The role of the coach is to help the classroom
teacher connect the arts to existing curriculum. Coaches will assist teachers in finding
ways to teach subject matter with and through the arts. The coach will act as a partner
sometimes introducing or implementing arts-based activities with the children in the
class. Primarily, however, the coach is in the classroom to support and find ways to
enhance each teacher's own professional development with regard to integrating the arts in
learning.
Partnership Guidelines
1. Classroom teachers should always be in
charge of classroom discipline.
2. Teachers should choose topics/subject areas ahead of time. I suggest beginning with
Language Arts. Throughout the year we will move onto science, math, and social
studies/history.
3. During the first ten minutes (or so) of the coach visit have the children work
independently so that the teacher and coach may discuss what they will do for that
session. Teachers can also give their coach materials and curriculum ahead of time so that
coaches can prepare ideas and projects. Some teachers prefer to plan after school - that
is fine too.
4. Leave ten minutes at the end of the session (have the children work independently) so
that the coach and teacher may discuss the lesson and briefly plan for the next week.
5. School sites are responsible for giving each coach a
schedule of the year that explicitly indicates on and off track schedules.
Partnership Suggestions
1. Be flexible and take risks - in teaching
there are lots of tomorrows to try again.
2. Consider the process of learning in addition to focusing on an end "art"
product.
3. Always return to: "What are the students learning?"
4. Be in touch with your coach if there is a problem or question you would like to
address.