What Do Coaches Do During Testing Season?

Written by Katie Maciulewicz and Danae Acker

Testing season. It's that unique time of year where the school buzz shifts, students are heads-down in preparation, and teachers are laser-focused on reviews. For coaches, this can feel like an unexpected lull. But instead of letting this "quiet time" go to waste, it's the perfect opportunity to strategically prepare for the year ahead.

Supporting Teachers During Testing

While testing season may seem like a "calm" period, it's crucial to remember that teachers still need support. Here are some ways you can assist them:

• Just be available: Make yourself available to assist teachers with simple tech support and provide bathroom breaks if allowed. 
• Plan something fun for after testing:  Find ways to infuse movement into classroom lessons, to get students talking to each other and collaborating more, to break the old routines and infuse some novelty into the class. Create a choice board or menu option that you as the coach can come in and support or lead to give the teacher time back. 
• Check in on teachers' classroom needs: Walk around the building and check in on what teachers need for their classrooms.
• Host a wellness session: Check in on teachers' mental needs as well as their classroom needs! Simple things like offering a lunch session or “zen den”  with coloring books, games, relaxation music or even Kinetic Sand to play with! 

Leveraging the "Quiet Time" for Preparation

Testing season also offers a unique opportunity to focus on strategic planning and preparation for the year ahead. Here are some ways to leverage this time:

• Strategic Planning: Use a planner to map out your next year, including key dates, professional development goals, and communication strategies. Map out your next year, including key dates, professional development goals, and communication strategies. This personalized approach transforms your planner into a "command center" for conquering the upcoming school year.
• Onboarding Excellence: Reflect on the challenges new teachers faced this year and refine your onboarding process. Don't just rely on past experiences. Seek feedback from current teachers about what would have been most helpful during their first year. This ensures your onboarding is relevant and impactful
• Elevate Your Coaching Brand: Create a professional branding kit and develop a plan for promoting your coaching services. Consider creating a "menu" of your offerings or hosting a brief informational session for teachers.
• Align with Administration: Meet with your administrators to discuss the year in review and the year ahead. Be sure to ask about upcoming school-wide initiatives and how you can align your coaching to support those goals.
• Use this meeting to gain insights into administrative priorities and identify opportunities to maximize your impact.
• Come prepared with specific examples of your contributions and suggestions for future collaborations. This demonstrates your commitment and proactive approach.

Testing season doesn't have to be a time of inactivity. By strategically planning, preparing, and promoting, you can leverage this "quiet time" to significantly enhance your impact as a coach. Embrace the opportunity to support teachers, refine your systems, and set the stage for a successful new school year.