Have you missed a classroom observation because you were asked to substitute teach? Been assigned to "fix" a teacher? Had a teacher who chronically cancels meetings? Are teachers (and possibly even your principal) confused about what you actually do as a coach? You are not alone!

As a coach, there is no shortage of situations that can throw a wrench in your plans for helping teachers. While other books on coaching provide an invaluable overview of the profession, our guide is a resource for when things aren't going as planned. We'll lead you through the maze of obstacles, both big and small, that can arise when coaching. This is not a book that tells you what to do-rather it is meant to be consulted on-the-fly when you need help figuring out what to do next.

In each of the 58 scenarios, we will help you to:

1. Choose your own best plan of action

2. Game out contingency plans and follow-up steps

3. Gather the right tools and supplies

4. Find sources of inspiration

5. Protect yourself from burnout.

Unlock your full potential as an instructional coach and learn how to take control of your role and become the coach your school needs.

Sample Scenario List
1 The Coach Is New And Needs To Quickly Build Relationships And Establish Credibility

2 The Coach's Caseload Is "Too Big"

3 The Coach Has A Lot Of New Teachers To Onboard

4 The Coach Observed A Lesson "Bomb"

6 The Coach Is Assigned To "Fix" A Teacher

7 The Coach Is In "The Friend Zone"

8 The Coach Is Having A Hard Time "Liking" A Client

9 The Coach Wants To "Break Up" With A Teacher

10 The Coach "Lost Their Cool" In A Meeting

11 The Coach Is Asked To Model In A Classroom Not Set Up For Success

12 The Coach Is Asked To Make Lesson Plans For A Teacher

13 The Coach Is Assigned Excessive Duties (That Affect Time To Coach)

14 The Coach Is Part-Time Or Assigned Multiple Roles

15 The Coach Has Committee Or Team Overload

18 The Coach Feels Isolated

21 The Coach's Time Gets Hijacked At Staff Meetings

22 The Coach Has Lost The Passion

24 The Coach Is On The Edge Of (Or Experiencing) Burnout

25 The Coach Is Returning From (Family) Leave

26 Teachers Don't Understand The Role Of Coach

27 Teachers Don't Think They Have Enough Time For Coaching

28 Teacher Chronically Cancels Meetings At The Last Minute

30 Teachers See Coach As Technology "Helper"

32 Teacher Is Hesitant To Try Something New

33 Teacher Feels Overloaded Or Is On The Edge Of Burnout

34 Teacher Is Resistant To Change

35 Teachers Regularly Engage In Gossip

36 Teachers Use Toxic Language Or Behavior

38 Teacher Had A Personal Emergency That Impacts Them Emotionally

39 Teacher Is Getting Feedback From Too Many Sources

41 Principal Is Not Clear On The Coach's Role

42 The Coach Wants To Build Better Relationship With Principal

43 Principal Has "Shiny Object Syndrome"

44 Principal Cancels Meetings Or Does Not See A Need to Schedule Regular Meetings

46 Principal Relies Too Heavily On The Coach

48 Principal Seeks Confidential Details About Teachers From The Coach

49 The Coach Is Having A Hard Time "Liking" The Principal

50 Teachers Lack Structured Time To Meet Together

51 Team Members Don't Get Along With Each Other

53 Team Members Are Chronically Late To Team Meetings

54 Team Members Don't See A Reason For Meeting Together

56 The Same People Are Always In Charge

58 Teachers Don't Follow Agenda In Meetings