The Early Educator Support Office in North Carolina provides teacher support through professional development, mentoring, coaching and evaluation services. The success of this mission depends on the ability to empower teachers to become intentional, responsive, and reflective early childhood educators. We use a strengths-based approach as our foundation, which supports the self-confidence of the teacher seeing themselves as an empowered classroom leader. Our work focuses on coaching strategies that give teachers the autonomy to answer questions such as, “What do I want to happen?” And “How will I make it happen?” by supporting teachers in developing self-selected professional goals. Whether beginning teachers or veteran teachers, empowered teachers are willing to take risks to practice their craft within the safety of a trusted coach, who will also reflect alongside them.

Participants will learn the benefits of focusing on teacher strengths and autonomy while working diligently toward honoring and supporting the teaching profession through coaching. As coaches, we want to help overcome the leadership deficits experienced in early education. Coaching is about empowering teachers to reflect on their abilities to lead children and lead in the profession.

Presenters:
Shawanda S. Jordan, Angela Morse, Laurie Zepezauer
East Carolina University