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What does the TESOL Employment Field look like?

There are many English language teaching opportunities all over the world for those who possess a TESOL Certificate or TEFL Certificate from a recognized institution. 

There was a time when experience and qualifications were not required;  any native English speaker with a bit of wanderlust could teach English abroad and travel the world.

Today, there is an even greater demand for quality English language instruction and for qualified TESOL/TEFL professionals.  Of course, it is still possible to teach without a recognized certificate; however, the choices are fewer and the salary is minimal. 

Possessing a TESOL Certificate will not only open more doors, it will also command a higher salary.

Click here to Browse Online Resources

To non-English speaking immigrants, being able to communicate in English empowers them, makes them more independent, and helps them tap into the social and economic resources we have. 

People living in non-English speaking countries have an unquenchable thirst for English language teachers.  For many people, being able to function in English allows them to secure better employment, study at a North American Institution, and connect with North American culture.

Graduates from the SIT TESOL Certificate course can be found teaching in English language programs for adults in the USA.  They can also be found teaching English abroad  in private and public schools and institutions.  Some prefer short-term intensive programs such as {summer language programs} while others seek longer-term employment.  There are even part-time positions for those people looking to supplement their income or traveling funds.  There are also full-time positions for people who desire a career in the TESOL field and want to start teaching their way around the world.

For people who have skills in other professional fields {business, law, nursing, etc}, an SIT TESOL Certificate gives them an opportunity to teach English for Specific Purposes (ESP).  This is a term used for English language programs that teach field-specific language and skills to professionals in that field.  More on ESP can be found here.

When deciding to work overseas, the name of the game is information.  The more you empower yourself with information, the greater the chances that your expectations will be met.  We've begun compiling a list of helpful resources {below} to help you stay informed.

During the SIT TESOL Certificate course, we spend a good amount of time talking about the overseas job market, how to find a teaching job, what to look out for, and what to consider when considering a position in the field.  In addition to both formal and informal seminars, we also have an excellent job resource center to help you find the job that's right for you.  Moreover, graduates also receive additional support through SIT's alumnet listserv.

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TEFL jobs in Asia - http://www.teachenglishinasia.net/jobs
ESL/EFL games - http://www.teachenglishinasia.net/tefl-tesl-games-and-activities-directory

 

About.com ESL Careers Guide -  http://esl.about.com/blcareer.htm.  This site has some useful information about what's out there for those interested in teaching abroad and at home.

Adult Education Directory - http://www.adulteducationdir.com  A one stop resource for all your adult education needs.

Ajarn.com (The English teacher's guide to Bangkok) - http://www.ajarn.com/  All you want, need or should know about teaching English and living in Bangkok, Thailand. Info on all aspects of life here in the Big Mango.

ANEON - http://www.aeonet.com/ This is a Japanese corporation which constantly hires teachers to work in its 190 schools around Japan!! If you're thinking of Japan, check this out!

Anglo-Hellenic Teacher Recruitment - http://anglo-hellenic.com/ The foremost agency for teachers of English in Greece-great if you're thinking about teaching abroad.

Asia - TEFL/TESL Job Offers -http://www.englishclub.com Jobs for EFL/ESL teachers in Asia. You can also post your CV/resume here.

Asian Teaching Jobs  -  http://www.teachenglishinasia.net/tefl-jobs-in-asia-and-abroad  Find TESOL jobs in Asia and Abroad.

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Best Bets for Teaching Abroadhttp://www.cie.uci.edu/iop/teaching.html This site, maintained by The University of California, Irvine, Center for International Education, has many pertinent links to teaching overseas including agencies and web sites devoted to teaching in specific countries.  Check it out!

BENZHI - Teach EFL in China, Hong Kong, Korea, and Taiwan - http://www.benzhi.com  BENZHI provides EFL & ESL job listings, resources, information, articles, and living advice for EFL teachers in China, Hong Kong, Korea, and Taiwan.

TEFL Courses Spain - http://www.cactustefl.com/tefl/ Cactus TEFL offers help and advice for internationally recognised TEFL qualifications.

CfBT Education Services: Recruiting English Teachers in Brunei http://cfbt.org/ CfBT Education Services (B) Sdn Bhd is a Brunei company with local and international owners. As a supplier of education services to the Ministry of Education in Brunei we currently employ over 240 specialist English teachers.

