Strike Hard Teach Soft

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1. Lesson Overview

Title:
Strike Hard, Teach Soft: Lead Like a Sensei — Instructional Leadership Through Clarity, Coaching & Continuous Improvement

Duration:
60 minutes

Audience:
School leaders (Assistant Principals, Principals, Instructional Coaches) - All K–12 grade levels

Objective Summary:
By the end of this session, participants will:

• Strengthen teacher clarity using Harry Wong’s Teach → Model → Practice → Feedback framework aligned with Common Core instructional expectations.
• Apply a 5-minute instructional coaching cycle (Prebrief → Walkthrough → Evidence → Feedback → Revisit) to improve Tier 1 instruction in classrooms.
• Identify and use observable “look-fors” during walkthroughs to support continuous improvement in Tier 1 supports per MTSS frameworks.
• Practice delivering actionable, bite-sized feedback conducive to adult learning and teacher empowerment.
• Understand the impact of leadership styles on teacher identity, SEL, and student outcomes, leveraging trauma-informed, SEL-aligned continuous improvement leadership principles.

Alignment to Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and Frameworks:

• Instructional Leadership best practices supporting CCSS ELA/Literacy and Math rigor through Tier 1 supports and clarity.
• MTSS Tier 1 alignment promoting universal supports for academic and behavioral success.
• Adult Learning Theory for effective coaching and feedback cycles.
• Continuous Improvement Models (Plan-Do-Study-Act).
• Trauma-informed and SEL-aligned leadership to foster positive school climates and teacher efficacy.

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2. Materials

• Presentation slides deck (red, black, gold Cobra Kai theme)
• Video clips embedded/ready to show:
  • “No Mercy” (tone and expectations)
  • “Quiet the Mind” (SEL and readiness)
  • “Miguel Training” (modeling and practice)
  • “You’re the Teacher Now” (identity and empowerment)
• Handouts:
  • Coaching stems for 5-minute cycle
  • Look-for checklist for instructional walkthroughs
  • Reflection and action planning sheet

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3. Lesson Flow & Timing

Section	Time	Activities & Details	“I Can” Statements & Success Criteria
Section 1: Hook & Reflection	0–8 min	- Show snippet of “No Mercy” video (Cobra Kai tone & expectations) - Turn & Talk: How does leadership tone impact motivation and results? - Individual quick Sensei reflection on personal leadership style	I can recognize how tone sets expectations in my leadership. Success: Articulate effects of Cobra Kai vs Miyagi-Do approaches.
Section 2: Cobra Kai Leadership	8–15 min	- Clip analysis: Characteristics of fear-based, compliance-driven leadership (Cobra Kai) - Emotional response discussion - Think-Pair-Share: Share experience with “Cobra Kai” style leadership.	I can identify behaviors and outcomes of reactive leadership. Success: List 3 consequences of Cobra Kai style leadership on teachers.
Section 3: Miyagi-Do Leadership & SEL	15–25 min	- Show “Quiet the Mind” (SEL readiness) and discuss trauma-informed leadership - Design a Reset Routine for teacher self-regulation - Group brainstorming to align calm structure with instructional clarity	I can design SEL strategies that build teacher readiness and trust. Success: Create a reset routine supporting staff well-being.
Section 4: Coaching Lab - 5-min Cycle	25–45 min	- Present Harry Wong’s Teach → Model → Practice → Feedback framework - Introduce & explain 5-Minute Coaching Cycle steps (Prebrief → Walkthrough → Evidence → Feedback → Revisit) - Role-play in pairs: 2-minute coaching cycle focusing on providing bite-sized feedback using look-for checklist	I can model coaching strategies that improve Tier 1 instruction. Success: Perform a coaching cycle with clear, actionable feedback.
Section 5: Teacher Identity & Reflection	45–52 min	- Play “You’re the Teacher Now” (identity and empowerment) - Reflective writing: How does my leadership reinforce teacher identity and influence student success? - Group discussion connecting leadership to adult motivation and CCSS success criteria	I can connect leadership approach to teacher identity and student outcomes. Success: Write 2 ways leadership shapes teacher efficacy.
Section 6: Closure & Action Planning	52–60 min	- Sensei self-check using reflection sheet - Call-and-response to reinforce key leadership commitments - Explain 1-week & 30-day action plans with implementation checklist for continuous improvement - Share differentiated extension options	I can commit to immediate coaching application and ongoing growth as an instructional leader. Success: Develop 1-week and 30-day leadership action steps.

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4. Instructional Strategies

• Turn & Talk: Propel peer dialogue for engagement.
• Think-Pair-Share: Scaffold reflection blending individual and collaborative thought.
• Role-play: Hands-on practice simulating coaching scenarios.
• Reflection Writing: Scaffold metacognition with personal insight.
• Call-and-Response: Energize closure and reinforce group commitment.

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5. Differentiation for Adult Learners

Learner Type	Strategy
New Leaders	Provide scaffolds like coaching stems, explicit step reminders during role-play, and visuals of cycles.
Experienced Leaders	Challenge with advanced reflection prompts and self-led micro-coaching between peers.
Visual Learners	Use bold graphics, metaphoric Cobra Kai/Miyagi-Do visuals, and video clips to cement understanding.
Discussion Learners	Include frequent think-pair-share, group brainstorms, and reflection discussions.
Individual Processors	Offer reflection writing time and personal sensei self-check sheets.
Group Processors	Assign collaborative reset routine design and peer feedback practice.

