“A new year is not just about turning the page — it’s about writing a new chapter.”
Educators experience not just one but two “new years”: one at the beginning of the school year and another in January. However, January is more than just the calendar resetting for educators. Instead, it is a time to deeply reflect, recalibrate and refocus their efforts for meaningful growth during the second half of the school year. This spirit of renewal can energize instructional coaches to set goals that drive personal development and support teacher success.
Instructional coaches have a unique opportunity to guide and inspire teachers in the second half of the school year. This article offers strategies and practical solutions for instructional coaches to re-establish strong relationships with teachers, foster trust and set a positive tone for the remainder of the year.
Rebuilding connections: Strategies for rekindling trust
Although winter break can bring rest and rejuvenation, it can also introduce challenges such as disconnection or feelings of overwhelm as teachers transition back to their demanding roles. Some educators may feel detached from their routines and professional goals, face mixed energy levels, experience a lack of focus or an onslaught of new initiatives.
Instructional coaches can provide critical support in navigating these varied emotions and circumstances by rebuilding genuine connections to ease the transition and build momentum for the second half of the year.
Re-establishing connections, trust and support after the break doesn’t require big, elaborate efforts. Instead, small, consistent and intentional actions affirm teachers’ worth, provide support and nurture relationships, laying the foundation for effective coaching and demonstrating that teachers are acknowledged, valued and appreciated.
- Start with genuine check-ins.
- Practical solution: Host informal one-on-one conversations to ask about their break and any personal or professional highlights.
- Key question examples:
- “What was a highlight of your break?”
- “What are you excited about this semester?”
- “What do you need?”
- “How can I support you?”
- Connection tip: Share something personal from your break or current work to create a mutual connection.
- Celebrate the past semester.
- Practical solution.: Create a “Wins Wall” in the staff room recognizing teacher achievements from the first half of the year or start peer-to-peer shout-outs to cultivate a positive work environment.
- Human touch tip: Personalize recognition and build morale, focusing on specific contributions rather than general praise.
- Host fun, low-stakes activities.
- Practical solution: Organize quick team-building exercises before a meeting or start some activities like “You’ve Been Snowed” or “Monthly Staff Morale Boosters.”
- Outcome: Strengthens camaraderie and provides a platform for coaches to engage positively with the group.
Setting a collaborative tone for the new semester
January is an ideal time for instructional coaches to re-engage teachers in meaningful collaboration to foster trust, professional growth and a shared sense of purpose. Coaches help teachers feel aligned, supported and ready to tackle new challenges by co-creating goals, offering targeted support and facilitating reflective practices.
- Co-create goals with teachers.
- Practical solution: During coaching sessions, use a simple goal-setting template (e.g., “One thing I want to improve, one thing I want to continue doing and one support I need”).
- Example: “What’s one thing you hope to accomplish this semester? How can I help?”
- Pro Tip: Align coaching goals with teacher priorities to show your investment in their success.
- Offer targeted support.
- Practical solution: Provide resources or strategies aligned with challenges teachers may face in the new semester, such as managing post-holiday classroom dynamics or pacing curriculum for testing season.
- Key resource idea. Share time-saving templates or tech tools to lighten their workload.
- Facilitate reflection on classroom practices.
- Practical solution: Organize a “Lessons Learned” session where teachers share their successes and challenges from the first semester or a recent unit/lesson.
- Outcome: Reinforces the coach’s role as a facilitator of professional growth and collaboration.
Addressing challenges in post-break relationships
Returning after a break can bring a mix of emotions for teachers, including increased stress, passive resistance to change or outright frustration. These feelings can create barriers to collaboration, making working with a coach feel like an additional pressure rather than a genuine partnership.
Coaches play a crucial role in establishing a supportive dynamic with teachers. They can reduce defensiveness by managing resistance with empathy and balancing coaching needs with teachers’ immediate needs.
- Managing resistance
- Practical solution: Use empathetic listening when teachers express frustrations and validate their concerns without offering immediate solutions.
- Example response: “I hear how overwhelming this feels right now. Let’s brainstorm together on what we can prioritize.”
- Outcome: Helps teachers feel supported and reduces defensiveness.
- Balancing coaching with teachers’ needs
- Practical Solution: Informally survey teachers to determine what support they want and tailor coaching initiatives to their current workload and goals.
- Pro Tip: Respect teachers’ time by using flexible coaching formats, such as brief drop-ins, Coffee with the Coach, or virtual check-ins. Be sure to use effective listening skills when talking to teachers.
Fostering positivity and renewal with gratitude
January offers a fresh start for educators and coaches alike. Use this moment of renewal to prioritize relationships, rebuild trust and set a positive tone for the remainder of the year. Whether through small gestures of appreciation, collaborative goal-setting or simply listening with empathy, instructional coaches can be the anchor that helps teachers navigate challenges and rediscover their passion.
Gratitude is a powerful tool, fostering connection and building morale year-round. If you’re looking for ways to infuse gratitude into your coaching practice, explore my earlier article, “Fostering Gratitude and Thanksgiving: A Guide for Instructional Coaches,” for practical strategies that can elevate your school’s culture. Let’s make the school year’s second half a time of connection, growth, and success for all!
Opinions expressed by SmartBrief contributors are their own.
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