Teaching students requires compassion and a willingness to learn from teachers who have years of experience in their field.
There are both subtle and significant differences between teaching novice teachers and veteran teachers in terms of their methods of instruction. The most recent technological advancements or academic learning trends may have been introduced to novice teachers, even if they do not have the necessary classroom experience to do so. When working with these learners, an instructional coach understands that they require the research, skills, and strategies necessary to build a community.
New teachers lack the knowledge and experience that seasoned veterans have gained through their years of teaching. An instructional coach should treat veteran teachers with decency and courtesy.
For example, veteran teachers have witnessed every educational initiative that has been implemented. They can tell the difference between a recycled idea and a new one. They can recall differentiated instruction, which refers to tailoring instruction to a child’s learning style, backward design, which refers to writing the test first, and higher-order thinking skills, which refers to the fact that there may be more than one correct answer. Teachers with a lot of experience know how to build relationships with their students. They design lessons that are both motivating and engaging, and they help students develop a sense of belonging.
Experienced teachers are eager to provide clear directions and plan in detail, but we also know that they can provide learning opportunities for new teachers.
Are there any new insights or learning that an instructional coach can provide to veteran teachers that they do not already possess? These wise and well-respected individuals could benefit from new information or insights. They are under no obligation to be condescending or pompous.
SUGGESTIONS FOR HELPING OUT VETERAN TEACHERS
These suggestions will assist you in developing a mutually respectful and fruitful coaching relationship with experienced teachers.
- To gain insight into the teaching style of new educators, request to observe a class. The opportunity to observe a class will provide you with valuable insight into how to assist new teachers, and it will also provide you with the opportunity to learn how a veteran teacher might benefit from your assistance.
- Never assume that you are attempting to undo years of effort. In the process, they made mistakes and learned from them, as well as enjoyed years of trial and error. Pay close attention to the tone and demeanor of your voice. You are a guest in their academic community of learners, and you are expected to contribute.
- After you have observed the students, you should talk with them about the lesson. It might be interesting to find out how they came up with the lesson idea, what questions they asked, and what they hope students will remember about the lesson a decade from now from their answers.
- Pay close attention to the teacher’s instructions and take thorough notes. Take a look at the teacher’s background and what they do. Clarifying language should be used to communicate your thoughts and suggestions. The clarifying language indicates to the speaker that he or she has been heard, but that the listener may not be fully comprehending what has been said. A fantastic opportunity to learn from seasoned educators and to use conversation to help you collaborate and begin planning together is presented here. You might want to clarify your understanding by asking the following questions: Did you understand what I said when you said? Was my paraphrasing of your words accurate?
- Inquire with a veteran teacher if you can assist with a lesson. As part of a whole-class activity, you could teach students how to use an annotation strategy. You could work with a small group of students to assist them in reading the chapter that has been assigned. You can make specific recommendations on how to collaborate with the veteran teacher and gain an understanding of their teaching methods and procedures.
Inquire with veteran teachers about the possibility of sharing a lesson with the rest of the staff. Perhaps there is a strategy that works well in one teacher’s classroom but not in another’s, and this is why. They’ll frequently claim that they have a successful strategy, but they’re not aware that it is a best practice that is widely recognized.
It is impossible to overstate the wealth of knowledge that comes with years of learning and teaching experience. Veteran teachers frequently serve as mentors to newer members of the staff. As a coach or a colleague, you have the opportunity to learn from and share your knowledge with others. These relationships can be developed and nurtured to assist students in learning more about their work and gaining greater insight.