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6. Assessment / Evidence of Learning

• Participant Responses: Success criteria checked via group reports in Turn & Talks and Think-Pair-Shares.
• Coaching Practice Performance: Peer and facilitator feedback on 2-minute coaching role-play clarity and specificity.
• Written Reflection: Collection of reflection sheets detailing leadership impact on teacher identity and action steps.

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7. Application / Transfer

1-Week Action Plan:

• Conduct at least one 5-minute coaching cycle using look-for checklist.
• Implement at least one SEL-oriented reset routine in staff interaction.
• Reflect daily on leadership tone and adjust toward Miyagi-Do calm clarity.

30-Day Action Plan:

• Systematically integrate 5-minute coaching cycles in walkthrough routines.
• Gather data on Tier 1 instructional clarity improvements aligned with Common Core standards.
• Lead a faculty discussion applying trauma-informed SEL leadership insights.

Implementation Checklist:

• Prepared coaching look-for checklist tailored to grade(s) served.
• Scheduled brief coaching walk-throughs weekly within building.
• Established reset routine and shared SEL strategies with staff.
• Collected and reflected on teacher feedback about leadership impact.

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8. Presentation Slide Outline (25 Slides)

Slide No	Title	Content & Features	Type
1	Title Slide	Session title, date, facilitator name (red/black/gold theme)	Visual
2	Objectives & Success Criteria	Clear “I can” statements	Content
3	Agenda	Outline of 6 sections	Content
4	Cobra Kai vs Miyagi-Do Metaphor	Visual contrast with leadership behaviors	Visual
5	Video: “No Mercy” Intro	Clip instructions, embed video	Interactive/Visual
6	Discussion: Tone & Impact	Prompt questions for Turn & Talk	Interactive
7	Characteristics: Cobra Kai	Bulleted emotional/reactive leadership traits	Content
8	Emotional Response	Think-Pair-Share instructions	Interactive
9	Video: “Quiet the Mind” SEL	Embed & SEL concept overview	Visual
10	Trauma-Informed Leadership	Key points & research evidence	Content
11	Reset Routine Design	Brainstorm table and visual strategy	Interactive
12	Harry Wong Framework Overview	Teach → Model → Practice → Feedback diagram	Visual/Content
13	Coaching Cycle Steps	Prebrief → Walkthrough → Evidence → Feedback → Revisit	Content
14	Look-Fors Overview	Sample checklist items aligned to CCSS	Content
15	Role-Play Setup & Instructions	Coaching stems and task description	Interactive
16	Video: “Miguel Training”	Modeling of practice/feedback	Visual/Content
17	Role-Play Reflection	Peer feedback guidance	Interactive
18	Video: “You’re the Teacher Now”	Identity & empowerment message	Visual/Content
19	Reflection Writing Prompt	Slide with writing question & space for notes	Interactive/Content
20	Leadership & Teacher Identity	Bullet points connecting leadership & outcomes	Content
21	Sensei Self-Check	Reflection checklist slide	Interactive
22	Call & Response	Leadership mantra, energizing phrases	Interactive
23	1-Week Action Plan	Clear steps with icons	Content
24	30-Day Action Plan	Goals & milestones	Content
25	Closing Slide	Thank you, contact info, motivational quote	Visual

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9. Facilitator Notes

Key Talking Points

• Leadership Style Impact: Discuss how Cobra Kai fear-driven leadership can suppress teacher motivation vs Miyagi-Do’s calm clarity promoting adult learning and continuous growth.
• Teacher Clarity: Connect teacher clarity to Common Core ELA/Literacy standards requiring explicit instruction and feedback cycles.
• Coaching Cycles: Emphasize brevity + quality: 5-minute cycles increase frequency and normalcy of instructional support.
• SEL & Trauma-Informed Leadership: Reinforce that adult SEL readiness influences Tier 1 instructional success and student outcomes.
• Identity & Empowerment: Leadership shapes how teachers see themselves; empowered teachers drive better CCSS-aligned instruction.

Questions to Ask

• How does your current leadership style match either Cobra Kai or Miyagi-Do?
• What “look-fors” in Tier 1 instruction aligned to CCSS do you currently observe?
• How might 5-minute coaching cycles fit into your existing leadership routines?
• How do you incorporate SEL and trauma-informed practices in your leadership?

Transitions

• Use Cobra Kai video to open discussion → gently pivot to the benefits of Miyagi-Do calm and clarity with SEL video.
• Connect discussion on leadership styles to practical coaching frameworks for continuous improvement focus.

Timing Cues

• Keep video segments concise <3 minutes each
• Monitor role-play time closely (2 min coaching + 3 min feedback)
• Interject quick energizers during transitions to maintain high energy

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With this high-energy, engaging, adult-focused professional development plan, school leaders will be inspired to lead with clarity and compassion—striking hard in expectations but teaching soft in support, embodying the true Sensei spirit of instructional leadership.