Children Summer School - http://www.vacstuds.com Learn English this Summer at the Vacational Studies summer school England.  English Language Courses for Children 11 - 17

Clic - Spanish Learning Spain http://www.clic.es  CLIC IH is a Spanish language school in the historic centre of Seville

The Chronicle of Higher Education - http://chronicle.com/jobs Job announcements from the latest issues of The Chronicle, plus other information useful to people pursuing careers in higher education.

Culturegrams - http://store.yahoo.com/culturegram/  CultureGrams is the leading provider of concise, reliable, up-to-date information on the world's cultures. This is very helpful when considering teaching abroad.

Dave's ESL Job Placement -http://www.eslcafe.com/jobs/korea/  Finds safe jobs for quality people in reputable schools throughout South Korea.   This type of research is useful when looking for overseas jobs.

Dave’s ESL Job Directory - http://eslcafe.com/search/Jobs/General/ This has everything from tips to links to many related sites.

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Edunet’s Job Service -   http://www.jobs.edufind.com/ Has a list of job resources for teaching in the USA and teaching abroad.

Electronic Embassy - http://www.embassy.org/  contains links to more than 160 foreign government facilities. Click on Embassies or International Business Center for links to worldwide employment, cultural, legal, and other informational sites.

EFL in Asia - http://www.geocities.com/allhou/eflasia.htm The best source of information about teaching English in Asia.

EL Gazette - online - http://www.elgazette.com/ The EL Gazette is the international trade newspaper of the English Language Industry. News and great resources for ELTeachers.

ELT News - For English Teachers in Japan - http://www.eltnews.com/ This Japan-oriented site features news, views and jobs.

ELT Job Source - http://www.tefl.com/   This service offers free job bulletins and tons of information about what's out there.

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ELT Terminology - http://www.tefl.net/teacher-training/terminology.htm Useful listing of abbreviations and acronyms used in the ELT industry.

EL SOL -http://elsol.idiomasperu.com Travel to Lima and Learn Spanish at El Sol. We offer six levels to study Spanish, homestay, volunteer
opportunities and more.

Employment Resources - http://www.eduref.org/ This is an ERIC publication that lists, among other things, other publications and subscription related job newsletters.

Enforex Barcelona - WELCOME TO TESOL TRAINERS!!!- Enforex Spanish School in Barcelona. Spanish courses for all ages, levels and interests all year round. Accommodation, excursions, activities and full support.

Enforex Marbella - http://www.enforex-marbella.com/ Enforex Spanish School in Marbella. Spanish courses for all ages, levels and interests all year round. Accommodation, excursions, activities and full support.

Enforex Spanish Schools - http://www.enforex-marbella.com/enforex.html- Enforex Spanish Language Schools in Spain. Study Spanish in 10 destinations and mix and match if you'd like! 20 types of Spanish programs with accommodation, excursions, activities and the best teaching staff in Spain.

EnglishClub - http://englishclub.com This is a wonderful site that has a lot of information for teachers.  Check out its sister sites for Spain, Taiwan, Brazil, Mexico, etc…

English International - http://www.english-international.com/ Useful advice on TEFL/TESL job market, job searching, training programs, resources, publications, etc.

European TEFL/TESL Jobs http://www.tefl.net/jobs/jobs.pl  Jobs Offered for EFL/ESL teachers in Europe. Post your job ad or CV free.

ESL Classifieds - http://eslclassifieds.com/ This site is managed by the Tower of English.

ESL Directory http://www.iagora.com/pages/sendto?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2EESLdirectory%2Ecom&lang=en     This site seems to be growing and does allow you to search for English language schools by country.

ESL Jobs  http://esljobs.biz  ESL, TESL and TEFL Jobs and resumes.

ESL Job Maze -  http://www.englishjobmaze.com/ Comprehensive ESL/EFL job & info site for teachers and schools worldwide. Contains international job postings, searchable CV/resume database, job alerts, plus a TEFL  guide to pay, taxes and visas in 50 countries.
 

Fast Track teaching jobs - http://www.corkid.co.uk/linkspage.htm  Fast track teaching jobs worldwide. Contact schools directly we have 87 countries on file that hire language teachers of English, Spanish, French, Chinese, Italian, Russian and German.

