you know your content and that you know your
kids. If you know your content and you know your
kids, things typically fall into place.”
Trust and respect for faculty shines through the
school’s instructional coaching and professional
learning communities (PLC) structure, two defining
features of Covington’s culture. In place for the
last five to seven years, PLCs are led by teachers
and instructional coaches. Meetings are every
two weeks, alternating between grade-level and
departmental groups.
Mr. Concus believes that a structure based
on teachers leading and coaching other
teachers keeps the process highly focused on
instructional needs and student improvement.
As an instructional coach, Mr. Concus doesn’t
dictate changes; he shares his own daily struggles
and successes. And because he is still teaching,
he remains well-connected to students, which
translates to connections with other teachers.
Support for teachers also comes from outside
the building. The central office of Tipton County
Schools is an essential part of Covington’s
achievements, Mr. McClain says, as are members
of the local community and nearby industries.
“We’re only as successful as the support we
have,” Mr. McClain said.
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