Love this question—it shows you're already thinking intentionally about how to set the tone for the year. Here are a few things you can prep over the summer as a new secondary instructional coach to make a strong, purposeful entrance:
🔑 1. Build Your “Coach Brand”
- Decide how you want to be known—approachable? strategic? creative?
- Create a short intro blurb for yourself that you can use in emails or at meetings.
- Bonus: make a visual “Meet the Coach” one-pager or slide for the first week.
📚 2. Get to Know the Campus Context
- Review the campus improvement plan, recent assessment data, and teacher demographics.
- Learn about the master schedule, PLC structures, and bell schedules.
- If possible, meet with your principal or leadership team to ask:
- What are the biggest goals for this year?
- Where are teachers thriving, and where are they needing more support?
🧩 3. Create a Coaching Menu or Toolkit
- Think of this as your “how I can support you” menu—short, clear, and helpful.
- Include things like: co-planning, modeling, tech integration, data digs, resource curation, etc.
- Can be a slide, Google Form, or a handout to introduce yourself.
🎯 4. Prep a Go-To Mini-PD or Strategy Bank
- Have 1-2 quick wins in your back pocket for different content areas (ex: a bell ringer strategy or collaboration protocol).
- Focus on engagement, SEB strategies, or classroom routines—whatever aligns with campus priorities.
🗓 5. Plan a Low-Stakes Launch
- Think about how you’ll introduce yourself to staff—maybe during back-to-school PD or with a fun treat + QR code to a welcome form.
- Have a low-pressure way for teachers to connect with you (like “Let’s grab a coffee” sign-ups or a sticky-note board).
👥 6. Organize for Relationships
- Create a contact tracker (simple spreadsheet) to keep notes on your conversations, teacher needs, and follow-ups.
- Start making a cheat sheet of key players on campus: admin, counselors, department heads, etc.