Free success Resources - http://success.halocontent.info  New and exciting site provide information about success Resources and Directory


 

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Granada Spanish School http://www.enforex-granada.com/teachers.html Spanish School in Granada Staff. Enforex boasts an enthusiastic, dedicated and highly qualified staff of language teachers- learn more!

Guide to Jobs in Japan - http://www.jobsinjapan.com/ Online guide to live and work in Japan with job listings.

Health Insurance for Teaching Overseas - http://www.health-insurance-4-tefl-tesl-instructors.com/links/resources.shtml One place you may want to look at if you're considering buy health insurance.  The SIT website also has some good information and access to health related information is free to graduates!!

The International Educator - http://www.tieonline.com/ This is a publication that is well respected and put out 5-6 times per year.

The Japan FAQ: Know Before You Go - http://thejapanfaq.cjb.net/ Important info for anyone visiting or teaching in Japan, including visas, apartments, transportation, banking, customs, tips, etc

Teaching English in Japan -  .  This has a nice selection of current job openings for Japan.

Job Centre - http://www.tefl.net/jobs/ Jobs worldwide for EFL/ESL teachers. Drop by and post your own Job Wanted notice.

Job Experiences from around the world - http://esl.about.com/library/career/blexperience.htm  This has some relevant information on working overseas.

Jobs in TESL/TEFL - http://www.eltweb.com This is a comprehensive listing of many online resources related to the TESOL job market/field.

Jobshop - http://www.englishclub.net/jobs/index.htm Worldwide jobs for EFL/ESL teachers. Plus Teachers' Employment Forum for discussion of jobs-related issues.

Jobs UK - http://www.adoos.co.uk A new online UK community with job offers

Korea Job Links - http://directory.google.com/Top/Regional/Asia/South_Korea/Business_and_Economy/Employment/  Google has a plethora of sites that are worth visiting if you have Kimche and Boolgogi on your mind.

Recruit English Teachers for Korea -http://www.eslteachersboard.com/cgi-bin/esljobs/index.pl?index=0 Recruiters who live in Korea. Teachers, placing all the information that new teachers need before they come. Also making an excellent resource of white listed schools with there own home pages.

Comprehensive guide to teaching and living in Korea - http://www.teachenglishinasia.net/korea-1  this is a wonderful guide to living and working in Korea.


 

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Some Tips for Teaching English to Korean Students - http://www.esl-blog.com/  This is a great blog in teaching in Korea.

Language Courses UK http://www.languagetrainers.co.uk Language Trainers - a straightforward approach to language training with our native speaker & qualified experienced trainers in  your home or office anywhere in UK.

Internet Job Search - http://www.uni.edu/riedmill All the links you need to complete your TEFL/TESL job search.  No matter what stage of the job search you are in, there are links and loads of information for you.

Learn Spanish in Spain Study abroad South Latin America http://www.linguaschools.com/ Learn Spanish abroad in Costa Rica Mexico Argentina Chile

Learn Spanish in Mexico & Argentina at IMAC - http://www.spanish-school.com.mx If you are searching for quality Spanish language schools, IMAC is recognized as one of the finest in Latin America. Offering programs in Mexico and Argentina backed up with years of experience, we have the best selection in courses, locations and extra-curricular activities.

Learn Spanish in Spain - http://www.enforex.com/  Enforex Spanish Schools in Spain and Latin America.  Learn Spanish where it is spoken. Spanish immersion courses worldwide. Open all year round. Small classes in different locations with accommodation.

Latin American Jobs - http://www.latpro.com/  This is a very large job search site covering most of Latin America.

Teaching English in Mexico - http://www.mexconnect.com/mex_/travel/dadams/daenglishinmexico1.html This has a nice collection of websites in North America that hire or train TESOL teachers.

O-Hayo Sensei - http://www.ohayosensei.com/ This is the world's largest and most comprehensive (100+ positions/issue) jobs-in-Japan magazine.

Ohio University EFL Job Links http://www.ohiou.edu/esl/teacher/job/index.html  This page is for language and English language teachers seeking work in the USA as well as overseas jobs. In addition to a list of useful job-links, there is a selection of 'internet searches' which do pre-structured net searches and show you the results.  This is a great site for people interested in the TESOL field.

