The facility with which a teacher manages the classroom affects how s/he is viewed by students, their parents, colleagues, and oneself. Problems with the management of behavior is the number one reason that teachers leave the field. It's the number one reason that administration fails to rehire or tenure teachers. Moreso, it is demoralizing to see the dream of becoming a master teacher, beloved and admired by one's students, remain so far from one's grasp.
For educators who find themselves in these circumstances, it is both frustrating and emotionally exhausting. They’re doing their sincere best to direct their charges, but their strategies are inconsistently effective at best. It is unfortunate that most educational professionals haven’t received adequate training in classroom management and behavior change practices. They are unaware of the many positive options available to them, and often find themselves resorting to more of what already isn’t working. They find themselves mired down in the muck of stage 2 or 3 of the stages of teaching (Click here to read about the stages one goes through if one is unable to manage one's classroom efficiently).
Your Support has Arrived.
Where does one find a safe, supportive environment in which to share one’s feelings and concerns? Where does one acquire guidance in how to individualize textbook strategies so that they work with one's class? Where can one obtain perceptive follow-up analyses of what went wrong and right in various situations… analyses that help to inform and improve practice.
Long-distance coaching is an ideal approach that allows educators (and others who serve children), in the privacy of their own homes, to share personal details and honest feelings, one-on-one, with a non-judgmental, supportive mentor. Only the knowledgeable and concerned coach becomes aware of what the teacher is experiencing. Together, teacher and coach create a plan of action to address the situation.
How is Long-Distance Coaching Done?
Today’s technology allows you to speak directly with Dr. Mac or an associate on our professional staff of "BehaviorDrs.com". Via phone, web cam, and/or e-mail, behavior coaching offers “lifestyle integration” and “distance learning”… non-judgmental support and sage advice at a time and place that is most comfortable and productive for you. Distance coaching adapts to your personal schedule by offering flexibility of location and moment. Sessions can be conducted at any convenient time of day or night in the privacy and comfort of your home or empty classroom. You choose the technology channel: web cam conferencing for a “face-to-face” exchange; telephoning and e-mailing for anonymity. Whatever manner of contact you select, we assist you in developing and fine-tuning a positive and effective approach that is individualized to your situation.
Telephone and real-time online coaching (via text or web cam chat) is ideal for those individuals who lead hectic lifestyles, are geographically isolated, or must remain at home.
Also available is an asynchronous e-mail version of coaching. It offers comfort for those individuals who have difficulty opening up and talking about their concerns in the moment. With the delayed response e-mail option, they can set their own pace as they take the needed take time to compose their thoughts, reflect upon their responses (and those of their coach), and respond when they are ready to do so. Many individuals find that this method of communication allows them to be more reflective, honest, and expressive compared to face-to-face, telephone, or electronic chat conversations. With the e-mail option, the coach’s response typically arrives within 12-24 hours, yet the educator can take the time necessary for more measured and thoughtful responses. E-mailing is an excellent way to review session topics, insights, and assignments.
What Can I Expect During a Coaching Session?
“Coaching” is gaining popularity as increasing numbers of people recognize the benefits of a guided mentoring relationship in attaining personal and professional goals. Just as someone aligns with a tennis coach to improve their game or a financial coach to better handle the family money, behavior management coaches are sought out for their expertise in an area that few people are fully trained, deeply knowledgeable, and highly skilled.
Coaching sessions involve a two-way sharing process that is non-judgmental, supportive, and information-packed. Coaching focuses on the present as we help you move into a brighter future. It zeros in on the problem, what is causing it, and what to do to change it... all done in the effort to help your students make better behavior choices…and help you become increasing more competent in instruction and positive behavior management.
Behavior coaching is comprised of a “performance review” and a “training session” between you and the coach… a process that leads to more effective and positive teaching.
The Goals of Behavior Coaching
The objectives of long-distance behavior coaching are fivefold:
• Acknowledging and addressing the frustrations associated with teaching when one's skills don't yet match the challenges.
• Becoming more aware of the profound effect that words and actions – positive or negative – have on student behavior, and the personal esteem and self image of both pupils and teacher.
• Pinpointing your personal and professional strengths and weaknesses in order to create a strength-based plan for improvement in instruction style and/or managing behaviors.
• Acquiring new strategies that are fine-tuned to the students in your classroom.
• Reflecting upon progress, and making any necessary adjustments to the plan of action.
