In this Coaching Conversation, I chat with literacy coach Amie Burkholder about the importance of building trust with teachers. Amie opens up about her journey from classroom teacher to literacy coach, sharing strategies that have helped her foster supportive and impactful relationships with educators. Whether you're a new or experienced literacy coach, Amie’s advice on building trust is invaluable for creating a strong foundation for coaching success.

Key Takeaways:

• The Importance of Trust in Coaching: Learn why trust is essential to the coaching relationship and how it creates a safe space for teachers to open up and engage in growth-focused conversations.
• Strategies for Creating a Trusting Environment: Amie shares practical steps like student-centered conversations, small acts of kindness, and a commitment to supporting teachers’ individual needs.
• First Steps for New Coaches: Discover Amie’s approach to setting clear goals, collaborating with administrators, and establishing her role in the school.
• Balancing Constructive Feedback and Trust: Amie explains how to approach feedback in a non-evaluative way, encouraging reflection and highlighting strengths to build confidence.
• Tips for Rebuilding Lost Trust: Gain insight into how coaches can reconnect with teachers if trust has been strained, through empathy, patience, and small supportive gestures.

Tools for Literacy Coaches:

1. Clear Role Definition Document: Amie recommends a document outlining a literacy coach’s role to clarify responsibilities for administrators and teachers.
2. Engagement Tools: Items like “witch fingers” or other small props to make literacy fun and engaging for students, which also help teachers see the joy in literacy lessons.
3. Positive Feedback Notes: Amie keeps pre-made sheets on her cart for leaving quick, encouraging notes after classroom observations.

Resources Mentioned:

Coach’s Role Printable

Where to Find Amie:

• Instagram: @literacy.edventures
• Facebook: Literacy Edventures
• Website: https://www.literacyedventures.com/
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• Amie’s Coaching Cohort