8. Making Feedback Meaningful and Well-Received with Alicia Drozd (Literacy Coaching Conversations Series - Part 4)

Literacy in Color: A Science of Reading Aligned Podcast for Educators

In this episode, Michelle welcomes Alicia Drozd, a literacy coach and leader at the Rutgers University Center for Literacy Development, to discuss the art of delivering meaningful and well-received feedback to teachers. They explore the nuances of giving feedback that not only supports growth but fosters trust and collaboration. Alicia shares her insights on the importance of ongoing communication, how to handle resistance from teachers, and why building relationships is the key to successful coaching. Whether you're a coach looking to improve your feedback strategies or a teacher interested in receiving feedback more effectively, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Alicia's coaching journey began and what inspired her to pursue literacy coaching.
• Why having an open mind and curiosity are two of the most important qualities a coach can have.
• Practical advice for delivering feedback that is both meaningful and well-received by teachers.
• How to ensure feedback is specific, actionable, and implemented effectively.
• The role of ongoing communication in maintaining strong coaching relationships throughout the year.
• Strategies for handling resistance or defensiveness when delivering feedback.

Key Takeaways:

1. Feedback Should Be a Conversation: It’s not a monologue of what a teacher did right or wrong. Engage teachers in a dialogue where they reflect on their instruction, and together, create a plan for improvement.
2. Ongoing Communication is Essential: Coaching is built on relationships, and staying connected with teachers throughout the year fosters trust and openness to feedback.
3. Handle Resistance with Empathy: If a teacher is defensive, pause and assess. Understand why they might be resistant and find a way to meet them where they are.

Resources Mentioned:

• Tim Shanahan's Blog
• Tim Shanahan’s Podcast: Shanahan on Literacy
• John Hattie’s Research on Effect Sizes
• Rutgers Center for Literacy Development
• Rutgers Center for Literacy Development’s Leader Leaders Institute

Tools for Literacy Coaches:

1. A Personalized Coaching Toolkit: Alicia’s gold zip pencil case filled with sharpies, flare pens, Post-its, and reference sheets—her essential tools for every coaching session.
2. Mentor Texts and Current Research: Coaches should always stay on top of new research and have a go-to list of trusted resources.
3. An Open Mind: Flexibility and curiosity are key tools in every coaching scenario. Alicia emphasizes the importance of being receptive to learning from the teachers you coach.

Where to Find Alicia:

• Instagram: @literacytipsters
• Rutgers Center for Literacy Development
• Email: [e-mail]

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of The Literacy in Color Podcast! Be sure to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode, and stay connected for more expert insights on coaching and literacy development.

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