Proof of this has recently been reiterated by the Best Foot Forward Project from Harvard’s Center for Education Policy Research. The study found that:

1 - When using video, teachers and administrators both felt the observation process was more fair and productive, with teachers feeling that observers were more supportive and administrators finding teachers less defensive.

2 - With video, observations could take place at more convenient times, resulting in more focused and robust feedback.

3 - Teachers who used video became more self-reflective, tending to rate themselves lower than those not using video and better identifying opportunities for growth.

Watch this video of Instructional Coach, Mike Fleetham, live coaching Ian, a teacher at Sammamish High School. Mike watches the lesson from a different room in the same building – no need for him to disturb the classroom dynamics!

The results are in, as a recent study by TNTP concluded that districts spend an average of $18 billion a year on PD that is having no real effect on teacher improvement.

In many schools, the term “coaching” instantly brings to mind feelings of inadequacy and underperformance. Too many districts are requiring “coaching” as a means to manage and improve teachers seen as not cutting it in the classroom. While coaching can certainly be a valuable resource for struggling teachers, it should not be limited to just those who are having particular difficulties.

During his recent talk at TedxGrandRapids, David Weston answered the question: How do we develop great teaching?

The importance of confidence: How to become a more confident teacher

Why is confidence important?

Gaining self-confidence and developing your teaching ability are closely related so by conquering one you can also conquer the other.

7 ways to improve your confidence...

6 ways to revitalize your professional learning

Developing good professional learning habits and useful routines helps us feel productive and directed towards our goals.

But sometimes the routines we rely on turn into ruts without our realizing it. We may find ourselves feeling trapped, bored and unmotivated without really understanding why.

Mixing things up and trying new ideas is a great way to invigorate your professional development.

Question and Answer with John Hattie from Visible Learning

John Hattie firmly believes that excellent teaching is all around us. This is clear in his recent interview with IRIS Connect, in which he shares how we can inspire all teaching to be excellent by looking to the teachers we already have...