1-language.com Online ESL Center - http://www.1-language.com/ Free, comprehensive ESL Site including forums, realtime chat, jobs, grammar, writing, interactive quizzes and games, flashcards, audio materials, helplines, multi-lingual content - and much more!

Overseas Jobs - http://www.overseasjobs.com/do/search  Though not specifically for education/teaching.  This does have some good info if you're looking to travel.

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Resources for Overseas Job Searches - http://www.escapeartist.com/jobs34/jobs34.htm This is a great directory of associations and agencies that recruit

Spain - http://www.justspain.org Visitors guide to Spain, including useful maps, main attractions, and Spanish fiestas. Includes individual city sections.and/or offer employment from Escape Artist.

Spanish courses - http://www.studylanguages.org/spanishcourses Learn Spanish at one of our Spanish language schools.

Spanish For Fun - http://www.spanish-with-fun.com Spanish with FUN is a great possibility to learn or improve the Spanish language. LENGUAVIVA (since 1989) offers in downtown Sevilla courses to learn Spanish. The school is passing every two years the independent quality control CEELE.

Spanish Language - http://www.enforex-seville.com To ensure a productive, successful and enjoyable learning experience at our Spanish language school in Seville, we are proud to offer top-notch facilities, carefully designed course programs, unbeatable services for our students and dedicated, highly-qualified teachers.

Spanish Language Course in Granada - http://www.enforex-granada.com/courses.html  Spanish Language Courses in Granada. Learn all about the wide range of Spanish courses we offer in Granada for students, children, adults, business executives, teachers.

Spanish Language School in Valencia -    http://www.enforex-valencia.com/school-facilities.html Spanish language school in Valencia. Learn all about the Enforex Spanish Language School in Valencia.

Spanish Learning Spain - http://www.clic.es Spanish language courses designed for students with limited time or who have special needs.

Study Abroad Programs - http://www.GSEAbroad.com  Study Abroad in Spain, France, Italy and England with Global Student Experience.

Study Spanish abroad in Guadalajara, Mexico at IMAC - http://www.spanish-school.com.mx  Study Spanish in Mexico! You will find a description of daily  activities we offer to make learning Spanish a unique experience. Also find our pricing list and "Spanish for specific skills" program.  You may start learning Spanish next Monday!

3W Jobs UK - http://3wjobs.co.uk This is a job board with vacancies in all sectors.

Taiwan Teacher - http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Delphi/1979/ This site gives you a clear look at what's involved in teaching in Taiwan.

Teach Abroad - http://www.teachabroad.com/ This commercial site has a lot of valuable information for those people wishing to teach abroad including job offers and employment links.

Teaching English inAsia -  http://www.aacircle.com.au/

Teaching 4-U - http://www.teaching4u-hq.com/ A neat site with links about teaching.

Teach in Mexico - http://www.teachmexico.com/resources.html  This is a great site to find out about teaching in Latin America.  TEFL jobs - Teach English abroad. TEFL job placement in Mexico, Latin America  and worldwide.

TEFL Asia - http://teflasia.com/ Overview of teaching options in Asian countries, news, TEFL humor, case studies, discussion board, Q&A etc.

TEFL Board - http://www.gonomad.com/alternatives/0502/teflboard.asp  This website, though new, does have some good information for those wishing to travel abroad and teach.

TEFL in Turkey - http://www.payaway.co.uk/dirtefl.htm Site that offers pages on FAQ, school addresses, jobs offered and message board for TEFL in Turkey.

The TEFL/TESL Job Centre - http://www.tefl.net/jobs/ Jobs worldwide for EFL/ESL teachers. Categorized by continent. Post your Job Offered ad or Job Wanted notice free.

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TEFL.com - http://www.tefl.com/ This is an outstanding place to find a job, research the opportunities, learn more about the field, and research overseas jobs.

TESOL Job Search Information http://www.american.edu/tesol/Tjobs.html Site that offers online resume posting and access to TESOL’s very popular job e-bulletin.

Teaching Overseas: Do's and Don'ts - http://www.joyjobs.com/center/esl.htm  This has some good things to think about when considering teaching abroad.

Tips on Teaching overseas - http://www.teaching-in-japan.com/teach-english-overseas.htm  This is a site that does offer some good links and good including recruiting agencies, job listings, and tips.

