Barbara helped the world language teachers in the Bay Area Foreign Language Program (BAFLP) in Stanford University create and implement a system for collaboration, communication, and improved results in the classroom.
Problem
World language teachers in the Bay Area Foreign Language Program (BAFLP) needed a system that allowed for collaboration, coaching, publishing, and aligning standards to the curriculum. Stanford University provides ongoing workshops for World Language teachers in the summer and throughout the year. They needed a coaching program where one coach trains and supports other coaches who run their own program on-site and virtually.
Solution
Barbara was hired to coach Marcelo Leal in 2008 in the design of an ongoing coaching program and how to publish projects designed from templates specific to the BAFLP program. Marcelo then trained and coached twelve faculty and lead coaches. Barbara supports Marcelo and the lead coaches.
Results
There are have been 18 teams set up under BAFLP with 265 teachers from around the world. Now the twelve lead coaches are successful in setting up and managing the coaching process themselves. Teachers are collaborating on lessons and projects together. Students are using the projects successfully learning different languages and meeting the standards. Stanford University approached Barbara this year to explore research on coaching and how it improves teaching practice.
Contact person: Sally Mearns, BAFLP Director, Stanford University smearns@stanford.edu.