Before anything else, trust.

Leading Like a C.O.A.C.H. Book Study

Photo by Lance Grandahl on Unsplash

A Google search for “literacy blog” when I was a baby reading specialist has led to one of my most anticipated projects of the year - writing for Matt’s blog.

Every summer I have come away refreshed, inspired, and with a renewed sense of purpose for my job. This year has been extra challenging for me to keep my energy up for my job. I still love what I do, but more than ever before I found myself limping toward the finish line of this school year. Enter Matt’s book, Leading Like a C.O.A.C.H., which has kept the inspiration going.

I teach in a large urban area, and many of my students have had some sort of trauma in their lives. One crucial part of trauma-informed education is building trust with and providing a safe space for students. The past few years have been filled with trauma for so many educators that it makes sense to build trust and to create safe spaces for colleagues.

The first “C” in Leading Like a C.O.A.C.H., “Create Confidence through Trust”, deserves that place at the front of the line.

Before anything else, trust.

I think about the success I’ve had with students because I prioritized building trust. Condition 2 ,“Compassion”, for building trust particularly resonated with me, especially the quote: “personal trust precedes professional trust” (Routman, 2014).

I know that for me, I put more effort into my work when I know that effort is appreciated and noticed. I’ve had enough therapy to know that external validation isn’t the goal of everything. Yet I also know that appreciation goes a long way toward morale. The suggestions that Matt includes - posting pictures, community meals - are simple ways to show staff that they are appreciated. (Side note - I have worked in schools where food and notes have been reactive, provided only after staff loudly voiced their frustrations. This gave the effect of trying to buy us off with food, which I’m not sure was the intent.)

I was also glad to see that Matt referenced Brene Brown in the trust chapter. Asking for feedback and being vulnerable is HARD. But asking for feedback is incredibly important for growth as a professional. After all, I see my role as a literacy specialist/coach primarily as a position that serves classroom teachers to make their jobs easier, to provide them with what they need. If I don’t ask teachers what they need or find out if what I’m providing is actually useful for them, then I don’t think I’m doing my due diligence as a coach.

Once again, Matt has provided an invaluable resource for anyone working in educational leadership. I appreciate the collaborative approach to leadership and I look forward to incorporating these ideas.

Carrie Thomas is a literacy specialist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A few of her favorite places to read are on the beach, by the campfire, and in a hammock.