BTSD Instructional Coaching

As the new school year begins, I want to take a moment to share a significant and heartfelt change in our Instructional Coaching program.

My incredible co-coach, Chiara Kupiec, has been asked to return to the classroom this year. While our students are lucky to have her back in front of them, our district is losing one of its most thoughtful, passionate, and impactful instructional coaches.

Chiara has been at the heart of this work for years. She helped build this coaching program from the ground up, and her influence is woven into everything we’ve created together. She’s guided countless teachers with empathy, honesty, and kindness. She was there for so many of us during some of the hardest moments of our careers during the pandemic. She held us up when everything felt uncertain.

On a personal note, she’s taught me so much about what it truly means to be a coach—how to listen deeply, and show up. She’s been my partner, my mentor, my mirror, and my best friend.

This is a profound loss to me, to our coaching work, and to every educator who’s been lucky enough to grow under her guidance. No words will ever be enough to thank her for what she’s given us. My only hope is that one day, she’ll return to this work and fill this role again. Until then, I hope I can live up to everything she’s taught me.

-Vicki

“Instructional coaches never abandon their role as a teacher. On the contrary, they celebrate teaching by embracing all of the elements of the profession and sharing their learning with others.”

I started my career in a first grade classroom, where I spent many years teaching both first and second grade. Those early experiences shaped everything I believe about teaching: how relationships come first, how every student learns differently, and how much thought, care, and flexibility it takes to make a classroom work.

Over time, I found myself drawn to supporting the adults in the building just as much as the kids. Whether it was sharing a new idea, troubleshooting a tough moment, or just being a sounding board, I realized how much I valued collaboration and the chance to grow alongside my colleagues.

After moving to Bernards Township, I became a K–5 technology teacher, which gave me the chance to work closely with teachers across all grade levels. That role allowed me to blend two things I really enjoy: working with students and helping educators feel more confident integrating new tools into their classrooms.

Now, as an instructional coach, I get to do what I love most—partnering with teachers and leading professional learning. My focus is on empowering others. I aim to be the kind of coach who’s always available, whether you need help with a tough behavior moment, want to brainstorm a lesson, or just need a shoulder to lean on. While I may not be in a classroom of my own anymore, I carry those experiences with me every daya nd they shape how I listen, how I lead, and how I show up for others.