In the field of instructional coaching, one maxim I hear over and over again is that my goal should be to work myself out of a job. Get teachers, administrators and schools to the point where they no longer need you.

One question posed in one of my favorite books about instructional coaching is: Do my words and actions promote dependence or independence? That is a question I’ve had to think long and hard about. How do you show others how to “do” so that they can do on their own?

I believe that the Chines proverb above lists specific guidelines for doing so. You can support educators so that they think and work like you. That  might give you a bit of short-term growth. You can also inspire teachers to help you achieve your goals and vision for instructional improvement. That will also promote some level of growth within your school or organization. However, if you empower educators to think and innovate for themselves, to problem-solve and learn how to use their resources, you have set them up for continuous growth.

 Whoops! Just kidding, just kidding…!

There. That’s the one!