The No-Nonsense Guide To Finding A Teaching Job Abroad - http://joyjobs.com This is an informative look at getting overseas jobs and how TESOL fits into the world-wide job market.

The Teaching in Latin America Guide- http://www.transitionsabroad.com/listings/work/esl/articles/workinlatinamerica.shtml  This is from Transitions Abroad and has a number of useful links related to teaching in Latin America.

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Teaching English Overseashttp://www.escapeartist.com/jobs34/jobs34.htm This is a site that has information and articles on teaching abroad as well as numerous links for those seeking overseas jobs.

Teaching English in Thailand - http://esl.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://eslcafe.com/thailand/ This is a guide through the eyes of a person who taught through World Teach in the early 90s.

Teaching English in Taiwan - http://www.tealit.com/ This site is a hub of information on working in Taiwan including job offers, living information, and tips.

Tour Italy  - http://www.AccessItaly.net  Access Italy provides private and exclusive tours throughout Italy.

University of Michigan Career Centerhttp://www.umich.edu/~icenter/overseas/ This is a wonderful site for those who want to look at careers in TESOL.  This has a great work abroad calendar, information on the types of opportunities, VISA and, Staying Healthy tips.  Check it out!!

US State Dept. Office of English Language Programs - http://exchanges.state.gov/education/engteaching/ This has some good information about teaching ESOL in general and contacts if you’re interested in working with the US government in one of its English language programs worldwide.

Volunteer to Teach Abroad - http://www.globalvolunteers.org/1main/teach_english.htm There are many opportunities to volunteer as a teacher.  Here's one good example.

Experiences from around the world - http://esl.about.com/library/career/blexperience.htm It's always a good idea to get as much information as you can before you take the plunge.  This website offers one more way of learning about the triumphs and challenges of teaching abroad.

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School for International Training and SIT are registered trademarks of  World Learning, Inc, all rights reserved.

 

 

 

iCOACH™

PROPOSAL

 

 

 

 

 

Consultant: John R. Kongsvik

TESOL Trainers

Client Contact: Steve Malmberg

The College of the Marshall Islands

 

 

 

 

 

April 27, 2007

Introduction: The following proposal pertains to the implementation of a Coaching model specific to the needs of the College of The Marshall Islands. In addition to the Coaching model, all support materials will be created for use by the full time teachers working in this institution. In order to provide the maximum level of support, teachers will receive on-going training and support in their implementation Best Practices using iCOACH™ {Connecting, Observing, Assisting, Collecting, and Helping}

Rationale: Providing teachers with on-going and targeted support helps teachers create positive changes in their teaching practices, helps them alter their approach to planning, teaching and assessing. Introducing and training coaches in a uniform manner of interacting with teachers helps coaches grow in their abilities to provide teachers with the best support possible in the varied situations and levels they find themselves in.

Benefits: The benefits of ICOACH™ are as follows:

Participants develop strong reflective teaching skills.

Participants show demonstrable confidence in using the Experiential Learning Cycle as a vehicle for supporting change.

Participants build knowledge of how to create a safe, supportive learning environment.

Participants develop skills in being about to communicate their strengths and challenges.

Participants learn how to interpret data objectively and use the data to promote changes in their approach to teaching and learning.

Participants expand understanding of positive teaching practices.

Participants portray demonstrable confidence in using Best Practices in the classroom.

Participants demonstrate competence in employing Best Practices in the classroom.

Participants improve in their ability to plan using Best Practices.

Participants receive key strategies in giving and receiving feedback.

Having a uniform Coaching System throughout the college facilitates training, success, and accountability.

Participants may have the option of receiving graduate credit for successful completing of iCOACH™ from the School for International Training {SIT}.

About the Consultant: John Kongsvik has spent the past 16 years teaching and teacher training in public and private institutions. For the past 7 years, John Kongsvik has trained and coached teachers nationally and abroad in TESOL methodology, Sheltered Instruction, Best Practices, and Differentiating Instruction. He has trained trainers and coached coaches. John has designed curricula and professional development programs for schools, public programs and universities. Moreover, he runs a Teacher Training Institute in Santa Fe, NM in conjunction with the School for International Training, one of the most well recognized teacher training institutions in the world.

