Peer coaching is an empowering initiative that the Office of Bilingual Education (OBE) has implemented to engage teachers in deepening and strengthening their craft. Peer coaching involves experienced English as a Second Language (ESL) staff collaborating with ESL peers and sharing knowledge to enhance ESL instruction across the district. Peer coaches are utilizing the strategies learned from ongoing WESTED Trainings as the focus of coaching sessions. ESL teachers choose which focus areas they would like support in through the use of a coaching menu. Through peer coaching, teachers learn how to modify lessons to meet the needs of students at various tier levels.
Feedback is shared during the session in order to apply learned strategies to future lessons. The goal of peer coaching is for teachers to be able to self-reflect on their instruction and choose areas to further develop professional practice. Teachers are truly enjoying the experience of working with colleagues. The Office of Bilingual Education (OBE) plans to continue this peer coaching initiative and expand it to include our bilingual teachers next year.