I have found that the teacher’s lounge can be a great place for an instructional coach and/or leader to build relationships and support those they serve. More times than I can count, my presence in a teacher’s lounge during break, lunch, or after school has sparked organic conversations that positively impact students. I am not alone in this experience, as others attest to this as well. How can we leverage the teacher’s lounge to expand our impact?
Be More Than Visible, Be Approachable
As coaches and leaders, we are called to serve people. And it is important that these people know that we care about them not merely as educators, but also as unique individuals. I have begun to ask educators more questions when I see them in a teacher’s lounge. It is tempting to complete an email or finish entering information onto a spreadsheet before acknowledging someone that has come into the room. After all, there never seems to be a shortage of tasks to be done in our roles. However, I have begun to make a conscious effort to look up from my computer when an educator enters the lounge or moves toward the table at which I am sitting. A simple smile and eye contact makes a big difference. It is one thing to be seated in a teacher’s lounge, it is yet another to appear available.
I was in a lounge recently speaking with a couple of teachers. These educators were sharing their successes in implementing strategies we had discussed previously, and asked follow up questions about next steps for moving forward. During this conversation, I noticed another coach enter the teacher’s lounge. This coach walked straight to a seat at the table, opened a laptop, and appeared immediately engrossed in the content on the screen. There are certainly times when it is vital that we concentrate on a task that requires a laptop. But I wonder what message it sends if we do this when amongst those we serve. Does it make us seem unapproachable? Do we imply that we value tasks more than people? This is not meant to be a judgment on the coach from the aforementioned story, who silently looked at his laptop, as I catch myself doing the same at times. It is merely a reminder, both to myself and to other leaders, that there is power in valuing those we serve by connecting when we are present with them.
Make the Lounge Comfortable
A space that is inviting is more likely to be visited. What does your teacher’s lounge look like? Have you considered the colors, the seating arrangements, the lighting? I have been especially impressed by a couple of spaces I have had the pleasure to visit. The first image is a teacher’s lounge, the second is a coach’s “office”. Both are welcoming and comfortable. What emotions do the spaces for educators evoke on your campus? And how do you ensure that those you serve feel you value them?