All courses, workshops, and trainings reflect experiential learning, interactive teaching, reflective teaching practices, and research-driven strategies and techniques that promote learner-centeredness. Due to the experiential nature of all courses, all participants leave having experienced the technique as a learner, explored the technique as a teacher/learner, and examined it for use in the classroom as a teacher. As a result, they leave with a deep understanding of the strategies and a clear vision of how to use them in their context.

Guiding Philosophy: The design and implementation of these courses are based on the principles of experiential learning, learner-centered teaching, and reflective teaching practices. All course design is centered on providing students with the support they need to achieve the objectives of the course. The curriculum in each course is designed to be highly interactive and engaging.

Scope: The objective of this project is to implement a Coaching framework, iCOACH™, for the College of the Marshall Islands. The course also will also help participants develop skills to support the learning and success of all teachers and students regardless of their native language, challenges, or needs. Included in the proposal package are:

All supporting materials defining and exemplifying each facet of the Coaches responsibilities and routines.

Two day information gathering session at the end of AY 2006-2007 (Can be done in conjunction with the following phase).

Two full day workshops at the start of AY 2007-2008 to introduce iCOACH™, and its components to the participants.

Four follow up on-site trainings throughout AY 2007-2008 (dates TBA).

One full day workshop at the end of AY 2007-2008.

Optional intersession support via the online Blackboard Learning Platform.

 

Overview of iCOACH™

COACH

Role

Responsibilities

Connect

Coaches primary goal must be to connect with her colleagues. In doing so, a Coach is able to let their peers know what role they play, what skills they have to offer, and how they may be able to help. The first step in any coaching relationship is to create a sense of trust and mutual respect. From that, grows a positive relationship of sharing, support, and success.

1. Coaches must inform teachers of the role a Coach plays.

2. Coaches must foster a safe environment of trust.

3. Coaches must educate teachers on what skills a Coach can offer.

4. Coaches must learn from their teachers on how best to support them.

Observe

Coaches are keen observers. They observe their fellow teachers as they interact with their subject, students, and strategies. They observe the students as they work in the learning environment. Finally, and equally important, they observe themselves and how they interact within the learning community.

1. Coaches observe teachers in order to help them grow, not to evaluate them.

2. Coaches observe students in order to meet their needs, not to assess them.

3. Coaches observe themselves in order to adapt to the needs of each individual teacher and every unique situation.

Assist

Coaches assist teachers on a variety of levels. They assist in the understanding of strategies and the learning/teaching paradigm. They assist their peers in planning and implementing strategies and techniques. Coaches also assist by modeling positive teaching practices and in any technique their teachers are striving to develop.

1. Coaches assist teachers as colleagues not as experts.

2. Coaches assist teachers in planning not to do the planning for them.

3. Coaches assist teachers in modeling based on their level of comfort.

4. Coaches assist teachers in acquiring positive teaching practices using varying degrees of support depending on the teacher’s needs.

Collect

Coaches collect data. They collect information on what is working, what isn’t, and, of primary importance, why. They collect information from their fellow teachers that highlights how they may best be of assistance. They collect information from the students that points towards which approaches are most beneficial in helping every learner succeed. They collect data on themselves in order to direct their own growth as coaches.

1. Coaches collect data to gain insight into how best to help teachers.

2. Coaches collect information to target their efforts and support.

3. Coaches collect information to raise the awareness of individual teachers.

4. Coaches collect information to improve their ability to support the teachers in and out of the classroom.

Help

Coaches help raise the level of awareness. They help teachers identify strengths and challenges. They help them build strong reflective teaching practices. They help their fellow teachers make concrete action plans in order to create positive, sustainable change in their teaching practices. They help themselves become more aware of their interactions with their peers and what effects these interactions have.

1. Coaches help teachers identify their strengths and their challenges.

2. Coaches help teachers create targeted personal action plans for growth.

3. Coaches help teachers raise their awareness of self, students, and subject.

4. Coaches help one another identify their own strengths and challenges and how to address them.

 

 

Objectives

 

By the end of the first year of iCOACH™, participants will be able to:

 

Use the Experiential Learning Cycle {ELC} as a means of reflecting on what happened, why it happened, and how past experiences affects future interactions.

Introduce the ELC to peer teachers as a vehicle for positive change in teaching practices.

Promote a safe, collaborative, and healthy working relationship with peers.

