Many instructional coaches spend a great deal of time thinking about how they will communicate their role, ways they will introduce themselves to their colleagues, explain what it is a coach does, and how teachers can partner with a coach. Typically, this communication happens at some very predictable times across the year. For example, introducing yourself at a staff meeting, enrolling teachers in a small group meeting, during a PLC or professional development session, and when enrolling a new teacher 1:1 just before a coaching cycle.Coaches everywhere recognize the need for brevity and clarity as they deliver their introductory messages to their colleagues. Communicating the possibilities of the coaching partnership and the inevitable positive impact on the lives of students’ can be synthesized onto one page as a starting point.
What is a one-pager?
A one-pager is, as its name suggests, a one-page document that summarizes essential information about a topic and supplies a shared understanding of the essential elements related to that topic. As Jim Knight writes in The Instructional Playbook (p. 65), “Once completed, the One-Pager functions as a concise communication tool coaches can share with teachers and others.”
One-Pagers for Role Clarity
As you design your one-page tool, there can be a tendency to over explain the elements of your role. Remember, it is important to consider the demands on our colleagues time. Keep it simple and brief.Design with these simple questions in mind:
- What is it?
- Who is it for?
- How can we partner together?
Process Over Product
The real magic of creating a one-pager for role clarity is in the actual creation of the document. Going through the process of distilling the essentials of your role onto one page will enhance your confidence and clarity as it relates to your role.
Tips and Template
- Define instructional coaching in one sentence.
- Highlight the focus on student outcomes.
- Keep categories for how we can partner as titles.
- Include your contact information.
- Design with simplicity in mind.
If you’ve used a one-page document to communicate your role, what are some tips and templates you’ve used? Let us know in the comments below.