Peer Coaching

Les Foltos is currently the Director of Educational Innovation at Peer-Ed. He is the architect of the Peer Coaching program which trains teacher leaders to help colleagues to integrate technology into 21st Century classroom activities. Microsoft Partners in Learning partnered with Peer-Ed to implement Peer Coaching worldwide, and Foltos leads the team that is working with more than 40 nations that are implementing Peer Coaching. Foltos also has designed and led learning activities at four of Microsoft's Worldwide Global Forums, and regional education Forums in Asia, Latin America, the U.S. and Canada. Prior to this he served as the Director of Instructional Technology for Seattle Public Schools from 1990 to 2001 where he led the development and implementation of the District's K-12 Instructional Technology plan. Foltos is a frequent speaker at international and national conferences including a TEDx presentation in 2011 and key note addresses in four countries. Les Foltos earned a Ph.D. in American History and has five years of university teaching experience.

Preface Acknowledgments About the Author 1. Coaching Roles and Responsibilities 2. Why Peer Coaching 3. Preparing Coaches 4. The Coaching Plan 5. Communication and Collaboration 6. Defining Effective Learning Activities 7. Lesson-Improvement Process 8. Enhancing Learning by Integrating Technology 9. Connecting Coaching Skills to Practice 10. Sustaining Coaching and Building Capacity References Index

"An inspiration. This book is a must read for anyone who believes that skilled teachers, and good teaching, are at the core of what's needed to transform schools to meet the needs of today's learners. Les Foltos draws from the professional learning and organizational change literature as well as from his vast experience working in schools around the globe to bring the point home." -- Leslie S. Conery, ISTE Chief Education Officer "There is much rhetoric in education around the role of peer coaching for teachers, but less understanding of how to make coaching effective. Dr. Foltos has been at the front of the peer coaching movement with more than a decade of experience working in over 40 countries to build communities of professional learners supporting each other. Peer Coaching: Unlocking the Power of Collaboration, draws on this experience to provide a detailed topography of why teacher professional learning through peer coaching is so important in enabling teachers as partners in improving learning for students. At the core is a simple message, working together on improving teaching and learning in a supportive environment makes a big difference for children. The book explains in detail the how to make this work!" -- Greg Butler, Senior Director "The insights and ideas in this book works in many ways as a guide for the schoolleader and peer who wants to build a climate of sharing and collaboration built on trust and reflection. Based on his vast experience, research and empathy Les Foltos shows anyone involved in education the path to future learning environments." -- Mick Hellgren, Teacher and Peer Coach Dr Les Foltos offers a wonderful insight into the theoretical world of Peer Coaching as well as invaluable practical lessons gained from many years of observing and supporting teachers across the globe. I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone with a passion for collaborating with colleagues to improve the future of their students. -- Christine Simmons "The book explains in words what every teacher and school leader should already be considering: how to prepare our students for the coming century by collaborating, sharing, and using technology as a powerful tool." -- Jerker Porat, Teacher and Peer Coach "Whenever I get asked for cost-effective ways to transform professional development, I point people towards peer- coaching and Les Foltos, the crown prince of peer coaching. Now I can point them toward this great book. Not only does it explain how to effectively support and leverage peer coaches, but specifically addresses how these coaches can be a critical element in supporting 21st century education and the '4 C's'. It's a great contribution to the 21st century PD literature." -- Ken Kay, CEO "Peer Coaches: Unlocking the Power of Collaboration will be a useful tool for any district undertaking the development of a peer coaching program. The future of education rests on collaboration among teachers to provide the best learning activities and embedded technology for students, and peer coaching provides the vehicle that will allow that collaboration to be effective." -- Kay Teehan, Technology Resource Specialist "In this book, Les Foltos presents an outstanding and practical case for schools to develop staff by utilizing peer coaching. As a result, today's students will learn the 21st century skills they will need for the future." -- Dr. Linda Gross Cheliotes, School Leadership Coach "This book narrows in on an important concept: people discuss the importance of collaboration, but successful collaboration is rarely defined. Through Peer Coaching, Les Foltos analyzes factors and processes of how to develop innovative, coherent, educational instruction, with student learning central to its focus." -- Maria Muzzo, Educator