Coaching Impact Circles: Transforming Team Feedback Through Learning Labs with Morgan Davis

Olivia Wahl

25 November 2024

Join me in conversation with Morgan Davis, a coach's coach from Jeffco Public Schools, about reimagining coaching support through coaching impact circles. Morgan shares how her district is blending learning labs, research-based practices, and team coaching to create more effective professional development experiences. She discusses her innovative approach to "team coaching notes" and explains why maintaining a spirit of inquiry, rather than showcasing perfection, leads to more authentic teacher growth.  The conversation explores how creating spaces for genuine teacher collaboration doesn't always require heavy structure, and why the most effective coaching frameworks emphasize vulnerability and continuous learning. Morgan also offers practical insights into how coaches can balance being both facilitators and learners while supporting teacher development across 166 buildings serving 81,000 students. Episode Mentions:  Karrie Fansler’s Responsive Coaching CycleBOCESPrevious Episodes S2 E14: Risk-Taking with Instructional Coaches & Teacher Teams with Amy Ellerman & Morgan DavisS3 E33: Why Instructional Coaches Need Their Own Coaches with Sam Bennett and Morgan DavisS4 E2: The Art of the Classroom Visit: Insights from Morgan Davis on Effective Coaching PracticesMorgan Davis & It’s About Making SpaceJeffco Public SchoolsMorgan’s Coaches - Vicki Reed and Katie Grisham Ron Ritchhardt’s - Cultures of Thinking in ActionJim Knight’s Impact CycleCommunities of PracticeSam BennettHuang, J. W. (2023, November 28). 4 practices of warm demander teachers: A well-known approach that combines high expectations with a firm belief in students’ ability to succeed can guide them to deeper learning. The Learning Professional. Killion, Joellen. (2024, August). Coaching heavy, coaching light: How to deepen professional practice. The Learning Professional, 45(4). Denise Goldin-DuboisTeam Coach Notes (Sample)Cognitive Coaching & Reflecting Map Questions:Decisions: What decisions were you making before the lesson or in the moment?Others: What are you noticing about students or other teachWhen coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.