How to Talk So Teachers Listen

As the first line of support for classroom and school improvement efforts, school-based instructional specialists face a variety of challenges, among them the need to engage their peers in purposeful conversations about learners and learning. Their manner of talking can determine whether they're seen as well-meaning colleagues who dispense advice or teacher leaders who ignite learning. Here, Lipton and Wellman suggest that teacher leaders must encourage professional growth by engaging colleagues in positive conversations about their teaching practices. Among other things, they present eight strategies for learning-focused consulting.