School Change Blog

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Coach as collage
(Thoughts on the train back home from coaching in NYC)

As a school coach, for each person I interact with I represent something different. Each person sees me through their own eyes, through their own experiences, biases, and expectations.
Recently my small schools coaching required me to lead educators within our national network on visits to New York Small Schools. Each day we gathered in the lobby and walked to the train station to transport ourselves to some of the best small schools in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Manhattan.

Along the way, for different members of my group, I was

a tour guide a team leader a facilitator a map translator a cheer leader an authority

When we reached the schools, my personas multiplied.

For the little girl with dreads, I was a role model dressed in bright colors and spiky hair.
For the little boy holding the Pikachu doll, I was an up-to-date Mom who knew just enough about Pokemon.
For the math teacher whose class we visited, I was a colleague who had experience with the curriculum he was teaching, who could offer ideas.
For the visiting teachers, I was a facilitator giving them the opportunity for formal reflection.
For the vice-principal, I was a model for leadership using the school visiting protocols while asking him to be more engaged and inquisitive during the visit.
For the district I represented “Ed Reform” or the mandates of a grant.
For the parent I was another body in the school to help them navigate.
For CCE, my organization, I represented progress.

It’s not necessarily easy being a part of a collage. Six months ago, when I accepted the position I had a very different idea of the roles and responsibility I would fill. But as all teachers should, I decide to be flexible in response to the needs of my school community.

Note that this is a decision I have made. It is only because I am willing to be a part of the picture, serving, shifting, allowing my image to be redefined as my role takes shape in the ever-evolving school reform movement.

But the moments of progress, the lightbulbs going off as a group of teachers sees a better way of doing things, in the complex presence of the collage I am for them—such moments are why I coach.

LaDawn Strickland
CCE