Use constructive communicative techniques in speaking with peers about the teaching and learning paradigm.

Observe with objectivity all facets of the learning environment including teachers, students, and their interactions with the content.

Deliver knowledge and skills to teachers in a learner-centered manner.

Encourage the use of effective teaching practices using the 4-step model: Teacher does as students watch; teacher does as students help; students do as teacher helps; students do as teacher watches.

Give teachers feedback in a manner that supports autonomy, growth, and responsibility.

Identify the level of support teachers need based on individual needs and environments.

Assist teachers in planning to implement strategies and techniques in the classroom.

Assist teachers in identifying what is working, what isn’t, and possible future actions.

Model strategies effectively inside and outside of the active classroom.

Collect and use data as a means of identifying areas which need short and long term attention.

Help teachers identify their own strengths and challenges.

Help teachers create observable personal action plans to stimulate positive change.

Project Outline:

Phase One: Information Gathering Sessions

Dates: Two Days of Observation of teaching practices at the end of AY 2006-2007 (This can be done in conjunction with Phase Two).

Description: The initial phase of the project is to meet the current teachers prior to the implementation of iCOACH™.

Purpose:

To meet current teachers personally.

To observe teachers in their work environment.

To collect data from teachers, students and administrators on their needs surrounding this initiative.

To discuss with teachers their experiences, their strengths and the challenges they face.

Comments: It is imperative to take into consideration the needs of every facet of the learning community. By meeting with these individuals, the program they will use the following year will not be foreign boxed solution but a familiar, welcomed initiative.

Phase Two: Introduction to iCOACH™

Dates: Two Full Day workshops prior to the start of AY 2007-2008

Description: The initial phase of the project is to introduce Coaches to iCOACH™

Purpose:

To provide Coaches with an overview of each aspect of iCOACH™.

To introduce the Experiential Learning Cycle as the framework for working with teachers.

To uncover the fundamental aspects of reflective teaching practices and their benefits for ISTs and teachers alike.

To discover ways to create a safe, supportive collaborative environment.

To develop strategies designed to communicate the Coaches job.

To create a framework for speaking with teachers about teaching and learning.

To explore past successes and challenges.

To create personal action plans for individual growth for each Coaches.

Comments: Beginning with an overview of the initiative, iCOACH™, and grounding their work in the Experiential Learning Cycle and reflective teaching practices, participants acquire a baseline from which they will be able to recognize their own strengths, their own challenges, and create observable action plans to meet those challenges. If we are asking our teachers to adapt their approach to teaching, we must be willing to adapt our own.

 

Phase Three: AY Academy

Dates: Four follow up visits throughout AY 2007-2008 (dates TBA).

Description: The third phase of the project focuses on building Coaches skills and deepening their understanding of the iCOACH™ model. It involves observing the Coaches in their working environment and providing explicit modeling when appropriate and/or requested. Each Coach will be observed on an average of four times during the academic year depending on their needs and those of the institution.

Purpose:

Different aspects of the iCOACH™ initiative: Connecting, Observing, Assisting, Collecting, Helping.

Increasing participants’ understanding of the Experiential Learning Cycle and reflective teaching practices.

Specific topics based on the immediate and future needs of the Coaches.

To observe Coaches implementing the strategies and techniques in iCOACH™.

To model positive coaching practices.

To gain feedback on the successes and challenges Coaches face.

Comments: Learning is not linear but cyclical. Providing participants with continuous opportunities to deepen their knowledge, skills, attitudes, and awareness supports their growth and provides an excellent model for working with their colleagues. Providing observational and modeling support to Coaches increases their ability to create positive change within themselves, their peers, and the students they serve. It also serves as an explicit model for the principles espoused in the iCOACH™ initiative.

Phase Four: Post-AY Academy

Dates: One full day workshop at the end of AY 2007-2008.

Description: This is the wrap up stage in the iCOACH™ initiative.

Purpose:

To help Coaches reflect on their successes and challenges during the academic year.

To share experiences with fellow Coaches.

To create an individualized action plan for the next academic year.

To assess the effectiveness of the program and the support offered.

Comments: After the first year of the program, Coaches need an opportunity to stop, share, and reflect. They also need a structure for identifying the successes they’ve had, challenges they’ve faced, and an opportunity to create an action plan for the next year in this role.

Revised: 10/10/07