Geri Capreri Wilkocz

I hate to bring this up, but summer is drawing to a close.  I have been very busy traveling, enjoying the beach and my family.  One of my summer goals was to read the long list of books that I have downloaded on to my Kindle to read when I had “more time.”  One of those books was entitled,  “Mindset” by Carol Dweck.  As an instructional coach I believe that this could be one of the most important books I have read this year.  As I read each chapter I would stop and read various paragraphs and sentences to my husband, my friends, and my family.  Each thought written provided incredible conversation about our own mindsets and how one’s mindset can effect learning and growing.  I believe that this will be an incredible tool for discussion as I work with my middle school teachers and their students.

Have you ever stopped to think about your own mindset and the mindsets of the students in your classroom?  Carol Dweck defined two different mindsets:  Fixed mindset and growth mindset.  Through examples and her work with students over the years, she clearly shows how important it is for us to have a growth mindset in order to experience real learning and growth.  I believe that for the most part I have a growth mindset.  I have found that my greatest learning has occurred when I actually failed.  When I was a classroom teacher I would openly talk about the “uncomfortable feeling” that you have when you don’t know how to do something and that is when the greatest learning occurs.

This year I plan to really work with teachers in developing growth mindsets in their classrooms.  If you have read this book I would love to hear your thoughts.

I am available to provide direct assistance to small groups of teachers, the individual teacher, or even present to larger groups.  Topics include:  Data collection, Interpretation of Data, Changing Instructional Practices, Integrating Literacy Across the Content Areas, Curriculum Writing and Summative Development and much more.  Workshops can be customized to meet the needs of your group.

Contact me for more information.

Hi!  My name is Geri Capreri Wilkocz.  I’m a Literacy Specialist (an instructional coach) at suburban middle school located in Montgomery County Pennsylvania. This is my second year of coaching, and I love what I do!  Prior to becoming a Literacy Specialist I was an elementary teacher.  It was both exciting and nerve wracking to make the transition from classroom teacher to instructional coach because I love working closely with students.   I’m so glad I decided to make this transition as I have the best of both worlds.  I get to roll my sleeves up and work with students as needed, and I also get to work closely with some of the best teachers I have ever met.  Life is good!!

As you get to know me, I am sure you will discover that we share many commonalities.  I am a hard working educator who wants to develop successful and confident teachers and kids!  Every day my goal is to make a difference in the lives of those around me.

Being an instructional coach has its rewards, but can also leave you feeling uncertain as to if you are truly making a difference.  My experience has been that our daily work doesn’t always have immediate visible results.  I believe that coaches need other coaches to collaborate with and share ideas.  The aim of my blog is to share my day to day real life work as a coach and teacher leader.  I am hoping that as I share we can learn from each other.  While I don’t have all the answers, I do have many experiences and thoughts that can keep you inspired and motivated in your own work.  I want you to be success and confident in the important work you do with teachers and children!