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You
can find My Coaches Couch, the podcast (with different
content) in your favorite podcast app or at MyCoachesCouch.podbean.com.
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Today’s
blog post is a summer cartoon break that considers what we can learn about
coaching from one of Pixar’s most beloved movie series, Toy Story. This iconic
series has recently celebrated its 30th anniversary and launched the
new film, Toy Story 5.
On
the surface, Toy Story is about toys that come to life when people
aren't looking. But beneath the humor and adventure is a story about
leadership, relationships, collaboration, and learning to let others shine.
Those themes have surprising parallels to the work instructional coaches do
every day.
Leadership
That Brings People Together
The
original Toy Story begins as the toys are anxiously awaiting Andy's
birthday. They know new presents are coming, and they worry about what those
new toys might mean for their place in Andy's room. In the middle of all the
uncertainty, the toys look to their leader, Woody, to devise a plan for
uncovering the identity of the newcomers and helping everyone navigate the
situation.
There's
an important coaching lesson here.
Groups
naturally look to leaders during times of uncertainty. Whether a school is
adopting a new curriculum, implementing new instructional practices, or
responding to changing expectations, teachers often need someone who can help
them make sense of what's happening. Coaches may not be the official leaders of
a building, but they are often trusted leaders of learning.
The
most effective coaching leaders don't solve every problem themselves. Instead,
they help teachers organize their thinking, identify next steps, and pull
together around a common goal. They create calm when others feel overwhelmed
and provide enough structure that progress feels possible. Like Woody gathering
the toys together, coaches help people move from uncertainty toward purposeful
action.
Helping
Teachers See Their Value
One of
the strongest themes near the beginning of the original Toy Story is the
desire to be needed and loved. Woody begins to feel like a second-class citizen
once the flashy new Buzz Lightyear arrives. He wonders if he still matters. He
longs for Andy to remember the history they share and the simple joys that come
from a well-loved toy.
Teachers
aren't so different.
Every
teacher wants to know that their work matters and that their unique
contributions are seen. One of the greatest privileges of coaching is that we
spend time in classrooms observing teachers in action. That gives us
opportunities to notice strengths that teachers themselves may overlook.
As
coaches, we can intentionally highlight those strengths. We can name effective
practices, celebrate growth, and affirm the expertise teachers already possess.
In the GIR coaching model, affirmation and praise are important coaching moves
as teachers gain confidence with instructional practices. Rather than
continuing to provide heavy support, we acknowledge what teachers are doing
well and reinforce their growing independence.
One
way to spotlight a teacher's strengths is to invite another teacher to observe
that classroom at the beginning of a coaching partnership. Seeing a colleague
successfully implement a strategy often feels more attainable than watching an
outside expert. Of course, this approach comes with two cautions. First, both
teachers should be comfortable with the arrangement so that everyone has a
positive experience. Second, avoid creating the impression that only a select
few teachers have expertise worth sharing. If classroom visits become part of
your coaching work, make sure many different teachers have opportunities to
serve as models. Every teacher has strengths that can benefit someone else.
Woody's
jealousy of Buzz reminds us how quickly comparison can become destructive.
Coaching should never unintentionally create winners and losers. Instead, it
should help every teacher recognize the valuable contributions they bring to
the learning community.
Collaboration
Is Stronger Than Competition
The
destructive effects of jealousy and competition become obvious as Woody and
Buzz compete for the position of Andy's favorite toy. Misunderstandings grow,
relationships suffer, and everyone loses.
Only
when Woody and Buzz begin working together do they accomplish what neither
could have done alone.
Schools
sometimes face similar temptations. Evaluation systems, performance measures,
or informal comparisons can create the impression that teachers are competing
with one another. Coaches have an opportunity to shift that narrative.
Rather
than focusing on individual competition, we can intentionally cultivate
collaboration and interdependence. We help teachers open classroom doors, learn
from one another, solve problems together, and celebrate collective success. As
colleagues collaborate, they gain new perspectives, expand their instructional
repertoire, and strengthen the entire school community. When rivals become
partners—as Woody and Buzz eventually do in the original Toy Story —the
outcome is better for everyone involved, especially students.
Shifting
Roles
Woody
also learns another difficult lesson. He discovers that it's okay not to be the
center of attention. Although he remains important, he realizes he is part of
something much larger than himself. His value doesn't depend on always being
the star.
That's
an important lesson for coaches as well.
Our
role changes throughout a coaching partnership. Early on, we may provide more
modeling, guidance, or recommendations. As teachers become increasingly
confident and capable, however, our responsibility is to step back. We shift
from directing to partnering, gradually transferring responsibility so teachers
become less dependent on us and more confident in their own decision making. Our
goal isn't to create teachers who need us forever. Our goal is to build
capacity. We do that in different ways, but we are always there to help and
serve.
Be
the Trusted Companion
One
more character is worth mentioning, even though he doesn't get nearly as much
screen time as Woody or Buzz. Bullseye, Woody's faithful horse, is an example of
quiet loyalty. He doesn't seek the spotlight or try to take charge. Instead, he
stays close, responds immediately when Woody calls with a whistle, and
faithfully accompanies him wherever the adventure leads.
Like
Bullseye, instructional coaches aren't there to take over someone else's
classroom or ride in and save the day. Instead, we become trusted companions
who walk alongside teachers. We show up when we're needed. We listen. We
encourage. We offer support. Sometimes we're leading, but often we're simply
present, helping teachers navigate challenges with the confidence that someone
is beside them.
Bullseye
trusts the relationship he and Woody have built. In the same way, the strongest
coaching partnerships are built on trust over time. Teachers know they can
reach out when they need a thinking partner, and they know the coach will
respond with encouragement.
An
overlooked lessons from Toy Story is that the most valuable companions
aren't always the loudest or the most noticeable. Sometimes they are simply the
ones who, like Bullseye, faithfully show up, stay alongside us, and help us
keep moving forward.
Like
Woody, Buzz, and Bullseye, we'll certainly encounter challenges and unexpected
twists along the coaching journey. Sometimes we'll lead, sometimes we'll
collaborate, and sometimes we'll simply walk faithfully beside a teacher who
needs a trusted companion. Woody and his friends carried on because of the joy
they could bring to Andy. Coaches and teachers carry on because they understand
the lasting influence that great teaching can have on the life of a child.
Sometimes the best coaching lessons come from unexpected places—even a room
full of toys.
This
week, you might want to take a look at:
