In this episode Courtney and Sandy welcome Connie Hamilton, author and consultant, to discuss the power of well-crafted coaching questions. Connie explains how to create a cognitive journey for teachers, balance coaching and consulting roles, normalize imperfection, and use targeted follow-up questions to deepen reflection and instructional growth.
Listeners get practical strategies: focus deeply on one instructional goal, use metacognitive prompts (How will you know? What will tell you to pivot?), offer multiple options as a menu, and gather data to inform coaching conversations. Resources are available at ConnieHamilton.org.
Episode Description: In this episode of C3: Connecting Coaches & Cognition, we sit down with Connie Hamilton, an experienced educator, author, and consultant, to explore the art and science of instructional coaching. Connie shares her journey through various roles in education—from classroom teacher to principal to assistant superintendent—and how those experiences inform her approach to supporting teachers.
We dive deep into the power of well-crafted coaching questions, discussing how they can spark reflection, build teacher efficacy, and create a culture of continuous improvement. Connie offers practical strategies for balancing coaching and consulting roles, supporting new teachers, and fostering collective efficacy within schools.
Listeners will gain actionable insights on:
- How to frame coaching questions that promote metacognitive thinking and reflection
- The balance between curiosity and guidance in coaching conversations
- Strategies for normalizing imperfection and embracing iterative teaching
- Techniques for observing and analyzing classroom data to support teacher growth
- Approaches to working with both new and experienced teachers, including emotional support and building confidence
Connie also shares a free resource on her website, SIFT Data Descriptions, which provides practical ways for coaches to collect and use classroom data to guide instructional conversations.
Rapid Fire Highlights:
- One coaching strategy to always have: Identify the most challenging part of a lesson and reflect on what to keep or adjust for next time.
- Advice for new teachers: Focus on student learning as the true measure of lesson success, not just busyness or adherence to a plan.
Connect with Connie Hamilton: Website: www.conniehamilton.org Free Resources: Available on her website, including SIFT Data Descriptions
Timestamps (Approximate):
- 0:00 – Introduction & Connie’s background in education
- 5:30 – The power of well-crafted coaching questions
- 15:00 – Balancing curiosity and guidance as a coach
- 23:00 – Strategies for deeper teacher reflection
- 32:00 – Working with new teachers and supporting emotional states
- 42:00 – One habit coaches can start tomorrow to be more intentional
50:00 – Rapid fire tips & final thoughts
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