Empowering Teachers Through Coaching: Lessons from Hoover City Schools’ Modern Classrooms Journey
Welcome to the Modern Classrooms Project Podcast. Each week we bring you discussions with educators on how they use blended, self-paced, and mastery-based learning to better serve their learners. In this episode, Toni Rose Deanon is joined by Jamie Nutter, a technology instructional coach, to discuss implementation in Hoover City Schools where they prioritized coaches experiencing the model firsthand, fostering a collaborative approach where teachers enhance existing practices rather than starting from scratch.
Throughout the conversation, Jamie emphasizes relationship-building with teachers and students, acting as "real live AI" to spark ideas.
Here are three key takeaways from this podcast episode:
Prioritize Experiential Learning: Instructional coaches and school leaders should experience the Modern Classrooms Project model themselves before introducing it to teachers. This firsthand understanding builds empathy, allows for more effective support, and demonstrates a commitment to the process. It also allows coaches to anticipate challenges and tailor support based on their own experiences. She encourages curious coaches to visit classrooms implementing Modern Classrooms and emphasizes the value of the full mentorship course for effective implementation.
Cultivate Strong Relationships and Collaboration: Building trust and rapport with teachers is essential for successful implementation. Instructional coaches should act as thought partners, offering support and guidance while respecting teachers' autonomy and expertise. Open communication and a collaborative approach are crucial for fostering a sense of shared ownership and encouraging teachers to embrace the model. "It's okay not to know everything. Let's work together to find out a solution," Nutter states, highlighting the collaborative spirit.
Empower Teachers as Leaders and Adaptors: Jamie encourages teachers to share their experiences and lead professional development sessions. This not only validates their work but also creates a network of support and shared learning within the school. Jamie says that school leaders must recognize that the model is flexible and adaptable, and empower teachers to tailor it to their specific subject, grade level, and student needs. This personalization is key to successful and sustainable implementation.
Discussion questions for PLC and PD:
Jamie emphasizes the importance of instructional coaches experiencing the model themselves before introducing it to teachers. How does this "walk the walk" approach impact teacher buy-in and the overall success of implementation? What are some strategies for providing coaches with this experiential learning opportunity, especially considering time and resource constraints?
The podcast highlights the power of celebrating student growth, particularly through the first-grade writing example. How can educators create opportunities for students to visually and tangibly track their progress and celebrate their achievements, not just in writing but across different subjects and grade levels? What are some innovative tools or strategies you've used or seen that effectively showcase student growth?
Jamie’s vision focuses on students going home proud of what they learned. How can the blended, self-paced, mastery-based model of Modern Classrooms Project contribute to this goal? What specific elements of the model (e.g., self-pacing, varied activities, mastery checks) do you think are most impactful in fostering student pride and a sense of accomplishment? How can we measure and ensure that students are indeed experiencing this sense of pride and accomplishment?
Our Host
Toni Rose taught MS English for 10 years and will forever identify as a teacher. Toni Rose strives to be the teacher that they never had growing up, so they focus on anti-bias, anti-racist work and wants to create a brave space for everyone around them. As a queer Filipinx, they understand just how important it is to be represented, be valued, and belong. They especially love being a thought partner for and celebrating teachers.
Our Guests
Jamie Nutter
Jamie Nutter is a passionate educator with 23 years of experience, holding a Bachelor of Science in Collaborative Elementary Education and Special Education from Troy University. Currently serving as the District Technology Integration Coach for Hoover City Schools, Jamie is known for her ability to connect the dots across roles in the district, ensuring seamless integration and impactful outcomes.
In her role, Jamie leads the charge in planning and implementing district and state technology initiatives. She is a Certified Alabama Technology Coach, a Google Trainer, and has been a dedicated Mentor with the Modern Classrooms Project for over four years, helping educators nationwide adopt innovative teaching methods.
Jamie’s professional affiliations include membership in ALTIC, ALET, and ISTE, where her expertise and enthusiasm have led her to present at national, state, and local conferences. Known for her big ideas, commitment to action, and willingness to take on any challenge, Jamie is a driving force behind innovation and collaboration in education.
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