Welcome to “Ask the Tech Coach,” a podcast for Instructional Coaches and Technology Integration Specialists.

In this episode of “Ask the Tech Coach,” Jeff and Susan welcome several tech coach colleagues from around the country

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Click Here to Join!Question of the Week

Our favorite part of recording a live podcast each week is participating in the great conversations that happen on our live chat, on social media, and in our comments section.

This week’s question is: What is the difference between coaching in elementary vs coaching secondary buildings?

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Coaching Elementary vs Coaching Secondary

“Our department is going through a district realignment. Our coaches are being asked to coach at the secondary level. What is the secondary world like? Do I use similar strategy to get into teachers classrooms as I do now?”

Relationships across the board. Make them comfortable coming to you no matter what grade level.
Remember Technology integration is the same basic concept. As the coach you are not expected to know the higher-level content; just be an encourager and motivator in teaching them how to integrate technology effectively.
Similar strategies are definitely effective such as 1:1 coaching, Lunch/learns, etc. Etc.
I Do-We Do-You Do model can be effective then word spreads to colleagues about the effectiveness of what you as a coach has taught them
At the high school level, think about meeting with the department heads periodically to get a feel for how things are going and then fill the principal in throughout the year.

Summertime Tips and Tricks for Teachers and Coaches

Cleaning up / Organizing Digital Files for the end of year
Digital Self-Care Slides
Google Takeout
Know your district’s policy on Intellectual Property
Cleaning up LMS Class (Google Classroom, Canvas, Schoology, etc.)
Example End of Year Checklist from Susan
Gmail Cleanout/setting vacation responder
Enjoy a guilt free summer by planning your units and current routines and systems with what works and what doesn’t.- DECLUTTER
Tech Device Collection (SIMPLE form)
EOY Checklist for Tech/Instructional Coaches
Planning summer PD opportunities “PD on the Beach”
Tech for Teachers Summer Toolbox

About our Guests

Jen Thomas

Jen Thomas is a passionate technology educator who began her career in education as a library media specialist. After twelve years in the school library, she decided to shift her role and is now the Instructional Technology Specialist at Dartmouth High School in Dartmouth, Massachusetts. She is dedicated to empowering teachers and students and has a strong interest in coaching teachers in technology as well as planning and delivering professional development in all aspects of educational technology. Jen is a Level 2 Google Certified Educator, Google Certified Trainer, and facilitates online professional development courses with a number of non-profit educational organizations. She is a member of the Board of Directors for MassCUE (ISTE affiliate) and a co-chair of their Professional Development Committee. She resides in Rhode Island with her husband, Charlie, and their three children, Cooper, Noah, and Caroline.

Twitter @BlendedLibGirl

Barbara Scully

Award-winning educator turned podcast host, Barbara Scully from the Connect FCS Ed presents a fresh take on recruitment, and support for today’s modern Home Economics educators in the Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) classroom. Barbara shares insightful stories, strategies, and resources in a fun, sustainable, and practical way.

Barbara is passionate about integrating technology into the classroom, mentoring and collaborating with worldwide FCS educators and industry professionals bringing career readiness skills and relevancy to the classroom.

Together, we are better at leading the way to student success with FCS!

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