part of that vision is what motivates every ALP consultant.
Partnering with districts is all about developing relationships, building trust, and working together towards a common goal. This was the first in-person professional learning experience for Plainfield and the ALP consultant since COVID and it was a joyous, exciting occasion for all of us! We began with a partnership, and ended with a friendship.
