Coaching Teachers to Excellence: Exploring What Department Chair and Administration Partnerships Look, Sound, and Feel Like

MSAA Professional Development Workshop for Middle and High School Teacher Leaders, Instructional Coaches, and Administration

Coaching Teachers to Excellence: Exploring What Department Chair and Administration Partnerships Look, Sound, and Feel Like

Strong instructional leadership doesn't happen in isolation—it thrives through collaboration and partnership. In this session, a high school assistant principal and English department chair will share the systems, practices, and mindset that have transformed their working relationship into a true leadership team. Using real examples, participants will examine how co-observation, joint feedback, and aligned coaching conversations can elevate teacher practice and student outcomes. The session will also dive into strategies for empowering department chairs as instructional leaders and culture-builders, emphasizing trust, shared vision, and clear communication.

Workshop Goals/Objectives:

·         Identifying Foundational Structures: Participants will identify key structures and routines that support a productive, authentic, and collaborative administrator–department chair partnership

·         Developing Meeting Protocols: Participants will develop or refine a plan to implement regular, purpose-driven meetings between administrators and department chairs

·         Examining Co-observation Models: Participants will examine effective co-observation and feedback models between administrators and department chairs, including a protocol for conducting joint classroom visits and follow-up reflection sessions

·         Strengthening Leadership Partnerships: Participants will reflect on their own leadership teams and leave with next steps to strengthen partnerships at their schools

When: Wednesday, January 7, 2026, from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm

Delivery Method: In-Person Workshop 

Location: The MSAA Office, 33 Forge Parkway, Franklin, MA

Presenter: Tom Millett and Kate Holmes, Westwood High School

PD Hours: 6 in Content Area Leadership and Administration

Fees: Member $225 / Non-Member $300

MSAA Contact: Ethel Kawesa, ekawesa@msaa.net 

Tom Millett | Westwood High School
Tom Millett is a dedicated educator with over 15 years of experience as a teacher and administrator in all grades. He currently serves as the Assistant Principal of Westwood High School. He began his career teaching middle school Math and U.S. History before moving into leadership roles. Tom is passionate about fostering a positive school culture, supporting student success, and equipping educators with effective organizational strategies. He leads professional development about school culture, restorative practices, and time management, with the goal of helping educators create more structured, efficient, and student-centered learning environments.