Coach's Corner

MJUSD instructional coaches received their training through Dr. Jim Knight's Instructional Coaching Institute.

Dr. Knight is founder of the Instructional Coaching Group (ICG) and a research associate at the University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning. He has spent more than two decades studying professional learning, effective teaching, and instructional coaching.

Through ICG, Dr. Knight conducts coaching workshops, hosts the Facebook Live series, “Coaching Conversations,” and provides consulting for coaching programs around the world.

Dr. Knight has written several books and his articles on instructional coaching have been included in publications such as Educational Leadership, The Journal of Staff Development, Principal Leadership, The School Administrator, and Kappan.

For Jim Knight, instructional coaching must be centered on certain key beliefs. Citing research on what motivates people, Dr. Knight shared that these key beliefs are rooted in partnership principles.

These beliefs in practice look like instructional coaches viewing themselves as equal partners to teachers. In fact, equality is one of the 7 principles of partnership.

According to his own studies, Dr. Knight found that people were four times more likely to plan to implement what they learned from a coaching conversation when their coaches used a partnership approach, rather than a directive approach.

With a directive approach, a coach determines and directs a teacher on what to do.

However, in a coaching relationship rooted in equality between two partners, teachers are in the driver’s seat of their own learning, with instructional coaches supporting and guiding them.

Stories have the power to change our lives. Besides providing entertainment and escape, they inspire empathy and teach us how to be better humans. Many of us have had the experience of being swept up in a great novel. But not all of us know how to create that experience for others, let alone how to guide students toward creating their own powerful narratives.

How I can help

With 14 years experience in professional storytelling, including writing multiple novels, working with a literary agent, and studying over 100 books on writing craft, I bring passion and purpose to teaching creative writing. Too often we tell students what to write, but a love of writing comes from creating their own stories based on the things they care about most. Ideas always come before text. With our pre-writing brainstorming, students and teachers can avoid the stress of staring down a blank page.

Who can participate

All MJUSD schools, students in grades 3-12. Alternatively, I’d be happy to meet with your PLC team

(all grade levels) to provide tips and resources for teaching narrative writing to your own students.

Mathematics is a fundamental skill that lays the groundwork for logical thinking and problem-solving. Teaching math to elementary students can be both rewarding and challenging. Here's a guide to help educators employ effective strategies and create an engaging learning environment for young learners:

1. Build a Positive Math Mindset:

• Encourage Growth Mindset: Foster a growth mindset by praising effort and perseverance rather than innate abilities. Create an atmosphere where mistakes are seen as opportunities to learn.

2. Make Math Fun and Relevant:

• Use Real-World Examples: Relate math concepts to real-life situations. This helps students see the practical applications of what they are learning.

• Incorporate Games: Utilize educational games and activities to make learning enjoyable. Board games, card games, and online math games can reinforce concepts in a playful manner.

3. Utilize Visual Aids and Manipulatives:

• Hands-On Learning: Use physical objects and manipulatives to represent mathematical concepts. For example, use counters, blocks, or even everyday items to demonstrate addition and subtraction. (This should only be used if students can show that they can use manipulatives the correct way.)

• Visual Representations: Integrate visual aids like charts, diagrams, and pictures to illustrate concepts. Visual learning can enhance understanding and retention.

4. Differentiate Instruction:

• Recognize Learning Styles: Understand that students have different learning styles. Provide a variety of instructional methods, including visual, auditory, and kinesthetic approaches, to cater to diverse learners.

• Offer Varied Challenges: Differentiate tasks to provide varying levels of difficulty, ensuring that each student is appropriately challenged.

5. Create a Collaborative Learning Environment:

• Group Activities: Foster collaboration through group activities and projects. This promotes communication, teamwork, and the sharing of ideas.

• Peer Teaching: Encourage students to explain concepts to their peers. Teaching others reinforces their own understanding.

6. Establish a Strong Foundation:

• Sequential Learning: Ensure a sequential approach to teaching math concepts. Each new concept should build upon previously learned skills.

• Master the Basics: Prioritize a strong understanding of foundational concepts like number sense, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

7. Provide Real-time Feedback:

• Timely Correction: Offer immediate feedback on assignments and assessments. This helps students understand their mistakes and learn from them promptly.

• Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate successes and improvements to boost confidence and motivation.

8. Incorporate Technology:

• Educational Apps and Websites: Integrate technology into lessons with math-specific apps and websites. Interactive tools can enhance engagement and understanding.

• Online Resources: Use online platforms for supplemental resources, virtual manipulatives, and interactive lessons.

9. Connect with Parents:

• Communication Channels: Maintain open communication with parents. Provide resources, tips, and suggestions for supporting their child's math learning at home.

• Parent Involvement: Encourage parents to participate in math-related activities, reinforcing the importance of math beyond the classroom.

10. Professional Development:

• Continuous Learning: Stay updated on the latest teaching methods and resources. Attend workshops, conferences, and engage in professional development opportunities.

• Talk to your principal
• Email us directly (contact info below)
• Fill out the Google Form below:

Rita Moore (K-12 Science emphasis, all sites): rmoore@mjusd.k12.ca.us

Shanna Walsh (K-12 Literacy, all sites): swalsh@mjsd.k12.ca.us

Hardeep Sahota (Math emphasis, Cedar Lane, Ella, Linda, Johnson Park, Kynoch, Yuba Feather): hsahota@mjusd.k12.ca.us

Zack Schulz (Browns Valley, Cordua, Dobbins, Foothill, Loma Rica, Yuba Feather): zschulz@mjusd.k12.ca.us