I've received many emails related to coaching towards the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). I'm going to address some by responding to Leah's email in which she raises the challenge of coaching towards CCSS in a context of change and distrust. Please continue to email me with other coaching questions, related to CCSS or anything else! 

Hello Elena,
I presently serve as a literacy coach in New York City. I am working at a school that has new leadership and a veteran staff. The staff has been left without direction for so long that they have developed poor habits regarding instruction and professionalism. The new leadership has high expectations for moving the school forward, however the teachers do not have the skill set to embrace what is being asked of them as pedagogues. The largest challenge I face is having to undo learning and to overturn strongly entrenched beliefs. The Common Core has led to a sea change that adds another facet to the teacher's feeling uncomfortable. I am trying to build trust with a staff that is so mistrustful and swimming against huge waves. What do you all say?

Hello Leah,

Thank you for writing. I'm going to pick apart the issues you raise and respond to each strand with my thoughts.

Continue to read the response.