As a coach, we are asked to deliver a national policy and to unpack everything for the teacher.  In our excitement, we fail to see where the teacher is coming from and the issues we are facing.  Some of the tough statements and situations that I have faced are:

• That's not going to work.
• I don't have time to finish the syllabus.
• I've been teaching for x years. I don't need this.
• This looks childish for my students.
• My weak students won't be able to do it.  
• I think what you are doing is a waste of time.

These are statements which I would have asked as a teacher when I was still in school, dealing with 1001 issues and problems, a demanding HM and teaching 5 exam classes.  Sometimes, we forget that these issues are real and the statements are not just mere excuses.  They could also be feeling uncomfortable learning something new after doing something for 25 years.  It's not about me as a coach.  It's about listening to the things said and unsaid, the wisdom to tell the difference between giving excuses and genuine need of support.

So, instead of coming down hard on the teachers, I choose to show support:

Yes, this looks difficult.  Maybe we could do it together.  Shall I demonstrate for you?  Maybe we could just do one part at a time?

Could we speed it up together so that we can have time for this part?

Maybe, with your experience, you could try out this strategy on your own before showing me.

Would it help if you could see a video of another teacher doing it?

With Mr Edmund at SMK Dato Zulkifli Muhammad, Slim River.